Review of the characteristics of the Piaggio MP3 500 hybrid scooter with photos and videos

The three-wheeler will receive a new engine, larger wheels and communication with a smartphone

Scooter Piaggio MP3 500
In 2006, Piaggio began the three-wheeled revolution by launching MP3 scooters - a device designed to attract into the motor world those who had not yet considered purchasing a motorcycle: women, the elderly and motorists tired of traffic jams.

Unusual front suspension

The undoubted attractiveness of the new product was given by the unusual patented front suspension, which allows the device to tilt without lifting the front wheels. Thanks to this suspension design, the device handles like a regular motorcycle, and at the same time tenaciously clings to the road surface in any weather, including rainy and snowy.

Unusual front suspension of Piaggio MP3 scooters

The first copies of the Piaggio MP3 series scooters were equipped with one of the best four-stroke single-cylinder engines from Piaggio at that time - Quasar, with a volume of 125 and 250 cc. , Piaggio has continued to develop the MP3 line, not only to keep its rival followers in good shape, but primarily to expand the effectiveness and appeal of its remarkable design. The new version of the MP3 is the result of many years of work aimed at increasing efficiency, comfort, power, safety and driving pleasure. (We previously wrote about the 2022 Piaggio MP3 350 scooter)

When I was choosing a city scooter with an engine capacity of more than 250 cc. cm, I discovered that models made according to a three-wheeled design are not very popular in Russia. Motorcyclist acquaintances with whom I consulted told me several stories about the characteristics of such scooters - they say that they are unstable in ruts, and you can’t move off the curb, and they are unreliable, and the front suspension falls apart. Every single story turned out to be either complete nonsense or half-truths in which the colors were condensed. I think that people simply did not go themselves, but for some reason, when I asked them, they told rumors with a confident face.

Below is my experience of operating a 300 cc Piaggio MP3 Yourban for a season and a half (6,000 km in total), a story about the installed additional equipment, the advantages and disadvantages of the device, which emerged in everyday use. Initially, I didn’t plan to buy an Italian scooter because of its high cost. But when, due to the 2014 surge, prices for the Taiwanese Sym 300 soared from 300 thousand rubles to almost 400 thousand rubles, I decided that for that kind of money I’d rather take an Italian. Moreover, I have always been interested in riding a three-wheeled vehicle. I thought it was very practical. From the MP3 line, I chose the MP3 Yourban 300, since it is the shortest and narrowest in the butt (which is convenient in the city) and the least ugly, and in some places even quite cute. There was no Yamaha Trisity yet, and even if there had been, 125 cubic meters was not enough for such a device. The Quad 4d was not yet commercially available, so I would have bought it - it looks like a damn handy device. So, point by point: 1. Capacity and power. 300 cu. cm for the city - optimal volume, 22 hp. - sufficient power. The scooter easily picks up 110 km/h, then brings the needle to 120 km/h, and then accelerates only if it goes downhill. By the way, the maximum speed is not indicated in the manual and the sellers will not tell you it either, since they themselves do not know for sure. For me this was one of the dilemmas before purchasing. Objectively, in the city there is no need for more than 120 km/h. At any speed above 80 km/h, you are obviously moving faster than the flow. At the same time, the peculiarity of the CVT transmission is that it allows you to effortlessly start from a traffic light instantly. Most often, even faster than motorcyclists (because motorcyclists need to carefully release the clutch to get going, while a scooter rider only needs to unceremoniously turn the throttle all the way). Therefore, you usually have the opportunity to break away from the flow for a couple of seconds. It's comfortable. Yes, I DO NOT recommend taking a large MP3 (not Yourban) with a volume of less than 400 cc. It is heavier than Yoruban, but weaker, so it will be sluggish. I also DO NOT recommend taking the Yourban 125 - it only has 15 hp. Not enough for a scooter with a curb weight of 200 kg. Unless you only need to drive around the city and you are obsessed with safety. It will become boring after a couple of days, guaranteed.

For the track 300 cc. cm and 22 hp not enough. Formally, the maximum speed of 120 km/h allows you to drive on any highway, but in reality it’s not very pleasant to find yourself behind a truck that is moving at a speed that does not allow you to confidently overtake. It's also not very pleasant when large trucks or buses overtake you. I drove the MP3 to the dacha (70 km from the Moscow Ring Road) and other places within 120 km from Moscow. While you're in traffic jams, everything is great. As soon as you jump onto an open road, you begin to regret that you do not have the opportunity to develop an additional 10-20-30 km/h.

3. About controllability and stability. MP3 is no different in handling from a regular scooter. Not at all. You don’t feel the second wheel in front, you only feel that the front end is heavier than usual. If you have any doubts before purchasing, don't hesitate. It really handles like a regular Vespa.

When cornering, the MP3 can lean quite a bit. I have had occasion to hit the limiter, this happens at such an angle of inclination that a normal person would not drive every day.

Before I bought it, they told me that MP3s supposedly have problems with ruts. Complete nonsense, nothing like that. The scooter perfectly handles longitudinal tracks of any size. If the scooter were not three-wheeled, but four-wheeled (like Quad 4d), then it would be possible to ride painlessly even in places where the road surface has been removed between the rows. It’s just that one wheel rides lower, the other higher, the driver doesn’t feel anything at all. Driving off curbs at an angle, driving onto any curbs, all this is done without problems.

The scooter rides very confidently on hard wet surfaces. Frankly, I don’t know whether the MP3 Yourban has traction control or not, but I have had the rear wheel slip several times at low speeds on slippery surfaces (rubber, rails, tiles). In such situations, the front wheels do not even allow you to really get scared - the driver simply feels that the rear wheel is slipping. In this case, you can only fall if the slipping is very long (several seconds), and the driver does not even bother to put his feet on the ground. And if the scooter has at least a minimum speed, then it straightens itself - as if pulling the rear wheel out of a skid due to the kinetic energy of the massive front part.

When it started to rain, I most often continued to drive at my speed (unless it was really pouring rain), including in turns. At the same time, I saw how the surrounding motorcyclists began to be cautious (and rightly so). The MP3 can actually be driven almost dry in the rain. Very high control reliability.

I tried riding the MP3 outside of the normal motorcycle season. Then I opened in mid-March and closed something like early November. So I had a chance to travel in the snow and through disgusting porridge. There is little pleasure from this, but mainly because dirt flies from the cars. The scooter itself rides stably.

But the MP3 rides terribly on grass and soft wet ground. You have to keep him on his feet all the time. The rubber instantly becomes washed out and skids. In short, not only is it not an enduro, but even driving 200 meters on a clay wet trail can become a problem. In dry conditions there are no such problems.

You can ride an MP3 with a passenger without any problems. I’ve even had the opportunity to travel with two passengers, although it was a bit cramped. However, you don’t get any buzz from this - the passenger sits quite high, and the scooter with him becomes noticeably less stable at low speeds. On my current motorcycle, carrying a passenger is much more pleasant and relaxed.

4. About the smooth ride. It's a city scooter, the front suspension is heavy - if you fly into holes with two wheels at once, sometimes it bangs quite hard. In short, it is not an enduro and is not intended for that.

5. About wind protection, protection from dirt and dopa. The scooter comes with a low glass base. I ordered the branded Piaggean windshield (not the highest, but the average one - see the photos) and transparent plastic hand protection. If I took it now, I would take either the same thing or even higher glass. Then you could ride in an open helmet all year round and not wrap your neck.

The plastic hand protection, however, is made stupidly and does not protect against the wind at all, it only protects against stones and car mirrors. So without gloves in cold weather it is not very comfortable.

Another awesome thing is a foot cover for a scooter. They are made by the Milanese company Tucano Urbano (it seems that other manufacturers have appeared now, you need to search for the word scooter apron). I recommend it to anyone and everyone. This thing makes life for a scooter rider wonderful in cold weather. All motorcyclists are wet through, but the scooter rider in a cape rides dry and clean, and his feet are dry. Covers are sold in different ways - universal (for several models of scooters at once) and made specifically for one model. I recommend taking those tailored specifically to MP3 - it has a rather specific cutout size for the feet, so universal capes do not completely cover the boots. The cape is simply attached to the straps in 5 minutes. With a medium to high windshield, especially if with a foot cover, you can drive in the rain, but only to a certain extent. In heavy rain, water still starts to get on the jacket, so you need a membrane jacket or something similar. In addition, in very heavy rain, after 15-20 minutes, water begins to flow down the jacket onto the seat and pour under the butt. But in any case, a rain cover is needed on the MP3 much less often than on any other scooters and motorcycles.

I will probably be crucified by safety advocates (and maybe supported by hipsters who drive without protection at all), but the best thrill on such a device is driving around in a business suit to meetings in a city clogged with traffic jams. I traveled like this quite often. Tall glass protects your chest from the wind, and a foot cover allows you to keep your feet clean.

6. About the ability to stand at a traffic light without putting your feet down. Yes, there is such a possibility. Yourban works like this: at low speed before a traffic light, the driver moves a special slider on the remote control with his hand, and the front suspension is locked in the state in which it was at that time. The suspension remains in this state until the driver applies gas again, or until the slider moves in the other direction.

You quickly get used to controlling the function, although it is a little daunting at first. The function helps sell the scooter, but in fact, I personally only used it in the parking lot - when I needed to leave the scooter and didn’t want to put it on the center stand. It’s somehow more common for me to put my feet down at traffic lights. Although this can be very convenient for people who have problems with their feet. They say that on more expensive MP3 models this function is automatic (that you don’t need to press the slider, but it does everything itself). I could not verify this information.

6. About the brake pedal. There are versions of the MP3 Yourban in which the rear brake is pedal-mounted. In France, you can drive these with category B. If you come across one, be sure to try it before purchasing to see if you will be comfortable with this pedal. The MP3 doesn't have much legroom anyway due to the advanced front suspension and front wheels, and then there's the pedal.

7. About capacity. The MP3 “toilet” can accommodate two 3/4 helmets, and only if one of them does not have a long visor. Or one normal helmet and something compact for the passenger. You can still stuff something soft around the edges, but overall it’s not the biggest “toilet bowl.” There is a backlight if this is important to someone.

8. About the importance of normal service. IMPORTANT point. If you take an Italian, then immediately leave the official services. I bought myself a scooter from the Albatros dealer. Scooters are not their main business; they deal mainly with snowmobiles, boats, ATVs and other similar equipment. I was the only client on their MP3 service (I didn’t want to void the warranty, and besides, I wasn’t familiar with normal unofficial services). As a result, ALL (I emphasize ALL) problems with the scooter that I had over a season and a half arose solely thanks to illiterate servicemen at the official service center. For two years, the official service has not been able to turn off the Service icon on the instrument panel (it lights up every time the scooter needs to be serviced). Indeed, the manual does not say anything about how to turn off this icon. The unofficial service solved this in 5 seconds.

The official service has not been able to cope with tightening the handbrake in two years (the MP3 has a “handbrake” that allows you to hold the scooter on an incline without using your legs); it was constantly weakening for me. An unofficial service solved this issue in 2 minutes with one turn of the key in the right place.

Due to poor pre-sale preparation, the official service center did not remove the ventilation plugs in front of the engine. Therefore, in the summer, the engine warped the toilet pan with its heat, and cracks formed in it. It’s a small thing, but the pan was eventually replaced under warranty (we had to wait almost six months for the parts, it’s good that at least we could drive during that time).

When the rear brake pads needed to be changed (I often use the rear brake, my rear pads quickly run out), the Albatross did not have these same pads. They asked me to wait a month. In the end, I gave up, went to the 2nd Donskoy Proezd, bought suitable pads there and replaced everything myself in 10 minutes. Not a service, but just a disorder.

In general, when I was selling a scooter, the buyer brought me to Sokolniki for inspection by a certain Sasha, who deals with Italians (in some underground garage behind Zenit). The guys clarified all the questions in 5 minutes, to which the dealer just shrugged his shoulders. Judging by the knowledge of practice, they have been working on MP3 for a long time and constantly. These are the services you need to go to. MP3s are strong machines, they don’t need a warranty. But there are a couple of specific places there that are better known to those who constantly work with these machines. I don't even mention the price difference. I think there is information about this Sasha on the relevant forums.

9. About shortcomings. The downside of the MP3, in my opinion (compared to regular scooters), is the lack of flexibility in driving position. Due to the fact that the front end is occupied by the front suspension and wheels, you always sit like on a stool, your legs can only be placed in one position, and you cannot stretch them out. This is the most convenient position in the city; no other position is required. But when you drive 100 km to the dacha, sometimes you want to stretch somehow, but you can’t. However, on motorcycles it’s even worse - you can’t really move around at all, your legs take part in the steering.

The second drawback is the weight of the scooter. The MP3 Yourban 300 weighs 212 kg when loaded. Solid weight. Pulling it is not so easy, especially if you put it on an incline. The only saving grace is that it is three-wheeled, so you can lock the front suspension and pull the scooter alone, like an Auchan cart.

The third drawback is the handbrake. Not the best design. You have to spend extra time on it, it periodically weakens (it needs to be tightened). However, it does not interfere with driving, even if it is not tightened up. On the same BMW scooters, a much more convenient solution is used - when the side stand is folded down, the scooter automatically sets the parking brake. Much more convenient.

The fourth drawback, which I have only heard about, but have not had the opportunity to encounter, is the front suspension. They say that the bearings in the front wheels break quite quickly, as well as the flexible joints in the front suspension linkage. I bought the scooter new, drove it for a season and a half and 6,000 km, when selling it, the mechanic said that the front suspension had just started to break down, and it would go another season without replacing the rubber bands and bearings. As far as I understand, this procedure is quite common for MP3.

The fifth drawback of Yourban, which personally did not bother me, but it does exist, is the gap between the steering wheel and the front shield. Regular MP3s do not have this gap, the shield is solid, and the steering wheel is attached to the back. In short, the wind is blowing into this gap at speed. If there is no cover for your feet, your eggs will freeze in cold weather. Rain, which is typical, does not fall into this gap. Motorcyclists will laugh at this part of the story, but, in my opinion, let the eggs be frozen rather than fried. =) The problem is solved either by covering the legs, or by purchasing a large MP3, which does not have this problem. But, I repeat, this is only noticeable in cold weather. In summer - no problem.

There are Italian peculiarities in small details - for example, the toilet is opened not with a button, but by turning the ignition key in the opposite direction. That is, you need to turn off the engine to get into the trunk. Inconvenient. The silver paint on the muffler protection also peels off when washed with a Karcher. I went nuts. As a result, I tore off all the paint with a Karcher, drove with black protection, it looks no worse than silver. Why they painted it at all, I still don’t understand.

10. About liquidity. They told me that I would never sell MP3. As a result, it sold in 2 (!) days. It was at the end of May (that is, not quite the beginning of the season), I received exactly as much money as I wanted (the price was not lower than the market), the bargaining was purely symbolic. Perhaps I was lucky, of course. But I got the impression that these scooters are in limited but stable demand among people who need just such practical devices.

In general, the Piaggio MP3 Yourban 300 is an awesome vehicle for the city and nearby suburbs. Reliable, easy to operate and versatile. I eventually changed it to a motorcycle because I wanted to try long-distance riding. If I were to buy something for the city and suburbs now, I would either think about MP3 (maybe I would just take a 500 cc one), or I would look for Quad 4d (this should actually be a fire machine). I hope my report will help someone find more information about MP3 Yourban. When I bought it, I really missed it.

Piaggio MP3 scooters in 2022

Piaggio MP3-2019 will be presented in three versions of two different cubic capacities: 350 and two 500 cc. The 500cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-valve, single-cam engine has been completely redesigned to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, while delivering 14% more power. Thanks to a high compression ratio (11.5:1 versus the previous 10.9:1), a new camshaft profile and improved gas dynamics, the engine now produces a respectable 44.2 hp. at 7750 rpm and 47.5 Nm at 5500 rpm. The delivery of torque from the engine to the rear wheel is carried out by a very efficient and yet simple CVT.

The new Piaggio MP3 scooter is a serious device, prepared for the comfortable movement of two adults, plus cargo in the underseat trunk that can accommodate two helmets. The wheelbase of the device is 155 cm, the size of the two front wheels is 110/70-13, the rear one is 140/70-14. The MP3 is massive, because under the well-cut plastic there is a fairly large amount of mechanics, which cannot but affect the weight: the MP3 weighs 260 kg.

The front independent suspension is a real figment of the imagination of a genius , thanks to parallel beams, it provides the front wheels with the ability to freely change their height relative to each other, and at the same time eliminates any manifestations of flimsiness on the road. The front wheels do not require wheel alignment and provide excellent steering response. The device steers very clearly, and despite its heavy weight and size, it holds the road extremely confidently.

The use of 13-inch front wheels and, accordingly, 110/70 tires makes steering sharper, compared to the previous version on 12 wheels and 120/70 tires.

The height of the driver's seat is 79 cm, it is very comfortable and provides an ergonomic fit. The comfort of the device is not least due to the new windshield of an aerodynamic design, which completely covers the wind, including the hands, without bouncing or turbulence. If you add the heated grips available as an option, you get the perfect device for carefree city driving in any weather.

Recommendations for selection

Number of seats.

Most maxi scooters are available with 1 or 2 seats.

1. To travel to work or go fishing alone, it is enough to purchase a single-seater bike. It will be as light, maneuverable and economical as possible.
2. If you plan to travel regularly together, then you need to give preference to a scooter with a long seat. With such motorcycles you can not only move around the city, but also make out-of-town trips for a picnic.

Trunk capacity

. When choosing a maxi-scooter, it is important to consider the trunk volume. Some people just want to hide a motorcycle helmet under the saddle, while others will transport tents, sleeping bags and air mattresses. You should also pay attention to the presence of glove compartments. They are convenient for transporting small items.

Acceleration speed and dynamics

. Many maxiscooters have good starting speed, leaving behind the traffic at traffic lights. But every motorcyclist has his own ideas about speed.

1. Bikes with small engines have a limited maximum speed (up to 130 km/h), they demonstrate slow acceleration to 100 km/h (at least 8 s).
2. Powerful maxi-scooters are for those who love sports riding. Their maximum speed reaches 200 km/h, and the acceleration dynamics look amazing (5-7 s).
3. Economical. Many potential buyers are interested in fuel consumption. And it is right. There are models that consume only 2-3 liters of gasoline in mixed mode. In powerful maxi-scooters, the consumption is close to that of small cars (5-7 l).

Reliability

. When choosing a maxiscooter, it is important to get acquainted with reviews from real owners.

1. Japanese bikes are considered the most reliable. But they require regular maintenance and high-quality gasoline. But repairs can hit your wallet hard.
2. European motorcycles are not inferior in durability. It is easier to serve for residents of the western regions of Russia. There are spare parts and consumables in stock, the price for some models is affordable.
3. More and more Chinese maxi-scooters are seen on the country's roads. They attract with an affordable price. In recent years, the quality of workmanship has improved; they are slightly inferior in reliability and durability to Japanese and European competitors.

We have selected the 15 best maxiscooters for review. All of them passed the test on Russian roads. When allocating places, the editors of the expertology magazine relied on the opinion of the expert community, taking into account the reviews of domestic motorcyclists.

Cons of the Piaggio MP3 500 scooter

The only negative point is the location of the brake pedal. It is only there because of the bureaucrats, because in order for the MP3 to be homologated for riding without a motorcycle category, it must have a coaster brake. However, the brakes of the device are much more convenient to control using the levers on the steering wheel, so in practice this pedal is completely unnecessary. Its position is extremely inconvenient, since it is located directly under the toe of the right foot, and for a comfortable ride you have to put your foot back a little, as a result of which it is not possible to brake quickly with the pedal.

Pros of the Piaggio MP3 500 scooter

Despite the considerable weight, the engine power is enough for a brisk start from a traffic light, and the traffic easily remains behind. The significantly redesigned half-liter engine pulls perfectly at any speed up to the cutoff, while its predecessor also had good traction, but was suffocating at high speeds. Now it spins up to 7000 with ease.

As mentioned earlier, the MP3 500 will be supplied to the global market in two versions: Business and Sport, and to the US market - only in the Sport version. The main differences are in the finish - black wheels on the Sport and silver on the Business version. However, the Sport version will also get Kayaba gas-assisted rear shock absorbers and wave front brake discs.

The braking system, by the way, is excellent. Two 258 discs at the front, one at each wheel, and a 240 disc at the rear, plus ABS. The set of electronic features also includes ASR traction control and the Piaggio Multimedia Platform, which transmits a group of device operating parameters to the smartphone screen.

The Piaggio MP3 is a very comfortable and original city scooter , perfect for both high-speed cutting through traffic jams and riding on the stone pavements of European cities, and its stability and powerful brakes add reliability and confidence to daily trips on it.

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