Small capacity scooter sales are on the up but Peugeot have knocked £450 off the list price of their Kisbee 50 until the end of February. Marketed as a compact entry-level scooter the Kisbee ticks all the right boxes; it’s easy to ride, stylish, and well built. It’s also great value, with a price tag of just £1229 (£1679 after promotion ends) you can add affordable to that list of attributes as well.

The Kisbee has been around for a couple of years now so there will be a few used ones knocking about, expect to pay around £900-£1000 for a 2011 model. The Kisbee has just been revamped for 2013 as well so expect some good discounts on existing stock so there should be a bargain to be had if you shop around. If you would prefer the updated Kisbee Sportline model, it has a more economical engine (100mpg claimed), Peugeot World Rally Championship paintwork and a wavy front disk, all for the same great price.

The original Kisbee (as tested here) was based on an updated Peugeot design but the existing four stroke, air cooled motor had a whole load of improvements, including: a new crankcase and cylinder head, lighter piston and con rod, a new air filter and exhaust, new transmission and a heated carb to improve cold starting. The engine also comes with an electronic restrictor, which governs the maximum speed. This is good news in a way because it means a dealer will be able to remove it quickly if your licence permits you to ride a derestricted scooter. It also means that the scooter will make peak power whether you’re riding up hill, or two up.

Sitting on the Kisbee for the first time at the original launch in Amsterdam my initial thoughts were that the riding position, seat height and controls all felt ‘right’ and I was impressed at just how good the scooter looks in the five colour choices (black, white, orange, blue and silver). The engine started quickly on the button and the scooter pulled away cleanly and accelerated quite well up to 30mph when the restrictor abruptly cuts in. With an electronic restrictor there’s no way you’ll push the needle over 30mph, even downhill with your head flat on the bars. I found it was better to ride at just less than full throttle, which saves a bit of fuel and make the ride smoother.

The Kisbee coped admirably with all types of road surfaces on the launch, as did the suspension, which felt quite plush, even when negotiating cobbles. The front disk brake and rear drum were both up to the job, neither was over powerful but when used together they would stop the scooter very well and in complete control. Having a short wheelbase makes the scooter very nimble and surefooted, especially at slower speeds – great for getting through busy city traffic and on a practical level the Kisbee has all the things a small capacity scooter should have. It’s got an electric start, flat floorboards and a hook for hanging your shopping on. It also has a deceivingly spacious underseat storage space (which will swallow a full face helmet). The Kisbee also comes with a dual saddle and flip out pegs should you wish to take a pillion. It’s also light, has a low seat height and a good turning circle so it’s easy to turn in the road, making it perfect for a novice. Economy is a word on everybody’s mind these days and Peugeot claim a 125 mile tank range from the 6.5 litre tank, which works out at around 87mpg, a figure not to be sniffed at, buy the new one and it’s even cheaper to run. If you want to take advantage of the Kisbee promotion simply visit the Peugeot Scooters website and download the voucher.