The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Piaggio MP3 Scooter- part 2

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Piaggio MP3 scooter

Last week we covered the introduction of the new Piaggio MP3, dual front wheel scooter. After a little while to think about it and after watching the videos Piaggio has up on their website, this scooter looks like it may be the beginning of something.

Two front wheels, as engineered by Piaggio, don’t look as complex as you might imagine them to be given their ability to lean with the scooter in the turns. The locking mechanism which means you can park without a centerstand and even wait at stoplights without putting your feet down is pretty cool.

The impressive ability of the scooter to handle irregular roads, train tracks, cobblestones and whatever else sets it apart and I wouldn’t be surprised to see other companies implement this same technology in their scooters or even some motorcycle variants. The videos also show the scooter doing stoppies with the two front tires giving huge braking power.

A comment by Francesco on the earlier post says it is going for 5000 euros in Italy ($6400). While that is not cheap, there is something oddly appealing about this 3 wheel scooter. From the video you can see it has storage enough for two helmets and Piaggio also offers a number of options such as a “winter pack” that includes a windshield, taller and wider than the standard one and also special winter tires, a heated waistcoat and heated leg warmers plus handshields to keep the wind off. The windshield is specially treated to help rain slide off.

They also offer the TomTom Rider GPS unit, a Bluetooth intercom helmet and a disc lock anti theft with siren. In other words, this is no basic entry level scooter but rather a real commuter vehicle.

Of course even the larger 250cc version can’t run the freeways here in the U.S., but there is a larger engine possibly being considered and there is certainly a lot of commuting you could do with the 250, even here in the land of wide open spaces.

It’s going to be very interesting to see how it sells. I have a hunch Piaggio has a winner here. I’m curious though, how the $6400 price tag, (based on the Italian selling price) comes across. It may be priced much different when it appears elsewhere. Obviously everyone always wants something for less, but considering the advanced design here, is this about right, too much or … ?

UPDATE: We are getting a LOT of questions here at The Kneeslider about when and where the MP3 will be available. The place to go is the nearest Piaggio or Vespa dealer. For Locations check the dealer map.

The Kneeslider: Piaggio MP3 3 wheel scooter

Comments

  1. I don’t know about the rest of the US but in california your bike or scooter only needs to be 150cc to ride on the freeways. I often see scooters and even old vespas cruising right along with the rest of the world. Obviously, regardless your engine capacity you may want to be sure your bike is fast enough to keep up and a 250 Piaggio (at least their standard models with less rolling resistance and smaller frontal area) are well up to the challenge.

    If I had an extra $7000 or so and didn’t want to spend it on many other fine choices of motorcycles or cars I might like driving one of these around. I just wonder how well it would split lanes.

    -todd

  2. I think it would do well tarted up with a safety cage and full bodywork, a la bmw c1. no helmet, add an airbag, and up the displacement to 350cc (seems like a good number for the world market)

  3. Three cheers to the innovators who developed the MP3. They should be given raises for the “cool” factor alone. I agree with Aaron about the C1, but because BMW won’t sell the C1 in the US, I hope the MP3 really takes off – no pun intended.

  4. Piaggio has alread anounced a 400 cc mp3, though they did not announce whether it woiuld be sold in the USA. Regarding cost, you should look at prices for the Suzuki 650 Burgman Executive. I’d pay 650 Executive prices for a 400 MP3.

  5. I was told by a local Piaggio dealer that at least for now the MP3 will not be sold in California, I guess becuse because it dosen’t meet some of the C.A.R.B. requirments. That is too bad considering the rising gas prices and the HUGE potential customer base that DOES exist here in California, me being one of them. I also like the sound of a bigger 400cc model, maybe it would meet our states stringent emmisions requirments. I better start saving. Could you imagine a Tri-wing Honda.

  6. I had planned on getting a Burgman exec for my wife to tour on, keeping my BMW R1100S. If the Piaggio 400 MP3 makes it to the US, I’d sell the BMW and get 2 of them. (I’d still keep my Ducati however)

  7. Piaggio Group Americas will show the MP3 in San Antonio, Texas at the Piaggio Dealer Convention, October 3rd, 2006. It’s getting closer …

  8. I would LOVE one of these. I agree the 400cc might be better suited to the U.S. market. Piaggio already has an excellent 460cc single they use in the X9 maxi-scoot. It’s injected and approved for sale in CA. Seems like it would be a no-brainer. I belive the Vespa GTS’ 250cc is injected and CA legal, too. Isn’t this the engine in the MP3?

  9. RE: “I belive the Vespa GTS’ 250cc is injected and CA legal, too. Isn’t this the engine in the MP3?”

    Yes, the Piaggio 3-wheeler uses the 250-quasar engine same as the GTS. The Piaggio 400 engine is the 500-master engine with a slightly smaller bore/stroke and it’s only a few HP lower than the 500 so it would do fine on the highway all day at 80mph and should top out at 100mph.

  10. I saw one last week in Aix-en-Provence in the south of France. I took some pictures with my cell phone so they actually exist, I mean, I touched it and everything!
    Also my left arm and hand don’t work anymore (motorcycle accident) this would be very cool for an extra level of feeling safe.
    I have the Piaggio LT 150 now which is cool but I wouldn’t take it on the freeway the MP3 400 would totally kick butt.

  11. I am an American living in Italy and have actually seen a few on the street. I was in Paris last week and stopped in a Piaggio dealer to check one out. They only sell the 125cc in Paris but I did get to sit on it. Very comfortable and cool. I’m working a deal to buy the 400 as soon as they come out but only if I can import it Mass.

    I’m a BMW GS guy and if I get my hands on one–I’m touring the US on it! I can’t stop thinking about this scoot. Too cool.

  12. I saw an artical in the Sunday paper that caught my eye for this bike. Any idea when the 250cc or larger will hit the U.S. This bike looks like fun to ride.

  13. Have ALWAYS wanted ‘to ride’, but at 5’1″ , pushing 61 & female, just can’t handle a regular motorcycle. This looks like the answer to a prayer! When & where will they be available in the South (Georgia)?

  14. Just went for a test ride today on the MP3 125 cc .The road handling is pretty good. Felt good when I tried the auto mechanism at the traffic lights. for once we riders can lift our feet off the tarmac. The autocutoff of the mechanism ,on throttle is something to watch out for and getting used to.It was a very a comfortable ride. Spare parts and insurance could be pricy .

  15. This bike is really cool. You don’t need a bike license to drive this baby in sweden, you can ride it with your car licens. I just love this bike. A real summer plesuare!

  16. new toys on the market we saw the MP3 and the Can Am Spyder at Daytona Bike Week…AWESOME ! I have a deposit down for TWO MP3’s and hope for delivery this month. WOW ! I have watched the design for years when Italjet first started with the Scoop…

    I am so excited Santa has finally arrived !

  17. I am a scooter fanatic and $7000 for a scooter that will not really serve you for highway trips well seems just too high. I would definitely wait for a larger displacement or just get a Burgman or Silverwing or Xciting 500.

    Cool? Absolutely. Would heads turn and conversations start? No doubt. And I have to admit that that would be the fun part of owning one of these.

  18. I just bought a new MP3 here in Reno Nv. It has a 250 GTS engine. I drove a demo for 3 days. I went on a 120 mile ride and it was impressive. It is very stable in windy conditions. Never felt uncomfortable . As for the engine, there was never a lack of power. The MP3 is now selling in Ca. also. My other scoot is a GT 200 Vespa . I will always take the feeway with the MP3 because it is the most stable scoot I have ever riden. If I was still working I would use the MP3 to
    commute. All I can say is IT IS AWESOME. I LOVE THIS THING. As far as power goes , I was in the fast lane to get around some semi trucks and I looked down and I was going 80 . How fast do you want to go?

  20. Is there a mp3 400 coming soon. An does anyone know the price of the 400. I looked at the 250 but i think the 400 would be better for hills and highway. Anyone know if the 400 will be in the usa before june.

  21. I want the MP3 400. I call a Piaggio dealer and he told me the won’t sell the 400 here in the US. I hope he is wrong. I want it bad!

  22. Hey, the 400cc version will probably not be sold in the US, because its target audiance are the folks that have insurance issues for scooter above 400cc’s. For us US.S. residents, look for a 500cc version to land here. It’ll be the same fuel injected motor that resides in the Piaggio BV500, X9 and the Aprilia Scarabeo 500. I’m betting it’ll be here in the Summer of ’08 or sooner!

  23. Actually I own the BLACK 2007 PIAGGIO MP3 250cc.. it’s awesome. Handles like nothing I’ve ever riden!! Best thing in 07′ by far from ANY transportation company.

    I really like how it can travel on the freeway with no problems, and with my SHOEI DIABOLIC I Helmet I can ride without earplugs ha-ha!!

    In-city is a DASH and it’s REALLY really manoverable and excells in just that.

    Also the gas mileage was nice, only took me $9 to FILL my tank up (3 or so gl) and ride almost 200miles! Now THATS what I call saving money.

    OUT OF THE DOOR PRICE (includes tax, licencing ect..): $8,125.55 in WA. And yeah it’s the best investment I’ve ever made. Worth it.

    If your in the greater eastside area you can see mine in person near and around seattle.

  24. Just followed one down the road in St.Louis the other day (close by a Vespa Dealer, very cool. I have two older 250 Scooters (Honda CH250 1985 and 1990) plus my Sportster so upon a threat of death from my wife I’m just looking. Price is a bit steep as an 883 XL can be had for under $7,000 but IMHO that what makes the “Sportster”. I’m not a Harley or Hardly kind of guy, love Scoots and this is very interesting on many levels plus some “older” or people with special needs (plus pathetic tourists) might be able to enjoy the ride without the cage.

    Rick

  25. where can i get Piaggio MP3 Scooter- part 2. i’m physically challenged person. whatz its indian Rs.

  26. I bought the MP3 in May for daily commute to and from Tulsa (84 miles round trip) and it does VERY well on the highways. I can move along at an average speed of 70mph and thats saying something about this machine considering I’m 6′-4″ and weigh in at around 335lbs. I’m currently getting about 55-60mpg. I have heard that the 400 is coming but not until ’09-’10. I’m looking forward to the arrival of the 400cc as it would definitely improve my ride. The MP3 is selling for $7200 here in Tulsa. Very much worth the cost considering the safety and handling the extra front wheel provides.

  27. I’ve had my MP3 for 6 weeks now and have ridden just over 1100 miles. I’ve ridden Harleys and BMWs for 35 years and this is hands-down the most stable bike I’ve ridden. It corners like a sport bike, stops like a BMW and is easy enough to ride for a beginner. The 250 is more than adequate for in town riding and ok on the highway at 70 mph. I’m sure I will upgrade to the 400 or 500 if and when it is available.

    Last week was the Brickyard 400 here in Indianapolis. I rode my MP3 and I think it got more attention than the race!

  28. This sounds very promising. My question for those who have ridden the mp3 250: what’s the top speed when going up a mountain? (slight to medium incline)

  29. i took it up the grade on the 101 in camarillo,ca at an average speed of 65-70 mph…it overtakes great splits lanes perfectly, and is the greatest hands down. cant wait for the 400 or the gilera fuoco to come!

  30. Hi,
    I live in Australia and have owned many scooters including the Suzuki Berman 250, 400 and the 650. I have just bought a MP3 250 and its just great. It takes the biscuit, as far as feeling safe driving. It handles the Freeways with ease. Suggest you all take a test drive. I won’t be going back to 2 wheels. I might be tempted on the larger MP3 but so far the 250 cc has ample power for me.

  31. I got my MP3 250 in October and it is the greatest. I had been riding smaller scooters for 2 years and last summer at age 66 I decided I needed a larger scooter. I took the test for my motorcycle endorsement and passed. I did a lot of reading about the MP3 and decided it was for me. It has all the power I need and is a lot more stable than a 2 wheeler. It is the best thing I have ever done.

  33. I bought my MP3-250 just a few days ago (29-Feb-2008) and I love the thing. It has more than enough acceleration for city driving and gets up to 45mph pretty quickly. I don’t know my milage yet, but I’m looking forward to a 3-gallon fillup within the next few days. Sure, the $5500+ pricetag was a bit steep, but in the long run my MP3 will save me some gas, I’ll have less wear-and-tear on my car, and I get to enjoy the wind.