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to the Archive indexThe Magneet moped was built in the Netherlands and the marque appeared in the UK in 1957. Its Continental origin is obvious when it is compared with British built offerings on the same period. With its deep valenced mudguards, pressed-steel frame, front and rear springing, fully enclosed engine and drive chain and Sachs 2-speed power unit it shows a level of sophistication far in advance of the home-grown British moped. For example: The Raleigh Moped, introduced in 1958, had a strengthened lady's bicycle frame, no springing, a feeble single-speed engine and no clutch.
Most of the Magneet's features are apparent from the illustration above; details include a speedometer, a tool box in the frame beneath the saddle and an unusual rear braking mechanism. The brake rod was attached to the rear brake actuating lever through a compression spring. The idea of this was to make it impossible to lock the rear wheel on a normal road surface.
| Engine | Sachs two-stroke |
| Capacity | 47cc |
| Bore & Stroke | 38mm×42mm |
| Lubrication | Petroil |
| Compression ratio | 6:1 |
| Front suspension | Telescopic fork |
| Rear suspension | Pivoted fork, hydraulically damped |
| Carburettor | Bing |
| Electrics | Bosch flywheel mageto with 17W lighting coils |
| Gear ratios | Low, 24.25:1; High, 15.44:1 |
| Fuel Capacity | 11 pints |
| Tyres | 2.25×23 |
| Dry weight | 115lb |
| Fuel consumption | 160mpg |
| Price | £80 plus £19 4s. PT |
| Makers | Magneet Rijwielen en Moternfabriek NV, Weesp, The Netherlands |
| UK Importer | Indian Commerce & Industries Ltd, Ludgate Hill, London |
First published - July 1997