It looks like Piaggio came out two concept scooters at the Bologna Motor Show last December with two front wheels. The wheels tilt in a turn just like on a normal scooter. The idea is greater safety for novice riders even when conditions turn very bad. The two concepts were powered by 250cc and 400cc single cylinder engines.
There have been a number of tilting wheeled vehicles in the last year or so, however it remains to be seen if anything like this makes it to market.
via Cycle World
todd says
OK, let’s see, a 400cc piaggio scooter with excessive front end components giving little added value: probably $8000. Knowing that you’ll be the first one willing to buy one: priceless.
-todd
coho says
Perhaps not destined to be a motorsport legend, but if it gets only four people out of their 16mpg SUVs for the morning commute three or four days a week, that’s plenty of added value in my book. The “falling over when you come to a stop” factor keeps many from joining our ranks. If an ugly scoot-o-mobile gets them out of that big steel box, welcome them.
Besides, at least a few of the “wheeled snowmobile” buyers will step up to a proper two wheeler and we can use the scooter bits to build badass fighting robots.
aaron says
I think the goal here may be to go the next step beyond the BMW C1…. if you wanted to make the “crash cell” any more protective, or further improve the weather protection, the required bodywork would make it awkward to get your feet down every 5 seconds in stop-and-go traffic. I’ve mused over this idea before, but deep down, I know I won’t be the guy to bring it to market. I’d more likely try a v12 highway king with a modern dustbin fairing and free dismemberment insurance for a year (O.A.C…aaroncycles accepts no responsibility for turning your loved ones into meat. for show use only. some restrictions apply) good to see someone is broadening the appeal of non-cars.
Roger Hope says
I have a C1 and would love a manufacturer to take up the idea for development. The Venturino (www.venturino.de) is one such effort,but it look as though those rear wheels lack stability,and the top speed is derisory even in comparison with my C1 125.
There is way to improve the side impact protection and allow for feet-down…the running board could be sculptured to provide a surrounding protective frame,while incorporating large enough spaces for the feet to be placed on the road. I think this could be done with minimal increases in width.
A small additional widening of the fairing in line with the add-on kits already available would improve the weather resistance.
John J Redmond says
I think it is a great idea as other do to get people out of their gas guzzeling too damn dangerous SUV’s.
Only question is what is the load carring abiality? Most peoples in SUV’s buy them because it is the only thing their obese bodies will fit in. Some would need two seat pads to go along with the two wheels!
John
Ashley says
I think its cute. Defenitely something different.
greg Becker says
I have been looking for an all around machine that I can tow behind my camper for short trips. It looks kool, it has a nice seat for two, and for the over 50 crowd, its a safe altenative to a big hog.
God Bless our troops
Mel Evenson says
The c1 and the venturino are too goofy looking. If you want more crash protection, buy a car.
aydon wilson says
i like thi idea of three wheels it seems alot safer than 2:P
lars says
this is great concept, but I think a max speed of 77mph is a shame. I would drop the $8000 if it was a bit larger and faster. My wife could ride it to work on nice days, but with a max 77mph, I would be afraid a SUV would eat her on the 9 miles of LA 101 traffic she does. Piaggo – make a 400 version with the US commuter in mind. I’ll buy it!