A fascinating piece of early scootering history is set to go under the hammer in the Bonhams Auction at The International Classic MotorCycle Show, sponsored by Carole Nash, taking place on 25–26 April 2026 at Staffordshire Showground.
This 1919 Skootamota scooter, one of the earliest British-built motor scooters, is expected to fetch between £2,000 and £3,000 when it appears in the Bonhams auction.
While American machines such as the Motoped (1915) and Autoped (1917) are widely recognised as the first motor scooters, Britain quickly followed with the introduction of the Skootamota in 1919. The majority of production took place between 1920 and 1921, during what became known as the first ‘scooter boom’.
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The Skootamota was the brainchild of Granville Bradshaw, the innovative engineer behind the advanced ABC flat-twin motorcycle developed by the Sopwith Aircraft Company. Although designed while Bradshaw was working for ABC, the Skootamota itself was manufactured and marketed by Gilbert Campling Ltd of Albemarle Street, London W1.
Powered by a 123cc ‘exhaust-over-inlet’ engine mounted horizontally above the rear wheel, the Skootamota featured direct chain drive, with the cylinder pointing rearwards. Later versions, including this example, were equipped with an overhead-valve engine, offering improved performance.
Marketed at the time as “the dependable little motor-machine that will take you anywhere you want to go in comfort, at little cost and with safety – anywhere, anytime”, the Skootamota represented an early attempt to provide affordable, practical motorised transport.
This particular machine is an older restoration, fitted with an overhead-valve engine and CAV magneto. Its frame number ‘184’ places it among the earliest examples produced, as most surviving machines carry higher numbers.
The displayed registration ‘BL 6736’ was issued by Berkshire County Borough in late 1919, with HPI and DVLA records confirming a first registration date of 18th December 1919.
However, prospective buyers should note that the machine is offered without documents, and HPI records indicate that it was exported in 1996. As such, bidders are advised to satisfy themselves regarding its registration status and will be responsible for any DVLA applications should they wish to attempt to reclaim the registration number.
With its early production status, distinctive engineering, and place in the origins of scooter design, this Skootamota offers collectors a rare opportunity to own a true pioneer of motorised transport.
🎟️ Useful Links
👉 Buy advance tickets and save £5:
https://www.classicbikeshows.com/stafforda/
👉 View all 247 bikes in the auction:
https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/32042/the-spring-stafford-sale-the-international-classic-motorcycle-show/
