Piaggio MP3 500 [2011 – 2016] Review: The Three-Wheeled Revolution

Introduction

The Piaggio MP3 500 isn’t just a scooter—it’s a statement. From 2011 to 2016, this audacious three-wheeler redefined urban mobility with its blend of car-like stability and motorcycle agility. Whether you’re navigating potholed city streets or carving coastal highways, the MP3 500 challenges conventions with its dual-front-wheel design, tilting suspension, and a 500cc engine that packs a punch. After spending weeks with this machine, it’s clear why it became a cult favorite among commuters and thrill-seekers alike. Let’s dive into what makes this scooter a standout, even a decade after its debut.

Design & Engineering: Where Sci-Fi Meets Practicality

The Parallelogram Front End

The MP3 500’s defining feature is its dual-front-wheel tilting suspension, a feat of engineering that feels like riding a futuristic street pod. The front wheels are mounted on an aluminum parallelogram linkage with four arms and two steering tubes, allowing the scooter to lean like a motorcycle while maintaining the grip of two contact patches. This setup grants 40 degrees of lean angle—enough to embarrass sportier two-wheelers in corners.

The MP3 500’s front suspension: A marvel of stability and agility.

Build Quality & Aesthetics

Piaggio didn’t hold back on style. The MP3 500’s angular bodywork—available in Dragon Red, Matte Grey, Cosmo Black, and other bold colors—looks like a cross between a Transformer and a high-end touring scooter. The 2015 refresh added LED daytime running lights, a height-adjustable windshield, and a revised dashboard with smartphone connectivity. At 540 lbs (245 kg) wet, it’s no featherweight, but the steel trellis frame and 13-inch alloy wheels (2016+ models) balance heft with planted confidence.

Performance: Urban Warrior, Highway Cruiser

Engine & Transmission

Powered by Piaggio’s 492.7cc Master engine—a liquid-cooled, SOHC 4-valve Single—the MP3 500 delivers 40 HP @ 7,250 RPM and 44 Nm (32.5 lb-ft) of torque @ 5,500 RPM. The twist-and-go CVT transmission is butter-smooth, though acceleration feels deliberate rather than explosive. That said, hitting 88 mph (142 km/h) is effortless, and the engine hums contentedly at 70 mph (113 km/h), making freeway commutes surprisingly relaxed.

Fuel efficiency hovers around 54–57 mpg (4.2 L/100 km), translating to a 150-mile (241 km) range from its 3.2-gallon (12 L) tank. Cold starts can be grumpy, but once warmed up, the fuel-injected motor purrs without hiccups.

Braking & Handling

Dual 240 mm front discs and a 240 mm rear disc (upgraded to 258 mm fronts with ABS in 2016) provide 20% shorter stopping distances than conventional scooters. The real magic, though, is in the front end: two wheels mean double the grip, letting you brake hard mid-corner without washing out. The 2016 Sport ABS model added traction control (ASR), a game-changer for wet roads.

The MP3 500’s dual front brakes: Confidence in every stop.

Comfort & Practicality

Ergonomics

The upright riding position—with a 30.9-inch (785 mm) seat height—suits riders of all sizes. The plush, flat saddle accommodates two adults comfortably, and the redesigned 2015 model added underseat storage for two full-face helmets. Wind protection is superb, thanks to the adjustable windshield, and the addition of a 12V socket and USB port (2015+) makes it ideal for tech-savvy commuters.

Tilt-Lock System

The MP3’s party trick is its electro-hydraulic tilt lock. Hit the thumb switch, and the front suspension locks at any angle, letting you park on slopes or idle at lights without putting a foot down. It’s unnerving at first—imagine balancing a 540 lb machine at a 15-degree tilt—but becomes second nature. At takeoff, the system disengages seamlessly above 2,000 RPM.

Competition: How Does the MP3 500 Stack Up?

Yamaha TMAX 530

The TMAX is the MP3’s archrival—a two-wheeled maxi-scooter with a sharper 530cc engine and sportier handling. However, it lacks the MP3’s all-weather stability and can’t match its parking prowess. The TMAX wins in outright speed but feels less revolutionary.

BMW C 650 GT

BMW’s luxury tourer offers heated grips, a TFT display, and a 60 HP engine. Yet, at 700+ lbs (318 kg), it’s a behemoth next to the MP3. The Piaggio’s agility and unique front end make it more versatile for city crawling.

Honda Integra (NC750D)

Honda’s Integra blends scooter convenience with motorcycle DNA, thanks to its DCT transmission and 745cc engine. However, its conventional two-wheel design can’t replicate the MP3’s glued-to-the-road confidence on slick surfaces.

Verdict: The MP3 500 carves its own niche. It’s not the fastest or lightest, but its three-wheeled tech and practicality are unmatched in its class.

Maintenance: Keeping Your MP3 500 in Prime Shape

Key Service Points

1. Oil Changes: Use SAE 5W-40 synthetic oil every 3,700 miles (6,000 km). The wet sump holds 1.7 liters.
2. Drive Belt: Inspect every 9,300 miles (15,000 km). Replace if cracked or glazed.
3. Brakes: ABS models require DOT 4 fluid flushes every two years. Pad wear is minimal thanks to linked braking.
4. Coolant: Replace every 24,000 miles (38,600 km) with ethylene glycol-based fluid.
5. Tires: The dual 120/70-12 fronts and 140/70-14 rear (13-inch fronts post-2015) wear evenly but check pressure monthly (29 psi front, 36 psi rear).

Common Upgrades

• Windshields: Taller aftermarket screens improve long-distance comfort.
• Suspension: Progressive springs for the rear shocks reduce wallow.
• Storage: Top cases and tank bags from MOTOPARTS.store maximize cargo space.

Pro tip: Upgrade to Michelin Pilot Sport SC tires for sharper cornering.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Innovation

The Piaggio MP3 500 isn’t for everyone—its weight and quirky looks demand an open mind. But for riders prioritizing safety, practicality, and head-turning appeal, it’s a revelation. Whether you’re filtering through traffic or exploring backroads, the MP3 500 delivers a riding experience no two-wheeler can match. A decade later, it remains a benchmark for urban mobility, proving that three wheels really are better than two.

The MP3 500: Still turning heads, still defying expectations.

Ready to personalize your MP3 500? Explore MOTOPARTS.store for upgrades that elevate comfort, performance, and style. From premium brake pads to sleek luggage solutions, we’ve got your three-wheeled companion covered.

Specifications sheet