The story
The Solex motorized bicycle was conceived during World War II and marketed in 1946, with 8 million being sold between 1946 and 1988 in France and internationally, having been marketed in some 70 countries. The French design ceased production in 1988. It lived on for almost two decades as a licensed design produced in China and Hungary. Production returned to France in 2005, and as of 2011, the S4800 model was being marketed by VeloSolex America in North Bergen, New Jersey.
Models and modifications
1941: Prototype created, of which only a few remain, based on a bicycle
1946: A 45 cc model, of which many evolutions were made, with a 45 cc (2.7 cu in) engine developing 0.4 hp (0.30 kW) and no clutch, the engine has to be restarted every time the rider comes to a stop
1953: Model 330 with a 49 cc (3.0 cu in) engine and 0.5 hp (0.37 kW) using the same frame as the 45 but boosting power
1955: Model 660 with a new dedicated bicycle frame, but an unchanged engine
1957: Model 1010 updates the engine
1958: Model 1400
1959: Model 1700 uses the same frame as the previous version but introduces an automatic clutch and air cooling of the engine
Read the full text
1961: Model S2200 with an engine whose power is boosted to 0.7 hp (0.52 kW) over the next three years, to versions V1 and V2 will be produced.
1964: Model S3300 with a new square tube frame, which will remain the same until the end of production, adds a drum brake on the rear wheel
1966: Model S3800, which is the most common and most sold version of the brand over the years, later a Luxure or 'Luxe' version "S3800 luxe" and "S3800 super luxe" introduced color to the frame, which was always black (including the motor) until then, as well as having large wheels with blackwall tires. In 1968, the twist grip appeared allowing for reduced throttle at stops
A smaller (children's) version is produced, the F4, with a replica plastic motor emitting clicking sounds to replicate the adult version.
1968: the Micron, which has very small wheels and no pedals. A three-wheel version would be produced in small numbers for children
1971: Model 5000, which has an upgraded kickstand, a white motor instead of a black one, smaller wheels than the 3800 with whitewall tires instead of blackwall tires, and is available in only four colors (yellow, blue, orange, and white)
1973: The Plisolex arrives, it is a folding version of the Model 5000, and was only produced in about 2,000 units
1974: Model 4600, destined only to be produced and exported outside France, and produced until 1978, it uses the frame of the 3800 and was produced in 4 colors (yellow, blue, orange and white); many made their way to the USA.
Moped not using a roller transmission
1969: The 'Flash' (later renamed the 6000) is a moped with disc brakes, an axle transmission instead of the roller and a fan-cooled engine.
1972: The 'Tenor', with a chain transmission. It will be the only moped produced with an engine made by another maker. L and S series are equipped with Franco Morini gyromat engines, then GL and GS series with an Anker Laura engine. There are a few S4 versions with a Franco Morini engine and a 4-speed gearbox.
2005: Model Black'n Roll S4800, a modernized version of the S3800. It is not produced under the Solex brand but rather Mopex
2011: Model 'e-Solex', an electric motor-powered bicycle which can be folded; Model 'Solexity', an electric motor-powered bicycle with an axle transmission.
From Wikipedia’s article on VéloSoleX, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.3