For the past two years, I've been desperately looking to try out one of Piaggio's exciting new MP3 models. You know, the scooter with two front wheels that also tilts!

The front suspension of the Piaggio MP3 acts like the tandem suspension at the back of a big truck.

The idea behind this three-wheeler was to address a major issue on classic scooters while delivering motorcycle-like riding dynamics. With the engine under the seat and close to the rear wheel, the weight distribution of a scooter usually amounts to 33% front - 66% rear. This lack of weight at the front normally results in a light steering that makes city riding so effortless but delivers a nervous, unstable feel at higher speeds. Moreover, when entering a corner, riding in the wet or over a manhole cover, the single front wheel can easily lose grip. Instant crash!

However, with the addition of a second wheel up front, you significantly increase front-end traction by splitting the load between two tires instead of one, and allowing them to work more effectively.

That's not the only benefit, though. We know that the increase in front weight moves the center of gravity forward, but it also dilutes the effect on the chassis of the very heavy rear portion of the bike when braking hard. Let's understand this phenomenon: when braking hard on a standard scooter, the front wheel tries to tuck itself under the machine, and the heavy engine and rear pushes on the swingarm pivot, forcing it to rise up. This rise in the center of the bike makes the front pitch forward, which increases the diving effect from the compressed front suspension, as happens when you brake hard on any two-wheeler.

Wait, there's more. The front suspension of the Piaggio MP3 acts like the tandem suspension at the back of a big truck. When either one of the front wheels falls into a 100-mm deep pothole (like the ones we have in Montreal) and the other stays on the flat, the front end of the scooter only drops 50 millimeters, as the seesaw effect of the front axels reduces the force of impact by 50 percent. Overall, this leads to an improved ride on rough roads. The unique suspension design that allows this three-wheeler to lean into corners is really effective and greatly enhances the scooter's handling.

With the addition of a second wheel up front, you significantly increase front-end traction .