1895

Rene Gillet first suggests mounting an engine on the front wheel of a bicycle.

1905
to
1910

Maurice Goudard and Marcel Mennesson begin the Goudard & Mennesson company at 119 Rue de Montreuil, 11th arrondisement, Paris, France. They begin making centrifugal radiators to cool buses and trucks (De Dion, Delauney-Belleville & Marlborough) and then later make carburettors under the SOLEX company name.

1940

Marcel Mennesson designs and makes a prototype 2-Stroke 38cc engine mounted on an Alcyon bicycle frame with 700 mm tyres. A French Patent No: 462,902 is issued on 4 November 1941 while a US Patent No: 2,351,992 is issued on 22 October 1942 (UK Patent No: 2,440,483).

1942

The first 700 models are distributed to the employees of the company with the view to test-ride it and improve it.

May 1946
to
Jun 1951

The VeloSoleX 650 (45cc, 0.3 hp), a motorised-bicycle with a 2-Stroke deflected-piston engine driving the tyre (650 mm "Y") on the 26" front wheel by means of a 50 mm carborundum roller, is made at the new VeloSoleX factory SINFAC, 68 Boulevard de Verdun, Courbevoie, 92400, France. 15 bicycles a day are produced and sold for 13,600 Old FF each (about GBP 13.50 or 20.50 Euros).

1947
to
1976

BP (British Petroleum) begins the sale of Solexine 2-Stroke pre-mix (94% Fuel + 6% Energol Oil) in distinctive 2-litre yellow-green metal cans and becomes the recommended pre-mix for the VeloSoleX. The 2-litre can was secured in a metal cage on the left fork leg as a reserve supply. By 1962, over 1000 French service stations sell the pre-mix which is advertised as being able to reduce the build-up of "calamine" (coke or carbon) in the exhaust port and pipe.

1948
to
1953

The VeloSoleX 650 (45cc, 0.3 hp) is sold by Van der Heem (originally a radio manufacturing company), The Hague, Holland, as the Zwanenhals  45 cc (Swan-neck or Col de Cygne).

1950
to
1952

The Cymota copy of the VeloSoleX 650 (45cc, 0.3 hp) is made by Cymota Motor Components Ltd at Leamington Road, Erdington, Birmingham, UK. The engine is covered by a sheet-metal cowling, a 1.7 litre fuel tank is mounted above the engine, a Miller magneto ignition fitted to replace the French SEV version and an Amal 308/12 (12 mm) carburettor fitted to replace the French version. Blue Star Garages appeared as the sole concessionaires selling it as a clip-on cycle motor, its manufacturer given as Cymo Ltd and it is advertised as "The sensation of the nation". Only about 200 Cymota units are sold.

1951
to
1960

The Gnom R01 (45cc, 0.4 hp) clip-on engine with bicycle adapter is made by the Wytwornia Sprzetu Komunikacyjnego (W.S.K.) Communications Equipment Factory at Wroclaw, Poland. It is a copy of the VeloSoleX 650 engine and uses the same fuel pump but a different crankshaft. It has a power output of 0.4 hp at 2000 RPM, a top speed of 27 kph and a fuel economy of around 200 MPG (1.4 litre per 100km). The lighting is provided by means of a 6V 2.5W bulb in a small round headlight above the engine. About 50 of these Gnom units are sold. A later more powerful Gnom R01B (45cc, 0.6 hp) version with a maximum speed of 35 kph is produced from 1958 to about 1960. It uses a fuel-oil pre-mix of 20 : 1 (5%). A Gnom K101 version is also produced which uses the R01B engine to drive a propellor for use as an outboard motor for a canoe. It is sold for 550 Polish Zloty and the 130 mm diameter propellor allows the canoe to reach a speed of 10 kph (at 3000 RPM) with a fuel economy of 0.3 litre per hour. The W.S.K. factory eventually closes in 1985 due to industrial action.

1951

Danish Patent No: 72,058 is issued in 1951 showing the engine over front wheel arrangement.

1952

Marcel Mennesson issues a US Patent No: 2,699,228 on 5 May 1952 for a Cable Operated Brake For Bicycles And Similar Vehicles. A similar braking system is used up to the last VeloSoleX S 3800 from Saint Quentin.

Jun 1951
to
Oct 1953

The VeloSoleX 600 (45cc, 0.3 hp) is made with 24" wheels (600 mm "Y" tyres), the frame has a centre-stand and they are sold for 32,500 Old FF each (about GBP 32.50 or 49.00 Euros). Gaston Chapelle takes responsibility of the after-sales service. Bernard Mennesson, Marcel's 3rd son manages the development of the company. Production is now from 3 factories and more than 100,000 units are made in 1953.

Sep 1953
to
Jan 1954

The VeloSoleX 330 Model 1954 (49cc, 0.5 hp) is made with a newly-designed engine and 24" wheels (600 mm x 45 mm "YY" "semi-ballon" tyres) and sold for 34,810 Old FF (about GBP 34.80 or 52.00 Euros). The speed is 30 kph and uses 1 litre of 2-Stroke fuel-oil pre-mix every 100 km. The spark plug is angled at 25° from the horizontal, situated at the front of the engine to allow easy access when de-coking the exhaust port with a wire. The saddle suspension is changed from 3 springs to 2 springs. A steel protection sheet is added behind the carburettor. The 330 is advertised with the slogan "La bicyclette qui roule toute seule" ("The bicycle that moves by itself").

1954
to
1956

The 330 is sold by S.I.F.A.C. (Societa Industriale Di Fabricationi Per Automobili E Cicli), Corso Trapani 6, Turin, Italy and by Van der Heem, The Hague, Holland, as the Zwanenhals 49 cc (Swan-neck or Col de Cygne).

Feb 1954
to
May 1954

The VeloSoleX 330 V1 (49cc, 0.5 hp) is made with the wire-frame rear luggage carrier replaced by a pressed-steel version.

Jun 1954
to
Sep 1954

The VeloSoleX 330 V2 (49cc, 0.5 hp) is made with the exhaust pipe secured at the mud-flap fastener.

Oct 1954
to
Sep 1955

The VeloSoleX 330 V3 (49cc, 0.5 hp) is made with the aluminium headlight now integrated within the engine housing.

Sep 1955
to
Apr 1957

The VeloSoleX 660 (49cc, 0.5 hp) with 24" wheels (600 mm x 45 mm "YY" tyres) is introduced at the Paris Show and 228,183 are made in 1956 alone.

The 330 and 660 are sold by Van der Heem, The Hague, Holland, as the Zwanenhals 49 cc and Koffertje (1957-1961).

Apr 1957
to
Sep 1958

The VeloSoleX 1010 (49cc, 0.5 hp) is made with a flat piston, a 45 mm roller, two transfer ports in the cylinder wall and 24" wheels (600 mm x 45 mm "YY" tyres).

Sep 1958
to
Oct 1959

The VeloSoleX 1400 (49cc, 0.5 hp) is made with 19" wheels (550 mm or 19" x 1.75" "Y" tyres).

1958
to
1998

The RIGA VeloSoleX copies are made in Latvia at the Sarkana Zvaigzne (Red Star) factory.

Oct 1959
to
Jun 1961

The VeloSoleX 1700 (49cc, 0.5 hp) is made with 19" wheels (550 mm or 19" x 1.75" "Y" tyres) and automatic centrifugal clutch to compete with the UK VeloVap. Turbine blades are fitted to the outer edge of the rotor to cool the engine in traffic. A version with a 38 mm roller and a large chrome ULO-style headlight mounted above the left fork leg is produced for Germany.

Jun 1961
to
Oct 1962

The VeloSoleX S 2200 V1 (49cc, 0.6 hp) is made with 19" wheels (550 mm or 19" x 1.75" "Y" tyres) and a new engine. The spark plug is mounted above the cylinder head and covered by a new aluminum air filter housing. Danish Patent No: 100,090 is issued in 1961 for the air filter housing.

Oct 1962
to
Oct 1964

The VeloSoleX S 2200 V2 (49cc, 0.6 hp) is made with the throttle partially-closing when the front brake is operated.

1962
to
1967

The VeloSoleX S 2200 V2 (49cc, 0.6 hp) is sold by Van der Heem, The Hague, Holland as the Oto.

Oct 1964
to
May 1966

The VeloSoleX S 3300 (49cc, 0.6 hp) is made with 19" wheels (550 mm or 19" x 1.75" "Y" tyres), rectangular headlight, rear drum brake and rectangular pressed-steel frame.

1964
to
1973

The VeloSoleX F4 is a bicycle made for children to ride with a plastic engine over the front wheel. Engine sound effects are created by means of a pawl driven by the front tyre. It is based on the VeloSoleX 3300 but reduced in scale by 2/3. The tyres are 400A Type Y. It has a caliper type of front brake and a rear drum brake. The headlight is powered by a battery inside the engine. The freewheel transmission is at the bottom axle instead of at the rear hub. The chain is fully enclosed for safety. A toolkit with small tools on foam is found in a compartment beneath the rear luggage carrier. The seat is adjustable in height and angle.

May 1966
to
Nov 1988

The VeloSoleX S 3800 (49cc, 0.78 hp) is made with 19" wheels (550 mm or 19" x 1.75" "Y" tyres), new crankcase and 42 mm roller. The plastic fuel cap (its capacity of 25.2 ml is the same as a 35 mm camera-film canister) is designed to measure the amount of oil required for one tank of fuel. In 1986, reflectors are fitted on the front and rear forks. A version with a 38 mm roller and the headlight from the 5000 model fixed to the handlebars is produced for Germany.

In 1983, Motobecane at Z.I. de Rouvroy, 02322, Saint Quentin, France becomes MBK which later enters an industrial cooperation with Yamaha in 1994. The VeloSoleX production line at Saint-Quentin eventually stops on 7 November 1988 and the last 100 bicycles are sold as the model Nostalgia, of which 24 are sold at a charity auction and 10 converted to sculptures of modern art. The VeloSoleX has been manufactured under licence in Denmark, Holland, Spain, Italy and Switzerland and assembly lines have been set up in Cyprus, Finland, Greece and Ireland.

1967

The VeloSoleX S 3800 (49cc, 0.78 hp) is sold by Van der Heem, The Hague, Holland as the SoleX S 3800.

Dec 1968
to
1974

The VeloSoleX Micron (49cc, 0.78 hp) is made. It is built around a miniature cycle frame with no pedals, has scooter wheels and uses the S 3800 engine. The transmission roller has a diameter of 38 mm.

1969

The VeloSoleX Flash (49cc, 1.4 hp) is made with a CARDAN drive-shaft transmission, rear disc brake and the newly-designed turbine-cooled engine NOT mounted on the front wheel. The speed is 40 kph and uses 1 litre of 2-Stroke fuel-oil pre-mix every 50 km.

1971
to
1976

The VeloSoleX 5000 (49cc, 0.78 hp) is made with the engine from the S 3800 with the Gurtner 6,5 LI carburettor. It has 2" x 16" white-walled tyres, a 42 mm roller and is painted in either "yellow palma", "orange", "atoll bleu"  or "blanc neve" (snow white).

1972

The VeloSoleX 6000 (49cc, 1.4 hp) is made which is a Flash model with telescopic fork and classic front mudguard.

Mar 1973

The VeloSoleX Pli-Solex (49cc, 0.78 hp) is made which is basically a 5000. It has 16" wheels and a frame that folds in half after the engine is removed in 20 seconds according to the advertisements at that time.

1973

The VeloSoleX Tenor / 8000 (49cc, 1.4 hp) is made which is similar to the Flash with a new 49 cc Franco Morini engine with Dell'Orto SHA 14/12 carburettor. The "L" model is equipped with a double seat, visible rear springs and indicators. The "S" model is available only in yellow. After 6 months, the "R" model appears without rear springs at the back and with an enameled steel mudguard. The "L" and "S" models are replaced by the "GL" and "GS" models with a 49 cc, 2.12 hp Ankler-Laura engine and cylinder tilted at 25°. It has an Encarwi S 31 carburettor with a 12 mm venturi. The last Tenor model is the "S4" with a 4-speed Franco Morini engine with manual clutch and foot gear-selector, available only in "bright red".

1974
to
1975

The VeloSoleX 4600 V1 (49cc, 0.6 to 0.75 hp) is made for exporting to Canada, US, Brazil, UK, Denmark and other countries. It is a combination of the S 3800 and the 5000 models with certain modifications. A Dutch version of the 5000 model, with 12" wheels instead of the standard 16" wheels, is produced for Holland allowing the user to ride without wearing a helmet.

The 4600 V1 US and Canada version uses the SEIMA tail light of the S 3800, which was not intended for use as a brake light. Dealers and distributors fit a diode in series with the tail light to give half-power to the 6V tail light (the diode only permits AC half-cycles to pass). When shorted by a rear brake operated switch the diode is bypassed allowing full AC power (full AC cycles) to the tail light to give the impression of a brighter stop light. This meant of course that the tail light is normally half-powered! The standard pedals are white with orange reflectors. The headlight for both the 4600 V1 US and UK version is the 5000 CIBIE headlight.

1975
to
1976

S 3800 production continues under Renault (which changes to Renault Motors Developement) for one year and then Motobecane (the manufacturers of the Mobylette).

The VeloSoleX 4600 V2 US and Canada version known as "The Horse" is made in Macon, France. To conform to the US DOT regulations they have a round headlight (6V CEV sealed-beam) on the handlebar, engine kill switch (grounding switch to contact breaker circuit), 6V electric horn, 6V 5W/18W tail/stop light (#1154) with the stop light actuated by switches on the right-hand (front) and left-hand (rear) brake levers. The headlight, tail light and horn are powered by the 6V AC lighting coil. On the 4600 V2 US and the later 4600 V3 US versions, an additional 6V coil, cross-mounted between the magneto coil and lighting coil, provides 6V AC power to the stop light. The VeloSoleX 4600 V2-V3 Wiring Diagram shows the separate stop light and headlight/tail light/horn circuits. Magura (non-inverted) hand levers are fitted on the 4600 V2 as also used on other mopeds of that time. The plastic engine cover (as used on the 5000 / Trotilex) is covered by a 4600 emblem. Around 8000 of the 4600 V2 are sold in the US. They are sold in "Black", "Blue", "Orange" and "Yellow".

The carburettor throttle lever return spring on the 4600 V2 and the later 4600 V3 versions is connected up differently to the usual arrangement. Instead of the throttle being held open by the spring, it is held in the opposite (idling) position. Twisting the handgrip opens the throttle instead of closing the throttle.

1976

Motobecane close the SINFAC factory in Courbevoie, France and move production to Saint-Quentin, France in 1976.

The HONGDU 48-C MOPED (a VeloSoleX replica) a with Swan-neck or Col de Cygne frame and SoleX engine is made in Nanchang, China.

1977
to
1978

With the takeover by Motobecane, changes are made to the 4600, the result being the VeloSoleX 4600 V3 US version, still known affectionately as "The Horse". On this version, the headlight (General headlight, sealed-beam) is held in a Luxor body and bezel. The tail light is a Motobecane item from ULO, and Aprilla switches are operated by the brake levers. Pedals are black and tapered in shape. They are sold in "Black", "Blue", and "Yellow".

All 4600 models have motors with the words "CYCLOMOTEUR 3800" cast into them. Some 4600 and S 3800 models have had their tail light assembly replaced with a MALY unit which also illuminates the integral license plate holder. The Vehicle Identification Plate begins with 4.6xx.xxx. The recommended Spark Plugs for the 4600 V2 and 4600 V3 are Champion L86, Autolite AE32 (Motorcraft) and Bosch W175 T1 (now W7AC). See also the Spark Plug Table.

Production of the 4600 models stops in 1978.

1993

The Cyklon-Berstal factory (Cyklon-Hungaria K.F.T. at Pf. 16, Berettyoujfalu, Hungary) begins production of the VeloSoleX Cyklon S 3800 (sometimes described as the Cyclon) using original S 3800 and factory-manufactured parts. Problems with homologation registration affect EU exports until December 1994 when 500 units are exported to France.

Mar 1995

In March 1995 the production is taken over by a French importer (IMPEX PRODUCTS at 5 Avenue du Marechal Juin, Boulogne Billancourt, 92100, France) and sold as the VeloSoleX Cyklon S 3800. The distributors in France are VSF at 2 Rue Fourier, ZI de la Madeleine, Evreux, 27000, France.

1996

The VeloSoleX 3800 Roland Garros V1 "Limited Edition" version in Dark Green with Gold Transfers are sold by IMPEX PRODUCTS and labeled Cyklon. Around 150 units of this early version are produced.

A later VeloSoleX 3800 Roland Garros V2 is produced having a green Engine Lift Handle, Bicycle pedals, Large Rear Light, an Identification Plate under the seat, numbered at the top of the forks and the cylinder labeled IMPEX. Around 350 units of this later version are produced.

Aug 1996

On 7 August 1996, IMPEX PRODUCTS goes into liquidation but the French company VSF remain in business for the sale of the Hungarian VeloSoleX Cyklon S 3800 machines and spare parts at 33 Rue Jacquard, ZI de la Madeleine, 27000, Evreux, France.

Jan 1997

Production is restarted at the Cyklon-Berstal factory. The model is sold as the SoleX S 3800 and labeled SoleX on the frame down-tube.

Mar 1998

Tommie G. Matthews of Matthews & Associates (Chief Executive Officer: Tommie G. Matthews, Managing Director: Spencer R. Matthews) of VeloCruz, U.S.A. at Fruit Heights, North Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A., obtains a franchise to sell the Hungarian VeloSoleX S 3800 in the US following a meeting in Budapest, Hungary with Georges Safar of IMPEX Hungaria on 24 March 1998. Jeff Matthews later takes over the role from Tommie G. Matthews.

Aug 1998

Jorgen Petersen, a successful Danish entrepreneur and businessman who sold his timber company in Denmark and moved to Britain, forms a new company, Hamlet Motors at 1 Radley Road Industrial Estate, Abingdon, OX14 3RY, UK to import the Hungarian VeloSoleX S 3800. Type approval and homologation questions need to be resolved but it appears that the S 3800 will be registered as a new vehicle in the near future. Regulations are changed for mopeds limited to a top speed of less than 25 mph which allows their primitive levels of braking, lighting and exhaust emissions to pass the MOT (Ministry Of Transport) test in the UK. The S 3800 must be fitted with an electric horn and not just a bell to meet the UK regulations.

Two models are exhibited briefly at the Caravan & Camping Show at the NEC in Birmingham, UK by Mr Petersen to see if there is any interest from campers and it seems there is. Prices are quoted to be around GBP 749.00 from Hamlet Motors or GBP 820.00 from distributors.

Oct 1998

Jorgen Petersen receives his first shipment of the Hungarian VeloSoleX S 3800. Petersen's marketing has included getting the VeloSoleX S 3800 to be used as a background for fashion articles in magazines such as Tatler and in persuading Sir Terence Conran, the furnishings and restaurant guru, to display the bicycle in his London shop. "I see it appealing to smart young people working in an advertising agency" says Petersen. Motorcycle stockists did not have the right image in his eyes so bicycle stores and caravan showrooms are signed up.

Apr 1999

The VeloSoleX S 3800 model is copied and produced at JiangXi Hongdu Moped Co. Ltd, at Nanchang, China with a Chinese bicycle frame, front & rear side reflectors, front & rear drum brakes, catalytic converter, CDI electronic ignition, electric horn, electric alarm, speedometer & stop light. It is advertised as VeloSoleX S 3800, First Class Quality, World Famous Brand, a French joint-venture with JiangXi HongDu moped - China and made in the lovely colour of Red. They are sold by VeloSoleX Nederland, Geldropseweg 42, Eindhoven, 5611 SJ, Holland.

Feb 2000

A scooter version called the Trotilex, is produced by EDEM, 1 Route des Missionnaires, Hasparren, 64240, France in partnership with IMPEX Hungaria and uses the S 3800 engine mounted in a child’s scooter frame.  The 12" diameter Wheels are alloy with front and rear drum brakes.

Dec 2000

On the 20 December 2000 at Nanterre, France, Antonio Manassero, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Magneti Marelli, signs a 5 year contract with Georges Safar, Director of IMPEX Hungaria, to license the VeloSoleX & SoleX trademarks and logos for use from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2005.

May 2003

The Chinese version from Nanching, China is to be sold as the Black'n Roll (S 4800) by Dominique Chaumont, the director of Mopex at Zone d'Activite du Fond du Val, Rue Raoul Briquet, Courrieres (Pas-de-Calais), 62710, France. The Exhaust (including a Catalytic Converter situated halfway between the engine and the exhaust pot), Metal Fuel Tank, Seat, Pressed-Steel Frame, Pedals and Engine all come from China. The Electric Horn, Handlebar Gear, Tyres, Wheels, 80 mm Front and Rear Drums and Speedometer/Odometer (graduated up to 80 kph) come from France while the Headlight comes from Italy.

The company Dong Tain Enterprise Co. Ltd, at Hangzhou, China advertise a replica of the VeloSoleX S 3800 on the Internet.

Sep 2004

IMPEX Hungaria goes into liquidation and no longer exists after December 2004.

Jan 2005

CYKLOPRESS K.F.T. apparently begin production again at the IMPEX Hungaria factory at 4100 Berettyoujfalu, Szechenyi, utca 65, Hungary under the management of Alexander Gathy Kiss and Georges Safar as Financial Director.

May 2005

Societe SINBAR - Groupe CIBLE, who repurchased the SoleX and VeloSoleX trademarks in 2004 from Magneti Marelli Motopropulsion France S.A.S. (subsidiary of FIAT), agree with Italian designer Pininfarina and engineering firm Matra to present the prototype of a NEW VERSION of the VeloSoleX S 3800 at the Mondiale du Deux Roues exhibition taking place at the Parc des Expositions, Porte de Versailles, Paris on the 1 - 9 October 2005. A press conference will be held in September for the media.

Aug 2005

Dominique Chaumont estimates that 2000 of his Black'n Roll (S 4800) machines will be made in 2005, 5000 - 6000 in 2006 and 20000 by 2010 by an initial workforce of 20 people eventually increasing to 40 people. The initial price is 900 Euros including VAT. It is sold by:

1. Dominique Chaumont of Mopex at Zone d'Activite du Fond du Val, Rue Raoul Briquet, Courrieres (Pas-de-Calais), 62710, France (Tel: 00 33 (0) 3 21 284437, email )
2. Ihr UHRBACHs VeloSolex-Teileversand at Kestnerstrasse 8 30159, Hannover, Germany (Tel: 00 49 (0) 5 11 85 11 59 - Monday to Friday, email )
3. Jack Minto of Power Assisted Bicycles Ltd at Friston Business Centre, Aldeburgh Road, Friston, Suffolk, IP17 1NP, UK (Tel: 00 44 (0) 1728 833808, email: ) [as the VeloSoleX S 4800 E]
4. Jacques Van Esland at 291 avenue Charles Quint, 1083, Ganshoren, Brussels, Belgium (Tel: 00 32 (0) 2 469 04 14, email: )
5. Laitemyynti Virtala Oy, VeloMopo, K. Virtala, Finland (Tel: 00 358 400 304056, email: )
6. Garage Rene Weimerskirch at ZI Langwies, L-6131, Junglister, Luxembourg (Tel: 00 35 (0) 2 789594, email: )
7. Darren Mora at 91A Beachville Road, Redcliffs, Christchurch, New Zealand (Tel: 00 64 3 337 3275, email: )
8. Jose Marques (Luzeiro Comercio Internacional Lda) at Rotunda Dra.Laura Aires, 1A - Escritorio 1, 2745-758, Queluz, Portugal (Tel: 00 351 21 430 75 20, email: )
9. Howie Seligman of VeloSoleX America (U.S.A.) at 501 Kennedy Boulevard, North Bergen, New Jersey, 07047, US (Tel: 00 1 201 8637600, email: ) [as the VeloSoleX 4600]
10. VeloSoleX Bicyclos do Brasil Ltda at Estrada Sao Vicente N° 169 - Vila Maria Helena, Duque de Caxias, CEP25251-255, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (email: )
11. Gebr.van Gestel - Tweewieler-techniek, Geldropseweg 42, 5611 SJ, Eindhoven, Netherlands (Tel: 00 31 (0) 40 2111393, email: )

Sep 2005

On the 24 September 2005, the news of an Electric-Powered e-SOLEX.is announced by Groupe CIBLE at 99 Avenue des Champs-Elysees - 75008 - Paris (Tel: 01 56 62 73 00 - Fax: 01 40 70 13 86) together with an e-SOLEX Press Release and e-SOLEX Technical Document.

The e-SOLEX like its older brother will run up to 30 kph (18.6 MPH) and will weigh approximately 35 kg (77 lb). The 36V 350W Brushless Electric Motor in the rear hub will function without noise or gas emission. With a cost per kilometre 20 times cheaper than that of a petrol-powered cyclomotor, the e-SOLEX will be the most economic motor vehicle in the market like its famous predecessor.

The electric power will be provided by a 36V 15AH (350 mm x 90 mm x 90 mm) Lithium-Ion battery weighing 5 kg (11 lb) thus allowing easy removal and handling to facilitate its recharging at home or at work. Located in the central tube of the frame, it can provide power for approximately 30 km, which corresponds to the needs of more than 90% of cyclomotor users. An additional, optional 36V 8AH (350 mm x 90 mm x 35 mm) Lithium-Ion battery weighing 2.8 kg (6.2 lb) can be carried under the rear carrier in order to increase the range if necessary. Both batteries can be recharged in approximately 3 hours using the supplied charger which has a standard electrical connector.

Battery Life with no pedalling is claimed to be 1 hour (approximately 30 km [18.6 miles]) when using the Original Battery in the Central Tube of the Frame and 1½ hours (approximately 45 km [28 miles]) when also using the optional Spare Battery under the Rear Carrier. Both batteries can be recharged more than 700 times, that is, a total life-cycle of approximately 6 years if average use is 3500 km per year.

Braking will be assured by means of front and rear disc brakes with Telescopic Front Forks and Sprung Seat helping the suspension. The front and rear wheels have 17" x 2¼" tyres. A Speedometer, Battery Charge Indicator, Lockable Front Compartment, Rear Luggage Carrier and Pedals are fitted as standard. The lockable front compartment will be able to accomodate the included Battery Charger as well as personal effects. As on the original model, the pedals will make it possible to use e-SOLEX as a bicycle.

The retail price inclusive of tax will be in the region of 950 Euros. After homologation the marketing of the e-SOLEX should start in France by mid-2006, by an intermediate network of bicycle, cyclomotor and motor bike retailers. The internationalization of the e-SOLEX will be organized thereafter in Europe and other continents by the means of exclusive importation agreements with the various, targeted markets. The prime target of the e-SOLEX is young customers in the 15 - 35 year old age bracket and predominantly female. The average user will live in the city, carrying out short and frequent trips. They will be concerned withenvironmental protection and the low cost of electric power.

Novel, practical, enjoyable and economic the VeloSoleX enticed millions of users during the 20th century. While making the most of these values adapted to the needs and expectations of today's consumers, the e-SOLEX is to continue into the 21st century the fantastic story of the SoleX which started more than 60 years ago.

On the 30 September 2005, Groupe CIBLE launches its new Electric-Powered e-SOLEX on Stand 476 at the Salon International de la Moto (Motorcycle) on 1 - 4 October 2005 in Hall 1, 2/2, 2/3 of the Parc des Expositions at Porte de Versailles, 75015, Paris, France. Together with the Salon International du Cycle (Bicycle) on 1 - 9 October 2005 they form the annual Mondial du Deux Roues (Paris International Two-Wheel) show. Around half a million visitors and more than 2000 journalists from some 44 countries attend the show. A French TF1 Channel TV Report is also made on the event.