It’s as iconic an image of traditional France as the beret or baguette, but the ‘Velo Solex’ has had a dramatic makeover and transformed from a moped into an electric bicycle.
Pininfarina, the design house best known for styling Ferraris, has penned a vehicle that is far safer, environmentally friendly and affordable than any supercar – the electric solex bicycle costs less than £1,500.
The original Solex was invented in 1946 as a cheap means of motorised transport for postwar France. It was little more than a bicycle with a tiny petrol engine sitting over the front wheel, but it worked surprisingly well and became hugely popular.
In its latest incarnation, the Solex has swapped its small petrol engine for a rechargeable electric motor and styling panache that sets it apart.
The features a lithium-ion 36v battery that slots neatly into the frame and manages a top speed of 25 kph. Find out more
Our need to conserve global resources is matched only by our addiction to cars. Can a the latest electric bikes offer an answer by delivering clean, quiet and safe personal transport for the masses?
Just as British families took to motorcycles during the austere post-war years, the time has surely come for us to re-discover the electric bikes as a cheap and practical way of getting about. In these cash-strapped times, and for those unwilling or unable to use a bicycle, how hard a sell can it be to promote a mode of transport with no VED to pay, free in-town parking, cheap insurance and near care-free maintenance?
Cycle Insurance for electric bicycles, ebikes and pedelecs
If your pedelec weighs less than 60 kg, and its output does not exceed 250 W/15.5 mph, it can be covered under our cycle insurance at no additional cost. Every ETA cycle insurance policy includes the following as standard:
- Theft, accidental damage & vandalism
- Battery theft cover
- Cycle Rescue (breakdown cover for your electric bicycle and you)
- No devaluation of your bike over time
- £5m third party PLUS £20,000 personal accident cover
- Shed and garage storage
- Low standard excess of 5% (£25 minimum)
- 90 days’ worldwide travel cover
- Any rider covered to use your bike
Read a full list of what is covered here
When you compare cycle insurance for your electric bicycle, it is vitally important to check the small print. Almost every single pedelec or electric bicycle sold and in use in Britain today is rated at 250 W. However, some cycle insurers do not cover bikes over 200 W. Cycle insurance from the ETA extends its definition of a cycle to include any mechanically or electronically-assisted bicycle weighing less than 60 kg and with an output not exceeding 250 W /15.5 mph.
Electric bicycles battery theft
If the battery for your electric bicycle is secured with a key (as most are), or requires any type of tool to remove, then it is covered against theft by our cycle insurance policy. Get a quote
John Barber
I have a 4 year old approx Velosolex electric folding bike with a 24v 10ah silver battery there are a lot of very similar batteries but it is hard to tell off a photo and they do not mention makes of bikes I need
one mine has stopped fully charging I have bought another charger still the same. It is a 250w motor
John Hemsley
I had the same problem. I found a company in North London that swapped the cells and terminal connectors for about £260 all in. Very happy with full charge now!
Hope that helps.
Karen
Could you let me know which company in North London helped you with the Velosolex charging issue? We have lost the charger… looking for help! Thank you!