Peugeot Motocycles
French manufacturer of scooters, mopeds, motorcycles, and three-wheelers.
Last updated November 4, 2026
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Overview
Peugeot Motocycles is a French two-wheeler manufacturer whose roots reach back to Peugeot’s first motorcycle experiments in 1898. The business developed from early motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles into one of France’s best-known producers of mopeds and scooters. Although it shares the Peugeot name and visual identity associated with the wider Peugeot automotive heritage, Peugeot Motocycles is a distinct motorcycle business and should not be confused with Peugeot’s car operations. The company’s early history includes a prototype motorcycle displayed at the 1898 Paris Exhibition, followed by production motorcycles using externally sourced engines. In 1901 Peugeot introduced a motorcycle powered by a Swiss Zürcher and Lüthi engine, and in 1914 it presented the Peugeot 500 M, a 500 cc dual-overhead-camshaft motorcycle. Peugeot expanded its position in the French market through a broad model range and strengthened its presence in 1930 by absorbing Automoto, a motorcycle and scooter pioneer. The company remained a leading French motorcycle producer through the middle of the twentieth century. From the 1980s onward, Peugeot Motocycles increasingly concentrated on scooters and adopted partnerships and component supply agreements to compete in a changing European market. A 1981 agreement with Honda provided access to two-stroke engines, transmissions, and electrical components. The Peugeot SC, introduced in 1983, was the company’s first scooter with a plastic body and used Honda-derived technology. Honda later acquired a minority stake in Peugeot Motocycles in 1984, while Peugeot’s parent group retained majority ownership. Honda-related cooperation continued into the 1990s and included the sale of a Honda-built 250 cc scooter under the Peugeot SV 250 name. The company subsequently internationalized production and sourcing. In 2006 Peugeot and Jinan Qingqi established a 50–50 Chinese joint venture, Jinan Qingqi Peugeot Motorcycle, to manufacture scooters largely for European export. Models associated with the Chinese operation included the 103 Vogue, Kisbee, Citystar, V-Click, Ludix, and Django. In 2008 Peugeot also entered a technology and production arrangement with Taiwan’s Sanyang Industry, contributing to the development of models such as the Tweet and LXR. Peugeot closed its Dannemarie engine plant in 2012 and transferred part of that production to China. Ownership changed substantially in the following decade. Mahindra & Mahindra acquired a 51 percent controlling interest in 2014, with the PSA Group retaining 49 percent and continuing to authorize use of the Peugeot brand identity. Mahindra subsequently acquired full ownership in 2019. During the Mahindra period, the brand maintained a portfolio spanning small scooters, urban commuters, premium scooters, three-wheelers, and electric products, with notable names including Kisbee, Django, Tweet, Pulsion, and Metropolis. In November 2022, Munich-based investment firm Mutares agreed to acquire a controlling interest. The transaction was completed in February 2023, after which Peugeot Motocycles operated under Mutares control. The company has retained manufacturing activity in Mandeure, France, and has also been associated with production in Jinan, China. Its products have been sold across a wide international network, historically reported at approximately 60 countries. The modern brand emphasizes urban mobility, European design, practical scooters, three-wheel stability, and a gradual expansion into electric and performance-oriented motorcycles. In 2023 Peugeot Motocycles announced a partnership with DAB Motors covering production and distribution of electric motorcycles, with future DAB models intended for manufacture at Mandeure. Reference material also describes a 2025 partnership with Sherco under which Sherco would supply motorcycles for Peugeot-branded distribution, including the XP6 enduro and supermoto versions presented at EICMA 2025. Because the latter event…
History
Peugeot’s involvement in powered two-wheelers began in 1898, when the company built a motorcycle using a De Dion-Bouton engine mounted over the rear wheel. The machine was exhibited in Paris but did not enter series production. Peugeot also produced a tricycle that year, although much of its construction was supplied by De Dion-Bouton. In 1900 the company began making quadricycles, but that line ended by 1903 as market interest declined. In 1901 Peugeot introduced a production motorcycle using a Swiss Zürcher and Lüthi engine. The company broadened its motorcycle range over subsequent decades, including the 500 M of 1914, a 500 cc model noted for its dual overhead camshaft design. Peugeot strengthened its position in France in 1930 by absorbing Automoto, an established motorcycle and scooter manufacturer. It became the leading French motorcycle producer for much of the first half of the twentieth century and offered a wide variety of motorcycles, mopeds, and utility machines. The business shifted increasingly toward scooters during the late twentieth century. A 1981 agreement with Honda gave Peugeot access to Japanese two-stroke engines, automatic transmissions, and electrical systems. The Peugeot SC, presented in 1983, was the company’s first plastic-bodied scooter and used 50 cc and 80 cc Honda-derived powertrain technology. Honda purchased 25 percent of Peugeot Motocycles in 1984, with PSA retaining the remaining 75 percent. Cooperation continued during the 1990s, and Peugeot later sold the Honda Foresight 250 as the Peugeot SV 250. Peugeot expanded manufacturing partnerships in Asia in the 2000s. In 2006 it formed Jinan Qingqi Peugeot Motorcycle, a 50–50 joint venture in China. The Jinan complex produced models for mainly European export markets, including the 103 Vogue, Kisbee, Citystar, V-Click, Ludix, and Django. In 2008 Peugeot signed an agreement with Sanyang Industry, commonly known as SYM, to use SYM technology and production arrangements. The Tweet and LXR were associated with this cooperation and shared substantial technical origins with SYM products while receiving Peugeot-specific styling and branding. The company closed its Dannemarie engine plant in December 2012. Production of some 50 cc and 125 cc engines was transferred to China. In October 2014 Mahindra & Mahindra acquired a 51 percent controlling stake, while PSA Group retained 49 percent and continued to provide access to the Peugeot brand identity. Mahindra later acquired full ownership in 2019. Under Mahindra ownership, Peugeot Motocycles continued producing scooters and three-wheelers with engines ranging from 50 cc to 500 cc. Its product portfolio included the urban Kisbee and Tweet, the retro-styled Django, the premium Pulsion, and the Metropolis three-wheeler. The company maintained production sites in Mandeure, France, and Jinan, China, and sold scooters internationally. Peugeot also returned to elite motorcycle racing in 2016 through a Moto3 project linked to Mahindra. The Peugeot MC Saxoprint team used Mahindra-based MGP3O machines for John McPhee and Alexis Masbou, with Albert Arenas later joining the team. McPhee won at Brno in wet conditions, giving Peugeot its first Grand Prix victory. The program continued in 2017 with Patrik Pulkkinen and Jakub Kornfeil before Peugeot and Mahindra withdrew at the end of that season. Mutares announced an agreement to acquire control of Peugeot Motocycles in November 2022 and completed the transaction in February 2023. The deal transferred control from Mahindra to the German holding company. Later in 2023 Peugeot Motocycles announced a partnership with DAB Motors focused on electric motorcycles, including plans to manufacture future DAB models at Mandeure. Reference material also records a 2025 partnership with Sherco for Peugeot-branded motorcycles and the presentation of the XP6 in enduro and supermotard forms at EICMA 2025; the long-term production and market status of that program requires verification.
- 2023
Mutares acquisition completed
[1]Mutares completed its acquisition and became the controlling shareholder of Peugeot Motocycles.
- 2023
DAB Motors electric-motorcycle partnership
[1]Peugeot Motocycles and DAB Motors partnered on the production and distribution of electric motorcycles.
- 2019
Mahindra becomes full owner
[1]Mahindra subsequently acquired the remaining interest in Peugeot Motocycles.
- 2016
Return to Moto3 competition
[1]Peugeot entered Moto3 with a Mahindra-linked project and won its first Grand Prix at Brno through John McPhee.
- 2014
Mahindra takes control
[1]Mahindra & Mahindra acquired a 51 percent controlling stake in Peugeot Motocycles.
- 2006
Jinan Qingqi Peugeot Motorcycle founded
[1]Peugeot and Jinan Qingqi created a 50–50 Chinese joint venture for scooter production.
- 1983
Peugeot SC scooter introduced
[1]The SC became Peugeot’s first plastic-bodied scooter and used Honda-derived two-stroke technology.
- 1930
Automoto is absorbed
[1]Peugeot absorbed Automoto, expanding its position in the French motorcycle sector.
- 1914
Peugeot 500 M appears
[1]The 500 M became an early 500 cc Peugeot motorcycle with a dual overhead camshaft engine.
- 1901
First production motorcycle
[1]Peugeot introduced a motorcycle using a Zürcher and Lüthi engine.
Products and positioning
A heritage French two-wheeler brand positioned around urban mobility, practical scooters, distinctive European styling, and selected premium, three-wheel, electric, and performance products.
Moped · 1972
Peugeot 103
Introduced in 1972, the Peugeot 103 became one of the company’s best-known moped families. It was sold in numerous configurations, including practical, sporting, off-road-styled, and special-edition variants such as the Vogue, SP, Land, Chrono, Electronics, TLX, RCX, Clip, FXR, CRX, and TSM. The range helped establish Peugeot’s mass-market reputation among European moped riders.
Urban scooter
Peugeot Kisbee
The Kisbee is a compact urban scooter designed around accessible operation, everyday commuting, and low-displacement practicality. It became one of Peugeot Motocycles’ internationally recognized scooter names and was among the models associated with production in the Jinan joint venture. The range has included combustion versions and market-specific variants.
Retro-style scooter
Peugeot Django
The Django is a retro-inspired scooter line that draws on Peugeot’s historical design themes while providing contemporary urban transport. It has been offered in multiple engine capacities and trims and became one of the brand’s principal lifestyle-oriented products. The model was also produced through Peugeot’s Chinese manufacturing partnership.
Urban scooter · 2009
Peugeot Tweet
The Tweet is a lightweight urban scooter associated with Peugeot’s cooperation with Sanyang Industry. It uses a platform related to the SYM Symphony, with Peugeot-specific styling and branding. The model targets city commuting and practical mobility, particularly in European markets.
Three-wheel scooter
Peugeot Metropolis
The Metropolis is Peugeot Motocycles’ large three-wheel scooter family. Its two front wheels are intended to provide additional stability compared with a conventional two-wheeler, while the larger engine and equipment position it above Peugeot’s small urban scooters. The model is a central expression of the brand’s premium urban-mobility strategy.
Premium urban scooter
Peugeot Pulsion
The Pulsion is a premium-oriented urban scooter developed for commuting and longer city journeys. It sits above Peugeot’s basic mobility models through more substantial equipment, styling, and rider-focused technology. The range represents the company’s effort to compete in the higher-value European scooter segment.
Sport scooter
Peugeot Speedfight
Speedfight is Peugeot’s long-running sporty scooter family. It is associated with youthful styling, compact dimensions, and performance-oriented presentation within the small-scooter market. The name has appeared across multiple generations and remains one of Peugeot Motocycles’ most recognizable product lines.
Electric scooter
Peugeot Scoot'Elec
The Scoot'Elec was an early Peugeot electric scooter project. It demonstrated the company’s interest in electric urban mobility before electric two-wheelers became a mainstream strategic category. Its historical importance lies in its position as an early battery-powered Peugeot scooter.
Electric scooter
Peugeot e-Vivacity
The e-Vivacity was an electric version of Peugeot’s Vivacity scooter concept. It extended the company’s urban product portfolio into zero-tailpipe-emission mobility and was aimed at short-distance city use. The model is primarily a historical product rather than a confirmed current offering.
Small motorcycle · 2025
Peugeot XP6
Reference material describes the XP6 as a Peugeot-branded motorcycle supplied through a partnership with Sherco. Enduro and supermotard versions were reportedly unveiled at EICMA 2025. Because the referenced launch is recent and future-facing relative to older encyclopedia material, production and retail availability should be independently confirmed.
Brand decisions
2023
Electric motorcycle partnership with DAB MotorsStrategyBackground
Peugeot Motocycles sought to expand beyond scooters and strengthen its participation in electric two-wheelers.
Action taken
The company partnered with DAB Motors on the production and distribution of electric motorcycles, with manufacturing planned at Mandeure.
Aftermath
The partnership created a route for Peugeot Motocycles to support electric motorcycle production in France.
2022
Mutares agrees to acquire controlM&ABackground
Mahindra sought a new ownership structure for Peugeot Motocycles.
Action taken
Mutares agreed to acquire 50 percent of the equity and 80 percent of the controlling rights.
Aftermath
The transaction was completed in February 2023 and transferred control to Mutares.
2017
Withdrawal from motorcycle Grand Prix racingStrategyBackground
Peugeot and Mahindra reassessed their motorsport priorities after the 2016–2017 Moto3 program.
Action taken
Both companies withdrew from motorcycle Grand Prix competition after the 2017 season.
Aftermath
Mahindra redirected strategic attention toward the FIA Formula E Championship.
2014
Mahindra acquires a controlling stakeM&ABackground
Peugeot Motocycles pursued a new ownership and industrial partner for international development.
Action taken
Mahindra & Mahindra acquired 51 percent of the company, while PSA retained 49 percent and the brand relationship.
Aftermath
The company operated under Mahindra control and later became wholly owned by Mahindra in 2019.
2012
Closure of the Dannemarie engine plantStrategyBackground
Peugeot reviewed its engine-manufacturing footprint amid international production changes.
Action taken
The Dannemarie plant was closed and part of its 50 cc and 125 cc engine production was relocated to Jinan.
Aftermath
The decision reduced French engine-production activity while increasing the role of the Chinese joint venture.
2006
Formation of Jinan Qingqi Peugeot MotorcycleM&ABackground
Peugeot sought additional manufacturing capacity and a lower-cost production base serving European export markets.
Action taken
Peugeot Motocycles and Jinan Qingqi formed a 50–50 joint venture in Jinan, China.
Aftermath
The venture produced several Peugeot mopeds and scooters, including the Kisbee, Citystar, V-Click, Ludix, and Django.
1981
Honda technology and component agreementStrategyBackground
Peugeot needed competitive scooter powertrains and components as the European scooter market evolved.
Action taken
The company agreed to purchase Honda two-stroke engines, variator transmissions, and electrical components for Peugeot scooters.
Aftermath
Honda-derived technology was used in later Peugeot scooter products, including the SC and SV families.
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