Test: Piaggio MP3 300 HPE (2020) // This is its essence

Becoming part of the solution, not part of the problem, was one of the core principles of Piaggio's engineers when they teamed up at the turn of the millennium to develop the tricycle scooter. Completely different from what we are used to. 2006 saw a major turning point that didn't turn the scooter world upside down, but a few years later brought the motorcycle world closer to those who don't have a "big" motorcycle driver's license.

From here you know the history, those of you who read our magazine regularly, even very well. Namely, when we check which three-wheeled scooters from Ponteder we have ridden through our editorial office in the last 14 years, we found that we tested and used almost every civilian version that was and still is available.

The Slovenian importer certainly deserves special praise in this regard, but we can allow ourselves some ingenuity and take the position that we know almost everything about Italian tricycles.

Therefore, this time in the editorial office, we decided that our colleague Yure, who (so far) is not a motorcyclist, but acquired specific experience of working on mopeds and scooters as a teenager, will express his opinion about his feelings. The motorist will give his opinion on whether the new HPE compact MP3 300 is a suitable introduction to the world of maxiscooters and perhaps someday in the world of motorcycles.... Maybe a little hard? Is it light enough? Perhaps this is "too much"? I don't know, Yura will say.

The slightly more experienced members of our magazine's motorcycle department with the new MP3 found that compared to its predecessor (called Yourban), it was a little easier to drive and even more manoeuvrable due to its shorter wheelbase. ...

Already during the first baptisms last year, which took place in a busy Paris, it immediately became clear that this scooter, despite its seemingly wide front part, can easily go through traffic jams. Driving performance, or rather, a secure position and a sense of security have always been one of the main attributes of the MP3.However, with each update, we are witnessing that careful redistribution of mass and center of gravity can lead to tangible and long-awaited changes for the better.

The new HP 3 MP300 278 is powered by a XNUMX cc single-cylinder engine. See, which has been part of the Piaggio offering for over a decade. The engine is also known from the Vespa GTS, but it is the MP-3.considering that this is the latest version, due to a new head, a new piston, larger valves, a new nozzle, other folders and a larger capacity of the air filter housing, even a shade stronger.

But more than comparing it to the Vespa, it makes sense to compare it to its predecessor Yourban, which has the new HPE 20 percent more powerful. Considering the fact that they were able to redistribute weight and improve the center of gravity in Piaggio, and stating that the new model is also lighter than its predecessor (weight 225 kg is entered in the registration certificate)It is clear that in terms of maneuverability and brilliance, this scooter is fully comparable to standard two-wheeled scooters of this volume class. With a final speed of 125 kilometers per hour, the MP3 300 is also fast enough for, for example, the Ljubljana ring road.

Compared to its predecessor, there is also noticeable progress in ergonomics. The seat space remains very similar, which means that we have those of us taller than 185 inches have slightly less knee room when corneringotherwise we can only sit comfortably in the correct soft / hard seat, which now also has lumbar support.

I associate the most significant progress in ergonomics with the new position of the brake pedal. It has now been fully relocated to the front of the legroom, freeing up significantly more right leg room on comfortable low platforms. Personally, I think this pedal is more of a hindrance than an advantage, but this is just one of the requirements for obtaining a type approval for driving in category B.

The new HPE MP3 300 is also fitted with ABS and TCS as standard, MIA multimedia plug-in platform and LED headlights... All of this electronics, of course, affects the scooter's production price, which is why Piaggio, knowing that correct price positioning is even more important, decided to take austerity measures.

This is not necessary, but unfortunately, they still help compact MP3s lose that wonderful premium feel under your fingers. I mean mainly a contact key and some custom functions, which in my opinion were more convincing with the predecessor. In particular, a special protocol is required to unlock the seat, which is very good in terms of security, but certainly less user-friendly.

But this is what worries us who are switching from motorcycle to motorcycle or from scooter to scooter. Everyone who owns this scooter will get used to it, and the disadvantage will become an advantage.

You may have noticed that the new compact MP3 has a much fresher design. While there seems to be little that can be done in terms of design with the proper dimensional proportions required by the dual front axle, the designers have managed to make the new face of this scooter much prettier and in the spirit of modern, elegant home design. ...

Face to face: Yure Shuyitsa:

As a classic "non-motorist", I had mixed feelings before getting to know the Piaggio MP3, and a lot of questions arose in my head. How to bend? How deep can I lean? How do I know if I'm too fast? When and how to use the rudder? You listen to the advice of experts and still do not know what and how. But it turned out that MP3 is a kind of labrador. Big, at times and especially at low speeds a little bulky, but no doubt friendly (to the user). After a few kilometers, we got along great, and before each ride the feeling improved. Is riding with it like riding a motorcycle? Unfortunately, I can't (yet) judge, but it seems nice when even real motorcyclists on the road greet you as equals.

• Basic data

  Sales: PVG doo

  Base model price: 7.299 €

  Test model cost: 7.099 €

• Technical information

  engine: 278 cm³, two-cylinder, water-cooled

  Power: 19,30 kW (26,2 hp) at 7.750 rpm

  Torque: 24,5 Nm at 6.250 rpm

  Energy transfer: stepless, variomat, belt

  Frame: double cage of steel pipes

  brakes: front 2 x discs 258 mm, rear discs 240 mm, ABS, anti-slip adjustment, integrated brake pedal

  Suspension: electro-hydraulic axle at the front, two shock absorbers at the rear

  Tires: front 110 / 70-13, rear 140 / 60-14

  Growth: 790 mm

  Fuel tank: 11 liters

We praise and reproach

appearance, workmanship

driving performance, safety package

modest but effective wind protection

no button / switch to open the seat

average visibility in the rear-view mirrors

final grade

Despite all the benefits this scooter has to offer, the essence of the scooter is the ability to pass a Category B exam. This allows Piaggio to have more courage in setting a price, but sometimes when the money is cheap, this compact tricycle is not that big. and out of reach. Hesitation does not bring happiness or make life easier.