2015 Piaggio MP3 500 3-Wheeled Scooter Is Here [Photo Gallery][Video]

We’ve got fresh photos of the 2015 iteration of Piaggio’s successful MP3 3-wheeled scooter. The MP3 machines sold in decent numbers since their introduction back in 2006, with media reporting that Piaggio moved more than 150,000 units. It’s time to introduce the 2015 Piaggio MP3 500, a modern scoot loaded with pretty much all the nifty technologies one expects from a futuristic bike.

For starters, the engine of the MP3 500 got serious revisions, with a new CVT and upgraded settings promising lower fuel consumption. A ride-by-wire throttle system was installed for more precise, effortless rides in the urban clutter. The 2015 MP3 500 engine is good for 40 hp and 45Nm (33.1 lb-ft) of torque, which should be pretty much enough for both city rides and fast hauls on the highways circling the urban areas.

Besides anti-locking brakes, the 2015 Piaggio MP3 500 also received traction control, one feature which is rather rare in the scooter segment, save for the premium, bigger-displacement ones. These combined with the tilting front wheels architecture should make riding the new MP3 500 a lot faster even on wet roads and under hard braking.

The 2015 Piaggio MP3 500 was also revised on the aesthetic side, with new bodywork accents, a better two-up seat, LED daytime running lights and an updated digital dash cluster. A height-adjustable windscreen enhances rider comfort, while the underseat storage was increased, and it can now hold 2 full-face helmets. The 2015 Piaggio MP3 500 is available in the Sport and Business versions. The previous model year had a €8,850 ($12,090) price tag on the Business version, so we can expect the 2015 MP3 500 to come with a base price a little north of this area.

Via fasterandfaster

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Mahindra Starts GenZe Electric Scooter Production in Michigan

Last year in late September we reported about Mahindra’s new electric scooter, the GenZe STS, and it’s now time to tell you that production started in the Ann Harbor, Michigan plant.

The new Mahindra North American Technical Center (MNATC) facility currently delivers the GenZe with a rate of up to 9,000 units per year, but official sources, in the person of Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, mention that the production capacities could be increased to almost 20,000 units per year, if need be.

GenZE has been designed and engineered in Michigan, by the brand’s R&D local department and judging by its architecture, it is the only electric scooter with such a design in the US. While most similar two-wheelers rely on underseat storage, Mahindra opted for a “bed” behind the solo seat, not unlike pickup trucks have. Time and sales figures will tell whether this will turn out to be a winning one.

It comes with a lightweight battery which provides enough energy for a 50 km (31 miles) ride, with a speed up to 50 km/h (31 mph). The battery is replaceable, so getting two or more can turn your scooter into an even more practical machine, while a weatherproof compartment provides USB charging for smartphones and tablets. The GenZe also boasts smartphone integration for GPS and music. The initial rumored price was $3,000 (€2,220), and a payment plan for students is now rumored, too.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Meet the Luckiest Scooter Rider in the World

A lot of road crashes make innocent victims who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, even in situations which seemingly had nothing dangerous about them. Still, many road users and pedestrians are injured and even killed in such accidents, with some of them being well-worthy of the next Final Destination movie.

However, I’m really happy to be able to show you today the other side of this affair, with the same kind of innocent by-standers which have been almost magically left unhurt even though the odds, judging by the security camera footage, were so high against them.

Like always, it’s a matter of inches making the difference between a funeral and one incredible story to be told to generations to come, and it looks like this scooter rider was truly the luckiest man alive, at least this day. While being missed by not one, but two colliding cars, it’s really hard to believe even him (or her, for what’s worth) realized what was going on. However, should either the pickup truck or the other car have impacted the fellow, we’d most likely be looking at one more fatality on the road.

This incredibly close call is by far one the most extreme I saw this year. Hope the drivers are alright, as well.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.