Piaggio: Wheely clever

The three-wheeler is safe. Photo / Supplied

Piaggio's HyS hybrid scooter will arrive in New Zealand by year end in three-wheeled MP3 form, though the tech is also fitted to the Vespa LX and Piaggio X8.

The Hybrid Scooter is an environment-friendly "all-rounder" with low running costs.

The HyS hybrid uses two motors in parallel, mechanically and electronically linking the petrol and electric units to simultaneously supply power to the driven wheel.

The electric motor provides quick pick-up from rest, with the 125cc petrol delivering top-end power, extended range, and battery charging, the combination supplying the performance of a 250 without the associated fuel bill.

Piaggo claims a 1.6l/100km thirst and a 40g/km CO2 figure - around a third less thirsty and half as polluting as a purely petrol equivalent, assuming electric-only running for 35 per cent of the time. The rider can opt for electric-only for up to 20km by operating a handlebar-mounted switch, re-selecting the main engine for open roads or when battery-charging is required. Owners can also plug the scooter in as mains power is cheaper than petrol. Piaggio says the hybrid MP3 delivers traffic-busting benefits, the three wheels make it safer than traditional scooters, and the hybrid powertrain delivers the environmental benefits of reduced fossil fuel use.