At ScooterMaxi.com, we believe that the upward trend in big scooters sales over the past few years will accelerate as we start seeing a full-scale shift in American thinking. Most likely, one of the early measures of this shift in thought will be measured in sales of the newly introduced Piaggio MP3.

In fact, the MP3 shot to the top of Piaggio's U.S. sales charts in 2007, despite debuting nearly three months into the year. The model earned ScooterMaxi's Middleweight Maxi Award of Distinction for 2007.

Not only does the Piaggio MP3 qualify as the ultimate introduction for many who are new to scooters, it represents the most significant technological advances in this field since the advent of the environmentally friendly four-stroke engine. Of course, with two wheels in front some question if the MP3 truly qualifies as a scooter. Don’t be fooled by appearances - this is no ATV.

The fully independent front suspension behaves as nimbly as any other two-wheeler, yet provides unmatched stability in tight turns and over the roughest of roads. Not only is the scooter highly visible, agile and stable, the three-wheel brake design enables stopping distances 20 percent shorter than conventional systems; this reduced braking distance as compared to conventional scoots extends even further when you most need it - in slippery conditions.

The MP3’s tremendous stability even extends beyond motion and breaking: you can park the MP3 without a side stand by activating its electro-hydraulic suspension locking system. Even though the seat is a bit high at 30.7 inches, you can easily lock in the scooter’s electro-actuator to keep it upright as you’re slowing to a stop. When you look closely at all of the safety and convenience features packed into the MP3, it becomes apparent that this model is aimed directly at enticing those potential riders who had been kept away based on concerns over the risks associated with riding.

As you can see at first glance, no other scooter really compares to the MP3 based on looks and features. At this price point, only the Vespa GTS 250 i.e. (from the same parent company and featuring the same engine) can be vaguely compared with the MP3. Of course, beyond that you won’t find much family resemblance between these two models.

Piaggio already has rolled out 400cc and 500cc versions of the MP3 that qualify as Big Maxis, and they arrived in the U.S. in 2008. Naturally, the price tag is higher, but the bigger versions provide the freedom and extra power desirable for extensive freeway and Interstate travel.

Piaggio took a tremendous risk by investing in the exhaustive research and the high production costs necessary to create a truly groundbreaking, safety-oriented scooter design. By any measure, the scootering world is better for it. We hope the financial risks undertaken by Piaggio in developing this distinctive and safety-conscious model will prove worthwhile.