Raleigh Runabout RM9

The first Raleigh bicycles were made in a small workshop in Raleigh Street, Nottingham in 1887. In 1958 Raleigh announced their first moped, the RM1 Runabout, at the Savoy Hotel in London. 

This had a 50cc engine made by BSA with a single speed clutchless transmission and 26” wheels with hub brakes. The Runabout remained in production for a dozen years, going through various stages of development (RM1 to RM12) until it was finally discontinued in 1971.

The RM9 model, as here, came out in 1964 and, according to the adverts of the time, offered 175mpg and a 30mph cruising speed from its 1.7bhp engine for just 59 guineas. It also had the luxury of telescopic front forks.

This RM9 was first registered in Carmarthenshire in July 1964 and has had just three local owners from new, the current vendor having owned it for over 40 years. Unused for many years it is now in need of restoration and is missing its exhaust and the front of the headlamp although the original green log book is still present.