Here is an interesting article of a scooter made by Piaggio soon to hit the US market. It's drivetrain was modeled after the Toyota Prius, will go 140mpg, and is just about the coolest thing I've seen. I hope this link works, nor do I know how ling it will be available. Perhaps someone on the forum here with more knowledge of its nuances than I, could copy the article in in its entirety. FOXNews.com - Plug-In Hybrid Scooter Coming to U.S. in 2010 - Auto
Sweet, in principle, but do these things have to meet emissions requirements? Maybe next someone will offer an electric assist bicycle using HSD.
The Piaggio MP3 scooters are a great idea and fun to ride. I've test ridden the 250cc version and the level of stability available is amazing. The two front wheels make it just about impossible to low-side. I could see purchasing one if the hybrid version is really priced at $9k. The main problem I have with the MP3 250 is that it starts at $7K. That is a lot of money for a 250cc scooter that doesn't even have enough storage under the seat for my helmet. Some video of the MP3 in action. The wet handling and braking in simply amazing. Piaggio Scooters
Yes. You can currently purchase a gas powered MP3 from your local Piaggio or Vespa dealer in 250, 400, and 500cc sizes.
I was looking at the Piaggio scooters as an alternative means of transportation on nice days. But since the conventional scooter got just about the same mileage as I get in Priapus, there was no real benefit to me. An estimated 140 MPG. Now that's benefit. Would be good for just getting from place to place when there's no need to carry alot of things.
Hi Evan, Been meaning to ask. So how's the bike been working out? Is it practical? How often do you use it?
I have a 250cc MP3 and I love it. It is hard to slip and fall on one but I managed it on some black ice in January. Still waiting for parts to come from Italy for the insurance claim repair - just for cosmetics. I've averaged 70 mpg (imperial) since July and my commute is largely stop and go on the highway, so I expect that causes a significant mpg hit. I had a 80 mpg tank once. That's still leaves lots of room for improvement considering it is a fraction of the weight of my Prius and I get 60 mpg (imperial) in that. It easily does 125 km/h on the highway. As far as cargo space. My full face, large helmet fits nicely in the standard trunk, and the area under the seat easily takes my backpack as well. You can also hang a bag between your legs if necessary. The scooter has a relatively clean 4 valve engine and a catalytic converter. The dash computer is also full of options not found on a regular scooter. When I heard about the PHEV version was coming out I nearly had a cow. What an awesome machine that will be. 12 miles of EV only, plus 2 hybrid modes and a 0-60 time in performance mode of 5 seconds. Priced around 8-9K USD. When the dust settled I paid about $10,000 for taxes and pdi for mine. I totally intend to upgrade if I can swing it.
Does it attract wild animals like they show in the Piaggo video? I would be concerned that a cougar might attack from behind. :madgrin:
I've been very pleased. Now, it sat idle from Nov. until last week (and I was a bad boy and neglected to top up the battery every 2 weeks like I was suppose do ). But it's nearly 70F today and I just got back from a trip to the post office then the grocery store (maybe 8-10 miles round trip). And for stuff like that it's really fantastic There's enough storage for a small load of groceries, its fast enough that the cars don't get too impatient with you, it's nimble and small enough that I can cut through parking lots and such to avoid main roads. It is quiet and fun. I put on the iPod, my helmet and off I go! I really hope to use it a lot this Spring, summer and fall.
Are people really driving their scooters far enough that a simple electric scooter needs gas 'range extender'? You could buy 2 electric scooters with 40 mile range for that price.
The MP3 Hybrid has a top speed of 65 mph scooter and in the US it is registered as a motorcycle. It is not limited to low speed city use like a 50cc scooter with a top speed of 30 mph. An electric motorcycle / scooter would need to be able to maintain 55 mph for 30 miles to be useful for my commute. I don't know of any electric motorcycles or scooters that meet that requirement.
