From two-stroke to electric, the eSolex, the electric retro moped
Almost unknown outside France, the VéloSoleX was a creation of Solex, the same company that produced carburettors fitted in many cars until the '80s, and it was basically a bicycle with a small two-stroke motor that powered the front wheel with friction. The motor was a 49cc 0.5 HP unit that could be detached in order to use the bike with exclusive human power.
The VéloSoleX is back but now it's called eSolex and instead of a combustion engine, the eSolex arrives in all-electric mode, still allowing you to use the pedals anytime. The new design is made by Pininfarina and all the details are set to remember the old model. Even the motor bulk on the front wheel is kept, but now for storage purposes instead of the two-stroke engine, the prominent carburettor and the side-placed gasoline reservoir.
Continue reading for full specs about this little jewel. There's a small surprise about the price.
Gallery: eSolex
[Source: eSolex]
Maximum speed is not really going to destroy your coiffage (hairdo, although you must wear a helmet in Europe to ride this), being 35 km/h (22 mph) or 22 km/h (17 mpg) in ECO mode, which uses less electricity and allows riding further. The motor is placed inside the rear wheel (brushless) and has 0.4 kW of power efficient up to a 85 percent.
The battery is lithium-ion (36V x 15 Ah) and weighs only 5 kg (11 pounds), which allows you to remove it from the eSolex frame and carry it with you for recharging. Since it's lithium, it has no "memory -effect" and can be fully recharged in 6 hours (70 percent in 3 hours) up to 700 cycles. Total weight is only 40 kg (89 pounds). Range? Good for 45 km in normal mode and 60 in ECO mode.
Inconvenient? Maybe not the most suitable option for long commutes due to the moped limitations, but the price is great: 1,150 EUR (taxes not included), cheaper than most of the gasoline mopeds available in Europe.
A pity it's only currently on sale in France, but they are expanding in Europe in the near future.
If you feel like learning a little bit about the old Velosolex, a jewel of classic motorbiking, visit this link.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Henri Laurent 3:21PM (5/12/2008)
I understand that there are recharging issues with this product. Where would one discard the toxic used battery?
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Tom Ireland 2:27PM (5/17/2008)
Where can I find one of these machines in England? Any dealerships yet, preferably in the North West?
Any published road tests/reviews?
Thanks.
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Frank N. 7:01PM (4/03/2009)
wow, how come i never see ebikes this good in Canada? I hope they'll import them to Canada soon...
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Milos Bang 9:40PM (5/28/2009)
I heard of eSolex two years ago and back then it was said that it will go on sale 'soon in other countries'. Does anyone know if they are selling it anywhere outside of France yet? Are there problems with the bike? It looks great and should be really fun to ride.
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Matthew 11:41AM (7/26/2007)
For reference, since it is missing from the article summary the ranges for the scooter claimed by the manufacturers website (the Read link) are 45 km (28 miles) on normal or 60 km (37 miles) in "ECO" mode.
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Mattias 11:54AM (7/26/2007)
Those 45 to 60km are probably enough when living in Berlin, Rome or Paris. you just have to be disciplined enough to charge it every night.
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