PIAGGIO MP3 LT 300 YOURBAN (2011 - on) Review

The Yourban is not cheap, but it is aimed at those with either no desire or experience of two wheels as it can be ridden on a car licence, so the sure-footed, reassuring and unintimidating Yourban may well be worth the premium over conventional scooters.

The extra mass of the clever front suspension and additional wheel makes the Yourban slightly nose heavy, but provides great confidence. The resulting increased contact force means that it is more stable in all conditions, untroubled by pot holes and rough surfaces, and has a claimed 20% shorter stopping distance than the regular MP3. The suspension is solid yet compliant and you can lock the Yourban upright when coming to a halt, so you don’t need to put a foot down when stopping.

The 278cc engine is well proven, used in the Vespa 300 GTS amongst other Piaggio group scooters, and has enough power to pick up quickly away from the lights and pass traffic, although performance is dulled by the extra weight of the MP3. The unthreatening, linear power won’t intimidate.

The Yourban seems well screwed together, with levels of fit and finish in line with its premium price. Only time will tell how it fares through a British winter.

The price is hard to ignore - £5699 is not cheap for a three-wheeled scooter. But if you don’t have a bike licence and are looking for a safe, practical way to experience the benefits of two wheels without being confined to the city on a low capacity scooter the Yourban is ideal.

With a useful fuel gauge, trip computer providing an array of information including outside temperature and a voltmeter, and indicator-button style switch to lock the front upright, the Yourban has plenty to keep riders amused. The seat will easily accommodate two adults, there’s plenty of storage space underneath – enough for at least two open face helmets, and the fairing provides decent weather protection.