Picture zipping through Paris or Rome on a scooter, weaving past traffic and parking with a smug grin. In Europe, scooters like those from the new Kisbee brand by Peugeot Motocycles are the go-to for urban life. They’re cheap, nimble, and perfect for cities where streets are tight and everything’s pretty close by.
But in the US, it’s a different scene. Pretty much everyone has a truck—even folks who don’t really need them. And those who choose to go on two wheels choose big cruisers, superbikes, or big-bore ADVs—or at least most of them do.
So, what’s up with this two-wheeled divide, and could Kisbee’s city-friendly scooters ever catch on stateside?
The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (also known as ACEM) says over 1.5 million scooters and mopeds hit the roads in 2023, especially models under 125cc. They’re affordable to buy, sip gas, and don’t need a fancy license. Plus, they’re pretty fun to ride, too. This is where Kisbee, a new scooter brand from French company Peugeot Motocycles, comes in, aiming to make urban rides even easier.
But first, let’s talk Peugeot Motocycles. First off, that “Motocycles” spelling? It’s not a typo—it’s French for motorcycles, and I’m picturing someone in a beret laughing at us while eating a croissant. Also important to note here is that this Peugeot has no relation to Peugeot cars or Stellantis. Peugeot’s motorcycle brand has been making two-wheelers since 1898, and now operates under India’s Mahindra Group.
They’re big in Europe, and in 2025, they turned their Kisbee scooter line into its own brand. This is a pretty smart move as Kisbee, particularly the 50cc model, has been a top seller for years, and now it’s ready to shine solo.
Kisbee’s all about keeping things straightforward. Forget confusing model names; they're using S, M, L, XL, like picking a shirt from Uni Qlo. The S is compact for city hops, the M’s got bigger wheels for smoother rides, and there’s an electric SE for those who want to switch to electric power. It’s built for regular folks—students, workers, anyone dodging parking nightmares. With over 200,000 scooters sold since 2010, Kisbee knows what it's doing, and focuses on reliability and low prices.
Speaking of pricing, Kisbee’s scooters are a steal in Europe. The S starts at €1,899 (around $2,028 USD), with sporty versions at €2,099 ($2,242). The electric SE runs €2,999 ($3,203), and the 125cc M is €2,599 ($2,776). They’re hitting dealers across France, Italy, and Spain.
Sadly, no US plans yet.
Obviously, this begs the question: could Kisbee scooters pop off in the US? It’s a stretch—American car culture’s strong, and scooters scream “cute” over “badass.” But with cities getting denser and delivery riders buzzing around, maybe there’s hope. A $2,000 scooter for errands or work sounds sweet, right?
So will we ever see Kisbee-style rides everywhere, or are we stuck with SUVs and cruisers? I’m curious—what’s your take? Sound off in the comments below.
Sources: Peugeot Motocycles, Le Repaire Des Motards
