What is the PGO Big Max and Who Made It?

The PGO Big Max (also known as the PGO PMX) is a scooter made by PGO – a subsidiary of the Motive Power Industry.

But don’t be fooled – this is not Piaggio, the company behind the Vespa. 

Although, coincidentally enough, Piaggio and PGO do have more in common than you might think.

First of all, between 1972 and 1982, they had had a partnership. And it doesn’t stop there.

The name PGO is derived from three letters in “Piaggio.”

About the Big Max Scooter

In some countries, the Big Max scooter is called the Big Max 50 or the Big Max 90, with slightly different specs.

In Germany, there’s even a Big Max 25, which has a top speed of 25 km/h to meet requirements for the MOFA class of two-wheelers.

Quick Trivia

  • The Danish Post service Post Denmark used Big Max scooters as mail delivery vehicles
  • If you see someone doing Foodora or UberEats deliveries in Gothenburg, check out the scooter they’re riding – often, it’s a PGO Big Max
  • In the United States, the PGO Big Max is available as the Genuine Roughhouse 50.

2011 PGO Big Max 50 specs (Europe):

Engine: 2-stroke air-cooled Displacement 49 cc Max power: 2.8 HP/2,1 kW Gearbox: CVT Drivetrain: Belt-drive Ignition: CDI Fuel tank capacity: 6 l/1.5 US gallons Starter: Electric starter Front brake: Disc brake Rear brake: Drum brake Wheelbase: 1195 mm/47 inches Total weight (dry): 85 kg Source: Bikez.com

Big Max 90 specs (Europe):

Engine: 2-stroke air-cooled Displacement 82 cc Max power: 5 kW Gearbox: CVT Drivetrain: Belt-drive Ignition: CDI Starter: Kick- or electric starter Front brake: Disc brake Rear brake: Drum brake Total weight: 80 kg  

Care to find out more about PGO?

Check out the article here on the Dual Wheel Journey about the 7 Things You Didn’t Know About PGO Scooters.