Piaggio launches PHEV MP3 Scooter

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by JSH, Jul 10, 2009.

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  1. JSH

    JSH Senior Member

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    From Motorcycle-USA:

    "European manufacturer Piaggio has officially introduced its MP3 Hybrid scooter. The gas/electric hybrid concept first debuted in 2007, when it was dubbed the HyS and proposed to be fitted on a number of Piaggio scooter models, including the MP3 as well as more conventional two-wheeled designs. Now a production reality, the MP3 Hybrid will hit the European streets using a conventional 125cc internal combustion engine mated to a brushless electric motor. The MP3 Hybrid is slated to cross the Atlantic as a 2010 US model......"

    Piaggio MP3 Hybrid Scooter Debuts - Piaggio Scooter First Look - Motorcycle USA

    [​IMG] [​IMG]​
     
    #1 JSH, Jul 10, 2009
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    It's finally here! And there's a Piaggio dealer in my city.
     
    #2 Tideland Prius, Jul 10, 2009
  3. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    YES!!!

    Someone posted about that last year and I got anxious. Now I'm downright giddy. I so severely want one of these. For nice days, it's a better way to get to and from work. My only question: where do I put the coffee mug?
     
    #3 TonyPSchaefer, Jul 10, 2009
  4. realale

    realale Junior Member

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    Camelbak.

    Cheers,

    Dave
     
    #4 realale, Jul 10, 2009
  5. Fibb222

    Fibb222 New Member

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    I own the MP3 250 - that's how I commute - and I soooooooo want to upgrade to the new hybrid version when it comes to town. I get 74 mpg CDN now which is terrible when you consider how much less it weighs compared to my 60 mpg Prius.
     
    #5 Fibb222, Jul 10, 2009
  6. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    And considering you can get 72mpg in the Prius (3.9L/100km or 60mpg US) over a tank. The PHEV should be better.
     
    #6 Tideland Prius, Jul 10, 2009
  7. Fibb222

    Fibb222 New Member

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    Any questions on how it handles?
     
    #7 Fibb222, Jul 13, 2009
  8. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Sure, do share if you've test driven one already.
     
    #8 Tideland Prius, Jul 13, 2009
  9. JSH

    JSH Senior Member

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    Not really. I test rode a MP3 250 when they first came out as was amazed at similar the ride was to a conventional motorcycle. I was impressed with the additional stopping power provided by the two front wheels along with the resistance to low-sides. My only complaint was the limited ground clearance on the left side and cramped seating position. (I touched down hard parts on my test ride.) If the hybrid has even less clearance that could be a problem.

    The key will be how much it costs. I can't see spending more than $10K even for the hybrid. Even then it will be a hard sell.

    • For $10K I could get an all-electric Zero S for city riding.
    • For $2,500 I could get the 120 mpg SYM Symba scooter
    Still it is exciting to see a PHEV vehicle offered for sale by a major manufacturer.
     
    #9 JSH, Jul 13, 2009
  10. Fibb222

    Fibb222 New Member

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    Just the regular gas one.

    It leans nicely in the corners. I do get a lot a stares and finger pointing. Even laughter. Most people assume it is a trike and can't lean. I try to prove to them that it can ever chance I get with some cool cornering. I'm impressed with the pick up but it can't glide or even coast. It slows down quickly without the throttle. Probably why it doesn't have very good mileage compared to a Prius.
     
    #10 Fibb222, Jul 13, 2009
  11. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    manual transmission then. My smart does the same. It has strong engine braking so I can't P&C and that's really annoying. I don't have cruise either so I'm left to modulate the throttle on my own for good FE. Thankfully the Prius has taught me well but even then, look at my lifetime average. It's probably slightly better than a Yaris but I was hoping to be closer to 5.0.
     
    #11 Tideland Prius, Jul 13, 2009
  12. Fibb222

    Fibb222 New Member

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    It's an automatic like the typical scooter, but the RPMs seem semi-tied to speed. I'm not a mechanic. :)
     
    #12 Fibb222, Jul 13, 2009
  13. drees

    drees Senior Member

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    I think you summed it up quite nicely. Don't forget you get a 10% federal tax credit on the Zero-S as well which basically covers sales tax plus a bit depending on where you live.
     
    #13 drees, Jul 13, 2009
  14. Fibb222

    Fibb222 New Member

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    But I would consider a startup more risky than a big company like Piaggio (both in manufacturing competence and service).

    Plus the MP3 3 wheel concept is proven reliable and is more safe. Somethings to consider.
     
    #14 Fibb222, Jul 13, 2009
  15. JSH

    JSH Senior Member

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    Very true, Piaggio is a much more stable company than Zero. However, I want an EV so if an EV with suitable range is available for the same price as a hybrid I would tend to go with the EV. I found the seating position on the MP3 cramped which would limit it to commuting and around town vehicle. I doubt I would drive an MP3 farther than the 50 miles offered by the Zero-S

    The tilting 3-wheeler concept is very well executed by Piaggio and it does improve traction and safety. However as an experienced motorcyclist with more than 100K miles on 2 wheels I'm quite used to the limits of 2 wheels.

    I really like the concept of the MP3 and a hybrid version will be even better.
     
    #15 JSH, Jul 13, 2009
  16. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    ohh? weird... usually it's a manual transmission that'll give that kind of engine braking.
     
    #16 Tideland Prius, Jul 13, 2009
  17. fgp

    fgp Active Member

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    its great! a wonderful concept, but boy is it ugly!! no offense. just an aesthetic view point.
     
    #17 fgp, Jul 13, 2009
  18. JSH

    JSH Senior Member

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    The MP3 has a CVT like the vast majority of scooters. It is the traditional belt and cone type. It also has a centrifugal clutch that is set to engage and disengage based on RPM so for any rpm greater than just above idle the engine and wheel will be connected.
     
    #18 JSH, Jul 13, 2009
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  19. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    ohh... then why the strong engine braking? low gear ratios?
     
    #19 Tideland Prius, Jul 14, 2009
  20. JSH

    JSH Senior Member

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    As the scooter decelerates the CVT adjusts to lower and lower gear ratios. This is so that if the rider suddenly decides to accelerate the CVT has the correct ratio selected and their is no pause or lurch. This also provides engine braking which makes the scooter seem more like a traditional motorcycle.

    The ability to coast for long periods of time with minimal engine braking is not a trait that the vehicle is optimized for.

    As a note, I didn't feel the MP3 had very strong engine braking. It is nothing like twin cylinder or single cylinder motorcycle. However, coming from the Prius it would seem strong.
     
    #20 JSH, Jul 14, 2009
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