Motorcycles

Peugeot revives and electrifies cult 70s moped

Peugeot revives and electrifies cult 70s moped
Peugeot has revived the 103 nameplate as an electric moped, and unlike most revivals, it still retains a lot of its classic touches that helped it become a mainstay in Europe’s mobility scene
Peugeot has revived the 103 nameplate as an electric moped, and unlike most revivals, it still retains a lot of its classic touches that helped it become a mainstay in Europe’s mobility scene
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Peugeot has revived the 103 nameplate as an electric moped, and unlike most revivals, it still retains a lot of its classic touches that helped it become a mainstay in Europe’s mobility scene
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Peugeot has revived the 103 nameplate as an electric moped, and unlike most revivals, it still retains a lot of its classic touches that helped it become a mainstay in Europe’s mobility scene
The 103s of the 1970s were "pedal-and-pop" bikes, meaning they required the rider to pedal them for the two-stroke 50cc engine to kick in
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The 103s of the 1970s were "pedal-and-pop" bikes, meaning they required the rider to pedal them for the two-stroke 50cc engine to kick in
The 103 gets 37-mm Kayaba forks and a monoshock with linkage at the back
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The 103 gets 37-mm Kayaba forks and a monoshock with linkage at the back
Aluminum monocoque frame with a single-sided swingarm
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Aluminum monocoque frame with a single-sided swingarm
The 103 will come in a swappable battery setup and in two configurations: a 50cc ICE equivalent 1.6-kWh battery and a bigger 125cc ICE equivalent 2.2-kWh unit
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The 103 will come in a swappable battery setup and in two configurations: a 50cc ICE equivalent 1.6-kWh battery and a bigger 125cc ICE equivalent 2.2-kWh unit
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Not too long ago, the Peugeot 103 was ruling the streets of France. These were "pedal-and-pop" bikes, meaning they required the rider to pedal them for the two-stroke 50cc engine to kick in. And you didn’t even need a license – since they were limited to around 28 mph (45 km/h) – so they were all the rage back then.

Now, after five decades, Peugeot has revived the nameplate as an electric moped. And unlike most revivals, the 103 still retains a lot of the classic touches that helped it become a mainstay in Europe’s mobility scene.

Starting with the battery, it will come in a swappable setup and in two configurations: a 1.6 kWh battery and a bigger 2.2 kWh battery option. The two setups should offer around 30 miles (45 km) and 40 miles (65 km) of range, respectively. It seems the different battery packs will also affect power output as well – Peugeot isn't revealing peak or continuous power specs at this stage, but it compares the 1.6 kWh model with a 50 cc scoot, and the 2.2 kWh version with a 125 cc ICE bike.

Components like the motor and controller will be borrowed from the SPx concept that broke out last year. As will the chassis, which comprises an aluminum monocoque frame with a single-sided swingarm.

You get 37-mm Kayaba forks and a monoshock with linkage at the back. The moped weighs 227 lb (103 kg) – so if you find yourself stuck in a tight spot, just pick it up and get going!

The central motor is linked to a silent Kevlar belt drive, which is not only more efficient than a standard belt but it’s also highly abrasion-resistant and requires little to no maintenance overall. There’s also a 5-inch TFT dashboard, but as far as the electronics go, there’s no official word just yet.

The 103 gets 37-mm Kayaba forks and a monoshock with linkage at the back
The 103 gets 37-mm Kayaba forks and a monoshock with linkage at the back

Performance-wise, you can expect the bike to top out at around 30 mph (48 km/h) for the 1.6-kWh trim and around 45 mph (72.5 km/h) for the bigger battery option. What it does state is that the moped will be built in France – likely as an effort to keep European costs down.

You’ll get two accessory options to choose from. The Protect Pack will come with a windshield, leg shields, and side panels for a little protection from the external environment. Then, there’s a Comfort Pack which includes with semi-rigid Givi top case, Quad Lock smartphone mount, a more comfortable, premium seat, alongside a seat cover.

Pricing has not been confirmed as of writing, but there are hush-hush rumors that it might come in at a €‎3,000 (around US$3,500) price point, and will likely be launched across Europe initially. I don’t expect it to make its way Stateside – and you know what? That’s a shame.

Aluminum monocoque frame with a single-sided swingarm
Aluminum monocoque frame with a single-sided swingarm

Why? We’re at a point in time when there’s a surge in practical two-wheel buyers who are looking at compact options for quick rides around town. The 103 would’ve slotted in relatively well for the entry-level/beginner segment and the fleet/food delivery market – especially when you factor in the ability to simply take its battery out and charge it in your home.

The likes of NIU NQi, Vespa Elettrica, and Segway Xyber are all viable electric mopeds currently on sale in America, so it’s not like there isn't a market to be captured. Maybe European brands ought to reconsider their strategy for the American market. Sure, they’d still be a niche, at least in the beginning, but there are certainly quite a lot of people who might want something like this.

Source: Peugeot

Editor's note: This article was updated on December 15, 2025, to clarify that the different battery packs are associated with different power levels and top speeds, as well as range figures.

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4 comments
4 comments
Nobody
Needs a little more range.
Username
Next they'll revive the Solex!
Palmerfralick
Meh, Plenty of ebikes at less than 1/2 the price with similar range and top speed.
fen
Food delivery is done on illegal bikes these days in the EU. They buy a mountain bike, buy aftermarket kit, and add twist acceleration which makes them a motorbike as they are only supposed to have pedal assist. They then use the cycle paths, cut through parks, etc. They have no insurance, and do no tests.
This thing is for the students/commuters who are willing to pay road insurance, maybe road tax. For people who actually like living in an area and want to go to a cafe/beach etc after work.
Its biggest problem is the speed limits on it. You have 50kmh zones, but no 48kmh zones. You have 80kmh zones but no 78kmh zones... Youre normally allowed drive a little over the limit, if its 50kmh, you can do 55kmh. So at 48kmh you're gonna have traffic build up behind you. Why not just push it to 55 and get rid of that problem. Same for the 72kmh one, why not push it to 80, and then can go in the 80 zones... you'd still have to stay off motorway, but I have an 80 zone road that turns into a 60 zone road, and then i get in the city and it turns to 50 zone, and then in the center it might drop to 30. This is all within 10 mins of the city, so, Id not feel safe unless i got the 72kmh one, and then I wouldnt feel safe on the 80 zone, so would have to go a different way.. not a big problem, but annoying all the same.