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Peugeot’s classic 103 moped gets ready for an electric return

Peugeot is officially bringing back one of its most iconic two-wheelers – the Peugeot 103 – this time as a modern electric moped.

For anyone who grew up in the heyday of European mopeds, the 103 name carries serious nostalgia. First launched in 1971, the original gasoline-powered Peugeot 103 became one of the most popular mopeds of all time thanks to its simple design, low cost, and accessibility for young riders who didn’t need a full motorcycle license.

You wouldn’t have to look far to find many people arguing that it is one of the most iconic mopeds ever produced, earning a legendary status in Europe thanks to its simplicity, reliability, and affordability.

Produced in massive numbers for decades, with countless variants and special editions, the 103 was especially popular in France, where it became deeply embedded in everyday culture, from city streets to rural towns. Its mechanical simplicity also made it a favorite for customization and tuning, helping cement its reputation not just as transportation, but as a rite of passage for generations of riders. Now, more than 50 years later, Peugeot is betting that the same formula can work again in the electric era.

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The new electric Peugeot 103 is expected to be a lightweight, urban-focused machine aimed squarely at city riders. Rather than trying to compete with high-performance electric motorcycles, Peugeot appears to be leaning into the original 103’s strengths: practicality, ease of use, and everyday transportation. Early information suggests removable battery options of either 1.6 or 2.2 kWh, which would be consistent with most small-format electric mopeds having batteries in this range, offering a modest but usable range for commuting and short trips while still being light enough to carry for off-board charging.

Styling-wise, Peugeot is clearly leaning into retro appeal. The electric 103 takes visual cues from the original model while incorporating modern touches like LED lighting and updated electronics. Under the skin, it’s expected to share technology with Peugeot’s SPx electric concept, giving it a contemporary electric drivetrain while keeping the overall package simple.

There don’t appear to be any visible pedals, meaning this could be more of a noped than a moped, but that would also keep it in line with several other lightweight electric two-wheelers in this modern class of electric commuters.

Electrek’s Take

The revival of the 103 feels like a smart move, especially since light electric motorbikes are some of the easiest to produce and sell right now. As cities continue to restrict cars and push for cleaner transportation, lightweight electric mopeds are becoming increasingly relevant. By reviving a beloved nameplate, Peugeot is tapping into decades of cultural memory, while offering a clean, quiet, and approachable way to navigate modern cities that could appeal to younger riders, even without the historic draw.

via: Visordown

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Author

Avatar for Micah Toll Micah Toll

Micah Toll is a personal electric vehicle enthusiast, battery nerd, and author of the Amazon #1 bestselling books DIY Lithium Batteries, DIY Solar Power, The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guide and The Electric Bike Manifesto.

The e-bikes that make up Micah’s current daily drivers are the $999 Lectric XP 2.0, the $1,095 Ride1Up Roadster V2, the $1,199 Rad Power Bikes RadMission, and the $3,299 Priority Current. But it’s a pretty evolving list these days.

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