Musing About Converting a Velosolex to Electric

blueb0ttle2

blueb0ttle2

100 W
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Sep 20, 2010
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256
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Rhode Island
Has anyone thought of replacing that clunky 2-cycle engine in a Velosolex with a nice 750W motor? Since the Velosolex is friction drive, it should be comparatively simple to replace and fit a good motor in it's stead. The Velosolex is aesthetically pleasing (always a plus with the ladies), and the hub brake on the rear wheel is a welcome addition. They are quite cheap compared to other classic mopeds.
Such a device could classify in the USA as an ebike, and thus avoid the complications of the original gas-powered version, whilst retaining (or even improving) the original specs of the Solex.
There's already an "e-solex" that uses a hub motor...
http://www.e-solex.fr/fr/
But it looks to "modern" for me, and I think 1600 Euros is far to much for 350 watts (Let alone bringing it to North America)
 
blueb0ttle2 said:
Has anyone thought of replacing that clunky 2-cycle engine in a Velosolex with a nice 750W motor? Since the Velosolex is friction drive, it should be comparatively simple to replace and fit a good motor in it's stead. The Velosolex is aesthetically pleasing (always a plus with the ladies), and the hub brake on the rear wheel is a welcome addition. They are quite cheap compared to other classic mopeds.
Such a device could classify in the USA as an ebike, and thus avoid the complications of the original gas-powered version, whilst retaining (or even improving) the original specs of the Solex.
There's already an "e-solex" that uses a hub motor...
http://www.e-solex.fr/fr/
But it looks to "modern" for me, and I think 1600 Euros is far to much for 350 watts (Let alone bringing it to North America)
Click to expand...

I've also thought about picking up a Solex myself. Do a search for "solex prototype racing" on google. They modify the heck out of those things.

Here's one of the sites I found: http://www.solex-competition.net/photo-course-solex/displayimage.php?album=109&pos=50
 
Here's one of the mean looking rollers they use. Don't wanna get your finger caught in that thing!

P1040768.JPG
 
Hi,
http://kalamazoo.craigslist.org/bik/1904805463.html
I have an old Solex that has been sitting in a barn for about 30yrs. Tires hold air. I've been riding it around the yard. Motor on front says 4600. Haven't tried to start it. Gas smells about 30 yrs old. LOl. Needs a good cleaning. Seems to have good compression. Will probably run with a good cleaning. $100 takes it. I've seen these running on ebay and craigslist anywhere from $500-$800. Just don't have the time to monkey with it.

Call. 269-345-1361
Im looking to sell this fast so if you don't have the money please don't call.
Click to expand...
 
why so under powered a 1kw bushed motor would be best on that thing mabey even an rc setup.... any thougths
 
I personally think 750 watts (My legal/mental limit :D ) is best.
It should be possible to mount a motor in the drive-train of the original moped. If one has experience with machine work, it can be fairly simple.
That being said, maybe one could "cheat" and mount a hub motor in the front, and use that cute can on the front to store the controller.
But if one wants to retain the spirit of the Velosolex, namely its simplicity, retaining the friction drive is the way to go. Ironically, it would be more work :D
 
Hi,

I have converted two vintage Velosolex mopeds to electric, keeping the concept of the front wheel friction drive. I found a common scooter motor with a mounting flange with three holes that align perfectly with the holes in the original engine support. For symmetry, I use two motors for each bike (one running in reverse of course, so they pull together.) The main trick is to build a roller that fits the shaft of the motors and has the right diameter. and length. I found that the original roller can be adapted, but if I were to do it again, I would just get a machine shop to fashion the roller on a lathe.

The battery is on the rear carrier, and the wiring is mostly threaded through the hollow frame.

Cheers ... Harvey

View attachment 1

Red electric solex 2.JPG
 
Not bad.. not bad at all. :wink:
What wattage are those motors/
 
horom said:
Hi,

I have converted two vintage Velosolex mopeds to electric, keeping the concept of the front wheel friction drive. I found a common scooter motor with a mounting flange with three holes that align perfectly with the holes in the original engine support. For symmetry, I use two motors for each bike (one running in reverse of course, so they pull together.) The main trick is to build a roller that fits the shaft of the motors and has the right diameter. and length. I found that the original roller can be adapted, but if I were to do it again, I would just get a machine shop to fashion the roller on a lathe.

The battery is on the rear carrier, and the wiring is mostly threaded through the hollow frame.

Cheers ... Harvey

View attachment 1

Click to expand...

Just joined the forum to revive this thread as it's exactly what I want to do.

Can anyone advise what motors were used? Or as some time has passed, what motors and batteries ought to be used today?

In exchange I'm happy to write an illustrated/photo guide to how to do it as I go along, complete with plans and instructions for making the roller from scratch. And potentially for restoring the bike itself as that's also going to be required.
 
Hi, I just googled this subject and... here I am. I’ve always liked a velosolex and it seems too tempting to convert one to electric. Did you by chance get round to producing some kind of how to guide?
 
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