I finally found out the name of those small three-wheeled trucks so often used in Italy. The name is “ape,” and pronounced “ah-peh.” I only learned of this through reading a wonderful book about Italy called Stolen Figs by Mark Rotella. It was recommended to me by another Italian-American who is also passionate about Italy.
Also coincidentally I happened to read about it on another blog, Bagni di Lucca and Beyond, where my friend, the author, Debra Kolkka, was explaining that the ape was needed to transport items up the narrow streets and hills in a small village.
These vehicles come in handy in villages with steep narrow streets, where a normal size car could never maneuver. They are also great for parking in tight spaces. I have had some questions about photos I have posted of these “apes,” asking if they are glorified golf carts.
They are actually made by the company Piaggio, who manufactures the famous Vespa scooter as well as other vehicles. In fact the original model dates back to 1947 and was basically a Vespa with two wheels added to the rear.
Although I believe this photo is of a regular truck and not an actual ape, I have seen these apes used as portable roadside market stalls, where vegetables, flowers and all other types of goods are loaded onto the back. Originally made for one passenger, there is a second seat but it is a tight fit. I do like seeing these little vehicles around in Italy.
What do you think of these little trucks in Italy?
I’d love to hear your feedback, so please leave a comment.
Grazie and Ciao
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John
Ape means bee in Italian… the truck buzzes around like a bee
margieinitaly
Thanks John…I love that translation
Transportation in Italy | margieinitaly
[…] What I really love though, are the other forms of transportation, those that I don’t see at home, or if I do, it is a rare occurrence. My favorite are the 3-wheeled trucks called “apes,” pronounced “ah-pays.” Ape means bee in Italian and they are named for the characteristic buzzing sound of the engine. You can read more from an older post I wrote a few years ago. […]
philosophoenix
I love pieces such as this. It was engaging and informational. As well, it spurred me to ponder how our geophysical landscapes (both built and natural) influence how we shape the tools used in our lives–variants of which may be found in many other places, each bowing to the specific needs and cultural ideas of a population–such as the vehicles we employ.
margieinitaly
So glad you enjoyed this piece…Thank you
bob
I have been trying to figure how I can get and use one in San Francisco for my shopping farm markets.
margieinitaly
That would be great Bob – They seem to maneuver well in small spaces
Change
I wonder if they are legal for the streets of Washington, DC? I would love one for America!!!
margieinitaly
That would be very cool!
Robin | Melange Travel (@MyMelange)
I love Apes. In Puglia, I saw a bright orange one that would drive from house to house through the tiny mazes of a small town delivering fresh produce. Beats food delivery in the US 😉
margieinitaly
Thanks Robin
I think they are so cute and handy too!
twoblackdoggies
We saw apes everywhere in Italy and fell in love with them but only got one photo in the narrow back streets of Assisi, they remind me of the 3 wheeled car in the Mr Bean television show.
margieinitaly
Yes Debra, thanks to your blog I learned it means “bee.” A wedding in an ape..Wow – only in Italy!
Debra Kolkka
There was a wedding last week in Bagni di Lucca last week where the bride and bridesmaid arrived in an ape. I guess you know it means bee, because of the sound they make. Vespa means wasp.