Sidam’s Xnovo three-wheeler: anybody fancy half a minivan?

French importers Sidam have signalled their intentions to build yet another type of three-wheel scooter to surf the popularity wave started by the Piaggio MP3, Gilera Fuoco and Vectrix three-wheelers. This time, though, instead of putting the two wheels at the front where they’re actually useful in a traction and stability context, they’ll be at the rear of the vehicle.

The (presumably Chinese-built) Sidam Xnovo will feature two rear wheels, each on a separate independantly suspended swingarm. The design sketches seem to suggest that both rear wheels will be belt driven in the 500cc Piaggio-engined petrol version - although hybrid and fully electric versions are also on the cards, the latter featuring twin electric motors, one in each wheel hub.

While the MP3 and its twin front wheel brethren offer a dynamic and exciting ride with extra front-wheel traction, huge braking and cornering stability, The Xnovo will probably handle like a horse and carriage. The only benefits I can surmise from this design as an alternative would be a possible ability to handle larger luggage loads than a regular scoot, and the possibility that, because the twin rear wheels don’t have to handle steering duties, they might be cheaper to build than the twin front brigade.

The luggage angle is definately a big part of the concept fot Sidam, with some advance sketches looking almost like a cross between a minivan and a Thai tuk-tuk. All the proposed designs feature a solid roof and windscreen. So while it might not be the most exhilarating ride, the Xnovo does have significant potential as a light, traffic-busting delivery vehicle.

Moto Caradisiac anticipates a market launch sometime later in 2008, with a projected price of around €8000 for the 500cc. Ouch.