Modern Vespa

It's treated like a motorcycle in California. You can use the carpool lane and you have to wear a helmet.

The new lane-splitting law does technically specify two-wheeled vehicles only, and I have even been pulled over once by the Highway Patrol (on a motorcycle) for lane-splitting. But when I explained what the MP3 is, and showed him the DOT badge that says "motorcycle", he was OK with it. The law was meant to exclude tricycles like the Harley and the Can Am Spyder.

Riding an MP3 on a car license is also a technicality, so you can get away with it if you want. Maybe. The CHP officer who stopped me did ask if I had a class M license. Getting a motorcycle license is very easy in California, especially compared to Europe, so I see no reason not to have one.

I commute from the San Fernando Valley to Beverly Hills in Los Angeles. In the morning, the traffic is slow enough that any scooter above 150 cc could work.

At other times, though, traffic moves at up to 80 mph so I am very happy for the 500 cc engine on my MP3.

I am sure it is the same in the Bay Area.

... eh but the trikes HD and derivatives are as wide as a small car, they are different from the three-wheeled scooters that are designed with two-wheel specifications ...

True but a sidecar motorcycle is still classified as a "motorcycle". At least here it is.

I saw a Peugeot trike today, now they are rare.

In the US or Canada, perhaps, in Italy sidecar cannot travel on highways

Confusing but from what I can see here a sidecar over 249 CC's is allowed. Scroll to the Italy section, it explicitly mentions sidecars.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regulation_of_motorcycle_access_on_freeways

In the US, a number of states classify sidecars and trikes in a different category than motorcycles.

Makes sense, don't disagree with it. A sidecar is very unique but you have one so you know. It's sort of like riding a motorcycle in that the controls are the same and you are actually sitting on a motorcycle. The handling though is very different to the point that the owner of the dealership said in many ways it's easier to learn how to handle a hack if you've never ridden a motorcycle.

Just to specify:
Art. 175. Conditions and limitations of circulation on motorways and main extra-urban roads.

1. The provisions of this article and of the art. 176 apply to vehicles allowed to travel on motorways, on main extra-urban roads and on other roads, identified by decree of the Minister of Public Works, proposed by the owner body, and to be indicated with appropriate start and end signs.

2. The circulation of the following vehicles on motorways and on roads referred to in paragraph 1 is prohibited:

a) cycles, mopeds, motorcycles with a cylinder capacity of less than 150 cc with a heat engine and a motorcycle with a sidecar of less than 250 cc if with a 2 or 4 stroke engine;

b) other motorbikes with an unladen mass up to 400 kg or a total mass up to 1300 kg;

c) vehicles not fitted with tires;

d) agricultural machines and operating machines;

e) vehicles with disorderly loading and not solidly secured or protruding beyond the permitted limits;

f) leak-proof vehicles with uncovered cargo, if they transport materials susceptible to leakage;

g) vehicles whose load or dimensions exceed the limits set by articles 61 and 62, with the exception of the cases provided for by art. 10;

h) vehicles whose conditions of use, equipment and tires can pose a danger to traffic;

i) vehicles with cargo not properly arranged and secured.

3. The exclusions referred to in paragraph 2 do not apply to vehicles belonging to the motorway owners or concessionaires or authorized by them. The exclusion referred to in paragraph 2, letter d), with regard to operating machines-cranes as identified by the registration certificate, does not apply on the main extraurban roads.

4. The regulations set the minimum speed limits for admission to circulation on the main motorways and main roads of certain categories of vehicles.

5. By decree of the Minister of Public Works, to be published in the Official Journal of the Italian Republic, without prejudice to the powers of ordinance of the proprietary entities pursuant to art. 6, other specific categories of vehicles or transport can also be excluded from transit on certain motorways, or parts of them, if traffic needs require it. In the case of vehicles intended for public line services, the provision is adopted in consultation with the Minister of Transport and Navigation, while for those belonging to the Armed Forces the concert is carried out with the Minister of Defense.

6. The circulation of pedestrians and animals is prohibited, except for service areas and parking areas. In these areas the animals can circulate only if duly kept. Pedestrians are only allowed along emergency lanes to reach points for distress calls.

7. On roadways, ramps, junctions, service or parking areas and any other motorway relevance it is prohibited:

a) towing vehicles other than trailers;

b) request or grant passes;

c) carry out commercial or propaganda activities in any form; they are allowed in service or parking areas if authorized by the owner;

d) to camp, except in the areas intended for this purpose and for the period established by the owner or dealer.

8. In areas adjacent to motorways or with neighboring ones it is forbidden, even to those with a license or authorization, to carry out propaganda activities in any form or commercial activities with sales offers to the users of the motorways themselves.

9. In the service and parking areas, as well as in any other motorway relevance, it is forbidden to park the vehicle for more than twenty-four hours, except in the parking areas reserved for existing hotels in the motorway sector or in other similarly equipped areas .

10. Once the term indicated in paragraph 9 has expired, the vehicle can be forcibly removed; the provisions of art. 159.

11. The traffic police organs provide for the removal of parked vehicles which, due to their state or other justified reason, can be considered abandoned, as well as to their transport to one of the collection centers authorized pursuant to art. 15 of the Presidential Decree dated 10 September 1982, n. 915. For these operations the aforementioned police bodies may appoint the owner body.

12. Roadside assistance and the removal of vehicles are only permitted to bodies and companies authorized, also in advance, by the owner body. The armed forces and police are exempted from authorization.

13. Anyone who violates the provisions of paragraph 2, letters e) and f), is subject to the administrative sanction of the payment of a sum from 419 to 1.682 euros.

14. Anyone who violates the provisions of paragraph 7, letters a), b) and d), is so
Each region manages its streets, each province manages its streets, each municipality manages its streets and ... the state manages its own; imagine in a small country like Italy that confusion of road signs including limitations.
If you have seen the movie "Catch 22" or read the book you can understand ...

That's a lot of reading but still sounds like a 750CC Ural with a tonneau cover is allowed.

I don't know about the tricity models but I can dial for Washington State policy towards the piaggio (here) mp3 models... They are still considered motorcycles, just with three wheels, and there is a specific separate three wheeled motorcycle license that applies to the mp3, can am Spyder, Harley Tris, and other three wheeled cycles.

I was considering an mp3 until I realized that I'd have to buy one without the option to test drive it. I'd need to buy one to have to ride for the class that's mandatory to get your license, which the dealers require for test ride.

Catch 22

It is ... in theory but at the entrance to some roads it is not uncommon to see an inscription with specified displacement: https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strada_extraurbana_principale
Until twenty years ago (in Italy) no sidecar was allowed access on highways, today there is only the limit to 249 cc; but the legislator cannot run after the brands that, if they want, raise the volume slightly.

Exactly.

In California, you can ride the Harley and Can Am in the carpool lane one-up. You just can't lane split.

News for the Italian update on the Highway Code. A traffic police circular allows vehicles approved as L5e to run on these roads.

On the occasion of Eicma, manufacturers of three and four-wheeled vehicles approved as L5e (and their customers) have something to celebrate. The traffic police, in fact, a few days ago issued a circular authorizing the circulation of these vehicles also on motorways and ring roads. A provision that has been awaited for years and that is facing a serious flaw in the highway code, according to which these three or four-wheel vehicles, with European homologation L5e, were not even considered. In fact, their arrival on the market had never been acknowledged by the regulatory instruments (still tied to the concept of a three-wheeled vehicle as a "motorcycle trailer"). Despite the objective standards of stability and security that these vehicles guarantee, their circulation was prohibited on toll roads regardless of the engine capacity. The result was that many users caught driving on motorways or ring roads with these vehicles were fined by particularly zealous and code-conscious agents.

... and finally came to the dealers ...

https://www.insella.it/news/yamaha-tricity-300-prezzo-dati-tecnici-154752

Yamaha Tricity 300, price and technical data
After seeing it in final version last EICMA, Yamaha has finally made official the arrival and price of the new three-wheeler with 300 engine. We will see it in dealerships starting from July 2020.

The Coronavirus has upset the plans of motorcycle manufacturers that in recent months, due to the lockdown, have been forced to postpone the release of many models officially presented last EICMA. Among these also the Tricity 300 that Yamaha had presented as a prototype in Tokyo two years ago and in final version at the last Milan Motor Show. Now, however, its time has come and the house of Iwata has communicated its arrival in the dealerships for next July and above all the price: 7,999 euros. For those who don't remember, the new Yamaha three-wheeler weighs 239 kg, has a 13-liter tank, is 2,250 mm long, has a 795 mm saddle and is equipped with the 292 cm3 Blue Core family engine with liquid and about 28 HP (the same as the XMax 300) and with CO2 emissions of 77 g / km. Being approved as a tricycle (like almost all three wheels on the market), it can also be driven by holders of a B license. Among its main qualities we find the space on board for driver and passenger and a spacious underseat compartment, capable of loading two helmets integrals. The Tricity uses the front suspension with Leaning Multi Wheel (LMW) scheme, already used on Tricity 125/155 and Niken, characterized by an upper parallelogram and two stems per wheel, in this version there is however the Tilt Lock Assist electric system, which, at the push of a button, it locks the joint and allows you to stop at the traffic lights without having to put your feet on the ground. The high steering angle (72 °) makes the Tricity 300 a maneuverable vehicle in tight spaces, while the wheels are all 14 "with Bridgestone Battlax tires developed specifically for this model. Braking is guaranteed by three 267 mm discs with ABS and integral system, which distributes the braking force on all three wheels. To increase safety there is the traction control (TCS), while the electronic equipment is completed with the starting system with smart key remote control.

Attila,

Obviously, the new 300 would give you more of a longer range cruising scooter.
Yamaha is asking a lot for this machine. USA $8444, compared to the Vespa 300 Super USA $7049.

So, would you replace your 150 with this new machine?

Bob Copeland
Minnesota

Bob, the comparison is with MP3 300; the Vespa has only two wheels. Regarding the price I agree, 8000 EUR is a lot in fact I keep mine because it is also lighter (165 kg against 240 kg) and agile. I'm more interested in an agile and easy to manage scooter. I won't throw away any more money just to have a bigger vehicle, I'm fine
PS: with those big mustaches you don't need a mask.

finally we see the tricity 300 curb weight. it is on the porky side for 28 hp engine. 239kg. 525lbs.

I admit... It is quite heavy...

That is about the same weight as an MP3 250 with a more powerful engine.

(https://youtu.be/yboPiH2ojkA)

I'd be interested in one. I already owned an XMAX 300. I think it would be a great bike if they priced it right. I also owned a 2007 MP3 250 ie in the past. The XMAX motor has more power. The XMAX is a 30 HP bike.

Same engine as the X Max 300, 28 hp...but not same weight. 240 kg.

-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EtI245OnHg-

-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5Di-Pqwvqk&fbclid=IwAR0Av_2TC-w3fHTLf1sKtMn46E1-DJb39nc21Ku1Itv6RQPYTrleDRVNhLY-

https://www.moto.it/elettrico/tricity-ibrido-e-con-aerodinamica-da-record.html

In Arizona, 3 wheels is similar to 2 wheels, motorcycle license, title, registration, insurance.

I like the Yamaha Brand reliability.

Bob Copeland