Kurkkumopo scooter surges in popularity as collectors drive prices up in Finland

A vintage children’s scooter known as the “Kurkkumopo” has garnered surprising popularity online, with listings for the once-common toy now fetching hundreds of euros. Officially named “Kuueläin Kurkkumaasta,” the Kurkkumopo was produced by the Åland Islands toy manufacturer Plaston from 1971 to 1988.

Social media has been abuzz with these scooters, leading to a surge in interest on the marketplace Tori.fi. The highest priced Kurkkumopo listed as of Friday afternoon was €600, while the least expensive one was available for €120. This spike in value is largely attributed to the rarity of the toy, as it hasn’t been manufactured for decades and is now considered a collector’s item.

The Leikki museum in Espoo has kept track of the Kurkkumopo’s journey in the collector’s market. Museum director Johanna Rassi noted that the toy has had a long-standing appeal; interest increased dramatically after a listing was posted at the end of September. Since October, Kurkkumopo searches on Tori.fi have surpassed 25,000, a significant jump from the previous average of just a few dozen daily.

Jari-Pekka Johansson, a resident of Kangasala, recently decided to sell his Kurkkumopo, which he received as a gift at age two. While he has fond memories of playing with it, he notes that the toy is not particularly safe for children, as it can tip over easily—this was the reason Plaston ceased its production.

Curiously, the Kurkkumopo’s quirky design and nostalgic value have contributed to its renewed appeal, with some attributing its resurgence to a TikTok trend. Collectors seek well-preserved models, making the Kurkkumopo a sought-after item among enthusiasts.