c.1974 DKW Accu Bike E1
No Reserve

Registration No: Unregistered
Frame No: 531000934
MOT: Exempt

• One of the first examples of a series-production electric scooter
• From a large private motorcycle collection
• Appears to be all-original and unrestored

The German bicycle-making firm Hercules (not to be confused with the Birmingham cycle-maker of the same name) was founded by Carl Marschütz in Nuremberg in 1886, and in 1904 it would rise to greater prominence when it became one of Germany’s first motorcycle makers. It would later become additionally known for its experiments with early electric scooters. Bicycle sales were steady for many decades, but in 1963 Hercules was taken over by German automotive parts company ZF Sachs. In response to the 1973 oil crisis, the firm developed an all-electric scooter, which was launched in 1974 in some markets as the Accu Bike E1 and badged as a DKW. With many Sachs parts, the 750W Bosch electric motor used two 12v lead-acid car batteries. The E1 was intended for short trips in urban environments, although it has been remarked that the pedals were not well-positioned for ergonomic comfort, prompting speculation that Hercules only included them so the Accu Bike could be legally classified as a moped.

This very unusual DKW, seemingly in all-original condition, has for many years been part of a private collection of motorcycles spanning all ages and countries. An interesting talking point within the collection, this little oddity is guaranteed to generate conversation even when among more traditionally spectacular machines. There are no documents with this lot.

For more information, please contact:
Mike Davis
mike.davis@handh.co.uk
07718 584217