ceramic roller that rotates directly on the front wheel by friction to the tire. The first prototype of a VéloSoleX was created in 1941 and used regular bicycle frames such as those under the Alcyon brand and were powered by a engine developed by Solex. VéloSoleX were produced commercially and sold starting in 1946 with a 45 cc engine without clutch, then later with a 49 cc engine. The solex, although not varying much from one version to the next, was sold in these models: 1946–53: 45 cc 1953–55: 330 (first 49 cc engine; no clutch) 1955–57: 660 1957–58: 1010 1958–59: 1400 1959–61: 1700 (first version equipped with a clutch) 1961–64: 2200 1964–66: 3300 (first frame with a square section) 1966–88: 3800 1971–88: 5000 Export versions were also created (sold outside France) 3800 Export 4600 (V3 Sold only in the US) 5000 Current version (made in France) 2007–2011: VéloSoleX 4800 More than eight million were eventually sold, mostly in Europe. It was also constructed under licence in many countries. Today, the VéloSoleX is again manufactured in France. The trademark "VELOSOLEX" is the property of Velosolex America, LLC which markets the VéloSoleX motorized bicycle worldwide. Company timeline 1905: The company was created by Maurice Goudard and Marcel Mennesson, both graduates of the École Centrale Paris. 1973: the carburetor division is taken over by Matra, and later by Magneti Marelli, then by Renault and Motobécane in 1974. 1983: Motobécane is bought by Yamaha and becomes MBK. 1988: production in France, at Saint-Quentin, ends. Circa 2001 production ceased in China and restarted in France. In June 2004, the mark "Solex" was bought by the French group CIBIÉ In October 2005 CIBIÉ launched the e-Solex, designed by Pininfarina and produced in China (400 W brushless electric motor, 35 km/h, autonomy of 30 km) In 2009, CIBIÉ launches the e-Solex 2.0, a new version with a lithium polymer battery References External links Mikuni Magneti Marelli SoleXin - a list of SoleX resources Carburetor manufacturers Motorcycle manufacturers of France Manufacturing companies established in 1905 Moped manufacturers French brands Engine fuel system technology Fiat Cycle manufacturers of France French companies established in 1905