Click above for more images of the Aptera Typ1 e

Gasoline prices in the United States are helping push along the development of many new vehicles such as the Volt from General Motors. Such game-changing vehicles as the Volt and the original Toyota Prius demand a huge amount of research and, even more importantly, money before they are able to get out of the most basic of planning stages. What's more, these hybrid or electric vehicles are often sold at a substantial loss for a number of years before they ever are able to turn any sort of profit. It's not surprising, then, that smaller manufacturers such as Aptera and Can-Am are beginning to appear on the scene which look to offer an alternative to run-of-the-mill hybrids by introducing three-wheeled vehicles.

We'll delve a bit into the three-wheelers which are already available and look into what makes them legal - or not - after the break. We'll also discuss what could take place in the near future as Washington takes notice of the three-wheeled trends.

Click above for more images of the Piaggio MP3 400 and 500

Two seventy-something year old men will soon be embarking on a 3,400 mile trip across the U.S. on the famed Lincoln Highway. The trip for Bob Chase and Bernard "Buddy" Rosenbaum will start on June 13 at San Francisco's Lincoln Park and hit fourteen different states before they end on July 14 at the Lincoln Highway's eastern end-point in New York City's Times Square. The vehicle of choice for the journey is the Piaggio MP3 500, which we recently tested in New York and found to be extremely competent. The projected fuel mileage for the trip is about 55 miles per gallon. Just so long as they obey the speed limit most of the way and don't test the ninety-plus mile per hour top speed too often, they should have little problem hitting that figure. In addition to the excellent fuel mileage, this scooter was chosen for its stability and excellent handling. We certainly wish the duo the best on their trip and look forward to following their travels.

Sebastian is joined by Jeremy for AutoblogGreen Podcast #23, since Sam was hanging out with Bob Lutz and his Vectrix scooter when we recorded. Jeremy recounts his experience with Piaggio MP3 scooters on a ride from New York to Connecticut, and we move on to talk about the limited Prius supply as of late. We also touch on some developments at GM: the impending doom that may befall Hummer, and the coming of the Volt, which GM wants to build in Detroit. We go on for a while about hybrids and EVs for a while before wrapping up. Thanks for listening, we'll see you soon!

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Click above for high-res gallery of the Piaggio MP3 400 and 500

While we were in New York testing out the latest versions of the Piaggio MP3, we got a chance to sit down with some of the men behind the three-wheeled machine. Our first question was when we might see the hybrid version of the revolutionary leaning machine. While the official date is still shrouded in mystery, we were assured that it is coming, maybe even before the end of the year. Bloomberg is reporting, though, that there could be hybrid Piaggios with an even higher wheel count, as the Italian scooter giant is said to be working on a hybrid four-wheeler.

Not unlike domestic manufacturers based in the U.S., Piaggio is facing an ever-diminishing market share in its home country. Emerging markets, though, are proving to be a boon for both the automotive and motorcycle markets. As companies battle it out to win over consumers, fuel efficiency is going to become an increasingly hot commodity.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Click above for high-res gallery of the Piaggio MP3 400 and 500

Piaggio's unique MP3 scooter, with its two wheels in front and one in back, has been turning heads since its introduction as a 250cc model a few years ago. After getting the chance to ride the latest 400cc and 500cc versions, we can confirm that it still causes its fair share of rubber-neckers. As automotive drivers, we wondered if Piaggio's entry into the growing maxi-scooter segment could be a viable car alternative for some consumers, and as motorcycle riders, we wondered how those two-front wheels would feel as we chucked it into some bendy-roads. We found all we wanted to know and more after two days worth of driving through both downtown New York City and the surrounding rural roadways all the way into Connecticut. Read on past the jump to see what we thought.

Click to view more high resolution images of the Xnovo

French company Sidam is considering offering a three-wheeled tilting scooter, but it is nothing like the Piaggio MP3 that many people already know of. Instead, the Xnovo would rely on only one front wheel, with the two rear wheels driven by a gasoline engine, hybrid drivetrain or dual electric motors. What is rather interesting about this design is that it is covered and features a full windshield. The tall, boxy design promises a good deal of cargo capacity, so we could see a market for a machine such as this for delivery services. If this machine does show up, rumors place its appearance some time at the end of this year.

[Source: The Biker Gene via Gizmag]

Many taxi drivers have made the switch to hybrid power because of reduced cost in fuel and for the promised environmental improvement, but as far as we know, there is only one taxi service using Piaggio MP3 scooters to lug passengers and their cargo around. The service is known as NIP Bike and is available only in Paris at this time. Whether or not the company has plans to branch out into other areas we don't know. The service might only be able to accept one passenger at a time, but the luggage capacity is pretty stout with both side cases and a 42 liter Piaggio top case available.

Tom Tom provides navigation advice to the driver, meaning that a direct route to the final destination should always be taken. The rider and passenger can speak to each other using bluetooth equipped helmets from Nolan. Would you be willing to take a taxi service on the back of a scooter?

[Source: Bikes in the Fast Lane]

When the Moon is in the Seventh House
And Jupiter aligns with Mars
Then peace will guide the planets
And love will steer the stars

This is the dawning of the Age of... the hybrid scooter? Maybe. Piaggio has been stringing us along with this idea for too long. Now, they go and install the system in their ultra-cool new leaning three-wheeled scooter, the MP3. I wonder how the hybrid MP3 would compete with the rumored all-electric Vectrix version of the MP3.

While we are dreaming, let me remind you of the BMW C1 scooter, which I've never actually seen close-up. That scooter featured a roof with a real windshield and was supposed to be found safe in crash testing. I would love to see that idea picked back up by a major manufacturer, like Piaggio. Combine the windshield and a sliding canvas roof with the MP3 front end... and power it with the Vectrix electric system. Am I asking for too much here? Is there anybody else out there that would jump on that if it were priced around $10,000 or so? Count me in!

[Source: 2 Stroke Buzz]

The Piaggio MP3 scooter is no stranger to our website, and we have brought you a few reviews of the machine since it first hit our shores earlier this year. Just Gotta Scoot has just gotten their mitts on one, too, and here is their take. The machine differs from your standard scooter by offering two wheels up front, and maintains the ability to lean into turns. This makes the scooter more stable when cornering, especially when the ground is wet or unstable.

One aspect which is sure to please is the fuel mileage of the scooter. The version JGS tested had the larger 250cc engine and delivered a stellar 73 miles per gallon. This figure would likely be higher if the same engine were installed in a smaller and lighter scooter, which it is. Piaggio's 250cc engine is also used in the Vespa GTS (which was just recalled) and more. The reported top speed was over 70 miles per hour, so the machine is freeway capable, if barely. The main problem as noted by David, the reviewer was a lack of power from the engine. This is understandable with so much weight to carry around. Rumor has it that a 400cc version of the scooter will be available in the U.S. not too long from now. Of course, with a larger engine, the fuel mileage would take a hit. Compromises, as always!

[Source: Just Gotta Scoot]

Here we go again with another round of multiple posts about motorcycles with three wheels on the same day. Earlier today, we told you about a new scooter that could be coming in the future from Can Am, and we reminded you of the Can Am Spyder, which is a three-wheeled motorcycle (two in the front, one in the back) which was recently made available in the United States. I believe that this is the first mention of the Gilera Gilera Fuoco 500ie, however. That might be because that brand is not available in the United States. But, we have brought you plenty of news about the Piaggio MP3, on which the Fuoco is based. The difference between the two bikes is in the styling and the size of the engine. The Gilera features a large 500 cc engine, while the Piaggio's make due with 125s and 250s. Rumor has it that a larger version of the MP3 will be available soon.

One major and obvious difference between the two vehicles here is that the Gilera and MP3 lean into turns like a motorcycle, while the Can Am does not. The Can Am does offer sophisticated technology to keep you on the road, however, with stability control and ABS brakes. Just how practical are these two machines? That depends on the rider, of course. What is the weather like where you live? How far do you travel in a day? Do you often carry large items with you? Conversely, how much money can you spend on a vehicle? How much do you want to spend filling up the tank? Vehicles like this serve a small market of people who enjoy wind-in-the-hair riding but want some added stability and feeling of safety, and they save plenty of gas in the process. There is also a rumor that Vectrix might release an electric scooter based on the technology of the MP3. That would be really great.

[Source: Telegraph]

"The extra wheel is a welcome novelty and could accurately be described as a "benefit," but is that benefit equal to the cost, weight, and technical complication?"

That is how the last paragraph from 2 Stroke Buzz's short take on the Piaggio MP3 after riding it briefly. I won't steal their thunder by pasting in their answer to that super-important question, find it here. The short version of what this scooter is: two wheels in front, one in back; powered by a clean, 250 cc, 4-stroke engine, mounted firmly to the rear wheel; leans into turns just like any other scooter, or can be "locked" straight up, with no leaning possible. If that still makes no sense, check out the video here.

I still have not been able to ride one, as there isn't really any dealers close to me. I am looking forward to my turn, though. It will come, sooner or later!

Related:

• You too can ride like an animal after watching this Piaggio MP3 video. Scary!
• A three-wheeled extravaganza! Piaggio MP3, VentureOne, KTM X-Bow and Can-Am Spyder
• More transportation alternatives, this time plucked from Kneeslider
• Electric Vectrix maxi-scooter review

[Source: 2 Stroke Buzz]

The Vectrix electric maxi-scooter was released across the pond a few weeks ago, and Motorcycle News was there for its unveiling. Today, we bring you a video that they were able to grab while in attendance. A maxi-scooter is, as the name implies, larger than the average scooter and is capable of higher speeds, faster acceleration and comfort for longer distances. Speaking of distances, plan on about 70 miles or so based on early reports and depending on speed and the use of regenerative braking. As always, your mileage may vary. But, the good news is, no matter how far you travel, you will be doing so using no petroleum or fossil fuels of any sort (well, depending on what powers your grid).

Related:

• Electric Vectrix maxi-scooter review
• Vectrix electric bikes coming in early 2007

[Source: Motorcycle News

We have been following the release of the Can-Am Spyder since we first heard about it, and now we have an online ride review to digest. If you have any interest in this 3-wheeled vehicle, it would be a good idea to click here and read their three page report, and then click here to watch the video that they have made, showing the Spyder in an obstacle course.

It remains to be seen what impact this vehicle will have on the motorcycle and automotive market. The good news is that it is backed by a very large company with a lot of experience manufacturing small and large market vehicles. The lessons that they have learned while building ATVs, snowmobiles and jet-skis is sure to come in handy as this street-legal vehicle rolls out.

The testers at MotorcycleUSA likened the riding dynamics to that of an ATV and a snowmobile more than a motorcycle. But, the controls operate much like a motorcycle's, minus the lack of a separate front brake lever. An automatic transmission is available in addition to the standard five-speed manual shifter. ABS, traction control and rollover stability control are standard. Still interested? I am... and when I check one out in person, you'll see the posting here.

Bonus Coverage: For more external reviews try: Car and Driver, Edmunds and the American Motorcyclist Association.

Related:

• A three-wheeled extravaganza! Piaggio MP3, VentureOne, KTM X-Bow and Can-Am Spyder
• More transportation alternatives, this time plucked from Kneeslider
• You too can ride like an animal after watching this Piaggio MP3 video. Scary!
• Can-Am Spyder official site is live, view our gallery
  

[Source: Motorcycle USA, Car and Driver, Edmunds and the AMA]

This video of the Piaggio MP3 in action must be trying to show how the MP3 can bring the animal out of you; or at least make you ride like one. I guess... maybe. If nothing else, you can enjoy the soundtrack and watch the great action! I am impressed by this three-wheeler. Impressed enough to go and see one for myself in person. If I added one of these to my garage, my wife and I could enjoy rides together, and I could take the MP3 on commuter rides and to the store when it's parkability, stability and storage space would surely come in handy. All this while returning excellent gas mileage using Piaggio's very eco-friendly engine technology.

Or if this still isn't green enough for you, wait until Vectrix releases their rumored electric three-wheeler based on the Piaggio MP3!

Related:

• A three-wheeled extravaganza! Piaggio MP3, VentureOne, KTM X-Bow and Can-Am Spyder
• More transportation alternatives, this time plucked from Kneeslider
• Electric Vectrix maxi-scooter review

[Source: Youtube via The Scooter Scoop]

Piaggio is the 800-pound gorilla when it comes to Italian motorcycles, owning and creating vehicles under the Piaggio, Vespa, Moto Guzzi, Gilera, Derbi and Aprilia brands. The majority of the vehicles the Piaggio Group sells are scooters, with motorcycles and rickshaw's making up the rest. But, here is an interesting rumor I found scanning 2 Stroke Buzz: will Piaggio start making four-wheeled vehicles in India?

The main point of the article, which was originally written by Adil Jal Darukhanawala and printed in the December, 2006 issue of Bike India, is that Piaggio will develop a brand new Vespa for the booming Indian market. This is big news in itself, but something that stood out to me is this quote: "At the Milan Show BIKE INDIA caught up with both Roberto Colaninno and also Ravi Chopra, CEO of Piaggio Vehicles in India and they both confirmed that it was only a matter of time before the company went on to add both two as well as four wheeled vehicles in its portfolio."

The article finishes by stating that we should see examples of the new Vespa in twelve months, but no timetable is mentioned regarding a four-wheeled vehicle from Piaggio. They did just release the MP3...

Related:

• A three-wheeled extravaganza! Piaggio MP3, VentureOne, KTM X-Bow and Can-Am Spyder

[Source: Adil Jal Darukhanawala / India Bike via 2 Stroke Buzz]