A.O. Smith Corporation Engines

A.O. Smith Corporation Engines

Description

The direct drive motor wheel was developed by Arthur William Wall of Birmingham, England, around 1910 to power a bicycle. The concept of attaching the motor directly to the wheel was not new; Ferdinand Porsche developed one around 1900, but his motor wheel was electric. The A.O. Smith Corporation of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, acquired the U.S. manufacturing rights to the Wall Motorwheel in 1914. and first produced the motor wheel for use on bicycles, but later added the wooden-framed buckboard car that they called the "Smith Flyer". In 1919 the manufacturing rights were purchased by the Briggs & Stratton Company, who produced the Motor Wheel and Flyers.

These two engines are from around 1917. One is a motorwheel/bicycle engine and the other is a stationary engine used for a generator.

Click here for Harry's Midget Mobile which uses a Briggs & Stratton Motorwheel



Click here for Harry's Flickr collection of different motor wheels



To order decals for the Wall AutoWheel, click here



Click here for a slideshow of other vehicles in the collection




Smith Motorwheel
Equipment Specifications
Year1917
ManufacturerA.O. Smith Corporation
Detailed Information
Detailed Description
Part of the collection of Harry Kraemer and the Three Wheel Association.
Engine Specs
A.O. Smith Corporation
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