Piaggio with its MP3 can boast of being the first manufacturer to launch a 3-wheel scooter on the market. What happened in the now distant 2006. A model then “copied” by others, but which remains the progenitor of a segment born precisely with the first MP3. Now, the iconic scooter is renewed and does so by changing its design a lot, but above all by bringing with it more than current technologies designed to make it even safer and more comfortable to drive.
In fact, the first in the world, the new MP3 is equipped with ARAS (Advanced Rider Assistence System) devices which, as you can guess, derive in some way from the better known ADAS found on the most current cars. And as for the four wheels, these systems are designed to give the scooter rider more safety when getting on the new three-wheeler. The ARAS driver assistance platform is based on the 4D Imaging Radar technologies developed by Piaggio Fast Forward, a branch of the Italian brand specialized in robotics based in Boston. Among the systems present there are the BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) and the LCDAS (Lane Chenge Decision Aid System)
All incoming signals from the security systems are displayed on the new 7 ”full color TFT display (the largest in the category). In addition, an absolute gem, on the 530 hpe Exclusive version, which is also the top of the range, there is cruise control but, above all, a video camera that activates and transmits images to the display when reversing. There is also the key less system to start the scooter without inserting the key.
Piaggio’s new MP3 is offered in three versions. It starts from the “base” 400 hpe, to pass to the 400 hpe Sport. Both boast a 400cc engine of over 35hp. The top of the offer is the 530 hpe which puts on the plate something like 44 hp, and as mentioned above, a higher endowment.
In terms of design, the new MP3 has little to do with previous models. The Piaggio designers have concentrated on offering a sportier style, which is immediately evident from the totally redesigned front, which is now wider and consequently more protective for the rider. Here the new horizontally developed LED headlights have been inserted, while just above you can see an air intake with a three-dimensional honeycomb grille. The lower part has not escaped the renewal, and now it is more aerodynamic to offer greater stability even at high speeds. Very characteristic, with a clear reference to the automotive world, is the positioning of the direction indicators integrated in the wheel arch.