Melex 252 Specifications: The Complete Model Reference

By Melex History Editorial Team

What Are the Core Melex 252 Specifications?

The Melex 252 was engineered for practical, low-maintenance electric transport. Below is a structured summary of the factory-documented specifications.

Key Facts: Melex 252 at a Glance

Specification	Detail
Drive system	Series-wound DC electric motor
Motor voltage	36 V nominal
Battery configuration	Six 6-volt lead-acid cells (36 V total)
Battery capacity	Approximately 150–180 Ah depending on fitted cell type
Top speed	Approximately 14–15 mph (22–24 km/h)
Gross vehicle weight (GVW)	Approximately 800 lb (363 kg) loaded
Chassis	Tubular steel frame, welded construction
Wheelbase	Approximately 66 inches (167 cm)
Overall length	Approximately 95 inches (241 cm)
Overall width	Approximately 47 inches (119 cm)
Braking	Mechanical drum brake on rear axle
Steering	Rack-and-pinion or automotive-style worm gear

These figures are drawn from original WSK PZL-Mielec production documentation and period dealer catalogs circulated by Melex Ltd. in the United States during the 1970s and early 1980s. Minor variations exist between model years, so cross-referencing the chassis serial number against the factory build sheet is recommended before ordering replacement components.

How Does the Melex 252 Motor and Electrical System Work?

The Melex 252 runs on a series-wound DC motor operating at 36 volts, a configuration standard across much of the Melex range during the 1970s. Series-wound motors deliver high torque at low speeds, which suited the stop-start demands of golf course and resort use.

Motor Specifications

The motor fitted to the 252 was sourced from suppliers approved by WSK PZL-Mielec and typically produced between 1.5 and 2.0 horsepower continuously, with short-burst peak output above that figure. The controller — a simple resistor-based or early solid-state unit depending on the production year — regulates current draw from the battery pack.

Battery Pack

Six 6-volt golf-cart-grade lead-acid batteries wired in series supply the 36-volt system. Trojan Battery Company and similar US suppliers became the standard replacement source once Melex vehicles reached North American markets through Melex Ltd., the US distribution entity active from 1972. A full charge delivers a usable range of 18–25 miles under normal load, according to period operator manuals.

Charging System

The 252 used an off-board charger, typically a 36-volt automatic unit. Operators plugged into a standard 110 V or 220 V outlet overnight. The charging receptacle is mounted on the dashboard cowl or front apron depending on trim specification. Restorers should verify wiring harness integrity before fitting a modern smart charger, as original harnesses may show insulation degradation after 40-plus years of service.

Chassis, Dimensions, and Body Details

The Melex 252 chassis is a welded tubular steel frame, consistent with the structural approach Stanislaw Siedlecki and the WSK PZL-Mielec engineering team applied across the 200-series platform. The frame was designed to be repairable with basic workshop equipment — a deliberate choice for markets where specialist service networks were sparse.

Frame and Suspension

Front suspension uses a solid axle or independent leaf-spring arrangement depending on the variant. The rear axle is a live differential unit driven by the motor through a single-speed reduction gearbox. Ground clearance sits at approximately 5–6 inches, adequate for maintained turf and paved surfaces.

Body Panels

Body panels on the 252 are fiberglass, molded in a single rear-cowl section covering the battery compartment. The front hood section is also fiberglass and hinges forward for motor access. Original factory colors documented in Melex Ltd. US catalogs include White, Avocado Green, and Harvest Gold — palette choices reflecting 1970s North American market preferences.

Seating

The standard 252 seats two passengers on a bench seat mounted on the front section. The rear utility bed, on cargo-configured variants, accommodates approximately 300 lb (136 kg) of payload within the GVW envelope. Seat upholstery was vinyl, available in Black or Tan from the factory.

Tires and Wheels

Factory-fitted tires were 18×8.50-8 turf-tread pneumatics on steel wheels. This sizing remains widely available from golf cart tire suppliers today, simplifying restoration sourcing.

Why Does the Melex 252 Matter to Restorers and Collectors?

The Melex 252 occupies a specific place in electric vehicle history. Production at the WSK PZL-Mielec factory in Mielec, Poland began in 1971 under the direction of inventor Stanislaw Siedlecki, and the 200-series models were among the first mass-produced electric utility vehicles to reach the North American golf and resort market in significant volume.

By the mid-1970s, Melex Ltd. had placed thousands of units at US golf courses, airports, and resort properties. The simplicity of the 36-volt DC system means that most 252 units still in existence can be returned to service with commercially available batteries, common motor brushes, and reproduced wiring components.

Parts Availability Today

The 252 shares several components with the Melex 112 and Melex 212 models, widening the parts pool for restorers. Motor frames, controller brackets, and brake drums from those models often cross-reference directly. The fiberglass body panels are less straightforward — most restorers commission custom molds from glass-fiber fabricators or source used panels from donor vehicles.

Documentation Value

Original factory specification sheets, produced in Polish at WSK PZL-Mielec and translated for the US market by Melex Ltd., are now primary source documents for accurate restoration. Melex History maintains archival reference material drawn from these original sources, providing restorers with a traceable record rather than guesswork.

Melex 252 vs. Other Melex 200-Series Models

The 200-series spanned several variants. Understanding how the 252 differs from sibling models helps restorers identify their vehicle correctly before sourcing parts.

Model	Primary Use	Seating	Rear Configuration	Voltage
Melex 112	Golf/passenger	2	Open rear	36 V
Melex 212	Golf/passenger	2	Fold-down seat	36 V
Melex 252	Utility/passenger	2	Cargo bed or utility	36 V
Melex 512	Heavy utility	2	Extended flatbed	36 V

The 252 is distinguishable from the 212 primarily by its rear utility configuration and slightly higher GVW rating. The 512, by contrast, sits on a longer wheelbase and carries a heavier payload rating. Serial number ranges documented in WSK PZL-Mielec production records are the definitive identification method — the first digits of the VIN encode the model designation and production year.

Finding and Verifying Melex 252 Specifications for Restoration

Accurate specification data is the foundation of any credible Melex 252 restoration. Several source types carry varying degrees of reliability.

Primary Sources

WSK PZL-Mielec factory build sheets and original Melex Ltd. dealer catalogs from the 1972–1985 period are the most authoritative references. These documents specify exact motor part numbers, battery dimensions, torque settings for fasteners, and approved lubricants. Melex History archives reproductions of these materials.

Secondary Sources

US operator manuals distributed with vehicles at point of sale provide maintenance intervals and torque specifications written for non-specialist users. These are useful but occasionally simplified compared to the factory engineering documentation.

What to Cross-Reference

Restorers should verify at minimum: motor frame number, controller serial (if original), chassis VIN, and battery tray dimensions. Aftermarket motors and controllers have been retrofitted to many surviving 252 units over the decades, so not every example reflects factory specification. Photographing all visible stamped numbers before disassembly creates a permanent record that aids later verification.

Communities such as the Electric Vehicle Discussion List (EVDL) and golf cart restoration forums maintain threads specifically covering Melex 200-series vehicles, and members have compiled cross-reference tables for motor replacements and battery tray sizing that complement factory data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What voltage system does the Melex 252 use?

The Melex 252 uses a 36-volt DC electrical system, supplied by six 6-volt lead-acid batteries wired in series. This was the standard configuration for the Melex 200-series platform produced at the WSK PZL-Mielec factory in Mielec, Poland during the 1970s and 1980s. Modern golf-cart-grade replacement batteries from suppliers such as Trojan Battery Company fit the original tray dimensions on most surviving units.

How fast does the Melex 252 go?

The Melex 252 has a factory-rated top speed of approximately 14 to 15 mph (22 to 24 km/h) under normal load conditions. This speed ceiling was intentional — the vehicle was designed for golf courses, resort properties, and light industrial sites where low-speed operation is both practical and often legally required. Speed can vary slightly based on battery charge state and motor condition.

Who invented the Melex golf cart?

The Melex electric cart was invented by Stanislaw Siedlecki, who was raised in Mielec, Poland. He chose the name Melex as a phonetic Americanization of his hometown's name. Production began at the WSK PZL-Mielec factory in 1971, and Melex Ltd. began distributing vehicles in the North American market in 1972, making it one of the first Eastern European electric vehicles to achieve significant US commercial penetration.

What tire size does the Melex 252 take?

The Melex 252 was factory-fitted with 18×8.50-8 turf-tread pneumatic tires on steel wheels. This sizing is a standard golf cart tire dimension still widely available from suppliers including Carlisle Tire and Kenda Tire, making replacement straightforward for restorers. The 8-inch wheel diameter and 8.50-inch section width are the critical figures to confirm when ordering.

Where was the Melex 252 manufactured?

The Melex 252 was manufactured at the WSK PZL-Mielec factory in Mielec, Poland. WSK PZL-Mielec was a state-owned industrial enterprise that produced aircraft components alongside the Melex electric vehicle range. Inventor Stanislaw Siedlecki launched the Melex program at this facility, and the factory remained the sole production source for all Melex models exported to North America and Europe through the 1980s.

Is the Melex 252 still supported with replacement parts?

Replacement parts for the Melex 252 remain available through a combination of sources. Batteries, tires, motor brushes, and brake components are generic golf-cart-grade items stocked by major US distributors. Model-specific parts such as fiberglass body panels and original controllers are harder to source and typically require fabrication or salvage from donor vehicles. The Melex 252 also shares components with the Melex 112 and Melex 212, widening the usable parts pool for restorers.

Conclusion

The Melex 252 remains a well-engineered example of 1970s electric utility vehicle design — straightforward to understand, repairable with widely available components, and historically significant as part of the line that inventor Stanislaw Siedlecki built from the WSK PZL-Mielec factory in Mielec, Poland into a North American market presence. Whether the goal is a fully authentic restoration or a working driver, starting with accurate factory specifications saves time and prevents costly mismatches.

Melex History maintains archival documentation covering the Melex 252 and the full 200-series range. Browse the model archives for original specification references, production year guides, and restoration resources.