The market success of the tricycle cars Phänomobil and Cyklonette prompted the motorcycle manufacturer Deutschen Industriewerke AG to design a three-wheeled alternative to a conventional small van.

In 1927 the L-7 was introduced in flatbed and van variants, with a payload capacity of half a metric ton.

In the late 1920s, the company faced increasing competition as more and more manufacturers launched wheel loaders;[clarification needed] thus, the companies Zündapp, Monos, Mandernach, Rollfix-Eilwagen and Goliath entered the market.

It had an automobile steering wheel instead of the usual motorcycle handlebar for early vehicles of this kind..

Options included a windshield, a soft top for the driver and a passenger seat were offered.