Three wheel revolution

A wild new alternative was unveiled last month with the first three-wheeled scooter to hit Australia.

The Piaggio MP3 has two front wheels, providing greater safety, road grip and stability levels than other scooters. It will be on show at this year's Sydney Motorcycle Show.

Five-time world motorcycle champion Mick Doohan, who attended the launch, says that even with two front wheels it still rides the same.

“It really does just feel like a traditional two-wheeler motorcycle, if anything it feels a bit more stable” he says. Doohan owned and rode scooters when living in Europe and believes the three-wheeler will attract a new breed of people who will want to try the growing trend of scooter riding.

Piaggio marketing manager Mark Fattore says scooters have remained much the same since the Vespa was invented in 1946.

He says the invention of the extra wheel is a big change for the industry. “I think they will bring in a new type of rider,” he says. “People who were afraid before, three wheels might bring them over the line.”

Fattore says the safety features could be 'confidence-inspiring' for those wanting to move from cars. The MP3 features a 250cc motor and comes much cheaper than the average car, with a $10,990 price tag.

A more powerful 400cc motor will be available from February 2008, for about an extra $1000.

MP3 riders must hold a motorcycle licence, as is the case with all scooters and bikes.