VéloSoleX
| Industry | Motorized bicycles, mopeds, electric bicycles |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1905 in Courbevoie, France |
| Fate | Production ceased in France in 1988; resumed in 2005 |
| Headquarters | Courbevoie , France |
Area served | Worldwide (about 70 countries) |
| Products | Motorized bicycles, mopeds, electric bicycles (Velosolex, Solexity, e-Solex) |
| Owner | Various including Dassault, Renault, Motobécane/MBK |
| Website | www |
VéloSoleX refers to a type of moped or motorised bicycle often simply called 'Solex', initially manufactured by the French company Solex, headquartered in Courbevoie, near Paris, France. Originally specializing in centrifugal radiators, carburetors, and precision micrometer instruments, the firm later diversified into motorized bicycle components. Developed during World War II and produced extensively from 1946 until 1988, this moped utilized a motor with a roller that engaged the front wheel of a standard bicycle.
Promoted under the slogan 'the bicycle that drives itself' (« la bicyclette qui roule toute seule »), it became especially favored by students, laborers, and schoolchildren for its lightweight design and economical fuel consumption.
Ownership
Throughout its history, VéloSoleX changed hands among several owners, including Dassault, Renault, and Motobécane/MBK. Over 7 million units were sold globally before production in France ceased in 1988. However, manufacturing persisted under licensing agreements in China and Hungary after that date, with Hungarian production ending in 2002. Production later resumed in France.
History
Originating during World War II and officially launched in 1946, the Solex motorized bicycle achieved worldwide sales of approximately 8 million units from 1946 to 1988 across roughly 70 countries. Although French manufacturing stopped in 1988, licensed production continued for nearly twenty years in China and Hungary. French production recommenced in 2005, and by 2011, the S4800 model was distributed by VeloSolex America based in North Bergen, New Jersey.
Models and modifications
- 1941: Initial prototype developed from a standard bicycle; very few examples survive
- 1946: 45 cc version equipped with a engine lacking a clutch—engine restarts automatically when stopped
- 1953: Model 330 featuring a engine delivering , built on the same frame as the 45 cc but with increased power
- 1955: Model 660 introduced a new frame designed specifically for the motor; engine remained unchanged
- 1957: Model 1010 incorporated engine updates
- 1958: Launch of Model 1400
- 1959: Model 1700 added an automatic clutch and air cooling system while retaining the previous frame design
- 1961: Model S2200 enhanced power output to ; produced in V1 and V2 variants over three years
- 1964: Model S3300 introduced a new square tube frame (used until production ended) and added a rear drum brake
- 1966: Model S3800 became the brand’s best-selling variant; Luxure ("Luxe") editions introduced colored frames (previously only black) and larger wheels fitted with blackwall tires; in 1968, twist grip throttle control was added
- A children’s F4 variant was produced featuring a plastic motor that mimicked the sound of the adult model’s engine
- 1968: The Micron model appeared with very small wheels and no pedals; a limited number of three-wheeled children’s versions were also made
- 1971: Model 5000 featured an improved kickstand, white-painted motor, smaller wheels with whitewall tires, and was available in four colors (yellow, blue, orange, white)
- 1973: Plisolex folding version of Model 5000; around 2,000 units manufactured
- 1974: Model 4600 produced solely for export between 1974 and 1978; used the 3800 frame; came in four colors; had significant market presence in the USA
- Mopeds without roller transmission
- 1969: 'Flash' (later renamed 6000) moped equipped with disc brakes, axle transmission, and fan-cooled engine
- 1972: 'Tenor' utilized chain transmission; unique for employing third-party engines—L and S series powered by Franco Morini gyromat engines; GL and GS series fitted with Anker Laura engines; certain S4 models included Franco Morini engines paired with a 4-speed gearbox
- 2005: Black'n Roll S4800 modernized the S3800 design; produced under the Mopex brand rather than Solex
- 2011: Introduction of 'e-Solex', an electric folding bicycle, alongside 'Solexity', an electric bike featuring axle transmission
Electric
By 2012, the French manufacturer presented three distinct electric models:
- Velosolex — a foldable electric bicycle capable of reaching speeds up to 25 km/h with a maximum range of 50 km.
- Solexity — an electric-assisted bike adhering to the Pedelec standard, achieving speeds of 25 km/h and offering a range up to 60 km.
- e-Solex — an electric bike designed to travel between 25 and 35 km/h, with a range extending to 40 km.
In popular culture
The VéloSoleX has been featured in numerous films, emphasizing its cultural impact and brand prominence. In the 1958 French comedy Mon Oncle, the character Monsieur Hulot relies on a VéloSoleX as his primary mode of transportation.
Primo Levi mentions transitioning from a traditional bicycle to a VéloSoleX in his autobiographical short story collection The Periodic Table, underscoring its functional value.
This bicycle appears in the 1978 movie The Boys from Brazil, the Paris-set 1983 film So Long, Stooge, and plays a significant role in a comedic sequence in the 2007 film Mr. Bean's Holiday.
In the 1975 thriller Three Days of the Condor, Robert Redford’s character is seen riding a Solex, reinforcing its reputation as a practical urban transport option.