Microcar numbers surge in Germany as Bavaria allows driving from age 15
The number of microcars in Germany has grown by about 80 percent in three years to 46,000. Insurance accident researchers warn of safety risks, as many models lack airbags.
The number of microcars in Germany has risen by roughly 80 percent over the past three years and now stands at 46,000, according to insurance companies cited by German public broadcasting. Microcars are small vehicles that resemble cars, and in the federal state of Bavaria they may be driven from age 15, which has prompted experts to raise safety concerns. Separate figures for Bavaria are not available.
What microcars are
These vehicles are limited to a top speed of 45 km/h and a maximum weight of 425 kilograms. They can be driven with an AM licence, the same category required for a moped. This makes them an attractive option for young people living in rural areas.
For example, 16-year-old Vasti Hofmann from the municipality of Hieming in Upper Bavaria uses his microcar to get to school, music rehearsals, the fire service and his traditional costume club. Soon he will also drive it to a training placement in Inzell, 25 kilometres away. Without the vehicle, his mother would have to drive him, as she does with his two younger siblings. A new microcar of this kind would cost about 21,000 euros; the used one his parents bought cost about 13,000 euros.
Safety questions
Kirstin Zeidler of the insurers' accident research department says microcars look like small cars but are not comparable in terms of safety. To stay within the weight limit, many manufacturers leave out safety equipment such as airbags. On rural roads, other drivers often mistake them for faster compact cars and misjudge their speed, which raises the risk of rear-end collisions. Zeidler calls for the weight limit to be adjusted at least enough to let manufacturers fit more safety features.
Insurers still lack comprehensive and reliable data on accidents involving microcars. The available figures suggest that, on average, microcars are involved in fewer accidents than mopeds, but when one occurs it tends to be more serious. Zeidler says this may be linked to the modest safety equipment. Crash tests of these mini cars are planned for next year.
