Piaggio's Hybrid Vespa MP3

Piaggio MP3, the most awaited scooter by the makers of Vespa, is a three wheeled hybrid, provides safety, road grip and stability, incomparable with a two wheeler.

The two front wheels, tilt independently, maneuvering with much comfort on wet roads and tough riding conditions. It takes on cobble stone streets, tram tracks with the greatest of ease, remaining safe and stable all the while. The braking distance is 20% less any traditional scooter.

It doesn’t require a kickstand as it has a electro-hydraulic suspension locking system.

An environment friendly electric engine that has a linked gas engine runs non stop on electricity for 20 kms and then with a switch on the handle bar, it is turned into a combustion engine, which recharges the battery along with. Similarly, the electric engine mode can be turned on seamlessly with a switch on the handle bar.
Being in the gas mode one can still switch on to the electric mode, giving 85% more power. A mileage of 170 miles per gallon, the scooter can be charged at any plug in for 3 hrs and one can ride for 20 kms non stop on electric power.

CO2 emissions are 65% for the hybrid mode and 35% for the electric mode.
A battery charge indicator on the dashboard, the battery can be charged using 220V battery charger. The traction battery is neatly tucked under the seat with space enough to hold a helmet.

The long wait has ended and the powerful 250cc engine scooter is now available in stores for $7000, much higher than other scooters in this category. But the company is hopeful that with rising gasoline prices this model will attract a large number. Soon the comapany might upgrade it to a whooping 500cc.