Piaggio MP3 300 HPE

The Piaggio MP3 300 HPE is a scooter with two wheels at the front. The parallelogram front end leans with the bike through corners, which gives the MP3 plenty of grip and stability on wet roads and under hard braking. A lock holds the front end upright, so the scooter stays standing at a traffic light without you putting a foot down. The HPE (High Performance Engine) is a liquid-cooled 278 cc single with roughly 18 kW (25 hp) and a continuously variable automatic gearbox. It arrived in 2019 as the replacement for the earlier i.e. engine, with lower fuel consumption and cleaner emissions.

At around 236 kg and with a 790 mm seat height, the MP3 is heavy for a 300 cc scooter, but the weight disappears once you are moving. It suits commuting, city riding and longer trips on country roads, and the roomy storage under the seat makes it practical for daily use. For riders who feel unsure on two wheels it is a reassuring alternative, although the price is higher than for a regular 300 cc scooter such as the Piaggio Beverly 300 or the Yamaha XMAX 300. When buying, check which driving licence is required for the specific version.