Motobecane -Mobylette AV3 1954

1954 Mobylette AV3 (compare: 1952 Mobylette AV3). 50cc.

"Under the leadership of Charles Benoit, Motobécane had been exploring the possibility of updating the concept of the auxiliary motor, as produced by SICAM earlier in the century. In 1942 the company had developed the AV2 motor, which was intended as an add-on for a bicycle. Inspiration for the Mobylette came in 1946, with the introduction of the similarly designed Velosolex at the Paris Salon that year. The success of that model convinced Benoit to guide Motobécane into developing its own motorcycle-bicycle hybrid. For this, the company reinforced a bicycle frame. The company then adapted one of its Poney motors, which was mounted to the frame. The result was dubbed the Mobylette AV3, and was launched in 1949 under both the Motobécane and Motoconfort names." (based on MBK Industrie history)