Piaggio MP3 Yourban 300 LT
We test the new Piaggio three-wheeler that can be ridden on a car licence
Price: £5,699
Contact: 00800 818 29800, www.uk.piaggio.com
Meet the twist-and-go trike with a difference. While some of these three-wheeled machines require you to at least pass Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) to ride them, the MP3 Yourban has a wider front track, so it qualifies as a car.
That means you can ride the 300cc machine on your driving licence and don’t have to go through the expensive and complicated bike test. What’s more, the bigger engine means it can easily tackle longer commutes on A-roads and motorways.
On the road, the single-cylinder engine is powerful, and the trike incredibly stable. The twin front wheels offer more grip than a normal scooter when cornering and braking.
The Yourban is tricky to manoeuvre at low speeds due to its weight, but a front fork lock keeps the bike upright when stopped, so you don’t have to put your feet down at traffic lights.
One niggle is the foot operated brake, which is a requirement for the trike to qualify as a car. It works on all three wheels, but it’s positioned exactly where you want to rest your right foot. And then there’s the price – you can get a decent motorbike or nearly new city car for similar cash.
Verdict
Rating: ★★★★
What is it?
A trike that thinks it’s a car
Problems?
Awkwardly placed foot brake, expensive.
Why buy?
Great fun, ability to weave through traffic, comfortable ride.
