Garelli · 1946–1970
Garelli Mosquito: history and buying advice
A small engine on a bicycle that got Italy moving again after the war.
History
In 1946 came the Mosquito: a little clip-on engine you hung under an ordinary bicycle. It drove the rear tyre with a roller. The first version (38A) had 38.5 cc; from 1953 came the 38B with 49 cc. Garelli made hundreds of thousands, and most were fitted to bicycles of other makes.
In 1956 came the 315 Mosquito, a real moped with three gears. In 1961 Garelli merged with the Agrati group.
Key data
| 38A | 38.5 cc, from 1946 |
|---|---|
| 38B | 49 cc, 1953–1970 |
| Drive | roller on the rear tyre |
| 315 Mosquito | moped with 3 gears, 1956 |
What to check when buying
- Check that engine and bicycle belong together; many Mosquitos were later fitted to a different bicycle.
- Check the drive roller for wear.
- Fill with premix according to the instruction book.
- Find out which registration rules apply to a bicycle with a clip-on engine.
SourcesCybermotorcycle: Garelli Mosquito (English)Cybermotorcycle: Garelli (English)