VéloSolex

History of the VéloSolex

VéloSolex is a moped or motorized bicycle, that was originally produced by the French manufacturer Solex, based in Paris, France. Founded at the turn of the last century, the company manufactured centrifugal radiators, carburetors, and micrometers, before branching into assist motors and bicycles. Owned successively by Dassault, Renault, and Motobécane/ MBK.

A combination of pedal powered bicycle and 49 cc motor bike (running on a mixture of gas and oil in a 1.4 litre tank), it could take you up to 100 kilometres. With a dash speed of 35 kilometers per hour, it was a fantastic machine because it was very light and consumed very little fuel , but it was still necessary to pedal in hilly areas!

Popularity

VéloSolex sold more than 7 million bikes worldwide. It was extremely popular, not only among high school students (who could ride it without a driver's license) buit also among artists and movie stars like Brigitte Bardot in France and dozens of others. Even Steve McQueen rode a Velosolex.

Revival

Production of the bike re-started in both China and Hungary in 1988, but ceased in Hungary in 2002. Today, production was re-started in France since 2005. The modern VéloSolex is a replica of the historic model, with added safety and comfort features making it compliant with both European and North American regulations.