SOLO motorized bicycles

In 1949, SOLO developed a fully enclosed motor scooter powered by a 60 cc engine, based on the design that would later become the Heinkel scooter. This marked the company’s first prototype on two wheels.

In 1972, SOLO Kleinmotoren GmbH went on to produce the world’s first electric moped. The SOLO Electra proved to be ahead of its time and became the company’s response to the 1973 oil crisis. Mopeds and motorised bicycles thus represented entirely new product categories for SOLO.

The motorised bicycle—commonly referred to as a moped—was unveiled in 1972 and entered series production in 1973. By that time, SOLO had produced around two million vehicles.

The SOLO Electra was powered by a Bosch 24-volt, 750-watt DC motor, which could be switched on and off using a key-operated switch. The motor’s torque was transmitted via a V-belt to an intermediate shaft equipped with a centrifugal clutch.

The SOLO Electra 720 featured a white frame and a plastic battery cover available in red, orange, yellow, green or blue. Another distinctive feature was the voltmeter indicating the battery’s state of charge. It was mounted above the front fork, between the handlebars, making it clearly visible to the rider.

The motor delivered 750 watts at 3,600 rpm, and the vehicle had a top speed of 24 km/h.

Innovative and highly sought-after in their day, the motorised bicycles, mopeds and mokicks produced by SOLO Kleinmotoren GmbH have since achieved cult status and remain highly prized by enthusiasts and collectors.