Piaggio’s groovy 3-wheel scooter in action.
THEY say three’s a crowd, but in the case of the Piaggio MP3 three’s an absolute riot.
Piaggio have taken the bold step of putting two wheels on the front of their new scooter and the result is a wacky bike that gets you noticed.
Motor down any high street and people stop and stare. They aren’t quite sure what they are looking at, but the fact that they are nearly always smiling means Piaggio have it just about right.
But this is more than a gimmick. The two front wheels make a huge difference to the handling.
So, for first time riders, this is a masterstroke – it inspires confidence and gets rid of those cornering collywobbles.
The sales pitch seems simple – no more fear of falling off, therefore buy scooter. And it works.
The MP3 is freakily stable when cornering. I had thought it would be heavy turning in with all the extra weight at the front but it’s not.
Hit a mid-corner bump or ripple in the road and it just keeps going – no upset, no hassle, just confident cornering.
The Parallelogram suspension is designed to allow up to 40 degrees of lean.
Having encountered Scottish rain and sleety snow I can confirm that it does exactly what it says on the tin.
The increased contact patch at the front means the 199kg machine comes to a halt very quickly.
The 125cc four-stroke engine is more than enough for city riding and that’s where this little cosmopolitan creature is at it’s happiest, filtering through traffic and slipping into spaces where cars just won’t go.
The riding position is bolt upright and slightly high meaning visibility is excellent, you do suffer from side winds but the extra wheel at the front stops any carriageway wavers.
Because it’s an automatic twist and go the clutch lever is your back brake which is very powerful.
The controls are well laid out and everything is at your fingertips. The headlight is worth mention as it is just so good, illuminating the road like a car’s.
The MP3 also has an exterior thermometer, handy if you’re riding home on potentially icy roads.
But the Piaggio is more than two front wheels. It has another couple of tricks up its sleeve – in the shape of a system called ride-lock and a handbrake.
Ride-lock lives on the right handlebar. Press the button and it locks the two front wheels. It only works when the vehicle is slowing down or at a standstill.
But, if you get it right, it means you can coast to a stop, lock the front wheels and then accelerate and take off again, without putting your feet down. Bliss in heavy traffic or roads with loads of traffic lights on them.
The dynamic duo of ride-lock and the handbrake also make parking the MP3 in awkward situations – like at 45degrees on a steep hill – a doddle.
You don’t even have to think twice.
Storage has always been good with scooters but the MP3 is truly Tardis-like. The boot will easily take a full face helmet and there’s more space under the seat.
In total there’s a whopping 65 litres, which is more than enough for your waterproofs, sandwiches and even cans of juice for your pals.
History proves that breaking the motorcycle design mould is generally a BAD idea.
Bimota’s Tesi, with its hub centre, is a perfect example of a radical new design failing to set the sales charts alight.
But Piaggio’s MP3 is a completely different story. Demand on the continent has been so fierce that the UK launch was delayed twice to meet European needs.
If there was a quibble,it would have to be with the price. It comes in at a quid under four grand which is heavy on the wallet. But, if you are not super-confident, then it is probably worth it.
They’re in the shops now so if you’ve always fancied a scooter but have been a bit nervous about the whole thing then try one out.
You’ll find the quirky-looking MP3 is a proper party animal. It promises to the most famous three-wheeler after Del Boy’s Reliant Robin in Only Fools And Horses.
Found an exploded parts diagram of the MP3 whilst surfing which you can have a look at here, quite interesting if you like that sorta thing.
Filed under: PIAGGIO |
Scottishbiker 
Cor blimey,when do they get here, California US??
I rode a demo for 10 min,not to far.
Have a Honda Hilex 250cc.ernie.
Looks like a very safe trike to me.
Great article on the mp3 well done , i own a 250cc which i find a fantastic smooth ride, and after riding vespas for over 20 years this is the best and there is no going back to the older models .
Thanks for the kind words Ray. The lack of power on the model I rode was the only real drawback (and the price) but the 250cc version is only £300 dearer. I believe there’s a 400cc version on the cards too which I’m looking forward to riding at some point in the future. The addional screen and top box make it a serious commuting tool too. A great, practical and enjoyable bike to ride, shame about the price as it will deter a lot of potential buyers.
I was lucky enough to have a spin on a 250 today while waiting for my wife’s bike MOT. I’d been waititng to hear they were available in UK, after stumbling on them on the NET ages back.
It seems the ideal bike for my wife, who has been nervous of 2 wheels ever since my daughter fell off her bike on a slippery road.
I’d love to know how they handle if you hit a big patch of diesel when turning. Logic suggests that they’ll slip a bit, but hopefully the 2 front wheels will keep is more stable than a conventional ‘bike, and sufficient to regain control before ‘shaking hands’ with opposing traffic.
I ride a couple of 650 bikes but I’m thinking of exchanging them for one of these for increased peace of mind.
Anyone know how they do for fuel consumption – anything better than about 50mpg would be an improvement.
The article reeks of one-sidedness. Is there a single word of criticism to be had anywhere? Is this a Scottish conspiracy, as if McDonalds were to start selling haggis burgers, and pass it off as a new vegetarian entree? Here in the states, this lawnmower looking vehicle is ridiculously overpriced (read=good for trendy yuppies who have to be the first on their block to hide this ugly thing in their garage).
The yellow journalist is obviously worried about another UK invasion, as he seems to write as if this thing could single handedly defend Scotland by defying gravity..”no more fear of falling off”. What, does that mean it twists the 2 front wheels sideways (and ontop) like a Wallace and Gromit machine? Could it be used like aerial slingshot ammunition, with its heavy kerb weight and poor safety scaring off the southern wankers as it lofts toward them with its puny motor?
Less you think I doth rant perhaps a bit much, consider where they could have gone with this plastic landscaping (and landscape) blight: no anti-lock brakes, no whiff of traction control, skid control or anything other than a windscreen to keep the crud that will doubtless be attracted to its low brow engineering.
It might be more useful to saw a wheel off a Smart car-any wheel! You’d have a city friendly, possibly safer, and yes, perhaps more tossable vehicle. I feel very badly for this poor man’s BMW C-3, which at least had engineering for relative safety and novelty that this Polish built Italian farce utterly misses. Time will tell..this won’t sell!!
Truly John, ya really sounded lame and misinformed. I get that it may have read (sounded…) very “one-sided”, but sometimes in life certain issues or topics can be. It’s just that ya seemed like SUCH a hater about the entire/whole idea of the MP3, which makes you appear(sound…) very narrow-minded. I don’t really enjoy gaining up on you, but ya set yourself UP! I’m a grown-ass-man at the age of 40 now, and just baught an MP3 two days ago, and now seling my 2002, 1700cc Yamah Warrior, to ride around on an MP3!! Not as sexy or cool, but people change their minds and attitude about things, or at least keep them OPEN. Ya should try it bro…-peace
Woah John – or should I say – Mr. Grumpy!! Someone clearly didn’t get out of the right side of bed this morning and have a proper breakfast, now did they young man? John have you ever heard of concept bikes? You know ‘pioneering engineering’ that’s outside the square? For that yes you do pay top dollar you know the GTS250 ie is still the same price league – and yes I agree the MP3 is not the quickest bike from the lights – but it trys!! Give it three seconds and its a slingshot so you just need to watch the lights – carefully.
Anyhow I am currently testing one here in Australia and so far for what it represents – a safe, safe scoota ride that has huge dollops of fun thrown in for good measure, i say it’s going to hit the right notch for the 250cc first timer brigade. Its also ideal for those who want to safely commute/ride in all weather conditions and not have to worry about greasy roads etc., The storage is as incredible – my laptop and two work bags – dry and under the rear cowling.
Just have a ride on one before beginning another tirade – ideally the new MP3 400 – you can’t argue about lack of poke then.
Having just bought a 250 MP3 All of the above comments are correct, Its a great safety improvement over two wheels and the ride is fantastic. My only minor complaint is the controls i.e. Turn switch, wheel-lock switch, flasher switch etc., are placed too far back for me. You have to change your grip to use them. Also why not put a higher windscreen on to begin, instead of charging you more for an accessory. A word of warning ! The locking system for the front wheels is good, but don’t rely on it. As soon as you increase the rev’s it cancels, so keep your feet down when moving. Also why not combine the rear boot release on the same key press as the main seat storage instead of one on the key. the other on the ignition switch.
Apart from these gripes, I won’t be going back to two wheels ever again.
“John, on October 25th, 2007 at 6:12 pm Said:
The article reeks of one-sidedness. Is there a single word of criticism to be had anywhere? Is this a Scottish conspiracy, as if McDonalds were to start selling haggis burgers, and pass it off as a new vegetarian entree? …”
Hey John, you want some fries with that Crow?
First, I’m John Watson, not this John Asshole that went off on a rant before the Italian Invasion of the MP3 conquered the UK & US.
Idiot John was soooo wrong, he makes every blunder in history look small compared to his premature exclamation. I hope you live long and healthy john, so your eyes punish your opinionated arrogance and your ears remind you with every MP3 putt-putt, how small your brain is between them. Leave reviews to the pros, just finish paying of whatever piece of crap has made you jealous and in contempt of anything that challenges your status quo. This is the best thing to come out of Italy since the Allies; and it’s only begun.
Little johnny, oh little johnny, this is what happen when you try to comment on innovations that you can’t yet comprehend. All great inventions and innovations are criticized by such people like Johnny here, who will be laugh upon and live in shame. Like what johnwwwatson says, ‘Leave reviews to the pros’.
I recently purchased the MP3 400, it accelerates quickly, is economical, is a dream to ride, very safe on windy (bendy) mountain roads, when loose gravel and corrugated roads may cause normal 2 wheeled bikes to lose control. The key now has 2 buttons for opening the boot, and the under seat area. I am very impressed. I have put 3 vids on YouTube, Piaggio MP3 on the Gold Coast Australia. Happy riding all. Regards Ray
Thanks Ray for your comments on the MP3 400 and also your super videos of riding on the Gold coast in Australia. I’m thinking of buying one of these and just wondered if there was any update on your fuel consumption which I believe worked out at around 73 mpg?