WORDS
Antonino Biondo
Italians like to be the first – from Leonardo da Vinci to Galileo Galilei, Guglielmo Marconi, and Enrico Fermi, the “Bel paese” has given birth to many inventors whose work made it into the history books. The radio, the telephone, and the electric battery are only a few of the most famous pioneering developments credited to Italians.

And Piaggio has continued the legacy. The Pontedera-based motoring manufacturer revolutionised the world of urban commuting when it launched the first-ever three-wheeled scooter, the MP3, in 2006, gaining huge success. To date, over 230,000 units have been sold, and an innovative new series of the MP3 for 2022 promises to push those numbers further.
The new three-wheeled line-up includes the MP3 400 HPE, MP3 400 HPE Sport and MP3 530 HPE Exclusive, all reimagined in a sportier style and with added high-tech features to enhance comfort and safety (only the Sport and Exclusive are available in the UK).

As you only need a car licence to enjoy the MP3, I was persuaded to give it a go and hit the streets of Paris for the global launch this summer. I wouldn’t call myself an experienced rider – except for my teenage years spent on another Piaggio icon, the Aprilia Scarabeo 50cc moped – so I felt like the ultimate test-driver for that audience who is not familiar with a motorbike (and who the MP3 absolutely wants to cater to). It’s not by chance Piaggio has chosen Paris for the big reveal: with France being its biggest market, it’s almost impossible not to spot the MP3 army around the streets of the capital city.
Technology is no doubt at the heart of the new revamp: as proudly claimed by the Piaggio team, the MP3 is the world’s first scooter featuring the Advanced Rider Assistance System (ARAS). It also comes with a series of tools to assist riders developed by Piaggio Fast Forward, the Boston-based research company owned by the Italian group. The old dials have been replaced with a new 7-inch colour TFT dashboard allowing connectivity with navigation and – only on the top-of-the-range model – a reverse function with rear-view camera.

Along with introducing new technical innovations, the Italian scooter specialist refreshed the MP3 style with a sleeker aesthetic. Decisive lines draw the profile of a more compact and protective tilting trike with a wider stance and a punchy front. If the size, at first sight, feels a bit daunting for a new rider, the unique patented suspension system guarantees considerable agility. It’s only a matter of time before you’re visually used to the large front end and its leaning wheels, which provide a higher front grip. Even under adverse weather conditions – it was pouring rain when we started its engines in the Parisian business district of La Défense – the MP3 offers an unrivalled level of stability thanks to the three-channel ABS system. The ergonomics have been readjusted, getting closer to the comfort of a car seat. As the handlebar has been moved back and slightly raised, the driving position feels extremely relaxed, with plenty of leg room even for 6’2” riders.
Redesigning the future of urban mobility, the MP3 represents a great solution for the city-dweller who seeks a streamlined riding experience. And yes, although I might not be a motorbike expert (yet), riding the MP3, I definitely felt like a pro.
The MP3 400 HPE Sport, £9,800; MP3 530 Exclusive, £11,500; piaggio.com