Video of the Piaggio MP3, a three-wheel scooter, in action
I think I'm in an "Alternative Transportation" kind of mood today. That is to say, I feel like writing about alternatives to the car. We don't always need a car. In fact, as evidenced by the people that don't own one at all, we may not ever need a car. I'm not ready to make that change in my own life yet, so I won't be hypocritical and tell you to ditch yours either. But, it is not hypocritical of me to ask you to consider other options, like a motorcycle or scooter. I own one, and when possible I ride it instead of taking the car. I get over 50 mpg with it too.
One new vehicle that has my interest is the Piaggio MP3. There has been some controversy over the name, which is official here in the States now, and over the extra wheel. That's right, three wheels instead of two. I've ridden bikes with sidecars before, and still would like to own one for the extra capacity and to give my dogs and brother rides. But I'm thinking something like the MP3 would be great for my wife. She has tried two wheels before and is a bit intimidated. I know that she can do it, but the second front wheel might be just the ticket for her. Vectrix appears to own the rights to an electric version of the MP3, if you want to be extra green.
Lane splitting is not legal here in Ohio, but it is in California, and I think a few other states as well. Chime in if you know for sure. The video above shows the maneuverability of the vehicle and compares it with a standard two-wheeled four-stroke Vespa. Watch and enjoy!
Related:
- Vectrix electric bikes coming in early 2007
- Gallery: High quality images of the Scoot - a simple electric scooter in search of a partner
[Source: Youtube and 2 Stroke Buzz]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
LaughingTooHard 4:47AM (2/02/2007)
OK ya got me. At 3am I am grinning like a fool. That is a great advance for people who just want to get from point "A" to "B" and better yet makes, um, less than four wheels an option for a whole new group of people! Who knows, maybe, just maybe, if that comes to the US that will be the method of transport for millions of city dwellers coast to coast. Just a great idea that can actually work. Kudos!
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LaughingTooHard 5:06AM (2/02/2007)
Oh and in case any US people are looking, it will come 250cc and 400cc. At $6995 the 250 will be a great start but the 400 looks like will be quite little cruiser with a top speed of 92mph. Looks like I found my work commuter until the Volt comes out.
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Erik Neal 1:16PM (2/18/2007)
California and Washington States are the only two states that allow lane splitting. I personally wish there were more. Yea it dangerous but it sure is nice when there is bumper to bumper traffic. I live in Italy at the moment and lane splitting is accepted here. Plus you can pass on the right or left and it's not a problem. At least it doesn't seem be a problem. Italians are very scooter/motorcyle friendly overall. I"m going to miss Italy and will move to Boston in July. I moved to Italy from San Diego, so riding here wasn't too much of a shock. Anyway, just my two cents and I'm getting an MP3 asap!
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David 11:42PM (7/18/2007)
Words cannot describe the experiance of riding an Mp3. I am a lucky owner of one right now. I have owned many bikes in the past, but they all pale in comparison to the Piaggio. I just watched a video of one with a camera mounted under the bike just behind the front two wheels. The lighting was perfect, so you could see the undulanting of the suspension, as the bike came up upon suttle differences in the road. The tires were very responsive to the little changes. That is where the magic of the feel comes from. You get a feel for the road that you cannot imagine. Prepare to have a permanent grin on your face when you get one. mp3s rule dave
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