Modern Vespa

Just wondering how many of you use the ECO mode on your MP3 500s. Does it make a huge difference in fuel consumption you think. It certainly slows down acceleration...

that is a choice only you can decide. do a comparison rides, using the same route and with it and with out it.

I haven't found any official Piaggio info on what it does and what impact it has, other than a rather paltry:

".. ECO MODE
The «ECO» mode acts on the mapping of the electronic control unit, with a setting that favours lower consumption compared to the performance.
To activate this mode, with the vehicle at engine idle speed, press the starter button
With the function activated, the message «ECO» will appear on the display.

To go back to the standard riding mode, with the «ECO» function active, press the starter button «U» until the mode appears on the display. .."

I don't think I have seen a dramatic difference in gas consumption. Have others?

I regularly switch between Eco and performance mode when out riding. You can actually change the mode without stopping. Just let go of the throttle, do the switch, then re-engage throttle.

As noted the bike IS significantly more responsive with ECO mode disabled which is especially noticeable when riding in twisty mountain roads.

When comparing fuel consumption it does use a bit more fuel when in "regular" mode vs "eco" but if you are doing longer trips just plan ahead for refueling and refuel often.

I've heard statements of 10% more fuel use on regular vs eco but I have yet to confirm this specifically. It does use more but its largely a function of how aggressive the throttle is used and riding style.

When I made a 300 mile round trip along the coast I ended up using more fuel than anticipated due to having to constantly start, stop, accelerate, go up-hill, down hill, idle, etc due to mixed fast, slow, medium, very-slow, and stopped traffic.

As an ex-pat Brit I'm constantly surprised by those in the US getting fussed about fuel prices! The average current price in the UK is equivalent to $6.60 per US gallon.

Well, in California -in many places- we hover close to the $5 mark... CA also has motorcycle-hostile gas stations that seldom allows us to fill up the tank, and often it's a royal pain to even get SOME gas into our motorcycles because of the stupid design of the damn things.

A 10% has saving basically only extends the operational range with one full gas tank by what, 15 miles, tops? Also, it seems to be an Italian design thing to be quite optimistic about range when you fill up the gas tank ("Signore we have SOOOO much gas now! Molto bono!" to then get increasingly alarmist as you proceed to drive/ride, with the range info going away when you still have 50 miles or so left... (my Italian car does the exact same)....