Ok, at 244kg the 500 is no lightweight, especially at the front, so detailed low speed work is not as easy as on a regular scooter. I quickly got used to the extra mass in traffic, and at 110kg, I am strong enough to manhandle it around at very low speeds and with a dead engine. Most users will learn how to use that weight to make parking easier, kinda like in Judo, as this is a much lighter task than that of women riding around on a full dress Harley cruiser for instance.

I have already talked about power and performance, as I was able to reach an indicated 140kph despite my personal girth. This thing is a hoot, no doubt about it!

The toggle switch for the unique front suspension lock. Just flick it on at 5kph and sit there and wait, responding to everyone around you. It turns itself off asyou gas it and go when the light goes green, ahead of the masses! (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Moto123.com)

Riding harder into corners really shows up the advantages of the two front wheels, to the point that you start to wonder if the solo rear wheel will always keep up. In fact, the 500 railed everywhere, and I did not get to a track to really wring it out. It sure felt to me like there was plenty of traction left at all times.

In the city, I used the suspension locking function all the time, once I had developed the reflex to hit the right hand button (after only three days of riding the 500), rather than flick on the turn indicator on the left grip.

Defines a new category
The MP3 concept represents a real step forward in scooter technology, safety and usability. With the 500cc engine, you can add useful performance to that list.

At $10,495, the 500 is right there with other large capacity scooters from Japanese manufacturers, and from Peugeot, with the added advantage of the extra comfort and safety.

Piaggio is now developing a new dealer network in Canada, so expect to start seeing more of them everywhere.

Plus
Plenty of useful power
Sstability
Strong brakes
Well priced

Moins
Smallish under-seat storage
Hard to read speedo and tach dials