Quadricycles

[Fiona Ancell]

Here in North Yorkshire we operate a low cost cycle and moped hire scheme to help young people get to work (in a large rural county with often poor public transport links). One of the providers we fund, wants to start providing Quadricycles. These are basically four-wheeled 49cc tiny cars that can be driven legally on the road at 16 years with a moped licence. The law was changed to allow this in 2013 but the vehicles are now becoming more popular.

Before we potentially fund purchase of these, I’d like to see any research on safety and collisions involving these vehicles. Or any schemes or experience of these vehicles. Thank you.

[Andrew Fraser]

Try:
https://www.euroncap.com/en/vehicle-safety/quadricycle-ratings-explained/

Personally, I wouldn’t touch them with a bargepole, but I guess they’d be better than allowing your child to use a motor cycle or moped. Just depends how much you value that child, I suppose …

[Andrew Fraser]

Would it not be better to wait wait a year, then buy a 2nd hand car with a decent NCAP rating? Or a Toyota iQ? See:

https://www.euroncap.com/en/vehicle-safety/safety-campaigns/2016-quadricycles-tests/

[edwardhandley]

There are alternatives to 49cc quadricycles. The definition of a quadricycle is a 4 wheeled vehicle with an unladen weight not exceeding 350 kg excluding the weight of batteries is powered by electricity.

Citroen make a quadricycle called the Ami which costs about 7.5K in the UK, has a top speed of 29 mph and a range of around 40 miles. I, too, would be worried about a child or grandchild of mine driving about in a small vehicle like this but if the alternative is a moped, electric bicycle, a push bike, or one of those lethal electric scooters, I think a small car with some bodywork around you is a better bet.

The car also has 2 seats and seatbelts so definitely safer than a pillion.

[Author]

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