Despite introducing dozens of engine types to fit all the modern day vehicles from motor scooters to golf carts to commercial vehicles, the company is best known for its Cushman Scooter.
The company brought out the first fully operable mean machine, called the Cushman Scooter, only in 1936. When first produced the Cushman Scooters were generally used for military purposes. Collected today by a dedicated group of enthusiasts, the first Cushman Scooter was brought to the market in 1936. During the early days of production, the Cushman Scooter was most commonly used for military purposes, especially during World War II. The scooter being small, lightweight and fuel efficient replaced the long bodied car and jeeps. The Cushman scooter was adopted in order to cut down on the costs and enforce all round austere measures of a nation at war. Moreover the cost and the functionality of the scooter make it a very good alternative for traveling.
Model 53 was the most common military model used. This vehicle was designed to be lifted and parachuted into the middle of the battle field along with the army airborne troops. Hence the name Cushman Airborne was added. It is popular even today not only with scooter fans but also historians the world over.
It was produced until 1965, and then shelved, with a model called the Eagle, setting the guidelines for the motorcycle for almost sixteen years. Eagle as well the other competitors were styled like the James Dean road racer. Two other models, the Road King and the Pacemaker were styled as fast and fun scooters.
In terms of fuel efficiency and the cost, the Cushman Scooter proved to be trend setter. It was able to operate at a penny for every mile.