New Ami electric "quadcycle"

[Twiglaser]

A new car/quad-cycle is coming out that seems to fall under the category of "I dont need a licence for this" in certain parts of Europe: https://www.engadget.com/2020/02/27/citroen-ami/

I think this is pretty cool, but I live in Canada so I'm not sure if this will be legal here the same way my ebike is. I can't wait to see the specs on this. If the motor isn't greater than 500W and I can adjust the max speed to 32km/h, then I might consider buying this! Actually, I just realized that ebikes in Canada need operable pedals so I don't think I can ever ride this here without some extra licencing.

What do you guys think?

 

[antboy]

It's kinda neat, but for the reasons you point out, it's an awkward fit for Canada. We also have a max weight limit to be defined as an e-bike (120kg) which this probably exceeds. Since it's top speed is about 42kph.

I could see this replacing larger Zip car type rentals for in-city driving, but my guess is that it would require a license.

 

[rich c]

The 4th tire takes it out of "bicycle" and motorcycle categories in the US, which puts it in a full safety requirements the automotive industry. I'm a big fan of the Arcimoto, and they built with 3 tires. https://www.arcimoto.com

 

[Twiglaser]

It's kinda neat, but for the reasons you point out, it's an awkward fit for Canada. We also have a max weight limit to be defined as an e-bike (120kg) which this probably exceeds. Since it's top speed is about 42kph.

I could see this replacing larger Zip car type rentals for in-city driving, but my guess is that it would require a license.

I think theres a good chance it falls under the "low speed vehicle" category, aka LSV, which may have easier licencing rules. At the moment, it would take me a year or two to get the full vehicle licence to use a full blown vehicle, so I'm hoping its easier for LSVs.

 

[Alex M]

In Canada and US its use will be limited. It says "Ami was designed for city driving and narrow streets", this sums it up.

Big cities in Canada and US have sprawled ridiculously, commuting 30-40 miles one way is not uncommon, you'll need to put it on charge first thing you arrive to workplace - not always possible and some work requires you to move around. Besides, daily commute from suburbs almost always involves highways, where LSV might not be allowed. Only recently some cities began posting signs "LSV zone" on some roads, I doubt they will allow it on a highway or busy road where you'll be holding the traffic.

OTH, riding around suburban neighborhood could be difficult, locals are flying by in their pickups @70 kmh and will get pissed off with something that looks lik a car but doesn't move fast enough.

Not sure about "don't need a license" either. Most Canadian provinces would require LSV (other than ebikes under 500W) to be registered and insured, and the driver must have the same full license as for a passenger car.

 

[Twiglaser]

and the driver must have the same full license as for a passenger car.

Darn, not sure if it would be worth it then, might as well save up for a Tesla or something. This would be a good option if you wanted something like that but at a much lower price.

 

[steve marino]

Cute. I'm going to buy one for my cat. Should be interesting the first time one of these meets up with a big truck.

 

[Dewey]

Top Gear review €6,000 is a little under $7,400. A cargo bike is cheaper to lease or buy and run, faster on the cross-town short trips this electric quadricycle is designed for, and the last car I rode in that had non-adjustable bucket seats was a Yugo...

I like that the wing mirrors look like my mirrycle