Valmobile, produced in France from 1952 to 1956 and later in Japan from 1956 to 1961, was a unique folding scooter originally designed by French engineer Victor Bouffort and first manufactured by Martin-Moulet before production was taken over by the Hirano Motorcycle Company. Known as the “suitcase scooter,” the Valmobile featured a compact design that could be folded and assembled without tools in a matter of seconds. Powered by a small 49cc two-stroke engine, it became popular during the scooter boom of the 1950s and was exported to Europe, Japan, and North America. Characterized by innovative portability, lightweight construction, and practical urban mobility, nearly 100,000 Valmobiles were produced before the model was discontinued in 1961.