Citroën to sell 1,000 more tiny cars some can drive without a licence

French car giant Citroën is selling another 1,000 of its tiny off-road electric vehicles that some people can drive without a licence.

Last year, 50 of the two-person My Ami Buggy vehicles - a specially adapted version of the standard Ami model – were made available.

They were a rousing success and sold out in a matter of minutes, prompting Citroën to put more up for sale on June 20.

You can pick one up for €10,490. The original 50 cars were sold for €9,790 but went for as much as €25,000 when resold after their popularity soared.

The new cars will have the same technical features as those from the first run but will see some practical additions such as plastic covers to protect the vehicle, and attachments to the steering wheel that provide some additional space.

The battery-powered car can go up to 45km/h and is promoted as an all-terrain version of the company’s popular Ami model of voiture sans-permis (VSPs). It can also travel up to 75km without needing to be recharged.

Space in the market

The popularity of the car during its first limited-edition run shows the popularity of VSPs in general in France.

VSPs can be driven on most roads in France, but not on motorways or dual carriageways.

Around 20,000 VSP-class cars are sold per year in France and they are a common sight, especially in rural areas.

The My Ami Buggy, however, is marketed towards more adventurous types, who may want to use the car to explore rural areas close to their home.

The car has the ability to drive on a number of different terrain, allowing the driver and their one passenger to take the less-trodden path – or no path at all.

Read also: Explainer: what are the rules on licence-free cars in France?

Who can drive them?

Although the car is part of the VSP class of vehicles on French roads, for some there will be tests to pass before getting behind the wheel.

For those born before December 31, 1987, the only rule is that the car must be insured to be driven on the road.

For those born after this date, they will need an AM permis de conduire, which requires the passing of a written test and eight hours of training, before a further practical test. This will then allow holders to drive VSPs for up to 15 years (the length the licence is valid).

Those with an AM permis de conduire can drive the cars in European countries – although rules may differ about what roads they are allowed to drive on.

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