History

At the end of 1941, the first Solex prototype was made when a 38 cc motor (which had no cover and could not be removed) was fitted over the front wheel of an “Alcyon” men’s bicycle. The headlight was mounted on the left under the engine, while on the right, directly under the tank, was the muffler, from which a pipe curved down to the mudguard. The front wheel was equipped with rim brakes, the rear wheel with coaster brakes.

The first series of VeloSolex bicycles, whose production started in April 1946, had an engine displacement of 45 cc and generated 0.4 hp at 2000 revolutions per minute.
The biggest production changes for the series were smaller wheels (650s), rim brakes for the rear wheels and a more generous “lady-friendly” frame, in which a tube led from the saddle carrier in an arc to the steering head. The fork now consisted of oval tubing. The rear wheel fork was no longer welded but screwed on. The tank had only 1 litre capacity which, however, was enough for 100 kilometers. The 1946 Velosolex weighed 25 kilograms. In a brand new factory in Courbevoie, France 15 bikes were assembled daily.

The 45cc and 49cc VeloSolex were assembled between 1948 and 1957 in the Hispano Suiza factories. The cylinder heads were Swiss made as were many other parts, notably the famous brown leather saddle (Viktor Raetzer).
For the Swiss bicycles a number plate was required, beginning characteristically with the letters HS (for Hispano Suiza). Between 1948 and 1957, the production of the 45cc and 49cc models was estimated at 14,750. The brand name Hispano Suiza still exists today. The company is a branch of the SAFRAN group, currently based in Colombes, France in the Haut de Seine. They are affiliated with the aerospace companies Airbus and Ariane.

Technical developments continued rapidly. A new cylinder with piston and a new S-shaped exhaust with muffler on the mudguard were introduced. In addition, a larger oval air filter and a rod made of sheet metal for the rear mudguard characterized the Velosolex 1010 from 1957.

In 1958, even smaller wheels (550s) were installed and better tire covers were available for the 1400 model. A total of five different factories produced 288,309 Solex units.

In 1959, Solex adopted for the 1700 series the “Compound” automatic centrifugal clutch from Velo-Vap and installed it together with a fan on the left-hand side. This cooling system had become necessary because the engine could now continue to run even when the vehicle was stationary.
For optical symmetry, the petrol tank was moved to the right side and enlarged to 1.4 liters. Velosolex 1700 was offered at the same price as the 1400 model before it.  288,194 units were assembled in 1960. The five factories were now producing 275,000 units a year.

In order to comply with new regulations regarding interference suppression in vehicles, the 2200 models from 1961 had the spark plug screwed into the cylinder head from the top and then covered by the air filter. This was now painted black instead of metallic and bore with white lettering “S 2200”. But the most important change was not visible to the eye : horsepower was increased by 40% from 0.5 HP to 0.7 HP!
Production rose again to 300,070 units in 1961. Corresponding to demand, 311,076 units were built in 1962, 340,000 in 1963 and 380,000 in 1964, a record year. That was 1500 VeloSolex units produced daily!!!

What would you call a small bicycle without pedals? A mini scooter or a supplementary motor vehicle? It was classified as a “Velomoteur” by the registration office, which resulted in a number of consequences: compulsory helmets, driver’s license, horn, speedometer, etc. To start riding, the Micron had to be pushed because there were no pedals. The engine of the 1968 production series came essentially from the 3800 model, but the engine lever was bolted to the right side of the cylinder head. However, the dimensions of the frame had been extremely reduced compared to the 3800:
Length 1.1 m (3800: 1.6 m), height 80 cm (95 cm) and the handlebar could also be folded down. The wheels had a diameter of just 22 cm. Available in red or blue with gray plastic parts, less than 4000 units of the Micron were built from 1968 to 1974.

In 1971, the 5000 model was introduced with smaller 16-inch whitewall tires, stainless steel mudguards, and higher handlebars with built in headlights. The luggage rack had been modified and the tool box was placed under the seat. The engine lever on the cylinder head was replaced by a new system operating to the right of the fork. In order to lower the motor with the drive roller onto the front wheel, the lever on the side of the motor now had to be shifted upwards. This lever system and the headlight attached to the handlebars were then also used to produce the 3800 series, without a change to its serial number designation (the same since 1965). The 5000 model was offered in white, orange-red, blue and yellow. The tank and alternator cover remained white, while the engine cover and tool box were matched to the color of the frame.

Starting in 1974, the 5000 series was also produced in a collapsible version, called the“Plisolex”. The engine could be removed in a few simple steps. According to advertisments, this took just 20 seconds. The foldable handlebars with clamp locks had brake handles bolted on the inside so that the throttle grip could be removed. Throttle cables with handles remained connected to the engine and could be stowed with it. The frame could be folded up at a kink point in front of the running board, and the saddle with the carrier could be lowered forwards. These rare foldable models were built until 1978. In addition, in 1974, a prototype of the 4600 model was presented. Intended for the American market, the 4600 series was a cross between a 3800 frame and a 5000 engine and included special accessories.