A retrofined cyclo as we like!

What if you drive in 103? For this second electrified model signed Noil, we chose the legendary little moped of the lion. On the program: a real peugeot 103 of the period, converted to the electric by the French specialist in retrofit on two-wheelers. And as much to tell you that it sends, in style.

It was just a year ago. We presented you the Noil Solex 3800: a solex all that is most authentic, converted to electric. The objective? Give a second life to a period two-wheeler, thanks to the retrofit. Like the latter, the Peugeot 103 is entitled to a second breath. Complete repair, essential components refurbished, passage in painting … all while retaining the aspect and the sensations of the period. Over 50 after its release, the legendary Peugeot 103 strokes and gets up to date. So what does it give to the handlebars?

The Peugeot 103 on the look side: “I recognized it from afar! »»

« But not serious, is it a real one? », « Wow I had one, 40 years ago young man ». And these are only a few of the reactions that the little moped arouses. You will understand, our Peugeot 103 has everything of a real one, and for good reason. It is indeed a real copy of the time, completely refurbished and converted to the electric by Noil. In this sense, we find the small compact and threads, with large bikes. Square lighthouse, dressing grid of the sound warning, Peugeot logos on the ex-reservoir, original frame … Our 103 Orange Pétard does not go unnoticed. The style is as faithful as possible, since even the engine is visually present under the machine. The only detail that betrays its electrical nature? The battery located at the rear. As on the electric solex, it also contributes to the good distribution of the masses, as we will see.

For the rest, this Peugeot 103 therefore resumes pedals, mudguards, stick rims on our model, and classic saddle. The moped keeps its compact format, camped on its 17 -inch wheels. Or 1.73 m long, for only 63 cm wide thanks to the curved handlebars. The most tatillons will appreciate the work of restoration by Noil, very neat. If the state can naturally vary depending on the original model, it is clear that our copy seems like new. Located in Montreuil, the retrofit specialist offers quality work, nothing to say about it!

On the handlebars: period experience, current simplicity

The Peugeot 103 is a big bike. And as for a bike: we get on, put your hands on the handlebars, feet on the pedals, and off we go. At the time, starting the moped was a whole ritual. First, it was necessary to activate the starter on the left. Then open the gas handle and activate the decompression lever on the right. Finally, put a franc pedal to launch the heat engine. From now on, we take advantage of the simplicity of an electrical system since it is enough to put the key on on the battery side … and to activate the switch dedicated to the handlebars. That’s it, our electric 103 is ready to leave. The old -fashioned experience is on board that we find it. We take place on the spring saddle, wide and bouncing. Old -fashioned. Our feet pedal freely rather than rest awkwardly on the narrow “floor”. Old -fashioned.

On the handlebars, it’s very easy. Brake levers, a button for the sound warning on the left, and that’s it. Just below, we can have the small needle counter, absent on our Peugeot 103 test. As a reminder, the period counter climbed to 70 km/h, even 80 km/h on certain versions. In reality, the little two-wheeler was given for 45 km/h, quite simply. The regulars of modern motorcycles and bikes are likely to be surprised by the narrowness of the handlebars and the lightness of the front axle. Fortunately, we can count on the battery, which improves the distribution of the masses. What the 103 loses in the engine, it recovers it at the back. Result: a 50 kg machine, more balanced and therefore made more handy and secure today. Small detail, but not the least: it is quite possible to order indicators and mirrors with Noil.

Performances and maneuverability: up to 45 km/h

The original Peugeot 103 was a 49 cc 2 -stroke engine capable of climbing at 45 km/h. In fact, it was quite easily 51 km/h real. It is clear that, if it no longer makes noise, the electric retrofit proposed by Noil has just as much fishing. Our model is all the more silent since it only heard the original transmission by belt and by chain. This contributes to the very authentic appearance of the small machine. At the handle, the acceleration of the 1.4 kW engine is very progressive, allowing precise control to very (very) low speed. Well, it is not anyway the weight that is problematic. You just have to go down and move the 50 kg of 103 by hand roughly as you wish. The “Mob” makes us comfortable and confidently quickly, thanks to a refurbished cycle part.

Be careful however, because this cycle part is the same as at the origin, and is in no way updated. Understand that if the Peugeot 103 is reactive and agile to take, it brakes as at the time. That is to say not really. Certainly our test model invites us to take a look, and to give rhythm even in the small curves. But it will still be necessary to anticipate the braking, very soft even by firmly catching the levers. But that’s also the old -fashioned experience. Speaking of raw sensations, note the firmness of the whole. Inevitably, the only cushioning is entrusted to the spring of the saddle. It will therefore be necessary to prepare to take dry returns in the wrists in the event of an accidental road … which are in any case the predilection ground for Noil Peugeot 103.

Autonomy and recharge: up to 60 km?

The power supply to the Peugeot 103 retrofité is based on a removable 1.4 kWh battery, housed in the luggage rack. Easy to extract and install, it is secured by a key lock. Noil announces “between 45 and 60 km” of autonomy on a full load. This depending of course on driving, on-board weight, route and external temperatures. It will therefore take a featherweight, dish and optimal weather, all at 30 km/h, to reach the high edge. With a driver of 75 kg (myself) and urban/peri-urban courses, we can count on 40 real km. This at 40-45 km/h constant with quite little elevation.

In view of the nature of two-wheelers, and its limits in terms of comfort and dynamic qualities (era obliges) it is a safe bet that it will especially serve for small journeys rather than chaining the kilometers with every day. Regarding recharging, the removable battery requires approximately 4:30 for a complete cycle. Allow 3:30 for 80%, and a charging cost estimated at € 0.30. Thanks to its simple connection, like that of an electric bike, it is easy to handle. No problem to remove it regularly in order to go through the recharging box, and slip it again in the Peugeot 103.

Noil e-Peugeot 103: a kit sold at € 499, a deducted bonus!

Our “e-Peugeot 103” is therefore a small two-wheeler that combines the charm of its time, with electric zero emission of today. Enough to offer both refurbished components, while maintaining an experience “in your juice”. Inevitably, this is a machine rather dedicated to short everyday walks, rather than taking the road. But its real highlight is that it gives a second life to the Peugeot 103, like the rest of the models electrified by Noil. The conversion kit starts at € 999, before regional help of € 500 for Ile -de -France residents for example. This amounts to € 499 for a tax income per share of less than € 26,200! To do this, simply provide your old 103 (S, V, VS, C1A, T051, T052, T053, T054, T056, VX51) directly to Noil or to a partner.

All models are compatible, except for 103 RCX. Noil offers a turnkey offer including gray card, insurance, and Crit’Air vignette, even if your 103 has never been registered. And if you do not have 103 original, but you are seduced, you can buy it directly reconditioned and electrified from € 3,199 € (yes, it’s a bit expensive!). Blue, black, orange, with or without luggage racks (€ 75), on delivery everywhere in France (180 €), or back directly from Noil in Montreuil, it’s up to you. Again, € 500 in additional aid for the Métropole du Grand Paris and Rouen Métropole Normandie. So what do you think?