Will the US Get Peugeot’s E-Bikes Before Its Cars?
More and more vehicle manufacturers are getting into electric bicycles. Jeep’s partnered with one e-bike company. And for motorcycle brands Ducati and Triumph, it’s less than they’re offering bicycles so much as getting back into them. But there’s another brand, trying to return to the US, that’s also expanding its e-bike lineup: Peugeot.
Peugeot’s newest e-bikes
Peugeot has a long and somewhat meandering history involving bicycles. Before it ever made cars, the French brand actually started off producing pepper mills and bikes. In the 60s, it was one of the first companies to offer a truly affordable high-performance road bike, the PX-10, Bicycling reports.
Today, the Peugeot cycling brand is separate from the automotive company. But it’s still going strong, producing both conventional bikes and e-bikes. Its e-bike lineup, up until now, has included road bikes, mountain bikes, and even folding bikes.
The new ‘Crossover’ line, though, are hybrid e-bikes, which split the difference between road and mountain bikes. Each Peugeot eT01 Crossover bike comes with an aluminum frame, in either a traditional or step-through ‘Mixt’ design. Integrated with the frame is the Bosch battery pack.
The new Crossover e-bikes come in 4 trim levels. All 4 feature Hutchinson Python 2 mountain-bike-style tires, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, and front forks. But, while the D9 and D10 are hardtails, the FS and FS Equipped are full-suspension bikes. In addition, the D10 and FS Equipped come with a mudguard, a luggage rack, as well as front and rear lights.
The Peugeot eT01 Crossover lineup also differs based on battery capacity and motor output. The D9 and FS have a 30 lb-ft motor and a 400-Wh battery. The D10 and FS Equipped, meanwhile, have a 45 lb-ft motor and a 500-Wh battery. Regardless of trim, though, each e-bike has a claimed 68-mile range.
Pricing and US availability
The D9 is the cheapest of the Peugeot eT01 Crossover line, with an approximate starting price of $2910. The D10 and FS cost $3845, while the FS Equipped costs $4660.
However, as of this writing, the Peugeot bicycle brand faces the same problem as the automotive brand: lack of US presence. But importing an e-bike into the US is significantly easier than importing a car. The biggest hurdle will likely be shipping the lithium-ion battery pack over.
The car company is planning a return to the US. Though it’s unknown how the merger with FCA will affect these plans. It’s possible the brand itself may not return, even if some of its vehicles will.
Peugeot’s e-bikes vs. the competition
Price-wise, Peugeot’s e-bikes compare very favorably with the competition.
The Jeep-branded bike, for example, starts at $6299. And thanks to its wide tires, it only has a 40-mile range. Though it is worth pointing out Jeep’s bike is more capable when it comes to actual off-roading.
Ducati’s cheapest e-bike, the hybrid e-Scrambler, only undercuts the FS Equipped in price. However, it does have a slightly larger battery than any of Peugeot’s eT01 Crossovers. And as of this writing, US availability is limited.
At $3750, the Triumph Trekker GT is a better rival for the eT01 line. Especially given that it will be available in the US. It too has an aluminum frame, hydraulic disc brakes, and a hybrid design. But its range, a claimed 90 miles, is significantly better.
However, if you’re OK with giving up the front suspension forks, Bicycling recommends the $2200 Batch E-Commuter. The solid forks and slimmer tires are better-suited to urban riding. But not only is it cheaper, but it also delivers a claimed 80 miles of range.
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