If you don't have a driving licence, then this could be for you!
These funny little 'cars' are appearing all over France. They are the latest version of France's very sensible policy of having cars for people who don't have driving licences; in other words for people 'who can't drive'.
The Citroen Ami is a two seater electric car that has a driving time of about four hours and can achieve around 45 Km/h; giving a round-trip distance of around 180 Kms.
In France you can drive one of these from the age of 14. Years ago all young people whizzed around on Mobylettes, making a horrible noise. The spotty youths gathered in large groups in town or village centers, and revved their machines en masse until they almost melted. Of course, making them sound as loud and as sporty as possible was de riguer, and 'go-fast' kits were available everywhere.
The 'Ami' will not have the same appeal to the spotty 14 year old as a moped, but at least it will give him an option. They cost about 8,000 Euros. Cheap!
I suspect they will mostly be used by the elderly who live on isolated farms; just as the previous versions of 'sans permit' cars had been.
Oh you're right about it probably not appealing to the young one's, mainly because it looks too much like an elderly invalid car.
ReplyDeleteIt slightly reminds me of the 1960's/70's Bubble car.
I do hope you're feeling much better now Cro.
The previous era of 'non permit' cars were even sillier looking. Spotty youths will, I'm sure, stick to their noisy mopeds.
DeleteYes, feeling a little better this morning, thank you.
I've read about these, almost posted a similar blog post a while back. I can't believe that these can be driven on the road with no licence and so young. It's like the electric scooters here. Anyone can drive them and they do. At least they're enforcing the helmet law now but there have been serious accidents lately.
ReplyDeleteI hope the EU steps in this time and wakes everyone up.
Laws are being enforced here now. We buckle up in the car now as soon as we get in. It used to be we only used a seat belt when leaving the island.Those funny little cars are here too. There are a couple on the island. I'd hate to drive one. Theyre owned by the elderly here, people who shouldn't be allowed behind any sort 9f wheel!!
I certainly wouldn't drive one. If I was banned from driving, I simply wouldn't drive!
DeleteI am not a "spotty" youngster but I wouldn't be seen dead in one of those frightful little abominations either. First of all, there is no front. If you kissed a tree or another car in oncoming traffic you'd be squashed like a pesky gnat.
ReplyDeleteOther than that? I am aghast that people who "can't drive" are let loose on anything other than a dirt track. Really? Mind you, it explains why, at least in England, an astonishing number of cyclists haven't got the first clue about traffic rules and etiquette.
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Imagine a 14 year old in one!!! Cyclists these days are a menace. I used to be one and ALWAYS abided by the rules of the road. These days none of them seems to.
DeleteIf you "can't drive" then you definitely shouldn't be on the road in any type of vehicle. Madness!!
ReplyDeleteIt allows them to get about. That's all one can say for them.
DeleteOur local Citroen dealer had one of these in their showroom last year when we collected our new car - trying to push it as the city electric car! Apparently in the UK they are limited to a top speed of something like 28mph, not sure what driving licence restrictions are though?
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of no-licence cars in England. I don't think we ever allowed them. Here they were very common.
DeleteI am with JayCee....there are enough people on the roads who have a licence but still can't drive sensibly, without adding to it with people who definitely can't drive!!
ReplyDeleteI agree.
DeleteUgly beast.
ReplyDeleteEven more ugly in the flesh!
DeleteThe "Ami" looks so cool with its sleek, aerodynamic design. I hope one day to say "Ami" racing at Silverstone. Forget that tedious F1 lark.
ReplyDeleteGo-fast stripes and a rear 'wing', and they could be racing next year.
DeleteSorry pressed publish by mistake.
ReplyDeleteWhilst it might look like a car it is classified as a quadricyle. This means if you have a moped license in the Uk you can drive an Ami.
I rather like the styling, though find the grey rather drab.
It looks to me like a miniaturised version of the very ugly Fiat Multipla. So, it's like a quad bike with a shell.
DeleteIs this true: Driving the vehicle has no requirement for knowing the rules of the road.
ReplyDeleteIf so, just what we need, more road madness.
France is a very rural country. First the bicycle allowed people to reach the next village, next came mopeds to let youths find boy/girlfriends from a different village, then came the first era of no-permit cars; and now this. It's all 'progress'.
DeleteI could use one of those here on the hill, and it would be so easy to fit into a parking space.
ReplyDeleteI think that's the only thing I could find in its defence; it's easy to park!
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