50cc car

[alantf]

Picture 009.jpg

Can you imagine anything like this in America? It's a 50cc car (the yellow licence plate shows it). A lot of old folk, and women, drive them, because they don't have to take a proper driving test. On the steep, narrow, hill roads in Tenerife, it's murder driving behind them, without the space to pass them.

[Water Warrior 2]

I do hate to admit it but I would drive one if I could no longer drive a real vehicle. Come to think of it, it may be a great spare to put in the back of my Ranger.

Alantf, do you have any more info or web site?? Weird kinds of transport tend to peak my curiousity.

[blaine]

Thats cool......Is it smaller than our "Smart car" I wonder. It actually looks bigger??

[alantf]

Sorry, no more info. I photographed this one, parked outside our apartment....(edit) I just googled "50cc cars" and it brought up a selection of sites that might interest you.

[Fawlty]

We see a lot of this type of vehcile on the mainland, although I have never heard of one with a 50cc engine. I think you will find they are generally 500cc microcars, which can be driven here in Spain, by anyone aged 15 or over, with a moped (ciclomotor) licence.

This one has a 500cc diesel engine. Here are the technical specs:

http://websources.dapda.com/ligier/o...nica-motor.pdf

Other makes include Aixam:

http://www.milanuncios.com/aixam-de-...-161867454.htm

Microcar:

http://www.milanuncios.com/microcar-...-140546468.htm

They start at around 10000 Euros new. Not cheap!

Personally I find them an irritating nuisance on the roads, but that's just me!

[Water Warrior 2]

Wow, some of those little cars would fit right into a multi car crash on city streets. ..............................Okay, I'm being pessimistic but I can't really warm up to a car that is shorter than some bikes. Also too narrow for my driving position. I need elbow room which few of these little cars would have.
Oddly enough my little 2007 Ford Ranger is just right for me. And it was cheaper to buy than some of the mini cars on the North American market. I may get less mpg but don't really drive a lot so it really makes sense to drive something that fits. And it is paid for. Regular servicing anywhere I choose although I recently had to make use of a Ford dealer for my 1st repair since 2007. A heating/air conditioning thing went south and cost nearly $600 to fix. Not bad after 8 years of driving. Okay, only 68,000 km on the Ranger but time does take it's toll. I thought the clutch would be 1st to need replacing but so far so good.
Getting back to tiny cars here in my area for just around town shopping. Many older folks just get a 4 wheel electric mobility scooter. Pretty much good for all seasons here and most roads have a bike lane for the scooters to share. In a community of 16,000 or so there isn't to many places you can't scoot around to on a daily basis.

[spldart]

I want an Elio....
If they ever make one

[Water Warrior 2]

I just did a google search. Neat little car. Looks to have enough elbow room too. to the underdog and lots of success in the near future.

[alantf]

Can't get my head round the bit about anyone over 15 being able to drive a 500cc car. In England, my missus had a Fiat 500. It was bigger than these micro cars (normal 4 seater) and it was pretty nippy for its size. She needed a full driving licence to drive it. Is there something special about these micro cars that means that they can't go faster than a snail's pace? If Fiat can make their 500cc cars move normally, why can't these micro cars manage it?

[Fawlty]

I believe they are limited to under 30mph or 45kph. Here is the spec for a Ligier:

http://www.automobile-catalog.com/ma.../ixo/2012.html