Hybrid Scooters on the Way

Piaggio SpA recently announced plans to launch a gas-electric hybrid scooter model in congested cities. "The hybrid can represent a very important reply to the problems of traffic, safety and pollution," said Piaggio SpA Chairman Roberto Colaninno. "The hybrid generates synergies from the two motors, using electronic systems." Equipped with a 125cc gas engine, the planned model is based on the Piaggio three-wheeled MP3 scooter and is expected to receive 169 mpg. A lithium battery is used to power the electric motor, and it can be recharged either at the owner's home or through the gas engine when it is running. According to officials, lithium batteries are lighter than conventional lead batteries and can be recharged several thousand times.