At a glance
- A 125 cc scooter requires a B licence + 7h training (mandatory since 2011 for car licence holders).
- The best value for money remains the Honda PCX 125 at 3 649 euros, king of the category for 15 years.
- Equivalent electric 125 scooters start at 4 500 euros before eco bonus but offer only 80 to 120 km range.
The 125 scooter remains the most practical vehicle for French city riding: immune to traffic jams, easy to park, efficient. Over 200 000 125 scooters are registered each year in France, i.e. 40% of the two-wheeler market. To rank the best 2026 models, we compared 10 thermal and electric scooters on the criteria that matter: price, consumption, equipment and comfort. See also our wider selection of two-wheelers for individuals.
Top 10 125 scooters in 2026
| Rank | Model | Type | Power | Boot | 2026 price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 ⭐ | Honda PCX 125 | Thermal | 9.2 kW (12.5 hp) | 30 L | 3 649 € |
| 2 | Yamaha XMAX 125 | Thermal | 9 kW (12.2 hp) | 45 L ⭐ | 5 999 € |
| 3 | Piaggio Medley 125 | Thermal | 11 kW (15 hp) ⭐ | 36 L | 4 499 € |
| 4 | Honda Forza 125 | Thermal | 9.3 kW (12.6 hp) | 48 L | 6 299 € |
| 5 | Kymco Agility 125 R16+ | Thermal | 8 kW (10.9 hp) | 27 L | 2 499 € |
| 6 | Peugeot Django 125 | Thermal | 7.7 kW (10.5 hp) | 18 L | 3 799 € |
| 7 | Sym Fiddle 125 | Thermal | 8.1 kW (11 hp) | 27 L | 2 999 € |
| 8 | BMW C 400 X (equivalent 125) | Thermal | 26 kW (35 hp) | 32 L | 8 790 € |
| 9 | Silence S01 Connected | Electric | 7 kW (9.5 hp) | 30 L | 6 490 € |
| 10 | Super Soco CPx Max | Electric | 8 kW (10.9 hp) | 32 L | 5 990 € |
1. Honda PCX 125, the undisputed king
Launched in 2010, the Honda PCX has dominated the market for 15 years for good reason: ultra-frugal eSP++ engine (2.1 l/100 km), unbeatable value, proverbial reliability, timeless design. The 30-litre boot accepts a jumbo full-face helmet + a demi-jet helmet.
2026 price: 3 649 euros. The default choice for a first 125 scooter.
2. Yamaha XMAX 125, the segment GT
With its extensive aerodynamic protection, 15-inch wheels, TFT colour and 45-litre boot (2 full-face helmets), the XMAX 125 is the accessible grand tourer scooter.
Price: 5 999 euros. Our choice for long daily commutes (>20 km).
3. Piaggio Medley 125, the most powerful
With its 15 horsepower (vs 10-12 for competitors), the Medley 125 is France’s most performant 125 scooter available.
Price: 4 499 euros.
4. Honda Forza 125, the PCX’s big brother
GT version of the PCX: huge 48-litre boot, more comfortable seat, marked aerodynamic protection, front fairing with lockable compartment, remote boot opening.
Price: 6 299 euros.
5. Kymco Agility 125 R16+, the low-price value
The cheapest 125 scooter on the market at 2 499 euros new, while offering 16-inch wheels and standard ABS.
6. Peugeot Django 125, the retro scooter
Vintage 1960s design that appeals to a clientele seeking originality.
Price: 3 799 euros.
7. Sym Fiddle 125, the under 3 000 euro alternative
2 999 euros new.
8. BMW C 400 X, the premium alternative
A 350 cc restricted to 35 hp accessible with B licence + 125 under certain conditions. Premium BMW equipment.
Price: 8 790 euros.
9. Silence S01 Connected, the urban electric
Electric scooter equivalent to 125 (7 kW), real-world range 95 to 120 km, removable battery (20 kg) for home charging without dedicated outlet.
Price: 6 490 euros before bonus. With the 2026 ecological bonus (900 euros), bill at 5 590 euros.
10. Super Soco CPx Max, the entry-level electric
Simpler than the Silence but 1 000 euros cheaper. More modest range (70 to 90 km).
How to choose your 125 scooter
Main use: urban or mixed
- 100% urban (under 15 km per trip): PCX 125, Django 125, Agility 125
- Mixed urban + beltway (15-40 km per trip): XMAX 125, Medley 125, Forza 125
- Long daily trips (>40 km): BMW C 400 X or faired 125 bike
Boot size
- 1 helmet enough: PCX, Django, Agility (18-30 L)
- 2 helmets needed: XMAX, Forza, Medley (36-48 L)
Thermal or electric
- Thermal if range > 100 km/day or no home charging
- Electric if exclusive urban use, easy home charging
Budget
- Under 3 000 euros: Agility 125, Sym Fiddle
- 3 500 to 5 000 euros: PCX 125, Django 125
- 5 000 to 7 000 euros: XMAX 125, Medley 125, Silence S01
- Over 7 000 euros: Forza, BMW C 400 X
The real 3-year budget for a 125 scooter
Estimate over 3 years and 18 000 km for 3 representative scooters.
| Item | Honda PCX 125 | Yamaha XMAX 125 | Silence S01 (elec.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | 3 649 € ⭐ | 5 999 € | 6 490 € |
| 2026 ecological bonus | 0 € | 0 € | -900 € ⭐ |
| 3-year full insurance | 1 200 € ⭐ | 1 500 € | 1 350 € |
| Fuel/electricity (18 000 km) | 680 € | 720 € | 300 € ⭐ |
| Maintenance + tyres | 600 € ⭐ | 780 € | 450 € |
| 3-year depreciation (60% residual) | -2 189 € | -3 599 € | -3 354 € ⭐ |
| Total cost | 3 940 € ⭐ | 5 400 € | 4 336 € |
Practical tips for first purchase
Mandatory 7h training
Since 2011, B licence holders must complete a 7-hour training to ride a 125 cc scooter. Cost: 250 to 400 euros at an accredited school.
Mandatory equipment
Homologated helmet (ECE 22.06) and homologated CE gloves are mandatory. 68 euro fine otherwise.
Mandatory insurance
Third-party insurance minimum is mandatory. Count:
- Third-party: 300 to 500 €/year
- Third-party + theft + fire: 500 to 700 €/year
- Full coverage: 600 to 900 €/year
Regular maintenance
A 125 scooter needs servicing every 6 000 km. Average cost: 150 to 250 euros per service.
For pre-purchase checkpoints, see our used car buying guide, also valid for two-wheelers.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best 125 scooter in 2026?
The Honda PCX 125 at 3 649 euros remains the best value: record consumption (2.1 l/100 km), recognised reliability, easy resale. For superior comfort and long rides, the Yamaha XMAX 125 at 5 999 euros dominates the grand touring category.
Can I ride a 125 scooter with B licence?
Yes, provided you’ve had the B licence for over 2 years and completed the mandatory 7-hour training. Without these 2 conditions, you need the A1 licence via practical exam.
What consumption for a 125 scooter?
Between 2.1 l/100 km for a Honda PCX 125 (best on market) and 3.2 l/100 km for a sporty scooter like the Piaggio Medley 125. Average: 2.5 to 3 l/100 km in normal urban riding.
Thermal or electric 125 scooter?
Thermal if your use includes trips over 50 km non-stop or if you have no home charging. Electric if exclusive urban use with home charging.
How much insurance for a 125 scooter?
Between 400 and 900 euros per year depending on formula (third-party or full), geographic zone, driver profile and model.
Which 125 scooter for 2 people?
Favour GT scooters with large seat: Yamaha XMAX 125 or Honda Forza 125.
How long does a 125 scooter last?
With regular maintenance (servicing every 6 000 km), a brand 125 scooter (Honda, Yamaha, Piaggio) can reach 80 000 to 100 000 km without major intervention.