Three-Wheeled, Hybrid Scooter: 170 MPG

Vespa is almost synonymous with scooters these days. So when Piaggio, who makes Vespas, decides to go hybrid, it's a very big deal. But it's a bigger deal when the hybrid technology is doing things that we've never seen before.


We've been anxiously awaiting more news and especially an estimated arrival date for Piaggio's hybrid scooters, which include scooters from the Vespa brand as well. Perhaps Piaggio was reading our last post on the subject, because we've noticed more and more news on the HyS (hybrid scooter) models. Now, we can share a few pictures with you as well. Best of all, Cycle World is saying that they have been told by Piaggio that the MP3 HyS will be in production by the end of 2008!

Although Piaggio has been testing a version of the MP3 hybrid which sports a 250cc engine, the production model is expected to use the 125 instead. However, that is not all bad, because the electric motor adds up to 85 percent better acceleration and possibly a bit more on the top end too, at least we hope. There is a cool switch on the dash of the scooter which allows for more economic travel or for more performance. Currently, three 12-volt lead acid batteries are being used, but lithium ion batteries are being tested as we speak.

Also of note is the 50cc version of this powertrain, which is installed in the Vespa LX model. This beast gets only 24 volts of power, but can still perform like its 125cc larger sibling. Best of all, the machine can return up to 142 mpg while emitting only 40 grams of CO2 per kilometer. The 50cc model can travel at 15 mph for 12 miles on electric power alone while the larger 125cc version can do 25 mph for 12 miles on battery power.

This is great news for anyone who's been waiting to purchase one of these vehicles. Waiting until the end of 2008 could prove to be a challenge!

Scooters are fuel efficient all on their own, so when you add in an advanced regenerative and plug-in hybrid electric system, you should expect some serious results. And that's what we're seeing. Based on the way these scooters are driven, they can achieve up to 170 miles per gallon of gasoline. Because the electric motors can be programmed to produce various amounts of torque, the new hybrid scooter system (HyS) from Piaggio can also be molded to individual preferences.

The scooter can be run in one of three hybrid settings, allowing for various levels of acceleration or efficiency, and the scooter can also be run in a much less powerful all-electric mode. The electric batteries will be charged via regenerative breaking as with most other hybrids, but they can also be charged via a wall outlet, allowing for up to 12 miles of travel on electric power alone. When used in concert with the gasoline engine, the electric engine boosts acceleration by 85%. The batteries can be fully charged in about three hours.

The HyS system will be available in the Vespa LX, the Piaggio X8, and the supremely awesome MP3. The MP3, a leaning three-wheeled scooter, allows for superior traction and much higher speeds than Piaggio's other models, making it an excellent option for folks who are actually interested in replacing their car.

Unfortunately, Piaggio hasn't released any information on price yet. But we're waiting patiently, as this is one of the coolest scooters we've seen in a long time. And as plug-in hybrids with zero-emissions modes go...this one might beat a lot of major manufacturers to the punch.