Design
Piaggio designers have done a great job creating a vehicle that blends scooter and tourer characteristics into a cohesive, attractive ride. The classic elements of scooter design - high headlight, feet-together position, curved leg shield, and seat - are all there in a slightly super-sized form. Optional top and side cases are integrated beautifully into the rear, and the entire design is held together with a collection of graceful arcs and curves that lend an elegant air to this machine of focused practicality. The overall effect is feminine, befitting the name on the test scooter's side cases: Beverly.

Urban Assault Vehicle?
So how does this maxi-scooter perform in the domain of its smaller brethren? Where the coaster-sized wheels of smaller scoots struggle, the larger wheels of the BV500 (16' front/14' rear) excel, swallowing potholes and manhole covers in stride. Handling is quick and precise, and the drive train is well-suited to city duty. The 460cc Piaggio 'MASTER' motor is a fuel-injected, single-cylinder, 4-stroke producing 39 horsepower, driving the rear wheel via a continuously variable transmission. Although 0 to 5 mph performance is a little soft, as the engine and transmission work to find a suitable power/gearing combination, once on the move, this scooter really takes off, providing taxi-slaying acceleration.

A knee-high glove box provides storage for small odds and ends, and a simple split-ring plastic hook resides near the ignition, perfect for a handbag or an order of General Tso's Chicken.

Most scooters provide cavern-like storage beneath their seats, however the space on the BV500 is uncharacteristically small. Full-face helmets? No. A rainsuit? Yes. But having the optional cases will make up for any storage deficiencies. The top case is spacious enough to hold a helmet and gloves; and though the side cases are deceptively shallow (their depth compromised by the exhaust and other rear-end mechanicals), they are deep enough to hold a messenger bag or soft attaché. The top case is secured with a key while the side cases use combination locks that can be difficult to use at night or in poorly lit areas.