I’ve been lucky enough to ride every incarnation of the Piaggio MP3 since it first arrived way back in 2006. Even so, I’m still impressed every time I get on one.
The version you see here is the latest MP3 530 HPE Executive, it’s the big daddy of the MP3 range and comes with a price tag to match. Admittedly you can buy a decent car for the £11,500 you’ll need to spend if you want to own one but can you filter past stationary traffic in a car? Nope. You can also buy a much faster motorcycle for that kind of money (a brand new Aprilia RS660 Extrema is £11,200 but you also need a bike licence to ride one… don’t have a bike licence? Read on.
Ride this on a (pre 2013) car licence
The MP3 created a new market when the LT, (or Long Track) version arrived in 2009. Piaggio had very cleverly made use of a loophole allowing tricycles with a distance of 460mm between the twin front wheels to be ridden on just a car licence. This transformed an already great mode of transport into a huge sales success, one that other manufacturers are keen to replicate, so the Italians no longer have the market to themselves. The likes of Kymco and Yamaha are lapping at their heels.
Licence requirements
Although you can ride the MP3 with either a full motorcycle or car licence there are some stipulations. Car drivers need to have passed their test before January 2013 or will have to take a bike test.
Even though it isn’t required, we’d suggest if you’ve never ridden a powered two-wheeler before it’s a good idea to take a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) test anyway. The CBT is a one-day course costing around £140. It gives some basic bike training and knowledge that will make you safer and more confident when you get out on the road on your own. The MP3 may have extra stability and car-like features but it is still very much a scooter and can fall over. It is not a car.
Executive features
This latest model was launched last summer but this was the first time I’d had a chance to ride it. My first impressions were that it looked superb, and the finish is excellent. The styling is refined and the detailing is very pleasant to the eye. It’s a premium-looking beast that’s for sure.
Like many modern scooters, the MP3 now has keyless ignition and I was pleased that the Piaggio version isn’t a faff to use. In this case, it is worth having, you can access everything on the scooter (seat, fuel) and start it up without needing to get the remote keyfob out of your pocket. The large ignition switch just needs a simple push to activate it and a twist once the class-leading 7” full-colour TFT screen welcomes you on board and gives you the ok. Then you can start it up using the triple function starter button (more on that later).
Rider modes
The screen is very impressive to look at, it’s big, has loads of functions and looks great. It’s also quite complicated to learn so you need to have a good read of the instruction manual. In fact, I’d suggest keeping the manual under the seat until you’re familiar with how it all works. I got caught out when I accidentally put the scooter into steady and frugal ‘Eco’ mode and couldn’t work out how I’d done it, or how to get it back into my preferred ‘Sport’ mode. The third option is ‘Comfort’ with a dumbed-down engine map which gives a slightly less frantic ride than Sport – not that Sport is aggressive at all. There were no YouTube videos to help me either so I had around 80 miles of riding like an eco-warrior. The ‘fix’ was simple though and I’ve done a little video to show you how.
Reverse cameras
Although the MP3 is heavy (this one weighs in at 280kg – 8kg less than the previous model) the extra front wheel not only aids stability, grip, braking and improves handling but it also helps you to wheel the scooter around when parking up. Piaggio has another trick up its sleeves though, this model also comes with reverse and rear-view parking cameras. This makes life even easier. In fact, there are a few rider aids and safety features on this scooter which make it even more appealing to anybody who may be nervous about taking the plunge and going for a three-wheeler. Many of those safety aids are borrowed from the auto world so car drivers will be familiar with them.
Those safety features include:
- ABS – to all three wheels
- CBS – Combined Braking System– operated by rear lever or foot brake pedal
- ASR – Anti Slip Regulation traction control
- ARAS – Advanced Rider Assistance Systems
- BLIS – Blind Spot Information System
- LCDAS – Lane Change Decision Aid System
- DRL – Daytime Running Light,
- IPFAFA – I’ve Probably Forgotten A Few Acronyms
Smoother and sharper
The 2022 updated model is the most significant update for the MP3 for many years. It’s lighter and sharper. The scooter has more engine capacity, up from 499cc to 530cc, providing a smoother response and extra torque from the 44bhp liquid-cooled engine. It also has more gadgets than many cars.
I collected the scooter from Piaggio’s press fleet and rode it the 70 miles back home up the motorway. The first things that struck me were just how good the dash looked and how comfortable the scooter was to ride. The revised ergonomics make it feel less cramped than previous models and although firm, the seat is comfortable.
You can quickly get to the wrong side of the speed limit on this scooter. It’ll accelerate to 60mph in around 8 seconds and will hit an electronically limited 96mph. At speed, the new screen will give you a bit of turbulence and sadly it isn’t adjustable (a big oversight) but getting into a slight crouch allowed me to cut out the wind noise. An electric screen, or at least an adjustable one would have been so much better on this premium-priced scooter.
Blind spot detection
The Blind Spot Information – BLIS/LCDAS is quite useful on the motorway, using 4D radar detection it alerts you to any cars coming at you from the rear or sides by showing a warning on the dash. A warning light in the mirrors would have been handy though because you’re likely to be checking your mirrors before changing lane.
Heading off the motorway the MP3 is very good fun, it’s a scooter that you can hoon around the lanes on and get some serious lean angle through the twisties. Remember it weighs 180kg though and it takes a bit of stopping when you’re riding hard. Using the rear lever I felt at times the brakes were a little underpowered but I started using the foot brake (if you’re a scooter rider it takes a little getting used to) and that seemed to stop the scooter quicker.
With three contact patches of rubber and ABS you can brake as hard as you like though on an MP3 and you won’t lose control.
Cruise control
The throttle seems to have a fairly heavy return to it so you need to grip it quite tightly and that could be a chore on longer motorway journeys. Or it could be if the scooter didn’t have cruise control. Again, this is a useful feature to have, simply flick the switch on the left bar and sit at a speed you are comfortable with. You can adjust the speed using the plus/minus toggle and it’ll auto-release if you use the brakes.
That left handlebar also has a four-button control, it’s used to access and scroll through loads of functions. There’s everything from three different trips, to fuel economy and functions for the Piaggio Multimedia App. It also gives access to the configuration menu which allows things like BLIS and DRL to be turned on or off. You can also set up which colours are shown for rider modes, and graphics like the real-time torque curve graph as you’re riding.
During my week with the scooter I couldn’t get the app to connect to my phone so can’t give you much detail on that but it provides lots of extra trip statistics and a basic sat nav.
Triple-function starter button
The starter button not only starts the engine but it also allows you to swap rider modes once the scooter is ticking over. Simply press it for a second then press again until you reach your favourite mode. The third function is to reverse the scooter. To get into reverse you switch the D/R button on the left switchgear over to ‘R’, the car-style rearview camera appears in the dashboard and you press the starter to reverse the scooter. It’s a little snatchy until you get used to it but it is very handy to have, especially if you’re backing it into an uphill parking bay or garage. Leave the body in the locked position and you can reverse with your feet up.
Tank range
Once filled up in Comfort mode the dash shows a range of 200 miles so the theoretical range isn’t too bad. I was riding in Sport though and would be filling up at around 120 miles to be on the safe side. I’d be happy to do 200 miles in one sitting on this scooter though, it’s comfortable enough. I’ve always preferred to have fun, rather than worry too much about fuel consumption. The 530 is always going to be more expensive to run than an MP3 300 though.
All aboard?
Like all MP3 models, this one has sensors in the seat to stop the scooter being ridden without you on board. Try and move off without putting your weight through the seat and it won’t play.
Traction control
ASR (traction control) is becoming more and more ‘normal’ in the scooter world and the MP3 has it. On dry roads, I never felt it cut in whilst riding this scooter but I know on damp, or gravel-strewn tarmac it can be felt fairly often. It momentarily cuts engine power until the wheels regain grip. Safety is one area where this scooter excels.
I covered just over 300 very pleasant miles in the week I had the scooter and other than the points I’ve already mentioned can’t really criticise the MP3 530. It’s a great machine for an all-weather, year-round commuter but it’s so much more useful than as a tool to get you to work. It gives the benefits of two-wheel freedom and ease of use to people who may not otherwise be able to experience it (or at least, aren’t willing to spend time and money doing bike training). You don’t have to be a non-rider though to enjoy riding this scooter, it still feels like an ‘ordinary’ machine, albeit with extra grip in those conditions and situations where you’d usually be backing off. You can have great fun on one of these.
Scooter mentality
Ok, the purchase price will put a lot of people off. In the UK we relate everything to the price of a car, or motorcycle (as I said above) and we have that ‘It’s only a scooter’ mentality. In the rest of Europe, a scooter really is valued as something of importance. They’re used every day and are the ‘go-to’ mode of transport. Look around any European city and you’ll see what I mean. The milder climate helps with that thought process but with an MP3 there really aren’t many days where the weather will stop you riding one. That’s a factor that you need to add in when you’re considering buying one. These are a virtual 365-day-a-year tool and plaything.
MP3 from £7000
If you still find yourself questioning if you can part with £11,500 to own the 530 why not look at the other options in the MP3 range? They start with the 300 at £7000, then there’s the MP3 Sport at £7250. If you want something in-between those and the 530 you could opt for the 400 at £9800. Personally, for the type of riding I do, the 300 Sport would be my preferred choice. It uses the same engine as the GTS 300 HPE and is quick enough, and has enough tech but without being over the top. It costs less to run and service and weighs 55 kg less than the 530.
On the other hand, if I was an executive looking for something flash with as many toys as possible I’d be using the 530 as my three-wheeled company vehicle. It’s also worth remembering that the purchase price of a brand-new scooter can be written off 100% for tax purposes, which makes buying much easier to swallow if you’re self-employed.
Pros
- Accessible for many car drivers without the need for an extra licence
- Car-like rider aids
- Carves through traffic
- Good for long-distance fun as well as commuting
Cons
- The screen isn’t adjustable
- The pillion seat is high and wide
- Sat nav doesn’t have ‘full’ mapping
Never ridden?
For those of you who have never ridden an MP3, or perhaps never even ridden a two-wheeled bike or scooter it may be quite a daunting prospect. It looks big and heavy for starters. Don’t be afraid of it though, it’s not too difficult.
Whilst I had the scooter I let my partner, Linsey have a ride, she has a full bike licence but only rides classic scooters. She’s 5’5” tall and was able to put her feet down when sat on the scooter. If you’re a shorter rider the good thing with an MP3 is that you can flick a switch on the right handlebar and lock the body upright when you’re at a standstill, or as you’re slowing down at speeds of less than 5mph. Once you get the hang of it you can come to a stop without the need to put your feet down, then accelerate away again. The tilting body unlocks as soon as you twist the throttle.
Despite being slightly nervous, Linsey soon mastered the MP3 and was able to perform feet-up turns in the road and manage the scooter quite easily. She also came back with a big smile on her face, which is always a good sign. Before riding it she’d expected it to just stand up on its own but soon realised it is still just like riding a scooter and balance is important. Treat it with respect when you’re getting used to it and you’ll be fine, confidence comes with time.
Words, photos and video: Iggy
Drone and action shots: Sticky
Piaggio MP3 530 HPE – Tech Specs
Engine: 530cc single cylinder, liquid-cooled
Power: 32.5 kW (44.1 bhp) @ 7,250 rpm
Torque: 50 Nm @ 5,250 rpm
Front suspension: Twin parallelogram
Rear suspension: Twin rear shock absorbers
Brakes: Two 258mm discs, rear 240mm disc
Wheels: Front 110/70-13″, rear 140/70-14″
Dimensions: Length 2,160mm, width 815mm, wheelbase 1,550mm
Fuel capacity: 13.7 litres
Weight: 280kg
Price: £11,500
More information? Piaggio MP3
Brilliant review on the new MP3 Iggy👌
Cheers mate.
Piaggio MP3 530 If you’re not at least 5′ 8″ tall, you will drop the MP3 530. The phone software does not work. The navigation software, there’s an extra charge. If you want to move the trike slowly for a short distance you must first shut off the front wheel lock first, otherwise the small movement of the throttle will make the trike lurch to the right, making the trike fall over. The brake levers have a design to snap off at the mid point, which does happen when the trike falls over.