Although predecessors existed in the twenties and thirties, the scooter took off after the Second World War, with the emblematic figure of the Piaggio Vespa. It went beyond the realm of a fashion phenomenon, sweeping along like a tidal wave, and causing a temporary decline in the motorcycle.

Peugeot presented its first scooter, the S 55, at the Paris Exhibition in 1953. It had a classic design, and its enclosed bodywork, shaped rather like the contemporary 203, and complete fittings were the characteristic marks of a car manufacturer. The mechanics of the 125 cc two stroke were borrowed from the P 55 motorcycle, but were nevertheless adapted to their new use, in particular by the addition of a cooling turbine.

The S 55 was to have a brief career, since, just one year after its launch, it was replaced by the S 57. It was actually the same machine with some slight modifications — it now had handle gear change. Two additional versions were brought out in 1955, the S 57 AL (AL signifying "light"), which was an economical version, and the S 157, a 150 cc with an adapted P 155 motorcycle engine. The P 55 was intended primarily for export.

The scooter underwent a slight facelift in 1956 (the S 57 B), along with a few technical developments. The following year the S 57 C was fitted with a mobile front mudguard.

In 1956, two servicemen returning from Indochina made the journey from Saigon to Paris on Peugeot scooters. They left Saigon on 21st April and reached the French capital on 25th August, having crossed Cambodia, Siam, India, Iran, Turkey, Yugoslavia and Italy.

With just a few differences in appearance, Peugeot scooters are also sold under the Griffon brand, based in Beaulieu, and the Automoto brand, a St Etienne company that became part of the Peugeot empire in 1930.

Following a short decline, the scooter came back into favour in the 1970s and 80s. In 1984, Honda acquired a stake in the engine manufacturer, Société Mécanique du Haut-Rhin, a subsidiary of Cycles Peugeot. Honda subsequently acquired a 25% holding in Peugeot Motocycles (PMTC). There followed a relaunch of the scooter range.

A new generation appeared with the launch of the Fox in 1993. A whole range was manufactured, with the Zenith, Buxy and Speedake (a sports model), and the Elyséo in 1997. In 2002, The Elystar was fitted with an injection engine and a sophisticated braking system. The following year, the Jet Force also underwent a considerable change that became typical of scooters: from now on they were to be constructed like motorcycles. It was followed by the Ludix in 2004. In addition, an electric scooter, the Scoot’elec, was launched after having been trialed in Strasbourg in 1996.
PSA, which now owns 100% of its Motorcycles subsidiary, is currently one of the key players in the French scooter market. Peugeot offers a wide range of 50 cc, 125 cc and 250 cc scooters. It is also represented in the high-powered scooter niche, which is a recent trend, with its 400 cc and 500 cc engines.