Piaggio
Piaggio MP3 Hybrid: World’s first hybrid scooter
Italian-based scooter maker Piaggio (which also owns Moto Guzzi, Aprilia, Vespa, Gilera, etc.) has announced the world’s first hybrid scooter. Called the Piaggio MP3 Hybrid, it is powered by both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The petrol-fueled powerplant is a 124cc, 4-stroke, water-cooled motor. Mated to 2.6kW synchronous brushless permanent magnet electric motor, the MP3 Hybrid is able to collectively produce 15HP at 8,500 revs and 16Nm of torque at 3,000 revs.
The scooter can also run solely on electric mode, just by pressing a button. Apart from offering a reverse mode (with the electric motor), the scooter also offers three more riding modes to choose from. There is the Hybrid Charge mode (to save power), Hybrid Power (for maximum power) and full electric mode, mentioned above. Featuring an automatic transmission, the hybrid scooter also comes with an electric starter, Ride-By-Wire technology and regenerative braking and deceleration.
Unlike a conventional scooter, it comes with a two-wheel front layout, that helps improve handling. Suspension wise, the front section features articulated quadrilateral consisting of four aluminium arms sustaining two steering tubes and pull rod suspension geometry with offset wheel axle, while the rear is treated to two dual action hydraulic shock absorbers with adjustable spring preload.
The instrument panel also displays a battery charge indicator. The plug-in Piaggio MP3 Hybrid which is fitted with a 12-liter fuel tank is able to deliver 60 kilometers with a liter of fuel, while emitting 40 grams of emissions per kilometer (compliant to Euro3). Apparently, there is a Piaggio dealer in Singapore (19 Genting Road 349478 Singapore, Tel: +65 6547 4466), but, at the moment, we are unsure if it intends to ship down the Piaggio MP3 Hybrid. Meanwhile, continue reading to view more images. Read the rest of this entry.
