Zoomi Life

Piaggio makes unique scooters, to say the least, that utilize 3-wheeled designs. Unfortunately, Piaggio decided to name this machine the MP3, which their marketers failed to tell them would instantly make it seem less hip as it tries to rip off the popular music format’s household status.

When I tell you I’m riding an MP3, you’ll assume I’m using a creative euphemism for listening to a song. No one thinks of scooters when they hear “MP3.” If you see a scooter and someone tells you it’s called an “MP3,” you’ll just shake your head and say “what a stupid name.”

Other than the lame name, though, these scooters do have a lot of great technology behind them. Stuff you don’t see, like the great engineering that allows it to tilt 40 degrees to either side, allowing for motorcycle-style turning without fear of spilling.

This plug-in hybrid can move around too, doing a reported 0-60 in 5 seconds. That’s impressive. It charges to full in about three hours, travels 13 miles on batteries alone (about the average one-way commute) and utilizes regenerative braking. The little 125cc motor can charge the batteries even while underway at top speed.  All told, the Piaggio MP3 gets about 141 MPG.

This stylin’ machine will be out next year, worldwide. Check out the Piaggio USA website for more information.