Piaggio launches PHEV MP3 Scooter

[Tideland Prius]

Originally Posted by Fibb222

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.

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.

[Fibb222]

Originally Posted by Tideland Prius

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.

It's an automatic like the typical scooter, but the RPMs seem semi-tied to speed. I'm not a mechanic.

[drees]

Originally Posted by JSH

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.

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.

[Fibb222]

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.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by Fibb222

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.

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.

[Tideland Prius]

Originally Posted by Fibb222

It's an automatic like the typical scooter, but the RPMs seem semi-tied to speed. I'm not a mechanic.

ohh? weird... usually it's a manual transmission that'll give that kind of engine braking.

[fgp]

its great! a wonderful concept, but boy is it ugly!! no offense. just an aesthetic view point.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by Tideland Prius

ohh? weird... usually it's a manual transmission that'll give that kind of engine braking.

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.

[Tideland Prius]

Originally Posted by JSH

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.

ohh... then why the strong engine braking? low gear ratios?

[JSH]

Originally Posted by Tideland Prius

ohh... then why the strong engine braking? low gear ratios?

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.