Green Machine

GREEN MACHINE

Bruno dePrato

Piaggio R&D has for some time been developing and testing hybrid scooters but has recently taken some serious steps forward, honing the power unit and related electronic management and finally installing the system in the MP3 three-wheeler. Dubbed the MP3 HyS (for “hybrid scooter”), the green machine’s design is almost finalized and has been extensively tested to the point that Piaggio confirmed that it will put the MP3 125cc HyS into production by the end of 2008. On a brief test ride, the MP3 HyS with a “normal” 250cc engine and 1.5 kW

electric motor (tidily placed forward of the rear hub) working in parallel accelerated more like a 400cc scooter, while handling was as surefooted as ever. Production models will use a 125cc engine and an electric motor, giving all-out performance akin to that of a conventional 250cc scooter but with lower emissions and improved fuel economy. A hybrid version of the LX50 two-wheel scooter will also be produced and is expected to deliver more than 140 mpg. -Bruno dePrato