With urban populations on the increase, commuters who prefer the freedom of personal transport will have to take a more flexible approach to the type of vehicle they choose.
Congestion charging, restricted parking, traffic jams and increasing fuel costs have already pushed many towards two wheels, but a 300cc scooter from Piaggio that can be ridden legally on a car license may attract even more.
The scooter is available with a choice of 125cc, 300cc or 500cc engine; all but the smallest delivering enough power to travel long distances by motorway in comfort. However, it is for the medium-distance commute into town that the Piaggio has been embraced across Europe. While the bike manages to conform to no more than the Euro 2 emissions test, most cars would find it hard to match its average fuel consumption of 80mpg.
Medium capacity motorcycles such as the Piaggio LT300 appear to be discriminated against by legislators seeking to reduce the amount of CO2 produced by road traffic in Britain.
Cars responsible for up to 100g/km are exempt from vehicle excise duty, but the Piaggio, which produces only 84.5g/km, must pay £37 per year.
Urban three-wheelers
If you are prepared to forgo a little speed, it is perfectly possible to use a motorcycle engine to power a practical, fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly three-wheeler; the Piaggio Ape is a tiny commercial vehicle powered by a 50cc petrol engine that is used throughout Europe. A growing number of manufacturers are combining the fuel efficiency and practicality of a scooter with the stability and improved braking of cars to tempt commuters out of their cars.
Breakdown cover for scooters and motorbikes
Breakdown cover for motorbikes and scooters costs as little as £39 per year. The ETA handpicks specialist operators to deal with motorcycle breakdowns and every policy includes up to one hour of their expertise at the roadside to try and get the bike going.
Frank. Hollinshead
Hi.
Confused, can a 2007 piaggio mp3 250, be rode on a full car licence, if you’ve had your licence long before 2013, thanks frank.
Gray
The year of make isn’t really the important factor. It’s more about the legally defined parts of the bike that matter. I have a 2011 Piaggio MP3 300 LT and I am insured through Carole Nash to ride it with pillion passengers. I have passed CBTs in the past which has helped me with being able to handle a bike or scooter but don’t hold any motorbike licence; only a full car licence which like yourself I have had for quite a number of years before 2013. You need to make sure that the MP3 has the necessary Log Book with Trike written in it as the type of vehicle. It is defined as a trike by virtue of the width being 460mm or more between the two front wheels centre of contact with the road. It will almost certainly also have a foot brake pedal. These are fairly weighty machines so it would always benefit you to either have some basic scooter/bike training first such as a CBT (it isn’t a legal requirement though). I would recommend a newer model of MP3 (perhaps 4 or 5 years old at the most) so that you minimise the likelihood of parts replacement etc.
Rob underwood
Are you allowed to have a pillion passenger in a car licence?
Steven Smith
Are you allowed to have a pillion passenger in a car licence?
if you can ride solo on a car licence then you can have pillion.
i.e. moped, but make sure insurance covers it and relevant 3 wheelers.
Wendy whyatt
Hi , I am interested in getting a MP3 trick and w ish to know the legal rights that I will require to allow me to ride this on my full driving licance . Which I have had for a number of years prior to 2013. Also can I take a passenger on the trick , Or do I need a full bike licance to enable me to ride a trick with a passenger.
Also what size trick can I go up to using my driving licance.
Wendy
Gray
I have a Piaggio MP3 300 LT and I am insured through Carole Nash to ride it with pillion passengers. I have passed CBTs in the past which has helped me with being able to handle a bike or scooter but don’t hold any motorbike licence; only a full car licence which like yourself I have had for quite a number of years before 2013. You need to make sure that the MP3 has the necessary Log Book with Trike written in it as the type of vehicle. It is defined as a trike by virtue of the width being 460mm or more between the two front wheels centre of contact with the road. It will almost certainly also have a foot brake pedal. These are fairly weighty machines so it would always benefit you to either have some basic scooter/bike training first such as a CBT (it isn’t a legal requirement though). I would recommend a newer model of MP3 (perhaps 4 or 5 years old at the most) so that you minimise the likelihood of parts replacement etc.
Terry Payne
Can you please tell me the best dealer in Essex to Purchase a used mp3 piaggio i can ride with a car licence. Looking for something around 1000 pounds , Reg 06 even 05 just as a runabout .Thank you.
Terry Payne
Terry Payne.
Looking for used paiggio MP3 Three wheeled 06 or07 can ride with Car licence 1000 pound to 1500 live near Colchester Essex uk thank you .