Piaggio Mp3 500 Review
"Brilliant urban weapon if you budget for its unique maintenance demands."
Key Specs
Used Buyer Review
The MP3 500 is genuinely brilliant in traffic — that third front wheel isn't a gimmick, it's transformative. You can filter through city gridlock with stupid confidence, and the leaning lock mechanism means you can plant both feet at red lights without toppling this 280kg beast over. Maintenance costs are where used buyers get burned, though. Those front suspension linkages need regular attention and specialist knowledge, and finding a dealer who actually understands the system is harder than it should be. Mechanically the 500cc single is bulletproof if serviced properly, but always check the front suspension pivot bearings — they're expensive and overlooked. Storage is genuinely useful, running position is comfortable for hour-plus commutes, and the brakes are excellent. Avoid anything without full service history on those front forks. Budget an extra $500-800 contingency for front-end work regardless.
Pros
Cons
You want weekend canyon carving fun
Similar Scooter Reviews
"The sensible fast-scooter choice that never feels like a compromise."
Commuters wanting performance without sacrificing practicality $7,500-$10,500
"The smartest used maxi-scooter buy on the market right now."
Commuters wanting weekend touring capability too $7,500-$11,000
"The premium maxi-scooter benchmark that still embarrasses newer rivals."
Commuters wanting weekend fun without compromise $5,500-$9,500
"The best scooter money can buy, used or new."
Commuters wanting performance without compromise daily $7,500-$11,000