The quadricycle is a European Union vehicle category for four-wheeled microcars, which allows these vehicles to been designed to less stringent requirements, compared to regular cars. Quadricycles are defined by limitations in terms of weight, power and speed.

There are two categories of quadricycles: light quadricycles (L6e) and heavy quadricycles (L7e).^[1]

History

The quadricycle classification was officially created in 1992, when the European Union published Directive 92/61/EEC which decreed that quadricycles fell into the same category as mopeds. In 2002, Framework Directive 2002/24/EC then refined this definition by distinguishing between light and heavy quadricycles (L6e and L7e categories).^[2]

The framework for drivers licences of light quadricycles in the EU was released in 2006, with Directive 2006/126 (the third Driving Licence directive). This directive applies the same requirements for light quadricycles as for mopeds. This directive includes a recommendation to specify a minimum driving age of 16 years.

Categories

Light quadricycles (L6e)

Light quadricycles (L6e) are defined by Framework Directive 2002/24/EC as: "motor vehicles with four wheels whose unladen mass is not more than 425 kg,^[3] not including the mass of the batteries in case of electric vehicles, whose maximum design speed is not more than 45 km/h, and:

1. whose engine cylinder capacity does not exceed 50 cm³ for spark (positive) ignition engines, or
2. whose maximum net power output does not exceed 4 kW in the case of other (e.g. diesel fuelled) internal combustion engines, or
3. whose maximum continuous rated power does not exceed 4 kW in the case of an electric motor.

These vehicles shall fulfill the technical requirements applicable to three-wheel mopeds of category L2e unless specified differently in any of the separate directives".^[2]

Heavy quadricycles (L7e)

Quadricycles (L7e), also referred to as Heavy quadricycles, are defined by Framework Directive 2002/24/EC as motor vehicles with four wheels "other than those referred to (as light quadricycles), whose unladen mass is not more than 450 kg^[3] (category L7e) (600 kg for vehicles intended for carrying goods), not including the mass of batteries in the case of electric vehicles, with a design payload not more than 200 kg (passenger) or 1000 kg (goods), and whose maximum net engine power does not exceed 15 kW. These vehicles shall be considered to be motor tricycles and shall fulfil the technical requirements applicable to motor tricycles of category L5e unless specified differently in any of the separate Directives".^[2]

Country-specific legislation

France

In France, small cars which are classified as Voiture Sans Permis (vehicle without licence) can be driven without a driving licence.^[4]

Certain quadricycles can be driven on a "road safety certificate" category of drivers licence, which is available to people 14 years or older.^[5] The quadricycle must be speed limited to 45 km/h (28 mph) and have a petrol/diesel motor up to 50 cc (3.1 cu in) or be electric powered with a battery capacity less than 4 kWh.

United Kingdom

In the UK before October 2000, a person who passed a motorcycle test was automatically granted a full sub-category B1 licence,^{[citation needed]} allowing them to drive a lightweight car (an unladen weight of 550 kg (1,213 lb) or less), a motor quadricycle or a motor tricycle. Since 2000 a provisional car licence has to be obtained to legally drive such a vehicle.

See also

• Car classification
• Vehicle category