Automobiles Voisin - C31 Biscooter(s)

Convinced of the demand for basic transport in the period of post-war austerity,
Gabriel Voisin developed a disarmingly simple, sturdy and ingenious two-seater.

Called the Biscooter, it was powered by a 125cc Gnome et Rhone two-stroke single, and could therefore be driven on the road without a licence.

The prototype attracted much public interest when it was shown at the 1950 Salon du Cycle et de la Moto.With its all-aluminium tub and coachwork reduced to the bare essentials, but including a simple canvas hood and a windscreen manually adjustable for rake, the Biscooter offered rudimentary but efficient transport at a minimal price.

In the wake of the publicity generated by its Salon appearance, some 15 pre-production Biscooters were built, but the company management (for Gabriel Voisin was no longer in charge of the firm that bore his name) opted not to launch the car commercially, citing the dismal failure of a counter-proposal they commissioned as justification.

	Convinced of the demand for basic transport in the period of post-war austerity, Gabriel Voisin developed a disarmingly simple, sturdy and ingenious two-seater. Called the Biscooter, it was powered by a 125cc Gnome et Rhone two-stroke single, and could therefore be driven on the road without a licence. The prototype attracted much public interest when it was shown at the 1950 Salon du Cycle et de la Moto.With its all-aluminium tub and coachwork reduced to the bare essentials, but including a simple canvas hood and a windscreen manually adjustable for rake, the Biscooter offered rudimentary but efficient transport at a minimal price. In the wake of the publicity generated by its Salon appearance, some 15 pre-production Biscooters were built, but the company management (for Gabriel Voisin was no longer in charge of the firm that bore his name) opted not to launch the car commercially, citing the dismal failure of a counter-proposal they commissioned as justification.



It was nevertheless noticed by the press, as in the " Touring Club " magazine which made a report as follows: " We cannot end this article without writing about the Voisin Biscooter which intrigued so much the visitors of the XXXVIIth Salon du Cycle. Its name was specially chosen by its manufacturer, the great Gabriel Voisin. It is like a double scooter, in 4 wheels, but of a very original conception. It is powered by a 2 stroke engine cubing 125cc, cooled by blower. A gearbox with 6 combinations (control lever under the steering wheel), allows it to climb the strongest slopes. Starting up by control lever, drum rear brakes, rolling-up brakes for the front. The reservoir contains 10 liters of mixture essence - oil. the Biscooter is planned for 2 people and a child. It is suspended on flat leaf springs. He can be closed by a hood tightened towards the oblique windscreen. The Mochet Vélocar powered by a 125cc Zurcher, has a faithful customer base, the new Voisin machine has to have amateurs too. "




The two-seater, 125cc	The Bruce Weiner's four-seater (USA)

Gabriel Voisin returned to this theme a few years later, building three Biscooters with 200cc Gnome et Rhone engines and three/four seats. Although no series production ensued, all three survive.

And in France, the three...	...and four-seater

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