License-free car: a car with a kick! - Saint Florent le Vieil

With nearly 15,000 vehicles sold in 2018 and a market growing by 7%, the license-free car is on the rise! Who buys a small car today and why? How much does a license-free car cost?

Sales of license-free cars are skyrocketing!

Is the small car set to become a French tradition? Indeed, with nearly 15,000 new registrations in 2018, France accounts for half of European sales. In second place is Italy, with four times fewer registrations than France!
Moreover, even though it only represents 0.6% of the French automotive market, the small car is gaining popularity!

Today’s drivers are not the same as before

The image of the driver of a license-free car has changed. It is no longer just older people living in the countryside.

Today, it is primarily men (67%(1)), knowing that women (33%(1)) are increasingly passionate about driving a license-free car and will certainly be the target of tomorrow!

Further reading : Make the Most of Your Movie Nights with Free Streaming Platforms

Most drivers live in rural areas (58%(1)), but those who drive a small car in the city (58%(1)) are more likely to drive without a license, and will certainly be the target in the future!
(42%(1)) are constantly increasing.

Middle-aged individuals are still numerous, but they now represent only a third of drivers (32% are 50 years and older(1)).

License-free cars now attract all age groups: 29% are between 33 and 50 years old, 26% are between 26 and 32 years old, 4% are between 19 and 25 years old, and… 8% are between 14 and 18 years old(1)!

The new drivers of license-free cars

12% of license-free car drivers are under 25 years old and 8% are under 18 years old.
Thanks to its easy access (a simple AM license for those born after December 31, 1987), the trolley attracts more and more young people, who are more confident in driving their own car.
2 wheels.

Do license-free car drivers have a license?
Eight out of ten license-free car drivers do not have a driver’s license(1).
(1) Mainly because they felt the license was too expensive, but also in some specific cases due to illiteracy or physical disability(1).
Nearly one in ten drivers has never managed to obtain a driver’s license(1).
One in ten trolley drivers has lost their driver’s license(1).

Manufacturers of license-free cars

Aixam, Microcar, Ligier, Bellier, Châtenet are the figures of the French license-free car market.
The Aixam brand is currently the European leader in the license-free car market with nearly 30% of sales in the European market(2).

New reasons to be a fan of license-free cars
The study of the VSP(1) highlights several reasons to buy a license-free car:

Ease of driving

According to the law, you cannot change gears in a license-free car.
The clutch does not exist, so the car does not stall.

A practical car

Due to their size, license-free cars are ideal for city use: they can weave through anywhere and park “in a handkerchief.” Moreover, most of them are equipped with automatic transmissions.

Fuel economy

The license-free car in the 2-seater version is only 50 cm3 (petrol version) and 500 cm3 (diesel version). It therefore consumes little fuel and remains economical to use.
Another advantage is that they do not need to undergo a technical inspection. An annual service or every 5,000 kilometers is sufficient.

Electric cars in vogue

The evolution of electricity also impacts license-free cars. Some manufacturers are betting on this new eco-friendly mode of driving, such as the Renault Twizy or the Estrima Birò, where the battery can be removed and recharged at home.
The main advantage of the electric trolley, besides fuel savings and lack of pollution, is its very quick charging (the battery is of low capacity).

An elegant design

For nearly one in two respondents, the license-free car is particularly attractive for its appearance! It is true that some are sparkling, modern (even futuristic), or very feminine like the Coupe versions. This is far from the “yogurt pot” image of Epinal!

Safety

This is important for young people who are increasingly turning to trolleys as they offer more safety (and comfort) than two-wheeled vehicles.
In fact, the accident rate of these cars is relatively low: 366 trolley accidents in 2017, which is the lowest rate in the automotive market (nearly 0.2 %(3)). It is now much more comfortable and can integrate various safety options: disc brakes, ABS, traction control…

The downside of the license-free car: its purchase price

“Mini cars, but maxi prices,” could be the motto of the trolley!
The purchase price of a license-free car ranges from 10,000 to 18,000 euros and even up to 25,000 euros for electric models.

A price that varies, of course, depending on the car

The cost of a license-free car depends on the number of seats (2 or 4), the engine, the power, and of course the brand and model. Options obviously increase the bill even more. The small car is therefore a much more expensive luxury than a moped. However, for the 100,000 people who are suspended each year, the price to pay is a disadvantage to accept in order to regain a semi-freedom of movement.

Buying a used license-free car

To reduce the price of your license-free car, consider the used car market, especially since it is quite dynamic. However, be careful, as there is no technical inspection document (trolleys are not subject to it). Indeed, you will not be able to check the safety of the proposed vehicle. In this case, do not hesitate to seek an expert opinion before purchasing the car.

Alternative to buying: renting a license-free car

Do you need a license-free vehicle for a very short period or for a few months (the license suspension period, for example)?
It is possible to rent a trolley by the day or even by the month (Axial, Avis…).
Then budget between 600 and 800 euros per month, depending on the model of the rented VSP, the duration, and the conditions of the contract (kilometric package, for example).