Vespa scooter evolves, picks up a third wheel

Piaggio, maker of the sexy Vespa scooter that's seen mostly on the narrow streets of Rome, has just introduced the MP3 — no, not an audio format, but a fresh, new take on their classic. And what can be better than a two-wheeled scooter? A three-wheeled one, of course! The third wheel, which usually means something or someone useless, actually does the scooter a big favor: it provides stability and keeps the mini-motorcycle from tipping during those drag races for pink slips with the local polizia. An MP3 with a 250-cc engine will be available in Europe next month. According to a Piaggio rep, it may hit the States next year, hopefully before the price of gas makes even a saint want to siphon the tank of the Popemobile.