EXCLUSIVE: Could This Be Mahindra's First Indian E-scooter?

There’s something green and clean cooking in Mahindra’s two-wheeler kitchen

The booming electric two-wheeler space seems to now be attracting the biggies of the automotive world, as suggested by an interesting, exclusive spy shot emerging from Pune. A camouflaged electric scooter, which visually looks similar to the Peugeot Kisbee, has been spotted testing.

Interestingly, this test mule was spotted alongside a Bounce Infinity E1 and Ather 450X. These electric scooters were also accompanied by an ICE-powered Kisbee. While it is clear the prototype is undergoing a comprehensive benchmarking, Mahindra could bring the Peugeot brand to India with this electric scooter.

Wondering how Mahindra fits into the equation? Mahindra Two Wheelers Europe, a subsidiary of  Mahindra & Mahindra, acquired 51 percent equity stake in Peugeot Motorcycles in January 2015. In 2019, Mahindra shipped its first batch of the E-Ludix electric scooter to Peugeot, making it the first electric two-wheeler to be exported from India to the EU.

Well, now Mahindra looks to be benchmarking an electric version of the Kisbee, which originally is a 50cc, four-stroke scooter that develops 3.5PS and 3.2Nm. Expect the electric version of the Kisbee, based on the same frame, to also pack similar performance, pitting it against the likes of the Bounce Infinity E1. That said, swappable battery tech is unlikely, as it would require major changes to the chassis. This engineering model is similar to what Suzuki has done with the Burgman Electric, which is an electric version of the Burgman Street.

Considering the presence of the Ather 450X during the benchmarking phase, we expect this upcoming electric scooter to have features similar to the Ather. Thus, initial impressions of the electric version of the Kisbee paint a picture of an affordable, feature-loaded urban electric scooter. If Mahindra brings the Peugeot brand in India, expect this e-scooter to be a premium offering. Mahindra could either make use of its Mojo dealerships or set up Peugeot dealers in a few key cities.

Stay tuned to BikeDekho for more updates on this development, along with everything that’s new in the world of two-wheelers.