An icon of Italy, features drive, steering, suspensions, and fake engine.
A short time after come back from Italy, I decided to create one of the most emblematic vehicle in Italy : the Piaggio APE. My model was based on pre-70′ APE which have a lot of curved shape and a mudguard attached on the front wheel.
Regarding the functions, a Xl drives the rear differential, then two CV-join power the rear wheels. The steering is operated by a M-motor with a worm screw on a 24t clutch gear and then a connecting rod with a lever. The suspension are composed of two swinging arms on the rear and one on the front. In addition, a fake engine was placed on the rear which is connected to the differential with 20/12t gear multiplication. Of course, some parts of the moc can be opened for instance the doors and the tool-storage.
The frame was built for two purposes : simple and robust. That is why the frame is composed of HOT beam underneath in order to gain room. Then the bodywork was arranged to fit on this frame with some connections and of course a rounded shape thanks to new panels. To finish, the Piaggio is fully remote and functional :
I have created the building instructions. You can watch them by browsing my website or
downloading the high definition PDF building instructions. Piaggio APE by Nico71 – 8 mo, PDF
Want to check before if you can build the Piaggio APE ? The Piaggio APE has been indexed to Rebrickable.com, the website which matchs your parts with mocs ! 
February 10th, 2013 on 14 h 15 min
What size is Piaggio???
August 29th, 2012 on 19 h 06 min
WOW!!!very cool. This is the first time I see a LEGO version of Piaggio Ape… and with Power Functions! I’m Italian and i’m very happy to remember that Italy has also made some good things… I have only a question: what is the gear ratio? GRAZIE THANKS MERCI… and sorry for my bad English
February 19th, 2012 on 10 h 19 min
I think you have not correctly build the engine. I re-build using my instructions and it works fine. Maybe the 4×2L shaped liftarm is in a wrong position ?
February 18th, 2012 on 22 h 35 min
I’m following your instructions, but I’m building the fake engine and something is wrong. When you assemble the whole engine, the crank-shaft gets stuck in the black 4×2 L shaped liftarm. How is it that yours is working? It’s practically impossible…
December 9th, 2011 on 8 h 29 min
Wow! Thank you! I always wanted to write on my web site something like that. Can I contain a portion of your post to my site? 114098
December 7th, 2011 on 0 h 40 min
hey Nico, thanks for sharing your technic creations with us
December 3rd, 2011 on 7 h 03 min
you mocs very good
December 2nd, 2011 on 19 h 07 min
nice mann! pleas look and commet to my youtobe video’s my name is : gtapawner
ps: pleas subcribe