ENTIRELY unfounded that it’s London’s favourite three-wheeled scooter, but you see plenty of them zipping around. Anyway, the Piaggio MP3 400 HPE has seen an update for 2021, bringing Euro 5 homologation and a small boost to engine capacity and power.
A popular scooter for a number of reasons - namely the LT trim with footbrake and adequate space between front wheels, allowing it to be ridden on a car licence.
The 2021 updates see the HPE motor capacity taken from 350cc to 399cc, boosting power by 5bhp to a peak of 35.4 bhp at 7000rpm and 37.7 Nm of torque at 5500 rpm. This is in part achieved by a longer rod with optimised lightened weight, having the side benefit of reducing vibrations and noise.
For the most part, the motor unit itself remains the same weight and bulk. Also new is an innovative system called PCV - Positive Crankcase Ventilation, comprised of two blades built into the engine crankcase - reducing pumping losses and reducing heat buildup.
Piaggio MP3 400 HPE - updates for the city commuter
Not stopping there, the MP3 400 HPE is said to have an improved underseat storage space, capable of fitting two full-size helmets (I’ll have to see it to believe it). Three-channel ABS is present too, alongside Piaggio-patented dual-independent tilting front wheels and locking mechanism - you can come to a stop without putting your foot down, and unlock the tilt with the dedicated button or twisting the throttle.
Of course, there’s integration with the Piaggio MIA connectivity system and app for stats, info, and interacting with your scooter (flashing lights, finding the most recent location, and evening assessing your riding style).
It’s a classy 'scooter' for the stylish city commuter, and fits nicely in the middle of an advanced 500 HPE model, and a lighter 300 HPE inner-city commuter - the MP3 400 HPE is priced at £8,300 RRP.
Find out more on the Piaggio site.
