c.1930 A number of British firms, including Orton and Spooner, Robert Lakin, Lang Wheels and Rytecraft, had introduced Dodgem rides which made them more acceptable to British fairgrounds.
1934 'A new baby car designed by Mr. J. W. Shillan, and known as the Rytecraft Scootacar, which will be on the market at the end of next week at £70. It is 1 h.p., will do 15 m.p.h. and has one-pedal control'[1]
1940 Rytecraft car made by B. M. B. Engineering Co - see image
Model produced between the wars by Rytecraft Scootacar, a division of the British Motor Boat Manufacturing Company, of London. The car had its origins as a fairground dodgem car, and the first roadgoers were powered by a 98cc Villiers engine with a maximum speed of 15 mph. They were single-seaters, with one speed, no springs and an automatic centrifugal clutch. By 1940, a 250 cc Villiers engine was used, with a gearbox which offered three speeds, plus reverse. A two-seater body was available, with full electric lighting. Some of the cars were built to look like Vauxhalls or Chrysler Airflows, usually for promotional purposes. A commercial version, called Scootatruck, was also made. The 1934 models cost £7O and the later cars sold for £80.[2]