Micro-Cars on the Rise: Proceed with Caution!
- By Christian "WheelSpinner" Hensen
- ⏱️ Approx 2 Mins
Fatal Incident Reported: Tragic Occurrence Claims Lives - "Dangerous Warnings Issued": Experts Advise Caution Regarding Mopeds
Fancy owning a stylish new wheeled chariot for under 100 euros on lease, or snag one for less than 10k? Sounds appealing, especially for teenagers, who can tackle the streets at just 15 with a class AM license, behind the wheel of micro-cars like the Opel Rocks-e, the identical Citroën Ami, or the Aixam Access.
These tiny powerhouses have benefits up their sleeves: a moped license plate, reduced tax burdens, and driving at a maximum speed of 45 km/h. Perfect for city navigation, right?
Watch Out! Dekra Warns of Catastrophic Consequences
According to "Auto Motor Screech," the Dekra revealed a surprising reality in crash tests commissioned by the TV show "auto mobil - the Vox Automagazine." The specialist pub strongly states: "Micro-cars like Ami and Rocks-e lead to fatal outcomes."
To simulate a city crash, they slammed two micro-cars at full speed into a "deformable offset barrier" - an aluminum structure similar to head-on collisions with traditional vehicles.
"Auto Motor Screech" breaks down the results: "Impacts on the dummies, typically leading to death for human passengers."
Desperate Times Behind the Wheel
The Aixam Access, the most popular in its class, spanning 3 meters long and weighing a mere 425 kg was the first test subject. The takeaway? "Though the vehicle's passenger compartment remained largely intact, the forces inside were fierce. The airbag-deficient steering wheel jammed into the dummy's skull with gruesome force."
"Auto Motor Screech" elaborates further: "The steering wheel applied 720 kg of force, well over the legal limit of 80 g, which could be fatal for certain individuals."
The Citroën Ami, unfortunately, fares no better, with its rigid frame deficient in absorbing any kinetic energy, like a crumple zone. Translation: Drivers and passengers are in for a world of pain.
"Auto Motor Screech" predicts a grim end for a human driver in such a collision, thanks to "extreme forces" on the neck vertebrae.
Manufacturers Skirt Accountability
The issue? The meager safety standards for light motor vehicles. Due to classificatory oversight, the Ami and Access are treated like motorcycles and S-Pedelecs, meaning they only need to adhere to minimal safety regulations - there's no need for ABS, airbags, or crash sensors.
"Auto Motor Screech" confronted the manufacturers with the appalling results. Opel's parent company, Stellantis, primarily focused on the advantages these vehicles offer compared to others in this class. Aixam, however, spoke candidly. They proclaimed that micro-cars of the L6e vehicle type can't compete with passenger cars due to their design constraints, and many modern safety technologies are simply "technically infeasible."
Note: Enrichment data indicates that in specific crash tests, micro-cars may pose safety risks due to their lightweight nature and lack of comprehensive safety features. For accurate safety ratings and insights into a vehicle's performance in various collision scenarios, consult reputable crash test reports from organizations like DEKRA, Euro NCAP, or similar authorities.
- Despite the allure of affordable micro-cars like the Opel Rocks-e, Citroën Ami, and Aixam Access, a cautionary tale arises from crash tests commissioned by "auto mobil - the Vox Automagazine" which reveals catastrophic consequences associated with these vehicles.
- In simulated city crash tests, the Aixam Access and Citroën Ami demonstrated severe internal forces, with the airbag-deficient steering wheel causing fatal levels of force on dummies, and the rigid frames failing to absorb kinetic energy, potentially causing extreme pain for occupants.
- Manufacturers, such as Stellantis and Aixam, have been called out for skirting accountability, as meager safety standards for light motor vehicles allow micro-cars like the Ami and Access to forgo essential safety features like ABS, airbags, and crash sensors.
- In the face of these grim consequences, responsible car buyers are urged to consult reputable crash test reports from organizations like DEKRA, Euro NCAP, or similar authorities to make informed decisions about the safety of various vehicles.
- As the rise of micro-cars continues, it's important to remember that finance, health-and-wellness, lifestyle, transportation, and automotive industries, as well as science and employment policy, all play a role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both drivers and the greater community.
