One sees it less and less frequently, the venerable VeloSoleX, or Solex, for short. It is a motor-assisted bicycle that was produced in France starting in the late 1940s. The motor sits directly above the front wheel; a small roller with a very rough surface transmits the power to the front tire by friction. I used to drive my cousin Evelyne’s Solex some forty years ago, and I can attest to the fact that it’s a pretty dangerous vehicle. Downhill, it does very well. On a level road, it does (kind of ) OK. Forget uphill, and forget driving in the rain when the friction wheel slips. Top speed was about 32 kph (20 mph), but the amazing thing was the mileage: 1,2 liters/100 kms (196 mpg). In the photo above, the round pan-like thing is the muffler, and the gas tank cap is missing.