The PGO Big Max is one of the best-known models of the Taiwanese scooter maker PGO Scooters. It appeared in 1997 as an off-road scooter with thick knobbly tyres, was made first with 49 and 82 cc two-stroke engines, and was updated in 2003 with better brakes and suspension.
PGO Big Max at a glance
| Maker | PGO Scooters, Taiwan |
|---|---|
| Model | Big Max |
| First on sale | 1997 |
| Engines, first series | 49 cc and 82 cc, two-stroke |
| 82 cc version | delivered until 1999 |
| Moped version | single seat, restricted 49 cc engine |
| Facelift | 2003: stronger fork, new shock absorbers, better brakes |
| Emissions | Big Max 50 to Euro 2 |
| Colours at launch | red, black and blue metallic; violet and yellow on the 49 cc |
| Awards | Symbol of Excellence of the Taiwan Ministry of Economic Affairs; Taiwan Design Award |
Based on the German Wikipedia article on the model only; English Wikipedia has no page for it. The source gives no power, weight or speed figures, so none are quoted here.
History of the PGO Big Max
The Big Max belongs to the Taiwanese brand PGO Scooters and, together with the PGO Star and the PGO T-Rex, counts among the company’s successful models. The first Big Max reached the market in 1997, the same year as the MBK Booster, the mechanically identical Yamaha BWS and the Piaggio TPH, and it was one of the first series-produced off-road scooters, with thick knobbly tyres instead of the small wheels of an ordinary city scooter.
Two-stroke years
The model was built first with two-stroke engines of 49 and 82 cm³. Delivery of the 82 cc version was stopped again in 1999, and the 50 cc machine carried on alone. It was also offered as a single-seat moped with a restricted engine. When European rules cut the top speed of mopeds from 50 to 45 km/h on 1 January 2002, the small scooter was sold with a restricted engine as well. The first series came in red metallic, black and blue metallic, and the 49 cc models were also available in violet metallic and yellow.
Facelift, 2003
A model update with a facelift and a changed typeface brought better brakes and chassis parts in 2003: the Big Max 50 received a stronger fork and new shock absorbers. The Big Max 50 as sold then met the Euro 2 emission standard.
Awards
In Taiwan the scooter won the Symbol of Excellence award of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Taiwan Design Award, two design and quality prizes that helped establish the brand beyond its home market.
Design and features
- Off-road scooter: thick knobbly tyres and a tall stance, in the first wave of such machines in 1997 with the MBK Booster, Yamaha BWS and Piaggio TPH.
- Small two-strokes: 49 and 82 cm³ at launch, the larger one dropped in 1999.
- Moped version: a single-seat, restricted 49 cc model for riders without a full motorcycle licence.
- Long service life: facelifted in 2003 with a stronger fork, new shock absorbers and better brakes.
PGO Big Max versions
- Big Max 50: the 49 cc version, also sold as a restricted moped.
- Big Max 82: the larger two-stroke, built until 1999.
- Big Max 50 after the 2003 facelift: updated brakes and suspension, Euro 2 compliant.
The name PGO is also used by a French sports car maker, represented here by the Speedster and the Cévennes. All of them are listed in the PGO collection.
Video: Pgo big Max IzZ`i Edition
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- PGO Big Max, German Wikipedia: model history, engines, facelift, awards, colours
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