The 1998 version of the Cri Cri, the "MC 15 S", has a pair of 15hp single cylinder Solo 210 engines. Even with this hopefully better engine, builders seem to be continually searching for more horsepower, more reliability and less weight while balancing this with cost. The eternal struggle in picking aircraft engines is the quintessential problem for the Cri Cri.

Since the design was first released in the early 80's more engine choices have become available from many areas. Industrial engines, go-karts, motorcycles, parasailing, radio control, drones, chain saws and turbine applications. Even though many of these engines have many redeeming qualities one must never forget that the environment of flight does put unique demands on engines. Many of these engines are designed to be land based, stationary engines and therefore have not anticipated the rigors of flight. The quality of these engines should become evident when you look at durability and reliability. Simply put, they were not designed for the job.