Without a doubt, the concept of three wheel motorcycleswith two tilting front wheels and one rear drive, provides extra confidence when traveling on uneven or slippery surfaces, and allows braking with more stability than a conventional scooter. Furthermore, their comfort, load capacity and increasingly sophisticated equipment have made them an ideal type of vehicle both for everyday use in the city and for intercity trips or weekend getaways.
One of the factors that has most contributed to the rise of these vehicles is the possibility of driving them with a car license (B permit), without needing a motorcycle license.
However, not all three-wheeled scooters can be driven with this permit, since European regulations classify them differently depending on their technical characteristics. In order to be approved as a “motor tricycle” (category L5e), and, therefore, to be able to drive with the B license, the vehicle must meet three fundamental requirements:
- Have a foot brake, which acts jointly on the three brakes.
- Have a minimum width between the two front wheels of at least 460 mm, which guarantees sufficient transversal stability.
- Have a front axle locking system that allows you to remain balanced without the need for support.
Thus, models such as KYMCO CV3 575, Piaggio MP3, Peugeot Metropolis or the Yamaha Tricity 300 They meet these conditions, so they can be driven with a car license as long as the driver has more than three years of experience. This makes them an especially attractive option for those looking for an alternative to the car without having to obtain a motorcycle license.
But, on the other hand, other more sporty models, such as the Yamaha Nikendo not fall into this category. Although it also has two tilting front wheels, its width between the front tracks is less than 460 mm and it does not include a foot brake, which is why it is classified as a three-wheeled motorcycle (category L3e). Consequently, the niken requires the A or A2 license, just like any large displacement motorcycle.
In Spain, 3-wheeled motorcycles approved as tricycles (L5e) can be driven with three types of license. According to an article published in the BOE in 2009, the different tricycles can be used with the following driving licenses:
- A1: from the age of 16, as long as the power does not exceed 15 kW (20 HP).
- TO: from the age of 20, all types of vehicles that are approved as tricycles.
- b: from 18 years of age, as long as the power does not exceed 15 kW (20 HP). From the age of 21, all types of vehicles that are approved as tricycles.
The best three-wheeled motorcycles of 2025
KYMCO CV3 575
He KYMCO CV3 575 It is a three-wheeled scooter that combines a modern and enveloping design with sporty features. It is equipped with the twin-cylinder engine of the AK550which ensures power and reliability, while the front axle incorporates two independent telescopic forks and a brake disc on each wheel, combining stability and driving safety.
The front wheels are 13” and the rear 15”, with 110/70-13” and 160/60-15” tires respectively. The secondary toothed belt transmission and the aluminum chassis provide comfort and robustness.
He CV3 575 It is committed to comfort on long trips: 7-inch TFT screen with intuitive menus, cruise control, heated grips in three levels, keyless starting system, adjustable windshield in two positions and ergonomic seat with adjustable backrest in four levels.
Peugeot Metropolis 400
He Peugeot Metropolis 400 Active It is the most accessible model in the three-wheeled range of Peugeotwith an avant-garde design and angular lines that are reminiscent of a feline, thanks to its front daytime running light strips and the double rear optical group.
With 36 hp and 38 Nm of torque, its 400 cc engine guarantees agility and safety both in the city and on the road. It is equipped with a 5″ TFT screen combined with two analogue watches, connectivity, manually adjustable windshield, proximity key and large space for full-face helmets and open-face helmets. Its full weight is 280 kg, offering stability and comfort even on long journeys.
Piaggio MP3 310 HPE
He Piaggio MP3 310 It is the access version to the tricycle family Piaggioreplacing the MP3 300. This model has been completely redesigned, with a wider front that better protects the driver.
Its 310 cc engine offers 26 hp and a torque of 27 Nm, with a maximum speed of 129 km/h. It has traction control, a 5″ LCD screen with connectivity and proximity key. The front wheels are 13″ and the rear is 14″, providing stability and maneuverability. Its full weight is 230 kg, which makes it light and agile for urban traffic, maintaining the advantages of tricycles for short or interurban trips.
Piaggio MP3 Sport 400
He Piaggio MP3 Sport 400 It is an intermediate model of the MP3 saga that allows you to carry two full-face helmets under the seat. Its 399 cc and 36 hp engine offers 38 Nm of torque, with a package that combines comfort, stability and sufficient performance for the road and city.
It includes a 7″ TFT screen with connectivity, electronic accelerator with traction control, glove box with USB socket, full LED lighting and proximity key. Its full weight is 260 kg, which reinforces its stability without sacrificing maneuverability, and it is offered as a sportier option compared to the MP3 310.
Piaggio MP3 Exclusive 530
He Piaggio MP3 Exclusive 530 It is the top-of-the-range version of the MP3 family. Its 530 cc engine develops 45 hp and 50 Nm, allowing speeds of up to 145 km/h. It stands out for its premium equipment, with a 7” TFT screen with connectivity, proximity key, full LED lighting, rear reversing camera, blind spot vehicle detection, lane change assistance and automatic speed control.
With three-mode electronic throttle and traction control, this tricycle combines power, safety and comfort for long trips, with a full weight of 280 kg.
Yamaha Tricity 125
He Yamaha Tricity 125 ABS It is a light and accessible tricycle, ideal for new drivers or those with an A1 license. Its 125 cc engine generates 12 hp and 11 Nm, offering enough performance for the city. It stands out for its Start&Stop system, proximity key and modern instrumentation with connectivity.
The flat foot platform and 14” front and 13” rear tires provide driving comfort and safety. Its full weight of 173 kg makes it one of the lightest and most manageable tricycles on the market.
Yamaha Tricity 300
He Yamaha Tricity 300 expands the range of tricycles yamahacombining the experience of Tricity 125 with the technology of niken. Its 292 cc engine delivers 28 hp and 29 Nm, with enough capacity for the city and long interurban journeys.
It has a two-wheel front axle with a full fork on each, instrumentation with connectivity, a proximity key and a large space under the seat for two full-face helmets. The tires are 14” on both front and rear axles, while the full weight is 239 kg, guaranteeing stability and comfort on all types of routes.
Yamaha Niken GT
The Yamaha Niken GT It is a tricycle approved as a motorcycle, designed for motorcyclists looking for sports performance with additional stability. Its 890 cc three-cylinder engine delivers 115 hp and 91 Nm, equivalent to that of the MT-09 and tracer 9.
The front axle incorporates two 15” wheels with independent inverted forks and 298 mm discs, combined with a 190/55-17” rear tire. The GT version adds side cases, adjustable screen, heated grips and a more comfortable seat. It has a 7” TFT screen with connectivity, but since it does not have a stabilization system when stopped, it requires the driver to put his feet down when stopping.
Frequently asked questions about three-wheeled motorcycles in 2025
They offer greater stability and safety, especially when braking or driving on uneven surfaces. Additionally, they provide more comfort and carrying capacity than a traditional scooter.
Yes, models approved as motor tricycles (category L5e) can be driven with a B license, as long as the driver has at least three years of experience.
It must have a foot brake that acts on all three wheels, a minimum width of 460 mm between the front wheels and a front axle locking system to maintain balance.
Tricycles (L5e) can be driven with a B license, while three-wheeled motorcycles (L3e), such as the Yamaha Niken, require an A or A2 license due to their approval and technical characteristics.
Among the most notable models are the KYMCO CV3 575, Piaggio MP3 (310, 400 and 530), Peugeot Metropolis 400 and Yamaha Tricity 300.
Sports models such as the Yamaha Niken GT, being approved as motorcycles (L3e), require the A or A2 license, just like large displacement motorcycles.
With the A1 permit (from 16 years old) you can drive tricycles of up to 15 kW. With A (from 20 years old) any tricycle. With B (from 18 years old) up to 15 kW, and from 21 years old, any tricycle.
The Yamaha Niken GT, with 115 hp, is the most powerful in the segment, although it requires an A license. Among those that can be driven with a B license, the Piaggio MP3 530 stands out with 45 hp.
The Yamaha Tricity 125 is an ideal option for novice drivers, as it can be driven with the A1 or B license and offers lightness, ease of handling and low consumption.
The price range is between 5,000 and 12,500 euros, depending on the displacement and equipment. The most basic models, such as the Tricity 125, are more economical, while the Piaggio MP3 530 or KYMCO CV3 575 belong to the high range.
