Camelbak.

Cheers,

Dave

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.

Any questions on how it handles?

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.