1977 VeloSolex moped bicycle made in France ... Solex motorized bicycle

Here's a few pics of my latest cycle rescue. It's a 1977 Velosolex sometimes called Solex motorized bicycle that was made in France. This basic model goes back quite a bit earlier than the '70s but I'm not sure exactly when they were first made. I've run across a lot of 1940's-50's advertising for them though. These are fun little cycles & are much lighter than standard mopeds. The drive is a simple 2-stroke engine that is lowered by means of the lifting lever, onto the front wheel to start it up, and then drive the bike. The drive unit is a small grinding stone-like wheel directly on the outer part of the engine crank-shaft and rides on the top of front tire when engaged.
There is a twist throttle but NO clutch and to stop you need to try and control the floppy & a bit heavy front end with one hand & dis-engage or lift the engine via the lower lever with the other, all while still running down the road. This can really go either way and be a fun little ride, or if you have never had the opportunity to see the inside of you local emergency-room, then riding one of these little bike's just might be the ticket! It will do around 20 mph give or take a few, and they really are tons of fun packed in a light little package!