E-Bikes of Paris

[Cyclezee]

E-bikeing seems to be popular in Paris. The following link shows just a few of those I spotted in the Marais district E-Bikes of Paris and not a Wisper or Gepida amongst them

J hn

 

[Mussels]

E-bikeing seems to be popular in Paris. The following link shows just a few of I spotted in the Marais district E-Bikes of Paris and not a Wisper or Gepida amongst them

J hn

That's hardly surprising as all the photos were taken outside one ebike shop, he's only going to plug his own stock.

 

[dan]

you could stand outside any good electric bike store in any town and get the same pictures

 

[Cyclezee]

That's hardly surprising as all the photos were taken outside one ebike shop, he's only going to plug his own stock.

Admitedly Mussels & Dan, most of the bikes were outside the one shop with the exception of the SCO a Danish make. I did see many more on the streets but didn't take photos as this was not the purpose of my trip, I was there to vist my daughter.
What I did find interesting was the variety available from that one shop with several other brands inside which you don't see in the UK

J hn

 

[cogs]

This would be my choice of ebike if I was lucky enough to find myself in Paris

Google Image Result for http://www.cybermotorcycle.com/gallery/velosolex/images/VeloSolex_S4800_2008_Central_Park.jpg

 

[rog_london]

This would be my choice of ebike if I was lucky enough to find myself in Paris

Google Image Result for http://www.cybermotorcycle.com/gallery/velosolex/images/VeloSolex_S4800_2008_Central_Park.jpg

I don't think that's an e-bike - the Solex has been around for many years in France, uses a small petrol engine and a friction drive to the tyre. There is a rear-wheel variant too if I remember correctly.

I think the weight of an engine over the front wheel would make the handling a little strange, at least until you got used to it. Friction drive wouldn't be suitable for a true e-bike IMO because it's not very efficient, and you wouldn't want to waste what power you have from a battery driven system.

An electric motor can give a great deal of torque from rest, and unless you rode carefully you'd get lots of slippage. I hear that's a problem with the Solex system too if it's wet.

Rog.

 

[cogs]

I don't think that's an e-bike - the Solex has been around for many years in France, uses a small petrol engine and a friction drive to the tyre. There is a rear-wheel variant too if I remember correctly.

I think the weight of an engine over the front wheel would make the handling a little strange, at least until you got used to it. Friction drive wouldn't be suitable for a true e-bike IMO because it's not very efficient, and you wouldn't want to waste what power you have from a battery driven system.

An electric motor can give a great deal of torque from rest, and unless you rode carefully you'd get lots of slippage. I hear that's a problem with the Solex system too if it's wet.

Rog.

Dear oh dear Rog - the clue was in the winking smiley.

Of course you are correct about the solex being a petrol moped friction driven front wheel drive etc etc.

It was a little joke.

The French people do 'cool' dont you think? I'd love a solex for the hot summer days for transporting my organic shallots/garlic/onions to Macduff farmers market..

 

[cogs]

APRIL FOOL!

 

[rog_london]

Oh well - never mind. At least I've afforded someone a little entertainment...

Could have been worse - I might have thought it really WAS an e-bike!

Rog.

 

[jerrysimon]

by chance I clicked on the next picture which is even more cool

LMAO and the next

That is SO cool.

Regards

Jerry

 

[cogs]

The solex has a significant following on the continent I understand - less so here in the UK. You could still purchase new ones as recently as last year, but they were manufactured in one of the former eastern block countries - Hungary was it?

Purists would probably not accept such bikes on the grounds that a proper Velo had to be French, not a Hungarian imposter.

I would be happy with one though. The quirky nature of the design appeal immensely AFAIC.

 

[cogs]

by chance I clicked on the next picture which is even more cool

LMAO and the next

That is SO cool.

Regards

Jerry

fantastic Jez - I WANT ONE!!

 

[Cyclezee]

The bike in my pictures is in fact electric http://www.e-solex.fr/fr/ It has been reported on in Pedelec before http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/electric-bicycles/3189-velo-solex-makeover.html?highlight=solex

J hn

 

[cogs]

Its interesting John but lacks the appeal of original AFAIC.

A very poor substitute aesthetically.

 

[flecc]

Its interesting John but lacks the appeal of original AFAIC.

A very poor substitute aesthetically.

Indeed. It hasn't been as well received as the original and seems to be a very poor substitute for a good e-bike. I noticed when it was first announced that the weight was excessive too.

That's not the only specialised e-bike outlet in Paris, there's also Velo-Electro too, run by Mme Sophie Nenner, Sophie speaks English too.

Have a look at the range of e-bikes there, some not seen here.
.

 

[cogs]

!Some fine looking cycles there flecc.

I occasionally remember to scan Ebay to see whether there are any solex's up for sale around my area (NE Scotland). They are a rarity in the UK, and those I have noticed tend to be wrecks..

Its not that I want one for regular use, but if one came available I'd consider it for an occasional run along the coast - just for the sedate exhilaration!

 

[dan]

and another one ijn paris that also rents out electric bikes
Buzibi Velo electrique, vélo électrique pliant, vélo à assistance électrique

 

[flecc]

Its not that I want one for regular use, but if one came available I'd consider it for an occasional run along the coast - just for the sedate exhilaration!

That run would cause some nostalgic memories among onlookers who remember the '50s, 60's and 70's.
.

 

[Cyclezee]

Possibly my favourite photo of a Velosolex

​

J hn

 

[cogs]

Negotiating such hills on a Solex would not be without difficulties.. Dismounting for a push on the upward journey may be required, prior to hurtling down to the valley below..