KTM: development of motorbikes, off-road bikes and electric technology

The Austrian company KTM grew out of Moser & Co., founded in 1934 by Hans Trunkenpolz, which at the time was already engaged in the production of motorbikes fitted with Rotax built-in engines. In 1953 Ernst Kronreif joined the company, which led to the production of motorbikes with 98cc Rotax engines. Earlier, in 1949, a motorbike, the 100 L, but it met with little success. The company expanded its range to include 123cc motorbikes and scooters of 123cc and 147cc, again powered by Rotax engines.

Scooters have always played a central role at KTM. in 1955, the up-and-coming motorbike manufacturer presented its first scooter, the Mirabell, named after the famous Mirabell Palace in Salzburg. This new Model was highly praised by the press. In keeping with its name, which means "admirable and beautiful", the scooter met the aesthetic requirements of the time and was considered modern and elegant.

Later, 50cc models and various light motorbikes with engines from Sachs, Rotax and its own design were also produced. In the United States, KTM motorbikes were sold under the name Penton. Until 1988, KTM also produced mopeds and mopeds.

Unfortunately, the company had to file for bankruptcy in 1991 and was split up a year later in 1992. While KTM Sportmotorcycles GmbH, now known as Pierer Mobility, took over motorbike production, bicycle production was continued by KTM Fahrrad GmbH.