Peugeot Metropolis 400i: Should this three-wheeled maxi scooter be tollway legal?

Among all the engineering marvels displayed at the recently-concluded Philippines Moto Heritage Weekend, one particular motorcycle model caught the interest of exhibit visitors, the Peugeot Metropolis. This unique-looking maxi scooter is the latest offering from industry newcomer Peugeot Motocycles Philippines. While the brand may be new to the local motorcycle scene, it has more than two centuries of history behind it.  

The Peugeot Metropolis is a maxi scooter with two wheels in front and one at the back. What makes the Metropolis stand out, apart from the third wheel, is that the dual wheels in front tilt to either side. This enables the rider to bank around corners as you normally would on a regular motorcycle or scooter.

Now, why the third wheel?

Having three wheels will give you more stability and traction through additional weight and contact patches. Some countries do not require a separate motorcycle license for three-wheelers, so riders can operate them on a regular car license. Sound great, right? Yeah…not really. We’ll get to that in a bit.

Underneath the panels of the Metropolis is a 399cc single-cylinder engine that produces 26.2 kW and 38.1 Nm. In practice, the displacement is rounded-off in motorcycle documentation, hence the Metropolis 400i model name. Since the Peugeot Metropolis already makes the 400cc minimum displacement requirement, is it allowed to enter our tollways? Nope, and it gets more complicated …as complicated as the pronunciation of the Metropolis’ brand name.

Until recently, all three-wheelers are banned on tollways. In February of the previous year, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) issued the department order 2021-006, allowing three-wheelers with a displacement of 600cc and above to traverse the tollways. So, while the Metropolitan makes the displacement requirement for motorcycles and scooters, it is 200cc short of the minimum requirement for three-wheelers.

According to the Peugeot Motocycles Philippines representative at the Philippine Moto Heritage exhibit, they are working on getting the government to classify the Metropolis as a motorcycle/scooter as it does ride and handle like a conventional two-wheeler. Once approved, the 400cc minimum requirement will apply to tollway access. Other than that, Peugeot Metropolis owners can rest assured that they can access all public roads.  

The Peugeot Metropolis is priced at PHP 668,800 for the Allure variant, while the SW variant has a price tag of PHP 699,800. I agree that the pricing is a bit steep, but one can say that it is justified. ABS, traction control, and phone connectivity come as standard. Also, all Metropolis units are manufactured at Peugeot’s historic factory in Mandeure, France. I suppose exclusivity does come at a premium—that and the House Lannister sigil that adorns the front and rear of the maxi scoot.

For more information, check out Peugeot Motocycles Philippines’ social media pages or email [email protected].

Source: Peugeot Metropolis 400i: Should this three-wheeled maxi scooter be tollway legal?