Re: Autobike

Posted by Brian Wilson On 2020/5/2 1:51:52

Hello Leedy

Yes, of course you're right about the history of motorised bicycles - especially in the US. Many have come and gone.

There was one enduring success, but it was in Europe. The Solex - sold mostly in France - was a cheap and cheerful little "moped" that came with a small two stroke engine but could be pedalled as well. It was not capable of climbing even a slight slope under its own power. The 35cc (later 50cc) motor was mounted over the front wheel and drove via contact with the front tire.

Nevertheless, they sold 7 million (!) of these things over a period of about 40 years. They finally disappeared in the late 1980s.

Anybody know how many Autocycles were sold in the US?

There's a very good chance that any French adult owned one of these things when they were young and couldn't afford anything else (let alone a Packard!). They are collectors' items now. Nice examples sell for $1-2500.

I don't know if these were ever sold in the US. Maybe you do?

Sad to hear that most of your collection was stolen somewhere along the line. But you obviously still have a great collection of literature.

Cheers

Brian