| Leaning, Three-Wheeled, Hybrid Scooter: 170 MPG |
| Written by Hank Green | ||
| Tuesday, 07 August 2007 | ||
 Vespa is almost synonymous with scooters these days. So when Piaggio, who makes Vespas, decides to go hybrid, it's a very big deal. But it's a bigger deal when the hybrid technology is doing things that we've never seen before. Scooters are fuel efficient all on their own, so when you add in an advanced regenerative and plug-in hybrid electric system, you should expect some serious results. And that's what we're seeing. Based on the way these scooters are driven, they can achieve up to 170 miles per gallon of gasoline. Because the electric motors can be programmed to produce various amounts of torque, the new hybrid scooter system (HyS) from Piaggio can also be molded to individual preferences.  The scooter can be run in one of three hybrid settings, allowing for various levels of acceleration or efficiency, and the scooter can also be run in a much less powerful all-electric mode. The electric batteries will be charged via regenerative breaking as with most other hybrids, but they can also be charged via a wall outlet, allowing for up to 12 miles of travel on electric power alone. When used in concert with the gasoline engine, the electric engine boosts acceleration by 85%. The batteries can be fully charged in about three hours. The HyS system will be available in the Vespa LX, the Piaggio X8, and the supremely awesome MP3 (pictured.) The MP3, a leaning three-wheeled scooter, allows for superior traction and much higher speeds than Piaggio's other models, making it an excellent option for folks who are actually interested in replacing their car. Unfortunately, Piaggio hasn't released any information on price yet. But we're waiting patiently, as this is one of the coolest scooters we've seen in a long time. And as plug-in hybrids with zero-emissions modes go...this one might beat a lot of major manufacturers to the punch. Via AutoBlogGreen and MetaEfficient. Full Press Release at Piaggio. See Also: -More pics of the MP3- -Electric Vectrix Scooter- -All Electric Dirt Bike- For the folks who wanted to see this thing in action...I went and found a video on YouTube.  
Comments
(44)
my new vehicle
written by Erik Thornquist , August 08, 2007
i saw it!!
written by HHH , August 08, 2007
parked on the side of a street around st. marks in nyc!!! we thought it was a scooter for the handicapped
price
written by kyle , August 08, 2007
the Piaggio USA site lists it at MSRP $7k
http://www.piaggiousa.com/pScooters/MP3Specs.cfm
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written by kyle , August 08, 2007
scratch that, that's for the non-hybrid model....the mention of "electronic injection" tripped me up while skimming
Hero Honda bikes without hybrid technolo
written by TusharG , August 08, 2007
In India Hero Motors in collaboration with Honda produces 100CC bikes which consistently give an avg of 65-68 KM/Liter to many people. [Here many means around 100,000 people]
If i correctly convert the above mentioned bikes avg to KM/Liter it comes to 72 KM/Liter 1 Gallon = 3.78 Liter 1 Mile = 1.6 KM
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written by adam baine , August 08, 2007
sick. how much?
@TusharG
written by Mike , August 08, 2007
You conversion was correct, next time just ask Google.
http://www.google.co.nz/search?q=170 miles per gallon in kilometers per liter&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:unofficial&client=firefox-a Giving 72.3 Km/L - Mike
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written by Monik , August 08, 2007
Effectively it means close to 160miles/gallon. Without a hybrid!
Needless to say, it wont be as much fun as the MP3, but the masses in India dont need the "fun" either ;-)
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written by Hun Boon , August 08, 2007
I'm fascinated by the idea of plug-in hybrid vehicles. Now it'll take a long while for cars, but hybrid scooters would be an interesting intermediate stage.
I wonder how long it'll take to reach the shores of Singapore..
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written by Robert , August 08, 2007
The utube vidio doesn't really show us much other than it's just another scooter. Is there real information anywhere else?
Amazing
written by dankdan , August 08, 2007
I'm saving up right now for one of these sweet scooters. 170 mpg..are u kidding me...I'll leave for work 4 hours early to save that kind of money
Great Idea
written by David , August 08, 2007
I could definitley see this being a hit in Europe. I dont know if it will catch on in the U.S. Bikes are already very fuel efficient. We need plug in hybrid sports cars, sedans and suvs. This is a step in the right direction though.
No way
written by James , August 08, 2007
That thing looks ridiculous. That's as far from a cheetah as a kids tricycle.
Perfect for commuters!
written by Mark , August 08, 2007
I do a 35 mile commute each way that takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. Something like the MP3 would be a god send for me! All I ever carry is a lunch sack or my briefcase so it would be ideal.
Performance
written by Gordon Niessen , August 08, 2007
The Hybrid gas/electric version should have better acceleration then the gas only. And the plug-in feature means you can run to the store with out using any gas at all. So your MPG may actually be much better then the rating under gas power.
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written by MMC , August 08, 2007
I think I saw one of these near one of the beach areas near L.A. I was kind of surprised since I know all of the current models of scooters and didn't recognize this one. Besides the addition of the 2 tires in front which i'm sure allow you to really LEAN into curves, i'm amazed by the engine on this thing.
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written by AK , August 08, 2007
What TusharG said is correct. Normal 100-150CC bikes in India give 130-160mpg easily. This MP3 would be good if it's got a higher engine capacity. (I guess it's 250cc)
um...
written by Alberto , August 08, 2007
As much as I love Vespa's and how proficient this new hybrid version is going to be... that video was ridiculous, I don't think it's possible to make a Vespa look 'hardcore.'
Maybe not 170 mpg
written by zero , August 08, 2007
According to the press release it can get up to 60 km/l that about 140 mpg. Which is still awesome, but not 170. 300 miles on 3 gallons of gas, that rocks!
Still cooler...
written by RichStadler , August 09, 2007
than a bike and a lot more stable... when you come to a stop a hydraulic lifter takes over and stands the bike back upright eliminating the chance of a spill. This could actually make it practical for a grandmother to ride this to the grocery store. All in all it's a step in the right direction. When this thing was first cited in Popular Mechanics a year ago they predicted it would take two years to make it to America. I wonder why? I saw the prototype for this three wheeled leaning concept vehicle almost 20 years ago at Epcot Disney.
170 mpg!
written by intensive driving , August 09, 2007
I wish I could use that to teach people how to drive it would save me thousands...
I've ridden the MP3
written by Wolf , August 09, 2007
meh. Truth be told the MP3 is a novelty. Unless you know how to ride a scooter, this really doesn't make it any easier or safer. Personally, it was more cumbersome to ride and less responsive than a scooter with smaller (and only 2) wheels.
My scooter gives me 70mpg. My roomie's scooter gives him about 80. Hybrids will be a cool addition to scooters, but current scooters already give you quite a bit of fuel savings.
still cooler...(cont'd)
written by AS , August 15, 2007
Maybe Disney should get into the "vehicle" design and production business. We'd probably get more innovative products faster.
electric vectrix scooter
written by chalene , August 18, 2007  how freakin coll is that did you guys watch the video, ahhhh this thing is so sick I wonder if they will have two seater versions
Get a motorcycle!
written by Rich , August 21, 2007
Forget this three wheeled nonsence - my Honda Shadow (750 V Twin) returns 60 miles to the gallon
Vespa look 'hardcore.'
written by garment manufacturer , September 19, 2007
I don't think it's possible to make a Vespa look 'hardcore.'. 寵物骨灰
Ford EV1
written by Friend , October 19, 2007
Doesn't anyone remember the Ford EV1 ? It was real, and was about to change the world...now it's sitting buried in a hole outside of our town here somewhere (buried by the government) with concrete poured on top of it.....Anyone?
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written by William P. Dolinick , October 26, 2007
I for one, am a rather "young" senior citizen. What are my chances in driving this vehicle. Also; can one drive this vehicle without a drivers licence, or does one have to get it, or get one. Have always lived in the city, however; with moving about - have settled in a area where a vehicle is a MUST. Please come to my rescue.
Appreciate for giving this your prompt and whatever information can be gotten. Thanks, Bill P. Dolinick
Ford EV1
written by Rihanna , December 02, 2007
Yes, Ford EV1 should have been continued. What a shame ...
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written by Tom , December 04, 2007
Found this website while researching an Idea I had.
I have an electric assist motor on my bike. The batteries last about 20 miles and I travel at about 17mph on average. If I peddle, I can extend the range. But I am still limited on distance. I thought about adding a Honda 1000W generator to the set-up. 53db and at 1/4 throttle the 1/2 gal tank would last four hours. For an approximate mpg of 160 or more Mr Dolinick, you can add an electric motor to a mountain bike for less than $500. Federal law says that if you keep the motor under 750W and with a top speed of 20 mph than it is still a bike and doesn't need a license. You can ride in bike lanes on city streets and take the bike on the bus. Some states won't allow you to take them on bike paths because of the motor. Here's a blog that describes one mans method of making his own hybrid bike. http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2007/6/1/1287/76804 I bought my motor from http://www.cloudelectric.com/package_kits Electric hybrid bicycles are the way to go for trips under 10 to 15 miles. tom
Vandenbrink Carver
written by ANTIFire , December 14, 2007
A little jig I did ... speakers on high and sit back and enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHcKoZ99Jnw
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written by Johnny Q , February 04, 2008
For more Vespa Scooters visit: http://www.vespasforsale.com/
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written by Johnny Q , February 04, 2008
For more Vespa Scooters visit: http://www.vespasforsale.com/
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written by JACORN , March 06, 2008
EV1 was a GM, not a Ford.
Unless a bunch websites about it are wrong. I did find one site calling it a Ford, that's probably your site, I'm guessing. but anyway, they are bringing an all electric back to life soon, so they say (GM).
kick ass scooter
written by heatha , May 22, 2008
when will this thing by released so that people in the U.S can buy it??
I'd buy one today if it was available!
written by Bruce , May 27, 2008 Oh yeah I'll get one today if the hybrid MP3 is available! Economy plus a cool factor all in one!
well.....
written by Eric , May 27, 2008
Actually, a second wheel in the front would make it more safe as going over railroad tracks, riding on steel bridges, pot holes, etc...etc... Plus getting a blow out... One more tire = twice the grip as one tire, and wouldn't really have to worry about driving in the center in oil slicked roads since the tires are not positioned in the center.
Sorry but 170 on 3 gallons = 500 Miles! Now that's rocking and Awesome! Even at 5 bucks a gallon that's frigen great! I kinda like the two wheels, plus I am sure that it would have two set's of disk breaks up front for exceptional stopping power ... I've heard about 10 posts on here about how two wheels upfront sucks. Tell me why...
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written by Pigfart , July 09, 2008
Now all they need to do is enclose it with some heat for the winter and we have progress
Perfect
written by CDfromAZ , July 13, 2008  Perfect for us senior citizens who aren't ready to retire to the ol rocking chair yet. I rode a Honda 200 in the seventies when the "gas" shortage was in full mode. I worked nights but I rode that little bike in rain or not, Saved a bunch on my gas bill. This bugger looks like a machine I (a seventy year old granny) could ride with gusto. Would love to take a trip across America on this thing!!
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written by anshul , August 31, 2008
nice bt luks very heavy
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written by Don Thomason , October 03, 2008 My sis-in-law just bought me a new 2009 Toyota Corolla and I get about 49 mpg with it at 60 mph on Cruise Control on long trips. Now I gotta save up the cash for one of these MP3s to run about town with and go "motorbiking" in the mountains. 170 mpg with a 3-gallon gas tank sounds good to me!
Ha
written by Heather , October 15, 2008
Probably the worst promo I've ever seen
 I still want one though. I wonder if you can attach a motorcycle trailer to it.
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written by MK , October 18, 2008 I LOVE SCOOTERS | ||
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