The Ape Futuro

One of the greatest things about Italy is Piaggio makes these little three wheeled trucks called Apes. They have the same steering and engine size as a moped and there is absolutely nothing not funny about them.



I still don't understand how you can take yourself seriously driving one ..


Hilarious!


Ape means "bee" in italian.


Against all scientific reason, this Ape is towing a trailer!!!


Here's an Ape in action!!


Here's my friend Cecile proudly posing next to a vintage Ape:


Of all the Ape models, our favorites were the Ape Futuro and the Ape Turbo.


We found this one with unlocked doors in Siena, and tried to drive it but were sternly admonished by Tomasso. He is authentically Italian and explained that most Ape owners were very crude men and would not appreciate tourists trying out their wheels, but added that you do not need a driver's license to drive one.



We actually looked into buying one and they are only around 200 euros for a used one. We would have bought one and drove it around Italy instead of using the railways, but they barely fit one person in the front seat and do not go faster than 30 mph and are thus useless on the highways.


This 3 wheeler is a little different, it's called an electric rickshaw, and runs off battery power. It's still hilarious due to the number of wheels.


Of all places, I finally get to ride and even drive one in Portland, OR!!!! Actually, it was more of a 3-wheeled van. Thanks Ed!!!

I win!