Developments

From the Wired Blog:

Italian scooter-maker Piaggio has unveiled a plug-in hybrid three-wheeler it says will get up to 141 mpg and could be on the road as early as next year.

The gas-electric version of Piaggio’s funky but fun MP3 scooter uses a parallel hybrid system much like that in the Toyota Prius but advances the technology by adding an electrical cord. Although Toyota, General Motors and several other automakers are developing cars that can be charged from a wall socket, Piaggio’s timeline, if met, would make it the first in the world to mass-produce a plug-in hybrid.

The MP3 Hybrid that Piaggio rolled out at the big international motorcycle expo in Milan, Italy,  combines a 125-cc gasoline engine with an electric motor in an easy-to-ride three-wheeler that reportedly could do zero to 60 in around 5 seconds.

Wired Blog

Plot and post favorite routes, trace your ride’s roots, calculate fuel savings and uncover a world of new reasons to ride

NEW YORK, NY – November 13, 2008 - Piaggio Group Americas, Inc., importer of the iconic Vespa scooter brand, continues to accelerate ahead of the personal transportation curve with the debut of its new consumer web site, scheduled to go live Friday, November 14.  Functional, fun and fast, the new web site – just like Vespa scooters – connects with users by delivering an entertaining interactive experience, a shared sense of community and a wealth of practical reasons to ride.  Every element of the new site, from the latest product news to user-generated favorite riding routes, has been designed to educate and engage visitors while giving them plenty of fun reasons to return.

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From AutoBlogGreen

Taiwanese scooter manufacture PGO, which has partnered up with RCV Engine Ltd. of the U.K. The two firms are working on rotary valve technology for scooters. So far, the rotary valve engines have really only made waves in the model aircraft industry, a market that RCV is very active in, but PGO believes the engines in the 125-150cc range could power its scooters.

While were on the concept scooter kick…

Elliot Ortiz has designed a modern cargo scooter around the cargo itself. Designed to look like a more traditional scooter from the front, the profile reveals a large open cargo area for parcels and packages.

From Tuvie.com

The Japanese word Mori loosely translates to “serve” and “forest”.  Either of the two can be used to describe the philosophy behind Nissan’s Zero Emission scooter concept. The “Autonomous” design of Shane Crozier would apparently have the ability to adapt to a rider’s preferences.

From MotoBlog.it

At 300cc’s, the Vespa GTS 300 is the largest displacement Vespa ever produced with performance to match. The GTS 300 Super continues a line of sporty elegance that boasts legendary models like the GS,  SS 180, 90 SS, Rally 200 and the notorious T5.

No Details yet as to a US release, but should be in the works.

The Vespa GTS 300 on YouTube

(Now, don’t take this the wrong way… I’ve never been a huge fan of modern scooters, but the GTS has piqued my interest. If we ever see these in the US, I think I may actually consider one.)

Found this in my search for a new helmet…

It looks like Nolan is upgrading the popular NCOM series of helmets. I’ve been hunting for a new modular helmet for some time now and the N102 was at the top of my list. Hopefully, more news on the N103 will be available soon to help me make my decision.

Note to Nolan: We would be happy to write a full review of the N103 When it’s available… hint, hint.