Electric license-free cars: what are the rules?

Legislation, insurance, maintenance, electric quadricycles or license-free cars have differences from a real car. Here is our guide.

Whether it’s for students who are resistant to two-wheelers, those who have lost their driving license or simply never obtained one, license-free cars have a promising future on the French market since the advent of electric models. The proliferation of new products provides a reminder of the obligations associated with this type of model.

What is a license-free car or a heavy quadricycle?

It is a small motorized vehicle with four wheels. Its empty weight must not exceed 425 kg for light quadricycles – category called L6e – and its top speed cannot exceed 45 km/h. For example, the Citroën Ami falls into this category. It will therefore be limited to city driving or small rural roads connecting two villages. A license-free car is designed to carry a maximum of two people, including the driver. However, it can reach 90 km/h for heavy quadricycles, category L7e, which are authorized for 4 people and must not exceed 450 kg for passenger transport and 600 kg for goods when empty. A car like the XEV Yoyo is part of this category.

The length of a light quadricycle must not exceed 3 meters, with a width of 1.5 meters. A heavy quadricycle is slightly larger, with a maximum length of 3.70 meters and the same width of 1.5 meters.

What license do you need for a light engine quadricycle?

You don’t need a license if you were born before 1988. However, for younger individuals, you need the precious document: the AM license, formerly known as BSR. It can be obtained from age 14 and requires, first of all, the school road safety certificate (ASSR) of level 1 or 2, which is awarded during 5th to 3rd grades. The license must include a practical training of at least 8 hours, spread over two days. It is obtained through a driving school for a fee ranging from 150 to 400 €. Note that to qualify, you must not have a license suspension or ban ordered by a judge.

This category is also the only one not subject to the points-based driving license system, but any traffic violation will result in a €35 fine or, worse, the immobilization of your quadricycle.

What license for a heavy engine quadricycle?

The standard B license clearly allows driving a heavy engine quadricycle. However, you can already get behind the wheel of this kind of vehicle with a B1 license, which is a simplified driving license. Valid for fifteen years, it is accessible to all young people who have celebrated their 16th birthday. Like the B license, it requires passing the theory test and practical driving exam.

The theory test consists of a multiple-choice questionnaire with 40 questions, of which at least 35 must be answered correctly. The practical test lasts at least 32 minutes. Considering the theory and practical exams, costs range from 700 euros to 1,600 euros. The price can double if you pass the theory and then take additional hours of driving practice, as costs quickly increase.

Like the B license, B1 is subject to a points system. Finally, after the 15-year validity period, if you wish to renew it, the driver must submit a request to the Prefecture (or sub-prefecture) of their place of residence.

What insurance for an electric license-free car?

Whether with or without a license, the engine-powered quadricycle requires insurance. A particularity is that it does not benefit from a bonus system like a traditional car. This makes insurance policies fairly expensive despite lower accident risks. You can choose from three types of coverage: third-party, improved third-party, and comprehensive. For our comparison, we selected quotes for a Citroën Ami and an Aixam eCity in Bordeaux. We also looked at an extended third-party policy (theft, glass breakage, fire, civil liability…).

It costs approximately €56 per month, or €650 annually with EuroAssurance, a reputable insurer. Note that acquiring an electric heavy quadricycle like a Renault Twizy 80 or XEV YoYo does not impact the insurance premium.

What bans and penalties?

Article R421-2 of the French Highway Code is clear about the circulation of light or heavy engine quadricycles. License-free cars are forbidden on certain roads:

• highways
• Paris ring road
• motorway axes
• bus lanes
• bike lanes

If a quadricycle driver is caught on the highway, they may face fines of up to €1,500. Their vehicle may also be immobilized or confiscated. Furthermore, serious infractions such as drunk driving can lead to a driving ban lasting up to 5 years.

What bonus for an electric quadricycle?

Purchasing a license-free car or an electric quadricycle makes you eligible for an ecological bonus. If the total power does not exceed 3 kW or 4 horsepower, the aid amount is set at 20% of the vehicle’s gross purchase price, up to €100.

If the power is below 15 kW and the maximum speed does not exceed 90 km/h (directive 2002/24/EC), the bonus amount is €250 per kWh, which is 27% of the gross purchase price, with a maximum of €900.

What is the maintenance cost for an electric license-free car?

The small electric motor requires no special maintenance. Thus, it allows significant savings compared to a diesel license-free car. The latter generally requires an inspection costing between €150 and €250 every 5,000 km. For the electric version, it is still necessary to monitor the tire condition and brake wear, as with any vehicle. Finally, note that the technical inspection does not currently apply to electric quadricycles… for now.

Also read: Ligier, 130 km range for the upcoming Myli electric