In 1827, Thomas (pictured left) and Gerald (pictured right) Scooterweiser and their large families moved to the United States from Germany with dreams of liberty, a better life and repairing the newly designed combustion engine for those Americans who were unable to do so for themselves. Little did they know that their lives (and subsequently their names) would not be as they had envisioned.
Upon arriving in the United States, Thomas, a man of insatiable appetite (food, drink and woman), quickly decided to rid himself of his German heritage (perhaps with visions of the future) and change his last name to Scooter. It not only helped him appear more “American” to his new neighbors, but helped him significantly with the ladies. This name change made his brother Gerald furious.
Gerald, as German as beer is delicious, was a proud German who was not found of the Americans. He found his new land to be plain and it's people course and vulgar. In 1829, just two years after moving to America, Gerald and Thomas split ways.
Gerald moved his family to Missouri, which was recently added to the US as part of the Louisiana purchase from the French in 1803, and partnered with a German soap-maker named Eberhard Anheuser and the two of them opened a brewery . Gerald cut off all communication with his brother Thomas, and as history has it, never spoke with him again. Little is known of what became of Gerald, his family or their brewery.
Thomas on the other hand, led a life of revelry. Thomas' wife, Gwenette “The Clowncar”, gave birth to a Duggar-like 19 boys and 4 girls between 1825 and 1848. One of those children, Paul, became one of the world's most under appreciated inventors. In 1858, Paul invented the modern day toothbrush. In 1860, he created the first inclination of the cassette deck. In 1863, Paul wrote the lyrics for many modern pop-rock songs including the entire Journey catalog. In 1867, at the age of 31, Paul Scooter (as the family name was now spelled) created the world's first two-wheeled gas powered scooter. He called it “the stand on or sit down gas go semi-fast power bicycle for people who do not like loud noises”. The name never stuck. And after his death (chlamydia) in 1879 the name was change to reflect it's inventor. The “scooter” has been around ever since bringing it's owners a fuel efficient way of travel.
Paul's great-great-great grand-children are the owners/operators of what is now called “Scooter Brothers Enterprises, LLC”. You're welcome America.