News: Ride the Maxi Scooter with the Car Exam – Quadro 3 and Piaggio MP3 500

Let's answer this question a little philosophically. If you're the type of person who doesn't really plan on taking a motorcycle exam, this is a top-notch option for enjoying the freedom, conquering the crowd, and brightening up days when it's fun to ride without a roof over your head. Not cheap, it's a luxury. But if you think about the substantial consumption of about five liters per 100 kilometers, we can say that this is also a cheap transport. In both cases, the passenger will also ride solidly and comfortably. The MP3 has a slight advantage here, as it sits lower and is more comfortable than the Quadru3. Otherwise, you can read what we think in the following paragraphs.

Swiss Quadro3 won me over after the first meters. The 346 cubic meter unit provides good enough acceleration to drive you dynamically around town without any problems. The first two wheels tilt hydraulically when cornering, so the feel is similar to that of a classic motorcycle. In my opinion, cornering grip is perhaps even more reliable than a two-wheeled motorcycle. The triple set of brakes works reliably even under any unexpected braking in a corner. The dashboard is transparent, the seats are comfortable, but relatively high (780 mm). Even higher is the passenger seat, which is felt in the corners. There's room under the seat for two helmets and, if you're lucky, a bag of goodies. I definitely missed another crate in the front armor. The Quadro is stabilized with brake levers. When the scooter stops, we stabilize it by pressing the brake lever and prevent it from tilting, which is very welcome at traffic lights. When you add throttle and release the brake, the rollover prevention system is activated. Consumption is relatively low, depending on driving style and load. Definitely a city scooter for getting around city traffic on a daily basis, but I highly recommend a weekend ride.

With slightly more power (3 kW), ABS and ASR, a multimedia platform and comfort, the MP500 29,5 from Italian manufacturer Piaggia is actually more for business people who want mobility and driving pleasure at the same time. Acceleration is excellent, handling is excellent. ASR prevents rear wheel spin, which greatly improves safety. Here he deserves a high mark. Even with MP3, cornering feel is the same as a classic two-wheeler. The scooter leans nicely and accelerates well from a corner. Sitting comfortably for both driver and passenger, so you can easily go on a longer trip. The MP3 also has under-seat space for two helmets. To stabilize the tilt, Piaggio has a dedicated throttle switch. It is embarrassing that the scooter is "blocked" even if it is not completely vertical, which was the biggest disadvantage for me. When gas is added, the system is automatically unlocked and the scooter can be tilted again. MP3 also pumps at low revs, which disappears as soon as you add gas. Both scooters can be parked using the hand brake, which stabilizes the vehicle vertically, preventing it from moving back and forth, so the use of a stand is not required. Personally, I only missed the two-bank refrigerator and reverse gear, otherwise I would happily park it in my home garage.

Both are good choices for non-motorcyclists and anyone looking for maximum safety when it comes to maxi scooters. No, the feelings are not exactly the same as on a motorcycle, but they are very, very close, so prejudice is not needed. How useful this thing is is evidenced by the fact that European cities are flooded with three-wheeled maxi-scooters, where they are used almost all year round.

text and photo: Gojko Zrimšek

Panel Panel 3

• Basic data

  Test model cost: € 7.330 XNUMX €

• Technical information

  engine: new, four-stroke, liquid-cooled

  Power: 19,8 kW (27 hp) at 7.000 rpm

  Torque: 28,8 Nm @ 5.500 rpm, fuel injection, electric + foot start

  Energy transfer: automatic variator

  Frame: tubular steel

  brakes: front double coil with 256mm diameter, rear coil with 240mm diameter

  Suspension: front, double, individually suspended wheels, rear double shock absorber

  Tires: front 110 / 80-14˝, rear 140/70 x 15

  Growth: 780

  Fuel tank: 13,0

  Wheelbase: 1.550

  Weight: 200

Piaggio MP3 500

• Basic data

  Test model cost: 8.799 EUR EUR €

• Technical information

  engine: single-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled

  Power: 29,5 kW (40 hp) at 7.200 rpm

  Torque: 46,6 Nm @ 5.200 rpm, injection
  
  
  fuel, electric + foot start

  Energy transfer: automatic variator

  Frame: tubular steel

  brakes: front double coil with 258mm diameter, rear coil with 240mm diameter

  Suspension: front, double, individually suspended wheels, rear double shock absorber

  Tires: front 110 / 70-13˝, rear 140/70 x 14

  Growth: 790

  Fuel tank: 12,0

  Wheelbase: 1.550

  Weight: 115

Panel Panel 3

We praise and reproach

vertical stabilization by pressing the brake levers

large trunk

the engine must be running

high passenger seat

price

Piaggio MP3 500

We praise and reproach

comfort

workmanship

acceleration

a little uncomfortable at low speeds

vertical stabilization system could be solved better

price