About Eagle Scooters

The Cushman Eagle was a stylish, economical scooter built from 1949 until 1965. Unlike most step-through scooters of the time, the Eagle was designed like a small motorcycle. It took its styling cues from the popular Indian and Harley-Davidson line of street bikes.

Cushman History

The Lincoln, Nebraska-based Cushman Co. was founded in 1903. It began making scooters in 1936 and produced them for the military and civilian market throughout the war years. The model 53, known as the Cushman Airborne, was designed to be parachuted from planes by Army Airborne troops. Produced for 16 years, the Eagle scooter was Cushman's most popular model.

Features

Unlike the earlier enclosed-engine Cushman scooters, the Eagles featured a naked engine design. The saddle seats sitting on coil springs, tear-drop gas tanks and large contoured fenders mimicked the styling of large street motorcycles. The scooters had lots of chrome trim, including exhaust pipes and crash bars. They were available with fat, whitewall tires.

Models

Throughout its production run, the Eagle came in a plethora of models and styles. The 1950s Eagles were some of the most stylish American scooters ever built.The Model 765 Barrel Spring Eagle was made from 1950 until 1954. Other classic models included the 1952 Springer Eagle, the 1955 to 1957 Tubular Fork Eagle and the 1959 Cast Iron Eagle.

References

• Hobby Tech: Jim's Cushman Scooter Page
• Nebraska State Historical Society: The Cushman Centennial
• Motorcycle Information: Cushman Scooters