The famous Vespa scooter you always see nauseatingly trendy characters tool around on in TV shows and movies was launched by Piaggio in 1946. Fifty years later the company is introducing the MP3, a three-wheeled scooter with two 12-inch donuts up front and one in the rear. Both front wheels tilt independently to provide extreme levels of stability for a little scooter and better braking thanks to the extra disc. You can forget about a kickstand too, as the MP3's tilt suspension can be locked and easily balance the scooter upright while parked or at stoplights. The system is designed to automatically unlock the tilt mechanisms again at speed. Power for the MP3 is provided by either a 125cc or 250cc four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine. Seems like the perfect piece of transport for the cramped cobblestone streets of Europe.
[Source: Italiaspeed]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Corey @ May 15th 2006 1:13PM
Nice. But probably not nice enough for those indie hipsters (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hipster#Modern_day_hipsters) here in San Francisco.
ZenCarver @ May 15th 2006 1:15PM
Typo: 1946 was "Sixty" years ago, not "Fifty".
Rodrigo @ May 15th 2006 3:09PM
I want one of these!
Ford Mustangs @ May 15th 2006 3:48PM
"For those afraid to ride on two wheels"
Ford Mustangs @ May 15th 2006 3:50PM
"For those afraid to ride on two wheels" should be the key line in their advertisments.
teacherdude @ May 17th 2006 11:55AM
Great idea - now if they would make a fully enclosed version like a small car for bad weather they would have hit on a perfect concept!
Steve @ May 17th 2006 3:26PM
Hell, that's me. Stability (ie, dying painfully if I hit a curve with dirt on it) is the #1 reason I don't ride a motorcycle, even though I've wanted one. I just wish this came in 600cc.
Jason @ May 19th 2006 12:30AM
I like it, but I have questions: how fast will it go? Is there a two-seater
option? What's its load capacity? Would it be legal on an American
freeway/highway/interstate? How many gallons per mile? When (and where) can
I buy it? How much will it cost me?
Thanks for answers to any and all of the above questions! :j
Kat @ Jun 30th 2007 12:51PM
Jason, I recently called my local dealer here in the US. I was told it gets 65-70 mpg, goes 85 mph, and yes, is legal in US. Cost runs around $7000. Only downside I see. :)
charlie @ May 19th 2006 4:43PM
the 125 is the piaggo 125 leader engine. 4 valve liquid cooled solid little powerplant around 60mpg thrashed 80mpg treated gently. tops at 60-70mph. the 250 is slightly higher consumption but will do a genuine 80 probably.
mainmac @ May 20th 2006 2:04AM
For the 250cc scooter, it is freeway legal (in CA), gets 54mpg, tops at 78mph (similar speed to the Honda Rebel 250, 2/3 the gas mileage). I think it is a 2-seater, albeit barely and you'll probably knock of at least 5-10 mph top speed and a lot of acceleration. Price I saw was $6,500 American, though not sure if that was for the 125cc or 250cc.
bellyjelly2 @ May 21st 2006 8:10PM
how much does it cost? can we drive those here in the states? i want one too!
J.D. Peck @ May 21st 2006 8:21PM
I'm excited about this 3-wheel scooter, too. Where can I get more info?
Bob @ May 21st 2006 8:41PM
{Please reply to my e-mail address also, please}
I have CMT, and would like a "trike" for balance. I am in my late 50's. My question besides the mpg, is the balance stability as I am unable to keep a 2 wheeler balanced. Size and cost are also factors. I live in SouthWest Georgia, USA.
Sarah @ Jun 22nd 2007 4:20PM
Bob, I have a MP3 and I also ride a motorcycle. Yes, you do have to be able to balance to ride the MP3. iT leans just like a motorycle and will fall just like one unless you have it locked in when you are stopped.
Wingnut @ May 21st 2006 8:42PM
What about "For those who CAN'T ride on two wheels"? Like the handicapped, for instance...
Mary Bounds Baughn @ May 21st 2006 8:51PM
I would love to buy one. Cost? Speed? Distance on a tank of gas?
HAL TOLLISON @ May 21st 2006 8:52PM
FOR THE #6 COMMENT RE WHY DON'T THEY MAKE A COVERED MODEL LIKE A SMALL CAR. HAVE WE FORGOTTEN THE THREE WHEELED BUBBLE TOP MESSERSCHMIDT OF THE MID 50'S? THAT WAS A FUN AUTO.
Mary Bounds Baughn @ May 21st 2006 8:52PM
I want one!!!
Lawrence Roll @ May 21st 2006 9:01PM
Seems like an interesting concept, and a good answer to urban transportation in this age of $3.00 gasoline. I'd like to see a version with a small diesel engine that would run on biodiesel fuel.