Is the additional wheel justified by the added heft and increased complexity?
It has always been about being practical and functional. It doesn’t really matter what kind of scooter you ride, either. Whether it’s a basic, no-frills Honda PCX or a flashy Italian beauty like a Vespa, there is always the aspect of being practical and functional on your ride.
Adding some sporty excitement to the mix.
“If you can even describe it as a scooter.”
If you’re unfamiliar, the Piaggio MP3 is a somewhat unconventional three-wheeled scooter that premiered in 2006. By now, one would assume people would have recognized the disadvantages of a tilting three-wheeled scooter, and that the MP3 would have become a relic of the past by now. However, here we are, and the 2025 Piaggio MP3 310 is making an audacious claim that it’s better than ever before.
Before exploring the features and details of the new MP3 310, let’s first consider the question: what are the reasons for choosing a tilting three-wheeled scooter, particularly a model like the MP3 310?
Firstly, the MP3’s three wheels make it somewhat easier to balance, in comparison to two-wheeled vehicles. Nevertheless, balance is still a requirement and not entirely eliminated. Unlike the trike Can-Am Ryker, which has a car-like handling style, the MP3 still tilts when turning. So, you still need to participate in the balancing process.
There’s also the added benefit of a larger contact patch at the front. With two tires and a wider track, the scooter offers increased cornering stability. That said, its lean angle is restricted – not just by the scooter’s body but also by the front suspension’s range of motion. This setup provides additional safety and stability, especially on wet or slippery roads.
There are benefits to the three-wheeled design of the MP3 310, yet there are undeniable drawbacks that may explain its limited appeal. One such drawback includes the fact that its need for three wheels inevitably means higher tire replacement costs, with these replacements being at least 50% more expensive than their equivalent two-wheeled counterparts. The added complexity of the front-end setup also increases repair bills, whether due to accidents or normal wear and tear.
Perhaps the biggest negative aspect is its bulkiness. The MP3 is significantly wider than any two-wheeled scooter, making it harder to navigate through traffic and tight spaces—one of the main reasons people buy scooters in the first place.
Still, Piaggio continues to serve this specialized market. For 2025, the MP3 310 is now offered with a range of upgrades. The scooter features a new 310cc HPE (High Performance Engine), offering a smoother, more continuous powerband. This larger displacement, an increase from the previous model’s 278cc engine size, was achieved by increasing the stroke while keeping the same cylinder diameter. The result is a slightly lower engine rev limit, but improved overall power output.
The new MP3 310 is available in two trims: Standard and Sport. The Standard is a no-frills model, while the Sport adds extra features such as a TFT display, Bluetooth technology support, and the Piaggio MIA system.
In terms of comfort and practicality, Piaggio has revitalized the seat for better ergonomics and introduced a series of proprietary accessories to boost its functionality, whether for daily city commutes or extended trips.
—at least for now.
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Lulop
