Jean Aerts, S.A. 83 rue de Brabant Bruxelles-Nord
Jean Aerts was a famous Belgian cyclist who won the Paris-Brussels in 1931, won 12 stages of the Tour de France in 5 competitions (1930 to 1935) and was a professional world champion on road in 1935 in Floreffe.
His elegant stance on a bicycle earned him the nickname "hoge piet", which translates loosely as "top dog".
He retired from racing before the war, and then worked with the RTB (Radio Television Belgium) where he often accompanied Luc Varenne as his driver. Varenne was a famed commentator on such sports as cycling, football and tennis.
He established a retail establishment in Bruxelles-Nord, Jean Aerts Ets, which offered a motorcycle for sale in 1950. Priced at 12,800 francs it was fitted with a 3hp Sachs engine mated to a 2-speed gearbox and, according to the advertisement at the time, could achieve 70km/h solo and 60km/h with a passenger. The pedal crank could be converted to footrests, and it was also available with a JLO engine and kick-starter.
Ets Jean Aerts also sold Mosquito auxiliary engines and could install them on bicycles.
Article from VeloMoteurs No 3, April 1950
Le vélomoteur Jean Aerts.
Les Etablissements JEAN AERTS, S. A., viennent de sortir un nouveau vélomoteur, équipé du moteur bien connu SACHS, nouveau modè le, d'une puissance de 3 C.V., 2 vitesses et point mort. Poids 68 kg.
Le cadre est du type double berceau, fourche élastique avec amortisseur de direction réglable. Pédalier d'une conception spéciale permettant de ramener les pédales pour les placer comme repisepieds. Roues moto, pneus 2,5×19, freins tambours, av. et ar., phare avec compteur kilométrique incorporé, guidon Magura, selle Swing Pagusa, béquille centrale, klaxon électrique, boîte à outils. Le porte-bagages est prévu pour placer un siège arrière. Ce vélomoteur existe également avec moteur JLO et kick-starter.
The Jean Aerts Vélomoteur.
Establishments JEAN AERTS, S. A., have just released a new moped, equipped with the well-known SACHS engine, new model, with a power of 3 HP, 2 speeds and neutral. Weight 68 kg.
The frame is of the double cradle type, elastic fork with adjustable steering damper. Pedal crank of a special design allows the pedals to be used as footpegs. Motorcycle wheels, 2.5×19 tyres, drum brakes front and rear, headlight with integral speedometer, Magura handlebars, Swing Pagusa saddle, center stand, electric horn, tool box. The luggage rack is designed to accept a rear seat cushion. This moped is also available with a JLO engine and kick-starter.
Sources: VeloMoteurs magazine, Belgian FB group Passionnés de motos de fabrication belge .
