MP3. When you see that file extension acronym in E-Gear Magazine, 99 percent of the time it is going to be associated with a portable music player or device making it easier for you to listen to your tunes. But Piaggio, the Italian scooter manufacturer has something else in mind. The clever marketing department figured they would tie-in with the famous MP3 moniker to persuade a younger, hipper audience to launch a unique vehicle. Along with other bystanders at the New York Motorcycle Show, I did a double-take when I came across the MP3 by Piaggio. What the heck is that? Clearly, the MP3 is like no other motorcycle, scooter, or motorized vehicle on the road.

Why? Because it has three wheels! And, before you ask, yes it can tip over if you try and ‘lay ‘er down,’ just like any other motorcycle or scooter. However, the three wheels add a tremendous amount of stability and confidence to the driver. If you never thought you would ever get on a scooter, the MP3 might just convert you. The magic happens with a push of a button on the right handlebar. This button either locks or unlocks the cantilever suspension system. So, when you are above 5 MPH, you push the button to unlock the suspension and allow the vehicle to lean through the turns. This is the difference between ‘riding’ the MP3 and ‘driving’ a car—the ability to lean into the turns. However, below 5 MPH another press of the button locks the electro-hydraulic suspension. This means the scooter can remain upright while at a standstill. The upright locking is by far one of the coolest features: If you need to input data into your motorcycle-friendly Garmin Zumo 550 GPS unit at a traffic light, you can do so without trying to accomplish the task without your feet balancing 450 pounds of motorcycle between your legs. Moreover, it also means that there is no need to put the vehicle on its stand, ensuring easy parking.

The process is simple. Hop on the scooter and fire it up making sure your hands are on both hand-mounted brake controls. If you want the MP3 to give you confidence, leave the button engaged that locks the suspension so you have ‘training wheels’ when you start off (it only works at speeds lower than 5 MPH). Just twist the throttle and go- Piaggio’s ‘Twist and Go’ automatic CVT with torque server means that you do not have to worry about shifting with your left foot and operating a clutch with your left hand. As soon as you get rolling (remember that on a scooter or motorcycle, speed provides stability so your confidence level automatically increases once you get rolling), you click the button off.

I was a little skeptical at first. First off, the MP3 attracts more people and riders than free beer at Daytona’s Bike Week. After all, it has three wheels! The advice I had from one of the expert Piaggio riders, a suave guy from Italy, was that it is a little different from riding a motorcycle but you’ll pick it up quickly. Indeed, he was right. I rode the MP3 from the front of Piaggio’s offices onto the mean streets of New York City. The additional stability provided by the third wheel makes you wonder why everyone can’t have one of these when learning how to ride. After a half a lap around the block, I was zipping around cabs, getting stares, and having a blast! Squeezing the brakes is very impressive too. Since there are two front wheels shod with Michelin tires, there is a lot of extra contact patch provided for stopping, even though they are only 12 inches in diameter. But make no mistake—this is a very real transportation solution; not a glorified Segway scooter. The 244 cc QUASAR fuel-injected motor (with catalytic converter to make it environmentally-friendly) can take the scooter past 77 MPH, making this a very real design for the interstate system. With its friendly under-seat storage capacity, you could drive the MP3 across country. But best of all, it is FUN. You feel the suspension working, you can enjoy the Italian styling, you become part of the ride, not just a passenger in it. The MP3 makes it possible to have fun and sip gas simultaneously. Because I did not have an extended drive, I cannot accurately report the fuel economy, but I can confidently estimate it between 50-60 MPG. Even with today’s gas prices that is about $10 per fill-up.

So it is with great contrast that I reviewed this scooter around the same time I reviewed the new Smart ForTwo car. Both are meant for urban transportation that can be used on the highway, but I would go with the MP3 every time. Heck, this past summer Piaggio even had a promotion with parking garages in Manhattan to allow for free parking- they picked up the tab! Indeed, you will need a helmet, and a rainy day will ruin your fun, but it just makes sense for getting around town with awesome fuel economy to boot. MP3- it ain’t just a file extension for music anymore. Now it is a real transportation alternative. yy

Thi sarticle was taken from: E-Gear