E-Bikes of Paris

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:rolleyes:

 

J:) hn

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:rolleyes:

 

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.. :D

APRIL FOOL!

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.

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

 

LMAO and the next

 

That is SO cool.

 

Regards

 

Jerry

Edited April 1, 201016 yr by jerrysimon

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.

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!!

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

Its interesting John but lacks the appeal of original AFAIC.

 

A very poor substitute aesthetically.

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.

.

Edited April 1, 201016 yr by flecc

!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!

and another one ijn paris that also rents out electric bikes

Buzibi Velo electrique, vélo électrique pliant, vélo à assistance électrique

 

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.

.

 

J:) hn

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..

I always thought the Velosolex was ideal cheap transport for French youth.

 

Whilst I still feel that, John's picture does show that it has its knockers.

Who are these knockers exactly?

 

I think they should be revealed immediately!

Who are these knockers exactly?

 

I think they should be revealed immediately!

 

To satisfy your curiosity Cogs, the photograph, if that is what you are referring, to is the work of Henri Cartier Bresson and the model, one of the three charming ladies below

 

 

This is still interesting. My daughter lives in central Paris. I noticed, on main streets, rows of identical bikes in stands. Very chunky looking. At first thought they were e-bikes. No, standard pedal ones and a scheme of put your credit card in the slot, take a bike, cycle to where you want to go and leave the bike at another station. Seemed popular. If you steal the bike then they have your credit card details. Not sure what happens if the bike is wrecked and it doesn't fit in the docking port! Hasn't this scheme been tried in some UK cities? Anyway, seemed hairy cycling to me in Paris traffic. Could it also work with e-bikes in inner cities? Charging stations, dedicated lanes and pay as you ride? I guess too complex?

That's a coincidence Verntern, my daughter also lives in central Paris.

The bike hire scheme you refer to is call Velib Vélib' - vélos en libre-service Ã* Paris - Site Officiel - Paris.

I haven't ridden one, but they look quite heavy and robust.

My daughter won't ride one, just walks everywhere very quickly.

 

J:) hn