2017 Piaggio MP3 300 and 500
Piaggio introduce the new 300 and 500cc MP3 in Business and Sport Models
With the MP3, Piaggio reinvented city transport. The Piaggio MP3 isthe world’s first three-wheel scooter, a response to the demand for easy-to-handle, safe city vehicles to get about in the city or reach the city centre from the ever growing suburbs.
The two front wheels and the exclusive patented suspension system joining them combine the safety of a car with the simplicity and practicality of a scooter and the fun of a motorcycle with dynamic riding when turning.
The Piaggio MP3 is available in two different engine sizes (300cc and 500cc, Euro 4), each of which is available in two different versions – Sport and Business – to complete a true family three-wheeled vehicle that is capable of meeting any and all daily mobility needs.
The Piaggio MP3 500 is now the flagship of the three-wheel vehicle range supplied by the Piaggio Group. With power of 38hp at 7250rpm and torque of 45.5Nm at 5000rpm, it is fully capable of meeting any town, city or country mobility needs.
The 300 cc version maintains all the aesthetic and technical characteristics that place Piaggio MP3 a step ahead of the competition, combining a high performance engine and reduced fuel consumption.
The 300cc four-stroke, four-valve, liquid-cooled engine with electronic injection delivers maximum power of 20.7hp at 7250rpm, with a torque output of 22.5Nm at 6000rpm.
The Piaggio MP3 frame has been redesigned with the dual objective of providing, on the one hand, excellent riding stability and precision and, on the other, a wider range of uses. The project creates the best Piaggio Mp3 ever built in terms of dynamic qualities, safety standards and comfort for rider and passenger.
The careful complete restyling adds more comfort on-board. The seat boasts sumptuous proportions: flat and comfortable for two people to sit on, an improvement on the earlier generation of the Piaggio MP3, with ergonomic benefits, starting from the position of the legs, more extended and relaxed.
In particular the perfect triangulation handlebars-saddle-footplate is larger, making riding easier and improving vehicle control. And it’s not only the rider who benefits. Designed as a true alternative to the car, the latest generation of Piaggio MP3 provides the passenger with even more comfort with more available space.
The large compartment under the seat, fitted with courtesy light and mat, has been redesigned for additional uses, due to the regular, almost rectangular shape, without indentations or partitions, so every square centimetre can be used, for example to store two full-face helmets or a laptop holder.
The saddle, which can now also be opened using the Bike Finder remote control (making the turn indicators flash), opens electrically, as usual, and it is assisted by a convenient shock absorber strut that accompanies the seat opening movement in a practical and safe way.
The flat streamlined tail for an easily assembled box (just one of the many accessories available), further increasing the already exceptional load capacity of the Piaggio Mp3.
The Piaggio MP3 has been the first three-wheeled scooter and becomes the first three-wheeler in the world with ABS brake system integrated with ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) traction control.
The ASR system is an electronic traction control device regulating the driving wheel slippage. The ASR can be switched off simply and it guarantees safety by preventing the slippage of the rear wheel on slippery or wet roads and uneven surfaces, for excellent rear tyre grip and road holding in all conditions.
The Piaggio Group is the first manufacturer to use rear wheel traction control for a scooter, in-house developed technology, based on racing experience and subsequently adapted and built into city vehicles.
The ABS system maximizes active safety preventing wheel blockage under braking and providing full control of the vehicle at all times. Developed specifically for the Piaggio MP3, it uses a Continental control unit and three channels controlling the three wheels individually modulating only the braking force to prevent grip loss.
Piaggio Mp3 employs an all-disc braking system on the three wheels, with a disc diameter of no less than 258 mm. Greater safety and an even smoother ride are provided by large larger 13in diameter front wheels.
This is a resounding success due to the MP3 exclusive Piaggio dual independent tilting front wheel technology, thanks to the four bar linkage suspension which the leading Group in Europe designed and developed before any other manufacturer in the world to ensure maximum riding pleasure in complete safety.
This is the original project patented by Piaggio, with a roll mechanism comprising four aluminium alloy arms, fitted on four hinges on the central sleeve and two side sleeves connected to the arms by pins and ball bearings. Inside the side sleeves, the right-hand and left-hand steering tube rotates in a classic single-arm set-up.
The blocking mechanism of the front suspension, a distinguishing feature of the three-wheel Italian scooter, transforms the balance of the Piaggio Mp3 from dynamic to static. Start up the Piaggio Mp3 and it stays in balance on the three wheels without the need for a stand (fitted nonetheless).
To resume normal operation accelerate or use the dedicated push button. This means you never need to put your foot on the ground and you can park the Piaggio Mp3 anywhere, easily and without effort.
The Style Centre of the Piaggio Group has completely redesigned the distinctive features in the various versions, making them increasingly more modern and individualistic. The front shield recalls the original model but has a new form. The smoke-grey windshield provides protection and can be adjusted to three different heights.
The headlights and indicators now have high efficiency daytime lights with seven high efficiency LEDs, adapted from the auto industry and modernising the look of the front of the scooter. The wheel rims boast a new and elegant 5 split spoke design.
The dashboard includes the set of modern instruments in two conventional round panels and a multi-purpose digital panel with data on fuel consumption (average and current), average and maximum speed, fuel gauge, travel time, ambient temperature and ice alarm.
The instrument panel also includes a clock, total and trip counter and battery voltage reader. The 11 lights on the instrument panel display the functioning of the headlights, dipped headlights, indicators, reserve fuel, oil pressure, warning (injection), immobilizer, ABS, ASR and four emergency lights.
In the centre part, just beneath the display, a series of 4 warning lights are placed which indicate: roll lock warning, engine shut-down, no roll and hand brake. Push buttons under the handlebars are to open the saddle and switch off the ASR.
The leg shield back plate has two anti-impact pads the colour of the saddle in front of the rider’s knees. Complete with retractable bag hook. The compartment above the instruments has a drawer and USB connection, ideal for recharging a smartphone and other devices.
The line of the rear area on the Piaggio Mp3 was inspired by the latest generation of Piaggio GT maxi-scooters. The tail is very streamlined and dynamic, elegantly truncated, highlighting the sports character of the Piaggio Mp3, reflected in its exceptional road holding and tilt while turning. The tail stop and position lights incorporate LED technology. The parcel holder and passenger handle, in aluminium, complete the line of the comfortable saddle.
The sophisticated Piaggio Multimedia Platform, available from among the many dedicated accessories for the Piaggio Mp3, connects your smartphone to the on-board electronic system, turning it into a multi-purpose instrument. A smartphone connected with the Piaggio Multimedia Platform can also be used to display maps and routes or to find the location, for example, of petrol stations or support services.
The tyre condition monitoring feature takes synergistic advantage of the vehicle and smartphone sensors to monitor tyre wear and inflation, immediately alerting the rider of any potentially critical situations. The general analysis feature monitors vehicle condition.
The Piaggio Mp3 is available in Business and Sport versions, with dedicated equipment and colour schemes
Piaggio Mp3 Business – sober and elegant
The Business version, elegant and city-friendly, characterized by a “Business”plate on the rear part of the tail, distinguishes itself through some prestige details, such as the chrome-plated exhaust pipe on the Mp3 500, the new brown saddle with dual lining, and the finish in glossy grey of the wheel rims and the passenger grab handles.
The elegance of Piaggio Mp3 Business is highlighted by the two chrome-plated versions available: Bianco Iceberg, Nero Universo, a new metallic Red and a new metallic Blue.
Piaggio Mp3 Sport – sporting and dynamic
The Sport version of Piaggio Mp3 is distinguished by the “Sport”plate on the rear of the tail and the numerous items with matt grey finish, such as the protection of the end of the exhaust pipe for the MP3 300, the diamond edge wheel rims the passenger handles and moulding of the central tunnel. The black saddle of the Sport version has a lining in two different materials.
There are three dedicated colour schemes for the Sport version: Nero Opaco Carbonio and the three new colours, Grigio Opaco, Bianco Pastello and Verde Opaco.