Adiva AD3 300 LT review

Adiva Ad3 300 Lt Review

We bikers believe we’re a fearless bunch. We constantly flirt with danger on the roads, wear the “poor man’s transport” tag without complaint, willingly inhale exhaust fumes like it was perfume, and, more recently, persist with our two-wheeled fantasies despite skyrocketing COE prices. However, there is a slippery element that scares us so much, we cower in fear under any expressway bridge when it appears (quite literally).

Yes, like the wicked witch of the west, bikers are easily defeated by water, or more specifically, rain. There are a few solutions though. You can switch to your car (if you are lucky enough to own one as well), wear a cumbersome raincoat, or consider the scooter you see here, the Adiva AD3 from Italy.

Looking like something Stormtroopers might use to shuttle around in the Death Star, the three-wheeled AD3 eliminates (in theory at least) two of the most feared road situations for bikers: rain and front-wheel washout. Unfortunately, the weather was dry during my time with the bike, but owners I spoke to say the AD3 provides decent protection on the move during downpours, except when it’s stopped at a traffic junction, which needs an outstretched foot to keep the bike upright while stationary. Still, better wet feet than a soggy crotch, I always say.

Unlike the best-selling three-wheeled scooter in Singapore, the Piaggio MP3, the AD3 doesn’t come with a locking mechanism that enables it to stand on its own when parked or at the lights. But like the MP3, the extra wheel and additional contact patch mean you can take great liberties with your entry into any corner. Stick it into a turn way too fast and the AD3 just tracks along, shrugging off your futile attempts to lay it on its side. It’s a strange sensation, but one where you feel invincible knowing it’s almost impossible to lose the front end. Adiva Ad3 300 Lt Review 1 The downside to this is, of course, weight. At 225kg, it’s roughly 80kg heavier than an equivalent scooter of similar capacity. Add the bulk of the roof into the equation and the bike feels very top heavy when you’re moving it around with your feet. The good news is, on the go, it feels just like a regular two-wheeled scooter – light, nimble and easy to manoeuvre.

Like all other small twist-and-go scooters, the ride quality and engine aren’t exactly noteworthy. Powered by a 25bhp, 299cc single-cylinder engine from Taiwanese scooter manufacturer Kymco, the AD3 has enough poke to get up to expressway speeds fairly quickly, but it sounds like an oversized hairdryer while doing so. There’s a 198cc variant for Class 2B riders, but expect even more sluggishness from its 19.5bhp motor.

The ride quality fares slightly better. The rear shocks have ample damping to minimise the “trampoline effect” that afflicts most scooters, although I have a feeling the extremely plush and cushy seat has something to do with it. And while the pillion passenger might find the backseat a bit of a squeeze, at least there’s a generous backrest to lean back on if physical contact with the rider is something you want to avoid.

The main selling point of the AD3 is, of course, its foldable roof. It’s fuss-free, taking less than minute to stow. Connected to the windscreen by two latches, you simply unlatch the roof and fold it (quite tricky the first time) until it tucks away neatly into the boot. With the roof up, the AD3 suffers a little instability when caught in crosswinds at speed, but you do get proper weather protection from sudden showers and scorching sunlight as well. Furthermore, that roof looks cool, judging by the approving glances at the “spider” during my test ride. Adiva Ad3 300 Lt Review 3 Storage is vital for scooter owners and the AD3 packs plenty of space in its boot and glove compartment. There isn’t any storage under the seat, but the boot’s 90-litre capacity can accommodate two full-face helmets and a large rucksack with relative ease. But there’s a caveat: you must keep the roof up, because said boot space is severely compromised when it’s stowed.

So, the AD3 doesn’t deviate too far from the functionalities of a regular scooter. You still get lane-splitting capabilities, low running costs and the convenience of a twist-and-go, but all with the added assurance of cornering safety and weather defence. Depending on how much you value your skin and bone-dry clothes, the AD3 might be the only scooter you’ll ever need. If you don’t, however, don’t fret – there’s always the assurance of expressway bridges during a rainstorm.

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