The Solex is as French as the croissant, Bordeaux wine, Camembert cheese and baguette. You can already see the Frenchman (Frenchwoman) riding one, wearing his beret, and carrying his baguette and bottle of French wine.
 Catherine Deneuve on a Solex |
Or if you can't imagine that scene, how about Brigitte Bardot...
 Brigitte Bardot on a Solex |
 Steve McQueen |
The Solex, or officially known as the VeloSolex (Bicycle Solex) was the ultimate transport vehicle. Low cost, low fuel usage, ecological and versatile.
Some 7 million units were built and sold worldwide, and used by everyone, from mere mortals to A-List celebrities, including even the King of Cool, Steve McQueen.
The Solex production was stopped in 1988, but after a few revival projects, it came back recently as an electric Solex, the e-Solex  . The e-Solex is not a motorcycle, nor a scooter, it's not even an electric moped. It's really a bicycle with an electric engine.
You're range and top speed are limited by your pedalling power, but when you get tired, the electric engine will wheel you away at a top speed of 35 kph. It's slow, it's got the acceleration of a snail getting ready for a garlic sauce, and it's pricey; about €1500. But they're fun, and do well in big cities.
One person seems to really like the e-Solex, and was not afraid of the price tag, In fact, he went even further. He contacted Carium-Design , a French car customization service that take expensive supercars, and makes them even more expensive.
They took the e-Solex, and customized it to make it a real luxury product. Nappa leather was applied to the saddle, topcase and battery compartment. Swarovski Crystals were inserted on the battery cover.
Five weeks later, and a bill for €1500, the owner can now ride down the Champs-Elysee in style.
Click here to read more about the Carium e-Solex
Via: Le Repaire des Motards
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