Piatti: A legendary brand of auxiliary engines and scooters

Piatti is a name that still resonates in the world of scooters and auxiliary engines. Active from 1950 to 1958, the brand operated under the banner of Piatti Anc. Ets. D'Ieteren Frères S.A. in Brussels, Belgium. Although Piatti's active period was relatively short, the brand has left a lasting impression thanks to its innovative designs and international production.

Piatti Origin

The story begins with Vincenzo Piatti, an Italian engineer with a passion for mechanics. His first great success was the Mini Motor, a compact auxiliary motor that could be easily attached to bicycles. This practical and accessible design laid the foundation for Piatti's further developments. In 1954, the brand launched the iconic Piatti scooter, equipped with a 124cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine. At the time, this scooter was a paragon of progressive technology and elegance.

Innovations in design

What made the Piatti scooter unique was the self-supporting tunnel body - a revolutionary concept at the time. This design provided better weight distribution, making the scooter ride more stable and perform better. The engine block was cleverly placed, not directly at the rear wheel like a Vespa, which significantly improved handling.

International production and distribution

Unlike many other European brands, the Piatti scooter was not produced in Italy. Production took place in Brussels at D'Ieteren and in Hayes, England, at Cyclemaster. This international collaboration gave the Piatti a unique character and ensured that the brand played a significant role not only locally, but also in the wider European market.

Evolution and influence

After producing scooters, Piatti turned to developing two-stroke engines. These engines later found their way to the English AMC (Associated Motor Cycles), further cementing Piatti's reputation as an innovative force in the motorbike industry. Although Vincenzo Piatti did not have great success with his scooter, he did make a fortune by selling a patent for a four-valve cylinder head to Suzuki.

A lasting legacy

Although Piatti closed its doors in 1958, the brand lives on as a symbol of technological progress and creativity. Almost all remaining Belgian Piattis are unsold models mostly in grey colour. A few examples were in green colour with chrome bumper and also two-tone in red with white used for the publicity of Lotto, the Belgian national lottery. With its specific design, Piatti still left an indelible impression in the history of European scooters and motorbikes.