When Piaggio first revealed its three-wheeled maxi-scooter, the MP3, to the world back in 2006 it first baffled then quickly delighted the motorcycle Press and public alike.
The scoot was last revamped in 2018, when I was one of the first to put it through its paces on the streets of Paris.
The launch venue was deliberately chosen as the Italian company sells more MP3s in France than in all other countries put together.
The vast majority of those sales must be in the capital city, because in a sea of two- and other three-wheelers, the Piaggio is everywhere.
Not that the MP3 doesn’t have healthy followings in other countries – the firm has seen sales of more than 230,000 of them, so far.
So it was no surprise that I again found myself in The City of Light for the launch of the latest incarnation.
There are two new models, a 400cc and the one I was testing, the 530 Exclusive.
As you’ll have guessed, this is built around a 530cc single cylinder four-stroke engine which achieves a maximum 44bhp.
That’s similar to the outgoing 500 model, but is reached at a lower rpm (7,250) and the maximum torque of 37ft lb is also lower down, at 5,250rpm.
But that’s by no means the main change.
The bike has been completely redesigned and features a more sporty, almost car-like, front end and a slim, uncluttered rear.
The radiator is lower and the honeycomb grille on the air intake features prominently on the nose.
Below that is a spoiler which aids stability and above a full-LED light cluster.
Indicators are integrated into the wheel arches and the large screen has also been redesigned.
The lean rear end also sports a horizontal LED light set-up with integral indicators.
Talking of car-like, one of the big selling points of the MP3 is that it is classed as a trike and can therefore be ridden on a car licence in the UK and Europe.
On board, the bike feels roomy and plush.
The bars have been moved back and raised slightly and the footboard lowered, giving a very relaxed, comfortable, but in-control ride position.
The all-new seat is pure luxury.
Most notable is the new 7in colour TFT dash.
This displays all the usual info, with speed and revs in either analog or digital format, as well as a graph indicating power and torque in real time.
Download the dedicated app to your phone and you can access GPS navigation displayed on the dash.
Pick up a special Piaggio Jet helmet with headphones and Bluetooth intercom and you’ll also be able to take call and listen to music.
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There are three ride modes, Sport, Comfort and Eco, which affect the traction control and power supply.
With the key fob in your pocket, turn on and hit the start button – not forgetting to release the handbrake.
Acceleration is impressive, despite the 280kg weight, and progress is rapid and super smooth via the twist-and-go ride-by-wire throttle and CVT gearbox.
The week of the launch in Paris saw clear blue skies and temperatures in the high 20s – that is, apart from the four hours when I was riding during which it absolutely poured with rain.
Of course that meant I could really test one of the MP3’s defining features – its stability.
Once you mentally get past that chunky looking front end, the scoot feels and rides pretty much like a normal two-wheeler, except that the extra wheel really does provide extra grip and road-handling, especially in the wet.
Surprisingly, despite the extra width, I found I could still filter through all but the smallest of gaps in the Paris traffic, and the big screen and fairing did a commendable job of protecting from the worst of the weather.
Developed by Piaggio’s robotics division in Boston, USA, the new Advanced Rider Assistance System uses radar to alert you vehicles in your blind spots, as well as those approaching rapidly from behind in another lane, with flashing lights on the dash.
Braking, via three discs and front and rear bar levers, plus a rear door pedal, is sensitive yet powerful.
Rolling up to a red light, just before you halt, hit a button and the front suspension locks, balancing the bike, meaning you don’t even have to put your feet down into the Parisian puddles.
The function is deactivated as soon as you twist the throttle.
Fancy stopping for a coffee at a pavement cafe and want to back your scoot into one of the many busy bike parking spaces?
Simply engage the reverse gear and use the new rear camera display on the dash to see yourself safely in, using the locking feature to keep it parked upright without needing to employ the stand.
Post-coffee, if you’re having trouble locating your bike among all the other MP3s, just hit the Bike Finder function on your phone to sound the horn and flash the indicators – et voila.
Head out of town and the bike performs well on the highway, with a top speed of around 90mph, and perfectly happy and vibration-free at motorway rates.
It also comes with cruise control as standard.
Other features include a USB socket and room under the seat for two helmets, and the keyless function extends to opening the seat and fuel cap, and even the optional top box.
Overall, it’s hard to fault the MP3 – it looks great, is easy and comfortable to ride, has plenty of power, features some top-of-the-range technology and has the added bonus of the extra grip and stability provided by the two front wheels.
Recommended.
