Hack mini-scooters were produced from 1921 to 1923, in Hendon, North London.
Early in the 1920s the firm offered a simple scooter. Its open tubular frame had unsprung forks, 20-inch wheels and an alloy foot platform. Positioned low down on the right of the rear wheel was a 104cc Simplex two-stroke engine with a clutch. This drove the wheel by chain. The machine was well designed as the low-mounted engine was tucked away with the petroil tank over the rear wheel.
A miniature machine on light and simple lines - marketed by the Hack Engineering Co.
A little machine, mainly intended for runabout purposes, the Hack miniature should prove of value to nurses and others to whom ordinary cycling has been found fatiguing. Its weight is 75 lb. It is fitted with aluminium footboards, down the centre of which rurs a groove carrying the control wires to the unit. The engine is the Simplex two-stroke slightly modified and adapted to the Hack. Several improvements have been carried out, among which the magneto gear wheels are now enclosed, and the drive is by single chain to the rear wheel, the gear ratio being 10 to 1. A clutch fitted is used solely to disconnect the engine from the road wheels if it is found necessary to wheel the machine.
The Motor Cycle, 1921
A Single-geared Miniature.
True to its name, the Hack miniature is mainly intended for short distance work; it would also appear to be a suitable mount for a lady.
Its motive power is a Simplex engine slightly modified and adapted to the scooter.
The magneto gear wheels are enclosed, and the drive is by chain to the rear wheel, the gear ratio being 10 to 1. A clutch is used to disconnect the engine from the wheels. After the compression release has opened, the clutch is withdrawn by means of the same lever, and consequently engaged. The frame is strongly constructed but is designed to "give" sufficiently to render it just flexible.
The Motor Cycle, 1921
NOVEMBER 30th, 1922. Page 840
The Olympia Show.
HACK. (91.)
Scooter Type's Sole Representative.
l¼ H.P. Model.
Hack Engineering Co., Victoria Works, Victoria Road, Hendon, N.W.4.
The Hack lightweight is illustrative of an intermediate stage between the scooter and the ultra-lightweight motor cycle. The makers are to be congratulated on having achieved simplicity in their design. The wheels are fitted with 20 x l¾in. tyres, and the transmission is of the simplest form by means of a single chain of not unreasonable length direct from a geared down countershaft on the engine to the back wheel. The machine is suitable for a lady to ride, a practical form of guard being provided to prevent, contact of garments with the cylinder. The engine is situated at the bottom of the saddle pillar, and the centre of gravity is thus kept low down.
The Motor Cycle, November 1922
Sources: Graces Guide, The Motor Cycle
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