Quadricycles | what they are | Types | Prices

In this portal we like to delve into trends and try to clarify the whys and wherefores of the automotive industry, just as we did in previous readings with family bodies and some time ago answering 10 questions about cars without a license. This time we are going to go much deeper into the matter.

Let’s tackle the world of quadricyclesin its specificities and what requirements we have to take into account when acquiring one and having a license (in Spain) to drive them.

What are quadricycles

The DGT and traffic regulations define them as follows: Light quadricycles are vehicles with an empty mass of less than 350 kilograms, which can reach a maximum speed of 45 kilometers per hour on the highway.

Likewise, quadricycles can be categorized into two types: light and non-light, the former being the most common and accessible. In this guide we will focus on the first ones since they are currently the most interesting in terms of urban mobility.

Basic characteristics of quadricycles

• Length: Less than 3 meters.
• They can have 3 or 4 wheels.
• Interior volume: Less than or equal to 2,400 liters.
• Empty weight: 350 kg.
• Engine: Maximum 500cc or 4-8KW.
• Maximum speed: Light quadricycle 45 km/h. Heavy quadricycle 75-80 km/h.
• Usually two-seater.

The license to drive quadricycles

Yes, the LIMITED AM PERMIT for LIGHT TRICYCLES AND QUADRICS that has a theoretical exam of 20 questions and two maneuver tests; its minimum requirements are:

1. Minimum age of 15 years.
2. Request the form on the official website of the DGT for the presentation to the test at the traffic headquarters. It is worth mentioning that you can manage everything if you sign up for a specialized driving school. If you go for free you can find out in this section of the DGT website.
3. Valid ID and passport photo.
4. Not be the holder of any other license (only 15 years old; if you have the A1, A2, A or B license you can drive them)
5. Not have judicial impediment to drive this type of vehicle.

The permit test

• Psycho-technical test suitable (this is the first, very first).
• pass the test theory of 20 questions.
• Maneuver H: Change direction of travel.

• Maneuver I: Line parking and exit.

B1 license for more powerful quadricycles

The new B1 card will arrive in Spain, a double of the B card and which can be obtained from the age of 16. A measure that is part of the DGT’s 2030 Road Safety Strategy and that includes precisely everything seen in this guide. Young people who need a private mobility alternative can travel on urban and interurban roads in a sustainable and urban way (more information in the . See unpopulated or rural areas and areas where public transport is a headache.

This card includes all vehicles of the L7e regulation, all those whose power is less than or equal to 15 kW (20 hp) and with a maximum speed of 90 km/h. Today these vehicles can only be driven with the B permit. For example, the aforementioned Twizy will be one of the vehicles covered by this license. In summary and being graphic, these will be the differences:

Maintenance and insurance of quadricycles

Regarding the maintenance of these vehicles, it is estimated that they have a useful life of 13-15 years. Always depending on the use and behavior of each one when driving. By having a simpler mechanics, to put it in some way, they are easy and cheap vehicles to maintain, including paying taxes at this point.

Regarding insurance. Yes, it is mandatory and at least civil liability insurance is required. Bugging the internet for a while we have seen that the following companies have plans adapted for these vehicles:

• Axa.
• Arag.
• Allianz.
• mapfre.
• Helvetia.
• Catalan West.
• Generali.
• Liberty.
• Verti.

ATV Safety

Based on the fact that they are cars designed for interurban mobility, the first thing is that we have to be aware of their capabilities and responses when driving. It is true that technology advances and the construction of these vehicles has evolved as demand has grown.

In the most recent models we can include passive and active safety elements. We have models with LED daytime running lights. Models with ABS and some equipped with Airbags. Some manufacturers even do Euro NCAP tests to test their models, but in none of the tests listed on the official website do we see more than 2 stars out of 5.

In this section, it is appreciated that the prior procedure of obtaining a license is necessary before getting behind the wheel of these vehicles. Awareness always necessary.

Brief history of quadricycles in Spain

Although it may seem like a novelty of recent years, the first Spanish quadricycle dates from the early 50s. Specifically, the model biscuter manufactured by the company Autonacional SA, with a French design and inspired by traditional scooters.

We will always remember the BMW ISETTA, famous for appearing in a large series of the 90s (Things at home –Family Matters–) or even the tricycles vintage also made in Spain: the three-wheeled David microcars.

Its peak in Spain is framed between 1998 and 2000 when brands like AIXAM or LIGIER began to promote its sale. Little by little, Renault, Fiat or Citroen have included personal mobility vehicles in their ranges. What to say that not all have combustion engines, because for a few years there have been electric versions among the different options on the market.

Quadricycles for sale in Spain

Probably the number 1 manufacturer on the market. Since 1975 they have signed a large part of the history of this car concept and have registered more than 20,000 units. As for their product ranges, we leave you a list so that you know their offer.

• Minicar range: In access, GT and Cross versions. Part of the €10,499 with a 479 cm3 and 6 kW (8.15 hp) engine

• Emotion range: Perhaps the range most seen on the streets and the most evolved. It has City, Coupe and Cross finishes. All of them with various equipment packages. In terms of price, the cheapest version of the Emotion City Pack starts at €12,499, reaching €16,599 for the premium Crossover and Coupé GTI versions.

• eAIXAM range: This range has the support of the POLARIS GROUP and is the firm’s electrified option. It currently has two models, eCoupé GTI (€20,499) and Crossover Premium (€19,999) with both powers of 6 kW and 50 Nm of torque.

Since 2008, the merger of Ligier and Microcar gave way to the LIGIER GROUP as a unified brand, becoming a full manufacturer of light quadricycles. Let’s review their range:

LIGIER RANGE:

• LIGIER Myli: Four finishes (GOOD – I.DEAL – E.PIC – R.EBEL) and 100% electric with autonomy from 63 km (4.14 kWh battery) to 192 km (12.42 battery kWh). Price available soon.

• LIGIER JS50: Sport, Sport Pack and Sport Ultimate finishes. Part of the €13,990 with 8 hp and 498 cc engines.

• LIGIER JS60: Chic and Ultimate Sport. Part of the €18,990 with 8 hp and 498 cc engines. In this case, it has the most sporty cut visually and includes the option of selecting the progress engine (498 cc) and the DCI version (480 cc Diesel) both with 8 hp and 21 Nm of torque.

MICRO CAR RANGE:

• MICROCAR Dué Must: A single finish that starts at €12,690 with a Euro 5 progress (Diesel) engine of 6 Kw (8 cv) at 3000 rpm.
• MICROCAR M GO: M.GO Must and M.GO X finishes, starting price from €13,290. Both available with Ligier progress and DCI engines. The difference? The adventurous cut of the M.GO X with an SUV finish called Pack X.

It is well known that Stellantis has built a huge mobility network, between its own brands and services such as Free 2 Move or its conversion to long-term leasing (part of its agreement with Leasys) it capitalizes on large assets that aim to continue advancing in tenure of a vehicle. Part of this commitment is that you can buy Citroen’s light quadricycle… buy it online! Which electric scooter, you can reserve your Citroen AMI, make a review or be an AMI ambassador. It is a very interesting movement since the manufacturer itself becomes the dealer and the deal with the client is completely direct.

Seen business section, let’s talk about the Citroën AMI. The gala brand’s light quadricycle hit the market in 2020 (see test) and in 2023 the range has two more versions in its catalogue.

• Citroen AMI: The canonical, the original. We have a “mobility solution” (as they call it at Stellantis) measuring 2.41 meters long by 1.39 meters wide and 1.52 meters high. With a brave aesthetic (like the toaster so famous in children’s animated films) it is undoubtedly the object of looks. Capable of charging to 100% in 4 hours, it gives us a range of 75 km and can be recharged, be careful, with a 220 v plug. Yes, the plug at home. Part of the €7,990.
• Citroen AMI tonic: Totally differential to its “base” brother. Nothing changes in terms of specifications, but you have available a pack of wheels, mats and other aesthetic elements that will help you give it a more distinguished touch. Of course, with this pack we go to €9,190.
• Citroen AMI Buggy: Available from June 20, 2023 and starting from the base price of €10,490, it is undoubtedly the most spectacular evolution of this mobility solution (light quadricycle for mortals). It has an aesthetic to eat the small dunes of the beach and go down well from your second residence in Torrevieja to the supermarket without removing the sand from the beach. Let the photos speak for themselves…

And as we finish this review of interesting models, let’s finish with the most “strange” if you allow me. We come from reviewing traditional two-seater cars. Even a very beachy car, but the Renault Twizy thing… it’s crazy. Or not…

The less futuristic, the design of this vehicle has not left anyone indifferent. Two-seater like a motorcycle, with seagull doors?, with speakers in the head… If they wanted to be different, they have succeeded. The less flashy, the less… different.

In autonomy we have 45 km and, like the AMI, you can recharge it from home or at standard charging points. You have a 33 Nm of torque and 4kW (5cv) 100% electric motor. This in the version of the AM license, you also have a Life 85 version available with 13 hp and 80 km/h top speed to drive with the B license. The simplest model starts at €12,105.

The most affordable price that we have been able to calculate simulating a 16-year-old driver with an AM license has been €180 per year. And as always, it will depend a lot on the type of insurance that we want to contract, being able to choose all-risk, third-party or extended third-party policies.

And here is this guide. If we have left something out or there is an issue that is mandatory in this aspect, do not hesitate to leave it in the comments so that we can include it.