Choosing a maxi scooter 400cc means balancing between seat comfort, engine torque, and budget. This engine size covers both daily city commutes and quick escapes on highways, without requiring the power (or price) of a 500cc model or higher. To establish this ranking, three criteria were considered: performance at low and mid-range RPMs, comfort on mixed journeys, and the price/equipment ratio. Here are ten models that deserve your attention in 2026.
1. Peugeot XP400
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The Peugeot XP400 features a PowerMotion 400cc engine delivering 36.7 hp at 8,150 rpm and 38.1 Nm of torque at 5,400 rpm. Peugeot Motocycles claims the best performance in the 400cc category, and the figures support its claim regarding low-end torque.
This engine is entirely produced in France, a rare argument in this segment. For acceleration on highways or carrying a passenger, this torque available from mid-range makes a real difference.
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The downside is the price, which is positioned above several Asian competitors. A comparison of maxi scooters 400cc allows for a precise measurement of this gap. If the European origin of the engine and the generous torque matter to you, the XP400 ranks at the top of this list.
2. Yamaha XMAX 400
The Yamaha XMAX 400 remains a reference for mixed city/suburban trips. Its single-cylinder engine delivers linear power, easy to exploit in dense traffic as well as on stretches at 110 km/h.
The low seat and comfort make it a natural choice for daily riders. The under-seat storage can accommodate a full-face helmet, simplifying parking.
The mechanical reliability of the XMAX 400 is a decisive asset for daily use. Yamaha benefits from a dense network of dealerships in France, making maintenance and resale easier.
3. Kymco Xciting S 400i
The Kymco Xciting S 400i targets riders who want a versatile maxi scooter without exceeding a reasonable budget. The Taiwanese brand offers one of the most competitive price/equipment ratios in the segment.
Kymco positions this model for urban and suburban use, with sufficient performance for regular trips on highways. The slightly sporty riding position appeals to those coming from the motorcycle world.
The Kymco network in France has expanded in recent years. Check for the availability of a dealer near you before purchasing, as access to spare parts affects long-term maintenance costs.
4. Piaggio Beverly 400
The Piaggio Beverly 400 is designed for optimized performance between 50 and 110 km/h. This is no coincidence: this range corresponds exactly to the actual speeds of commuting in urban areas and on ring roads.
The Beverly prioritizes seat comfort and wind protection. Its large diameter wheels absorb road imperfections better than smaller wheels, a tangible advantage on degraded urban roads.
However, its size makes it less agile in narrow alleys. The Beverly 400 is suitable for regular suburban trips rather than weaving through city centers.
5. Honda Forza 350
Looking for a compromise just below 400cc? The Honda Forza 350 comes close to this segment with its performance. Its engine offers appreciable flexibility for daily use, and Honda pays attention to finish.
The connected dashboard, traction control, and generous storage make it a well-rounded scooter. The Forza 350 has moderate fuel consumption, which lightens the bill over a year of commuting.
Its limit: power lags behind a true 400cc for long highway trips or riding two-up on hilly terrain.
6. SYM Cruisym 400
The SYM Cruisym 400 plays the low entry price card. For a rider starting out on a maxi scooter or looking for a second vehicle, this is a strong argument.
Seat comfort is adequate for one-hour trips, and the 400cc engine provides enough torque to avoid feeling underpowered on highways. The standard equipment remains basic, but the whole package holds up well.
7. BMW C 400 GT
The BMW C 400 GT brings BMW’s manufacturing quality and technological universe to the 400cc segment. TFT screen, smartphone connectivity, cruise control: the onboard equipment surpasses that of most competitors.
The price reflects this. The C 400 GT costs significantly more than a Kymco or a SYM of equivalent displacement. Maintenance at BMW is also more expensive.
This model is aimed at riders who want premium comfort and are willing to pay the extra cost. For exclusively urban use, the quality/price ratio leans in favor of cheaper alternatives.
8. Kymco AK 550 Premium
The Kymco AK 550 exceeds the strict 400cc category, but many buyers hesitate between a 400 and this model. Its larger displacement offers a significant power margin on the highway and when riding two-up.
Highlights include:
- A generous torque that facilitates overtaking without downshifting
- A seat comfort suitable for trips longer than an hour
- A competitive price compared to European competitors of similar displacement
Why place it here and not higher? Because its size and weight make it less maneuverable in the city than a true 400cc.
9. Aprilia SR GT 400
The Aprilia SR GT 400 stands out with an adventurous approach to the maxi scooter. Longer travel suspensions, engine protection, raised riding position: this model targets riders who travel on varied roads.
The SR GT 400 is the only maxi scooter in the segment to display crossover DNA. If your trips mix urban pavement and poorly maintained secondary roads, it’s a relevant choice.
The downside: a higher seat, which may hinder shorter riders when trying to put their feet on the ground at a stop.
10. Vespa GTS 310
The Vespa GTS 310 closes this ranking not due to a lack of quality, but because its displacement remains below the 400cc segment. It features here for a simple reason: many buyers compare this model to 400cc before making a decision.
The GTS 310 focuses on style, compactness, and ease of handling. In the city, its reduced size is a real advantage for parking and maneuvering.
Its power is sufficient for short urban and suburban trips. Beyond 100 km/h, the engine reaches its limits, disqualifying it for regular highway use.
The final choice depends on your typical journey. A rider who alternates between the ring road and the city daily has different needs than a weekend rider on national roads. Among these ten models, the Peugeot XP400 and the Yamaha XMAX 400 offer the best balance between torque, comfort, and versatility, while the Kymco Xciting S 400i remains the most accessible in terms of entry price.