Interest in mopedcars among Estonian youth grows: from age 15 with AM license
Interest in mopedcars among Estonian youth is growing as they provide mobility from age 15. However, adults have concerns about safety and slow speed in traffic.
More and more young people in Estonia are choosing mopedcars as a means of transport. Such vehicles can be driven from the age of 15 after obtaining an AM category license. According to Reelika Rüütli, head of the northern region of driving school Autosõit, the current Traffic Act, which came into force on July 1, 2011, defines a moped as a two-, three- or four-wheeled motor vehicle weighing no more than 425 kilograms with a maximum speed of 45 km/h. Since the law took effect, a driving license has been required to operate such vehicles. An exception was made for those who were at least 18 years old on January 1, 2011 – they could continue driving mopeds without a license. Those aged 16 or 17 at that time only had to pass a theory exam, while younger individuals needed full AM training and both exams.
Rüütli notes that young drivers feel quite confident behind the wheel of a mopedcar because they undergo 25 hours of theory and 12 hours of practical driving. Although the number of hours is significantly less than for a B category license, experience shows that students learn well. In terms of safety, a mopedcar is more stable than a two-wheeled moped, but compared to a B category vehicle, it is less safe – it has an aluminum frame and plastic body parts, though it is equipped with seat belts and airbags. Recently, interest among youth has been increasing.
Rüütli emphasizes that when allowing young people to drive mopedcars, it must be considered that they move in general traffic alongside more experienced drivers. Nevertheless, it is a good way for young people to gain independence.
Roosi Põllu, an 8th grader at Türi Basic School, has been driving a mopedcar for almost a year. She took the theory exam twice – failing the first time – but passed the driving exam on her first attempt. Her older sister and brother also obtained AM licenses. Põllu lives in the countryside, and the mopedcar allows her to get to school and extracurricular activities independently without relying on her parents. She drives between Türi and Paide. She feels safe, although she understands that her slow speed may annoy other road users. "I know I bother them because I'm driving slower. I try to drive as close to the edge of the road as possible and let them pass," she says.
