# Retro Race-Ready Motorcycles Madella Simone Updates the Classic Peugeot 515 for the 21st Century By Michael Hines | Published 2011-09-07 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peugeot-515 References: [yankodesign](http://www.yankodesign.com/2011/09/02/modern-twist-on-the-classic-peugeot/) Designer Madella Simone is reaching back into the past for her latest design, the [Peugeot](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2023-peugeot-estreetzone) 515. The Peugeot 515 is inspired by the record-breaking bike of the same name released all the way back in 1933. Unlike the original Peugeot 515, which ran on a 4-stroke gas engine, Simone's updated version is powered by a lithium-ion battery located in the rear wheel. The original 515 was a speed demon that set a new world record at the 24 hour Montihery race in 1933. This modernized version looks to be no different, with its massive rear-wheel and two-wheel stabilizing system indicating a need for speed. Recently, a growing number of designers have been [looking towards the past](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mod-easy-sidecar-sahara) to design the concept motorcycles of the future. Don't be surprised if the roadways of the future are jammed with [electric motorcycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antic-by-future-motion) that look like they belong in the early 20th century. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.4/10 - Popularity: 81% | Activity: 74% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Retro-inspired Electric Motorcycles:** The trend of designing electric motorcycles with a retro aesthetic and modern technology is gaining popularity. - **Lithium-ion Battery-powered Motorcycles:** The use of lithium-ion batteries to power motorcycles is a disruptive innovation opportunity in the motorcycle industry. - **Future of Vintage-inspired Transportation:** Designers are creating concept motorcycles that blend vintage design with futuristic elements, hinting at a potential future trend. ### Where This Applies - **Motorcycle Manufacturing:** Motorcycle manufacturers can explore the market for retro-designed electric motorcycles to attract customers with a unique aesthetic and innovative technology. - **Battery Technology:** The advancement of lithium-ion battery technology for motorcycle applications presents opportunities for battery manufacturers to tap into the growing electric motorcycle market. - **Design and Innovation:** The design and innovation industry can capitalize on the trend of blending vintage-inspired design with modern technology to create unique and futuristic transportation concepts. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Updated Electric Motor Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dab-1.md) - [Retro-Inspired Electric Motorcycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beachman.md) - [60s-Inspired Electric Superbikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robert-turner.md) - [Ultra-Modern Moped Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moppe-apparatus-tdmp1.md) - [Cyberpunk-Inspired Electric Motorcycle Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-motorcycle-concept1.md) - [Tech-Influenced Racer Motorcycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cafe-racer-concept.md) - [Tech-Packed Electric Cafe Racers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecaf-racer-by-ox.md) - [Retro-Style Electric Motorbikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rm1s.md) - [Manga-Influenced Electric Motorcycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2025-ichiban-electric-motorcycle.md)