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Test: Piaggio MP3

The new Piaggio MP3 with hybrid drive

In the form of the 125cc tricycle scooter, the hybrid drive is now finding its way into the world of helmet wearers. But what does the mix of gasoline and electric motor bring??

Hybrid drive should combine the advantages of the combustion engine with those of the electric drive. More power, more torque, less fuel consumption and reduced emissions. However, this also means more components plus weight with a reduced loading volume. After the Toyota Prius, automobiles now adorn themselves with the green attribute, which cost 100,000 euros V8 luxury sedans. Piaggio is now playing the pioneer in two-wheelers, sorry three-wheelers. Based on their successful MP3 scooter, the Italians created a 125cc model with an additional 3.5 hp electric motor, including intelligent control electronics and four operating modes.

Test: Piaggio MP3

The new Piaggio MP3 with hybrid drive

Piaggio be electric inside.

Bilski

Charging cable for connection to the power supply under the seat. Additional batteries and electronic control unit occupy the otherwise large storage compartment.

But if you use top speed of 30 km / h, drive up inclines or take a pillion passenger with you, the range drops to eight to twelve kilometers. And then? At the latest with empty batteries you have to switch on the combustion engine while driving. Or go to the nearest 220 volt socket. The battery pack is fully charged in a maximum of three hours using the integrated charger. That’s 1.2 kilowatt hours of electricity for around 24 cents. The cooling fan for the batteries and motor control buzzes continuously when charging and in pure electric mode.

In combustion mode, the otherwise quiet scooter runs remarkably loud. The 125 single blares as a four-stroke rusk saw. Only sensitive drivers notice the promised additional thrust of the electric motor. Combined, a maximum of nine hp reach the rear wheel. Be careful when maneuvering, the MP3 is wide! Unfortunately, the technology carrier does not have an ABS. The MP3 turns in a little sluggishly, moves a little in tight curves "angular", requires sensitive correction. The ingenious swivel construction of the two front wheels allows a tilt angle of 40 degrees. Moving quickly, the main stand keys down on the left. With a vehicle that could do without it. The front wheels can be locked below ten km / h. You can therefore stop at traffic lights or when parking and drive off without putting your feet down.

Ultimately, the 9,000 euro advance leaves an ambivalent impression. The hybrid costs 3000 euros more than a standard MP3. A lot of money for fascinating electric driving. To do this, the single cylinder needs a whopping 3.6 liters per 100 kilometers in cross-country operation. A spartan Honda Innova 125 weighs 106 kilograms, accelerates better, costs 2190 euros and needs 1.9 liters per 100 kilometers with a G-Kat. Who conserves resources more??

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Technical specifications

Manufacturer

Concentrated technology: parallelogram double fork with pushed short swing arms, 12-liter tank at the front between the frame tubes, hybrid components…

Engine:
Water-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine, an overhead camshaft, four valves, injection, regulated catalytic converter, centrifugal clutch, stepless automatic belt. Air-cooled, brushless three-phase AC permanent magnet motor with lithium-ion batteries (36 V, 31 Ah), power 2.6 kW (3.5 PS), torque 15 Nm, charging by means of an integrated generator when driving, braking and over the power grid.
Bore x stroke 57.0 x 48.6 mm
Displacement 124 cc
Compression ratio 12: 1
rated capacity Hybrid engine 11 kW (15 PS) at 8500 rpm
Max. Torque Hybrid engine 16 Nm at 3000 rpm

Landing gear:
Double loop frame made of steel, two pushed short swing arms in front, drive train swing arm, two spring struts, adjustable spring base, two disc brakes in front, Ø 240 mm, two-piston fixed calipers, disc brake at rear, Ø 240 mm, two-piston fixed caliper.
Cast aluminum wheels 3.00 x 12; 3.75 x 14
Tires 120/70 12; 140/60 14

Mass and weight:
Wheelbase 1490 mm, seat height * 800 mm, weight with a full tank * 263 kg, payload * 182 kg, tank capacity / reserve 12.0 / 1.8 liters.
guarantee two years
color White
price 9,000 euros

Readings:
Performance *
Top speed (Manufacturer information) 93 km / h

acceleration
0-50 km / h 7.2 sec
0-80 km / h 20.6 sec

Draft
50-80 km / h 13.4 sec

Speedometer deviation
effective (display 50/100) 47/94 km / h

consumption
Country road 3.6 l / 100 km / h, normal
Theoretical range of the country road 333 km

* MOTORCYCLE measurements

Noticed

positive

  • Electric drive very quiet and emission-free
  • Sitting position: upright, comfortable, relaxed
  • Safety: increased by two front wheels
  • Design: Exclusive technology, well built

negative

  • Immense weight for the 125 class (263 kg)
  • Performance pretty poor despite hybrid
  • Consumption not very economical (3.6 l / 100 km)
  • Price much more expensive than conventional 125cc

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