Peugeot Satelis 500 (2007-current)

Scooter engines will always be uninspiring thanks to the CVT transmission which makes power delivery completely flat, but for commuting the Satelis 500’s fast pick-up and acceleration are ideal. It’s smooth and quiet at motorway speed too, though using the throttle hard makes the fuel gauge drop quickly.

The small-wheel design means scything acoss down through small gaps and tight turns is easy, but the pay-off is a twitchy, wobbly feel at speed and a tendency to crash over bumps and potholes. The suspension quality is OK, but can’t mask the fundamental handling issues caused by a rearward weight bias (common to most scooters in fairness). Ride it gently and it’s OK though. The exhaust and centre stand stick out past the wide engine – it’s easy to catch them in narrow gaps, so be aware.

Whoever was the first person who was described as ‘couldn’t get wet if it rained’ probably rode a Satelis. The enveloping bodywork and screen keep the worst of the weather off the rider, and despite being more compact then many large-capacity scooters there’s enough room for our 6ft tester. The pillion seat is spacious, and the underseat storage will take a full-face helmet (if you lie it on it’s side). There’s a locking cubby hole in the fairing too. A fuel gauge and clock are useful features on the classy-looking dash. Compare and buy parts for the Peugeot Satelis 500 in the MCN Shop.