There was a time when owning scooter for the sole purpose of driving my son to work never crossed my mind.
That was then.
I changed my mind a few months ago.
Why?
Because diesel prices are going through the roof!
Oh wait… they’ve already done that a few years ago… No… diesel prices are about to go into orbit with how high they are these days.
Now I love the fact that our pickup provides maximum protection to our son, but fuel prices are about to send me to the poor house.
So, what’s a good alternative?
A scooter.
But not just any scooter.
I need a three wheeled scooter that provides maximum safety, fuel-efficiency, and is a ride suited for fun or for serious dad stuff that I need to do.
And so, I went online and went to the most obvious place to hunt for a sensible trike: the Harley Davidson Freewheeler.
Hehehe kidding.
That’s too much trike for what I intend to use it for. And the mileage on that thing isn’t too far off from our gas… er… diesel-guzzling pickup.
No, I went out and looked for more information about the Piaggio MP3 310.
… well I kinda stumbled on the product after spending countless hours on the Honda Gyro Canopy e and the Yamaha Tricity
A Basic Look at the Piaggio MP3 310 HPE
The Piaggio MP3 310 HPE is a three-wheeled scooter designed to blend city practicality with highway stability.
Positioned between the smaller commuter scooters and the larger 400–530cc models, the 310 HPE gives riders a balance of efficiency, comfort, and unique styling.
Because I once took a deep dive into three wheeled scooters a few years ago, I found out that Piaggio was the one that pioneered this movement. But because of the price, I had to look elsewhere for a three wheeled scooter I could realistically buy with what little I have.
Times have changed and the price of a vehicle isn’t the biggest factor why I would consider buying it.
These days, I put a premium on safety.
With the Piaggio MP3 310 HPE, it has dual front wheels that aren’t just their to make a visual statement but instead to provide increased traction and stability, especially on rough roads or in wet conditions.
The MP3 310 is also compact enough to handle tight city streets and urban parking. The riding position is upright and comfortable, with a step-through frame for easy mounting.
There is an under-seat storage that accommodates a helmet and small bag, making it practical for everyday use. Lastly, the styling is modern, with Piaggio’s signature sharp lines and LED lighting.
The MP3 310 HPE uses Piaggio’s High Performance Engine (HPE) technology. At 310cc, this liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine produces around 26 horsepower. The design prioritizes smooth power delivery and fuel efficiency, suitable for both city commuting and short highway rides.
It pairs with a CVT automatic transmission, so there’s no gear shifting involved. This setup makes it beginner-friendly while still offering solid performance for experienced riders.
Handling and Safety
The tilting dual front wheels are the MP3’s defining feature. They provide additional grip while cornering and improve braking stability. The front suspension allows independent movement of each wheel, giving the scooter more control over uneven terrain as compared to a standard two-wheeler.
Safety systems include Dual disc brakes up front and a disc brake at the rear, ABS with combined braking system and ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) traction control.
These features help prevent wheel lock and loss of grip, especially in poor weather. Combined with the extra wheel contact patch, the MP3 310 is one of the safest scooters in its class.
Comfort and Features
The seat is designed for rider and passenger comfort, with ergonomic padding and good legroom. Wind protection is offered by a medium-height windshield, which reduces fatigue on longer rides.
The instrument layout is semi-digital, combining analog dials with a central LCD screen. It provides essential information such as speed, fuel level, trip computer, and temperature. While not as advanced as the larger MP3 models with TFT displays, it covers the basics well.
Under the seat, the MP3 310 has decent storage capacity. Riders can fit a full-face helmet or groceries, making it practical for daily errands.
Special Features
- Three-wheel locking system: At low speeds or when stopped, riders can lock the front suspension. This means the scooter can balance on its own without using the kickstand. Once you accelerate, the suspension automatically unlocks.
- Parking brake: An integrated handbrake adds stability when parked on slopes.
- LED lighting: Improves visibility and safety.
- Euro 5 compliant engine: Meets strict European emission standards while maintaining performance.
Piaggio MP3 310 HPE Technical Specifications
| Category | Details |
| Engine | 310cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, SOHC |
| Power Output | ~26 hp (19.3 kW) @ 7,750 rpm |
| Torque | ~26 Nm @ 6,250 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT automatic with torque server |
| Fuel System | Electronic fuel injection |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Front Suspension | Parallelogram suspension with tilting dual front wheels |
| Rear Suspension | Twin shock absorbers, adjustable preload |
| Front Wheels/Tires | Dual 13-inch wheels with 110/70 tires |
| Rear Wheel/Tire | 14-inch wheel with 140/70 tire |
| Brakes | Front: dual 258 mm discs / Rear: single 240 mm disc, ABS standard |
| Traction Control | ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11 liters |
| Seat Height | 780 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,540 mm |
| Weight (dry) | ~210 kg |
| Storage | Under-seat compartment fits one helmet |
| Lighting | Full LED |
| Instruments | Analog + LCD display |
| Emissions | Euro 5 compliant |
Final Thoughts
The Piaggio MP3 310 HPE is a scooter that blends practicality with innovation. Its three-wheel design increases safety without sacrificing maneuverability, while the 310cc engine delivers enough power for both urban use and highway stretches. With ABS, traction control, good storage, and ergonomic comfort, it’s one of the most versatile scooters in its price and size class.
This scooter is perfect for urban commuters, new riders, professionals who need a fuel-efficient daily driver, short distance errand runners, and dads who need to drive their sons to school.
For riders who want more stability than a traditional two-wheeler but don’t need the extra bulk of the larger 400 or 530cc MP3s, the 310 HPE offers an excellent middle ground.
Now all I need is to equip this with a car seat designed for use on motorcycles and I can ensure that I can get my son to school safely on a scooter.
I wonder if there’s a canopy specifically designed for attaching to the Piaggio MP3 310 HPE so we don’t have to suffer direct exposure to the sun’s rays while on our way to school….
