Image Credit: Captain Electro.
Who here remembers the original Peugeot 103? That cheeky little two-wheeler practically defined French cool for a generation. And you had to furiously pedal to get the engine to kick in! They were limited to about 28 miles per hour, which meant no driver's license was required - an excellent excuse for a slow afternoon ride, or maybe just a great way to guarantee you're never too far from a decent bistro.
Like a favorite pair of designer jeans, the 103 nameplate is back, and thankfully, it hasn't just been "updated" with new shoulder pads and a neon color scheme. Peugeot has brought the little legend into the electric era, and for once, the revival has kept most of the original's charm.
Image Credit: Peugeot.
Of course, the big question in my head is always: "Is this going to be a giggle, or am I going to be stuck on the side of the road looking like I've run out of gas... even though I haven't?" Well, Peugeot is offering this little spark plug in two different battery sizes, which is rather thoughtful of them.
You can pick the standard 1.6 kilowatt-hour pack, which will get you about 30 miles of travel. This version, they say, is the spiritual equivalent of the original 50cc scoot. Then, for the slightly more ambitious among us, there's the bigger 2.2 kWh battery, which pushes your estimated range up to a nice, round 40 miles. This one is pitched as the equivalent of a 125cc bike, and honestly, 40 miles is perfect for the average city commute.
Image Credit: Peugeot.
The battery itself is swappable, which is quite clever. If you live in an apartment on the fifth floor, you don't need a 300-foot extension cord dangling out your window. You just pull the battery out, carry the thing inside, and charge it up like a giant, very important phone.
Underneath the classic good looks, the engineering is rather sharp. The chassis is a very modern aluminum monocoque frame - a fancy way of saying it's all one lovely, lightweight piece, like a couture dress that also holds up the entire outfit. And speaking of lightweight, the whole shebang weighs in at a dainty 227 pounds. If you manage to park yourself in a spot so tight you can't back out, you could probably just pick the darn thing up and turn it around. Try that with a full-size SUV.
Image Credit: Peugeot.
The new 103 has a central motor linked to a silent Kevlar belt drive. Kevlar. As in, the stuff they use for bulletproof vests. So, your little moped is probably tougher than your neighbor's barking chihuahua. Plus, it's practically maintenance-free, which means more time for espresso and less time fiddling with a greasy chain.
As for performance, the little 1.6 kWh version will top out at around 30 mph, perfectly keeping that true moped spirit alive. The beefier 2.2 kWh model will push you up to a respectable 45 mph. Peugeot hasn't given us any official 0-to-60 times (no one is hitting 60 mph on this), but they promise "smooth acceleration." Given that electric motors deliver instant torque, I suspect it will be a lovely, zippy ride around town, ensuring you're the first to pull away when the light turns green, leaving all the gas-guzzlers in your dust. Or, you know, just slightly behind you.
Image Credit: Peugeot.
The 103 comes with two optional packages - there's the 'Protect Pack,' which means you can hide yourself from the elements with a windshield, leg shields, and side panels. And then we have the 'Comfort Pack,' which is the one I'd select immediately. It includes a semi-rigid Givi top case (perfect for a baguette and a bottle of bubbly), a Quad Lock smartphone mount (so you can stare at the directions you already know), and a premium, more comfortable seat with a cover. I mean… If you're only going 30 mph, you absolutely must be sitting in luxury.
Now, for my major, entirely self-centered complaint. As of this writing, the pricing is rumored to hover around $3,500, and the launch is primarily slated for Europe. And, here we go, Peugeot has no current plans to bring it Stateside! Mon Dieu!
Image Credit: Peugeot.
This makes absolutely no sense to me. We have an exploding market of practical, two-wheel buyers in the U.S. who need simple, compact options for city riding and local deliveries. We have other electric mopeds already on our roads, like the Vespa Elettrica and the NIU NQi. The 103, with its history, style, and removable battery for home charging, would slot right into that entry-level market beautifully.
It's just another example of European brands underestimating the American appetite for things that are small, stylish, and economical. We may like our big pickups, but we also love a good giggle and a zippy, affordable ride that doesn't need gas.
Here's to hoping Peugeot reconsiders and sends a shipment of these little electric wonders across the Atlantic. Until then, I suppose I'll have to look at pictures of my European colleagues zipping around Paris, while I'm stuck here planning my next road trip in an SUV with 15 cup holders. The cruelty!
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