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Legislation
Since 1992, the Common Market has become a zone without internal borders in which people and goods can circulate freely. The european Communities Council has therefore set out
manufacturing rules applied to every type of vehicle on the market. Quadricycles have thus been defined as follows:
- Light quadricycles
Quadricycles are vehicles whose mass, when empty, is limited by the regulations to 350 kg. They are fitted with a 4 kW (5.6 hp) engine and have a maximum speed of under 45 km/h. They are similar to mopeds and may be driven with or without a licence according to
the legislation in force in each european country.
- Heavy quadricycles
Quadricycles are vehicles whose mass, when empty, is limited by the regulations to 400 kg for vehicles intended for transporting people, or 550 kg for the transport of goods, and whose engine develops a maximum power of 15 kW (approx. 20 hp). They are similar to tricycles and motorcycles.
AMERICAN LEGISLATION
Since 2008, MeGA has been distributed in the United States.
The MEGA vehicles meet the "Low speed Vehicles" requirements (FMVss 500) and particularly "Neighborhood electric Vehicles" requirements. They can be driven on most of 35 mph limited public roads. Their own speed is limited to 25 mph. The utility range is also marketed in closed area as off-road vehicles.
FRENCH LEGISLATION
- Light quadricycles
To drive a light quadricycle in France, you must be over 16, and two cases are distinguished depending on the driver's date of birth:
> If the driver was born BeFOre 1st January 1988, nothing changes: no need for a licence or road safety Certificate, he is free to drive.
> If the driver was born AFTer 1st January 1988, he must be over 16 and hold a road safety Certificate ("light quadricycle" option) or a licence (motorcycle or car - it does not matter
which). The "light quadricycle" option road safety Certificate involves a short theory examination and a three-hour practical training session without an examination.
- Heavy quadricycles
Driving-licence holders are authorised to drive from the age of 16.
This corresponds to the following minimum licences: A1, A4, AT, AL, B1 or "road user licence" issued before 01/04/58. All category A, B, C and D licences are recognised as equivalent.
