| Top Stories |
| Piaggio expands its MP3 (three-wheeled) scooter line with the addition of two new models |
| January 31, 2008 |
| Italian scooter manufacturer Piaggio has expanded its offering of three-wheeled MP3 scooters with the introduction of the 2008 MP3 500 and MP3 400. The two new models are faster versions of Piaggio’s original MP3 250, which debuted in 2006. [Technical note: The MP3 model numbers (500, 400, 250) reflect the number of cubic centimeters (cc’s) of the scooter’s engine. Scooters with a higher cc value typically have a greater capacity for speed.] |
| Because of the MP3’s three-wheel configuration, distinctive in its category, the new scooters offer great stability while you ride. The other key features Piaggio highlights are how easy it is to park the new MP3s, thanks to two independent tilting, articulated front wheels and how fun it is to ride the MP3 scooters because they have a 40-degree lean angle and the “maneuverability, agility and entertainment of a motorcycle.” Below is a description of the new MP3 models and their features, as provided by Piaggio: |
The MP3 models hug the curves an
havea sport bike feel
havea sport bike feel
MP3 500
MP3 500
MSRP: $8,899
Colors: Passion Red, Demon Black
“Racy, Revved and Ready to Go”
Whether effortlessly carving through a set of twisties or confidently navigating
pockmarked urban terrain, the 2008 MP3 500 is the personal transportation choice
most likely to get your adrenaline into high-rev mode. Distinguished by top-of-the-line
performance and aggressive styling, the MP3 500 has the strongest appetite for
aggressive riding of the three available models.
MSRP: $8,899
Colors: Passion Red, Demon Black
“Racy, Revved and Ready to Go”
Whether effortlessly carving through a set of twisties or confidently navigating
pockmarked urban terrain, the 2008 MP3 500 is the personal transportation choice
most likely to get your adrenaline into high-rev mode. Distinguished by top-of-the-line
performance and aggressive styling, the MP3 500 has the strongest appetite for
aggressive riding of the three available models.
Even standing still, the MP3 500 looks ready for action. A double steel tube bumper with metal mesh inserts give the vehicle a
rugged look, as do a sleek black metal handlebar and black ten-spoke wheel rims. A five-lamp headlight unit is not only
visually striking, but highly functional – the two biggest head lamps are equipped with off-road-style shockproof covers. But,
despite its race-inspired design, the MP3 500 doesn't skimp on rider comfort. From an aerodynamically efficient front fairing
to a wide, comfortable footrest panel, generous seat and handy rear rack, the MP3 500 offers total riding comfort to both the
rider and passenger.At the heart of the MP3 500's performance is a liquid-cooled, electronically-injected 492.7cc four-stroke
powerplant with peak horsepower of 40 hp at 7,250 rpms. The MP3 500's torque curve is ideal for strong, smooth
acceleration with plenty of power available at low and mid-range revs. A peak 31.12 ft.-lb. of torque is available at 5,550 rpm.
With a top speed of 89 mph, this maxi scooter is ready to go – but it will do so with minimum noise and reduced emissions,
thanks to its twin spark system.
Strong performance potential depends on an equally strong chassis and superior brakes and the MP3 meets all the criteria.
The MP3's innovative parallelogram front suspension technology provides category-leading stability and impeccable road
holding, while large 240 mm triple steel disk brakes ensure fast stopping power. The MP3 requires 20% less braking distance
than best-in-class two-wheel scooters.
rugged look, as do a sleek black metal handlebar and black ten-spoke wheel rims. A five-lamp headlight unit is not only
visually striking, but highly functional – the two biggest head lamps are equipped with off-road-style shockproof covers. But,
despite its race-inspired design, the MP3 500 doesn't skimp on rider comfort. From an aerodynamically efficient front fairing
to a wide, comfortable footrest panel, generous seat and handy rear rack, the MP3 500 offers total riding comfort to both the
rider and passenger.At the heart of the MP3 500's performance is a liquid-cooled, electronically-injected 492.7cc four-stroke
powerplant with peak horsepower of 40 hp at 7,250 rpms. The MP3 500's torque curve is ideal for strong, smooth
acceleration with plenty of power available at low and mid-range revs. A peak 31.12 ft.-lb. of torque is available at 5,550 rpm.
With a top speed of 89 mph, this maxi scooter is ready to go – but it will do so with minimum noise and reduced emissions,
thanks to its twin spark system.
Strong performance potential depends on an equally strong chassis and superior brakes and the MP3 meets all the criteria.
The MP3's innovative parallelogram front suspension technology provides category-leading stability and impeccable road
holding, while large 240 mm triple steel disk brakes ensure fast stopping power. The MP3 requires 20% less braking distance
than best-in-class two-wheel scooters.
MP3 400
MP3 400
MSRP: $8,699.
Colors: Cortina Gray, Midnight Blue
“All-Around Long Distance Performer”
Train tracks, rough road, miles of slick pavement, parking on steep hill – bring it on. The 2008
MP3 400 is the maxi scooter of choice for anyone who believes that personal transportation
should be flexible enough to handle short jaunts, high-traffic commutes and long, leisurely rides
with equal aplomb.
Because the MP3 400 has been designed to meet the everyday needs of owners, every
element of the scooter has been maximized for rider comfort, safety and convenience. Storage
onboard is plentiful, including an exceptionally large underseat storage bay that can hold up to
two full-face helmets. Add any number of accessories, such as a roomy top box, tall windscreen
or Tom-Tom Navigation and the MP3 400 serves virtually any riding purpose. When you
consider power, convenience, safety, fuel economy and fun, there is no doubt the MP3 400 is
the ultimate commuting vehicle.
MSRP: $8,699.
Colors: Cortina Gray, Midnight Blue
“All-Around Long Distance Performer”
Train tracks, rough road, miles of slick pavement, parking on steep hill – bring it on. The 2008
MP3 400 is the maxi scooter of choice for anyone who believes that personal transportation
should be flexible enough to handle short jaunts, high-traffic commutes and long, leisurely rides
with equal aplomb.
Because the MP3 400 has been designed to meet the everyday needs of owners, every
element of the scooter has been maximized for rider comfort, safety and convenience. Storage
onboard is plentiful, including an exceptionally large underseat storage bay that can hold up to
two full-face helmets. Add any number of accessories, such as a roomy top box, tall windscreen
or Tom-Tom Navigation and the MP3 400 serves virtually any riding purpose. When you
consider power, convenience, safety, fuel economy and fun, there is no doubt the MP3 400 is
the ultimate commuting vehicle.
The MP3 400s excellent performance begins with its 398.9ccc liquid-cooled, electronically injected four-stroke powerplant. The
four-valve single puts out a maximum of 34 hp at 7,500 rpm, with peak torque of 27.3 ft.-lb. at just 5,000 rpm. With power and
torque fully available at low revs, accelerating and passing are a breeze. While the MP3 400 is happy to chew up highway miles
all day long, there's always quick burst of power on tap for sporty maneuvers in challenging traffic conditions.
Thanks to the new engine and a large 14-inch rear wheel, the MP3 400 has a 65mm longer wheelbase than the MP3 250 for
superior stability in fast curves or during hard braking.
Like its MP3 siblings, the MP3 400's innovative character comes from the original Piaggio parallelogram suspension design. The
unique tilt mechanism that allows the two front wheels to function independently is composed of four cast aluminum arms, with
four hinges fixed to the central tube. Two guide tubes are on either side of the parallelogram, connected to the arms via
suspension pins and ball bearings.
four-valve single puts out a maximum of 34 hp at 7,500 rpm, with peak torque of 27.3 ft.-lb. at just 5,000 rpm. With power and
torque fully available at low revs, accelerating and passing are a breeze. While the MP3 400 is happy to chew up highway miles
all day long, there's always quick burst of power on tap for sporty maneuvers in challenging traffic conditions.
Thanks to the new engine and a large 14-inch rear wheel, the MP3 400 has a 65mm longer wheelbase than the MP3 250 for
superior stability in fast curves or during hard braking.
Like its MP3 siblings, the MP3 400's innovative character comes from the original Piaggio parallelogram suspension design. The
unique tilt mechanism that allows the two front wheels to function independently is composed of four cast aluminum arms, with
four hinges fixed to the central tube. Two guide tubes are on either side of the parallelogram, connected to the arms via
suspension pins and ball bearings.
| A new breed of electric scooter: Vectrix unveils a new electric model that has the speed and performance of gas scooters |
| December 31, 2008 |
| In the past, if you wanted an electric scooter, you would have to accept driving at a top speed of 20-30 mph (going downhill) and sketchy performance. No more. With arrival of the Vectrix Maxi-Scooter, the rules of the road are changing, and electric scooters are poised to rival their gas relatives. So, how does the Vectrix Maxi-Scooter compare with the gas varieties? |
The good:
The not-so-good or indifferent:
- The Vectrix has a top speed of 62 mph, making it suitable for in-city and highway
traffic. - It features zero-emission technology, which means it is about as environmentally
friendly as you can get. - The scooter is purely electric, and since electricity less expensive than gas, the
manufacturer claims it has a low operating cost. - It allows you to charge your cellphone and other electronic devices.
- A special patented technology captures some of the energy generated when
braking and channels it into the battery. - A Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery with long life (10 years at 5,000 miles a year).
The not-so-good or indifferent:
- The Vectrix gets up to 68 miles on a single charge. Compare that with a 4-stroke
gas scooter, which typically has a 2.5-gallon engine and gets 70 to 80 mpg, or 150
to 200 miles per tank. Plus, when you are running out of gas, all you need do is go
to a gas station. With an electric scooter, you have to find an accessible outlet or
charging station, and the potential to get stranded may be greater. - The battery recharges in two hours. Although two hours is not a great deal of time,
it means you must remember to charge regularly, especially if the scooter is you’re
sole form of transportation. - At $11,850 this scooter is $2,000–3,000 more than the high-end gas scooters. The
benefits may not offset the added cost.
| High-tech meets an electric scooter named Bobby. |
| November 15, 2008 |
| At the Tokyo Motor Show in October and November 2007, Yamaha showcased a new foldable electric scooter-called the Bobby. However, a better name for the scooter might have been “James" (Bond, that is) since the two-wheeled gadget seems like an item straight out of a 007 movie. What makes the Bobby like a 007 gadget? For starters, it's a small, foldable scooter that fits into an attaché case so you can easily carry it around. Add to that an array of tech features like Internet access and the ability to turn the scooter off and on using a cellphone, and you have a scooter any super spy would certainly enjoy. But what about the rest of us? The Bobby is a concept scooter and is not yet available for testing, but it appears to be a great solution for commuters, who can take a train into town and then use the Bobby to move around the city. No more waiting for taxis. |
