THREE WHEELS ON MY WAGON
LIKE many of us of a certain age, my first ever vehicle was a three-wheeler, and a child’s trike was often one’s first taste of independent travel.
A simple frame and fork, a saddle, two small wheels at the back and a bigger one at the front, all powered by direct drive – ie spinning the pedals attached to the front wheel as fast as one’s little legs would allow.
Beyond that, three-wheeled vehicles have something of a mixed history, from the much-maligned Reliant Robin to the fantastical Polaris Slingshot and all sorts in between.
So, I was looking forward to riding Peugeot’s latest addition to the genre – the Metropolis scooter.
The model here is the top-of-the-range 400 RXR. It certainly looks the part – all sleek and black, and oozing quality, with CNC-machined wheel rims, a low (780mm) textured seat with red stitching, aluminium foot plates and a smoked screen.
There’s no key, just a rather nifty fob which you keep in your pocket. So, just pull a brake lever, press the start button and the 400cc motor springs into life.
It’s twist-and-go of course, so no need to worry about gears or clutch. Instead there are two brake levers, as well as a foot pedal, which works both front and rear brakes simultaneously. There is also an electronic parking brake.
Riding position is very comfortable, as is the seat, which has a forward/ aft adjustable backrest. The screen also has multiple settings. The cockpit features a reverse tachometer and plenty of info, including a tyre pressure monitor.
The Metro’s twin 13in front wheels tilt as you corner, meaning the stability is excellent. It’s surprisingly nifty, too, with a steady and smooth power delivery, and there’s enough for confident overtaking.
There are two traction control modes, with the option of switching it off as well, and the ABS braking with a disc on each wheel is excellent.
As you approach a standstill, you can flip a switch to stabilise the scooter, keeping it upright, so that you don’t need to put your feet down. When you set off again, just twisting the throttle deactivates the lock.
There is a storage compartment below the seat and one at the back which takes a helmet, as well as a glovebox with a power socket.
The Metropolis is a great machine, perfect for commuting, capable of a bit of two-up touring – and it’s great fun too.