Taking up the thin and light size of the brand’s urban best-seller, the Ludix, which has become electric, remains a handy and easy machine, pleasant in town. But also a basic scooter, here with a price at the level of sometimes more upscale competition and with more autonomy.
After a first foray as a precursor of urban electric scooters with its Scoot’elec from the 90s, then the e-Vivacity from the 2010s, Peugeot Motocycles now offers in its range a 100% trendy version of its little Ludix, an entry-level electric scooter ultra-simple range, which has been a great success in the thermal version.
The venerable French brand based in Mandeure, in the Doubs, since 1898 has for some time been 100% owned by the Indian group Mahindra, and it is in this country that the scooter is manufactured. Its complete electrical system (battery, brushless in the central position, controller, dashboard) is however signed Bosch, a reassuring reference. Everything is designed and manufactured in Europe.
Peugeot e-LudixTechnical sheet
| Model | Peugeot e-Ludix |
|---|---|
| Displacement | Equivalent 50 |
| Engine power | 2.5kW |
| Maximum torque | 35Nm |
| Number of assists | 4 |
| Battery technology | Li-ion |
| Range indicated | 42km |
| Announced recharge time | 240 minutes |
| Removable battery | Yes |
| Number of battery slots | 1 |
| Bluetooth | No |
| GPS | No |
| Electronic Screen | Yes |
| Dimensions | 113.4 x 67 x 177cm |
| permit | AT |
| Color | Black, White, Red |
| Integrated anti-theft | Yes |
Product sheet |
Peugeot e-LudixDesign
A watchword for the design of this little scooter: simplicity. Perched on its large 14-inch wheels with three-twin-spoke black aluminum rims, with an exposed tubular frame and basic raw plastics, the e-Ludix is available in three colors (matte black, white or orange). Our raw black version lacks whimsy but its lines are pleasing to the eye.
The rear wheel is free in the absence of exhaust – obviously -, is equipped with a single shock absorber and a single arm giving it a very refined appearance, at least on the right side. Nothing specifies at first glance that it is a zero emission model and no electric logo is applied. Just can we read the name of the model on the side.
The handlebar does not bother with a fairing: the small headlight is integrated into the narrow front apron and the floor is not flat, unlike the majority of scooters, which limits the carrying of luggage to his feet (a hook will however allow you to hang a small bag). The practical aspects are not its strong point anyway, with a dedicated saddle box… for the only removable battery – we will come back to this.
No glove box on the program either. The saddle height is relatively high (81 cm), but thanks to the narrowness of the whole, it is not a handicap for an average size.
As for the digital dashboard, its liquid crystal display old school 4.4 inches lacks visibility and turns out to be a little small to be very readable. The information is complete, with both the percentage of battery charge and the remaining mileage (a good point: it’s rare!), the average speed, the time…
Fixed side lights complete the offer, along with indicators and headlights. Unfortunately, no ABS is on the program. No more than connectivity, despite the Bluetooth logo. These possibilities are normally offered by the Bosch system, but on other models in this case. The stalks are very classic, with the legal minimum and three control buttons for the on-board screen.
The set is given for 88 kg in all, while the battery alone weighs about 11 kg. Housed under the saddle, it takes up almost all the available space and is easily removable with its strap system.
Peugeot e-LudixConduct
The grip of the e-Ludix is very natural and will not distract those accustomed to its thermal version, the noise less naturally. Only the starting procedure annoys, with the simultaneous support of a brake lever and a button on the commodo. Once launched, the little Peugeot accompanies its evolutions with a light engine noise (without being annoying), which is not a bad thing to help pedestrians hear it.
Several driving modes are offered with, from the most “efficient” to the most economical: Boost, Cruise, Go, Neutral and Crawl. A reverse gear is also on the program with this last mode, but with 88 kilos of mass, it will only be useful for maneuvers on very steep streets.
In Boost mode, the accelerations are convincing, frank and effective for weaving through urban traffic, leaving cars behind on green lights and ensuring sufficient acceleration. The maneuverability in traffic is very appreciable, as well as the smoothness of the engine at low speed and the narrow and compact size of the machine.
The distilled comfort is very correct, despite a fairly basic damping. The saddle is flexible, even soft, contributing to the soft feel. As a duo, it is too short to offer great comfort and this will remain a troubleshooting solution. Solid footrests and an integrated grab handle, however, help the passenger to feel more welcome.
On the braking side, the small front disc does its job but the rear drum remains light and can easily block. Sufficient for normal use but be careful to dose the two handles well in the event of more sustained braking.
Peugeot e-LudixAutonomy and charging
The limited autonomy of the e-Ludix is clearly one of the faults: despite a little help thanks to the recovery of energy during braking, it does not work miracles. Instead, it will be necessary to rely on a range limited to around thirty kilometers in lively driving, or even around forty in economy mode. Suffice to say that this will not be enough for all uses.
It is up to everyone to take this constraint into account, knowing that for most daily urban journeys, this may be enough if you have a fixed route and can easily recharge each day. But it’s really too fair for professional use. The 500 W and 9 A charger allows an 80% recharge in 3 hours and 100% in 4 hours.
Peugeot e-LudixPrice and availability
Peugeot places its electric scooter at the level of the most expensive 50cc equivalent models, which is not entirely logical given its performance and its presentation. At 3,490 euros, it is more expensive than a Piaggio 1 with a larger battery or an Unu, which is more comfortable and practical. To soften the bill, he can of course benefit from a conversion bonus of up to 1,100 euros and 400 euros in aid in Paris, for example.
Photo credit: NV/Peugeot