Street-Legal Death Traps: The Dangers of Micro-Cars Exposed
- by Christian Hensen
- 2 Min
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The idea of owning a brand new car for less than 100 euros per month or purchasing one for under 10k euros is an appealing prospect, especially for young drivers who can operate them with a Class AM license at the age of 15. These micro-cars, like the Opel Rocks-e or the identical Citroën Ami, promise affordability and simplicity. But, at what cost?
For starters, legislated to travel at a maximum speed of 45 km/h and with limited range, these vehicles are designed for short urban trips. However, their allure is understandable, given their low car taxes and the fact that a moped license plate is sufficient.
Crash Test Reveals Micro-Cars' Deadly Flaws
Despite their small size, these micro-cars' safety in accidents has sparked concern. An investigation by "Auto Motor Sport" reported that the Dekra recently conducted crash tests, illustrating the devastating impact these vehicles can have. In a scenario simulating a head-on collision with another car, two micro-cars were crashed into a "deformable offset barrier" at full speed.
Starting with the Aixam Access, which is the most popular vehicle of its type, the tests revealed significant forces within the vehicle. Though the passenger compartment did not deform significantly, the absence of an airbag left the steering wheel free to strike the dummy's head with full force, exerting 720 kilograms of force – far exceeding the legal limit (80 g).
The Citroën Ami demonstrated similar faults. Despite a rigid frame that doesn't absorb any kinetic energy like a typical crumple zone, the car's design means that occupants would likely experience significantly greater forces in an accident.
Manufacturers Refuse to Admit Responsibility
The report revealed that the relative safety requirements for light motor vehicles are lax, with systems like ABS, airbags, or crash sensors not mandatory. When confronted with the test results, Stellantis, parent company of Opel, Citroën, and Fiat, highlighted the advantages over other vehicles in this class. In stark contrast, French manufacturer Aixam admitted that light four-wheeled motor vehicles cannot keep up with passenger cars in terms of safety and technology.
- Auto
- Opel
- Citroën
- Vehicle
- Dekra
In essence, micro-cars may save you money on your first set of wheels, but these vehicles could pose a substantial risk in the event of an accident. It's crucial to weigh the cost-saving appeal against the potential dangers these vehicles pose to both driver and passenger safety.
- The community policy should address the safety concerns surrounding micro-cars, like the Opel Rocks-e and Citroën Ami, highlighted by the Dekra crash tests.
- Employment policies within the automotive industry could be revised to include mandates for safety features like ABS, airbags, and crash sensors in light motor vehicles.
- The European Union's employment policies could be used to ensure every micro-car manufacturer adheres to safety regulations, as demonstrated by the contrast between Stellantis and Aixam's responses to the crash tests.
- To mitigate the disadvantages of micro-cars, such as limited range andmaximum speed, public transit options and bike-sharing programs could be improved, promoting health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and reducing carbon emissions.
- In light of the safety concerns presented by micro-cars, employment policies in the health-and-wellness sector could be expanded to provide therapies-and-treatments for those injured in accidents involving these small vehicles.
- In addition to improved employment policies, community policies could prioritize the development of new sports infrastructure, like football fields, to provide safer, affordable options for young drivers who might be tempted by the affordability of micro-cars.
- As part of a comprehensive community policy, European leagues, including the Premier League, could offer sponsorship opportunities to smaller, safer vehicles, promoting alternatives to micro-cars within the larger sports community.
