Since its release in 2007, the Piaggio MP3 has become a widespread yet peculiar feature on the U.K. roads.
A stepping stone for car drivers who wanted to ride a motorbike, the original MP3 proved popular but not revolutionary.
Cue the Piaggio MP3 LT 400cc. Now this is something new and exciting.
After the rather controversial introduction of the new motorcycle practical test (which is strangely reminiscent of a dog agility course), many would-be-motorcyclists have put off taking their test, instead staying in the creature comforts of their cars.
Well like a carrot on a stick, Piaggio are luring all those drivers out of their fuel guzzling cars and onto the MP3 LT. Being the first ever scooter above 125cc that can be ridden with a normal car license, the MP3 LT has stirred the muddy waters that separate a motorcycle from a trike. Technically, the 465mm distance between the front wheels classes the LT as a trike, meaning that it can be ridden without a bike license, and furthermore without a helmet.*
But that’s not to say you should just hop on a the LT, shout “YEEHAA” and swerve off down the road. Far from it in fact. Piaggio are offering at no extra cost a day’s training to prepare LT buyers for the road, which we strongly recommend you take. Although it is technically a trike, the MP3 still rides like a bike and you need all the same skills to stay safe on the road whether you were riding a 50cc or a 1000cc.
*Both Piaggio and Two Wheel Centre (Mansfield) Ltd endorse the use of a motorcycle helmet and strongly recommend riders of the MP3 wear one at all times whilst on their machine.