- Author: Christian Hensen
- Reading Time: Approximately 2 minutes
Critical, Potentially Fatal Situation - Potentially harmful: Specialists issue cautions regarding mopeds
A tantalizing proposition for vehicle enthusiasts, micro-cars like the Opel Rocks-e and Citroën Ami promise ownership for under 10,000 euros or leasing rates as low as 100 euros. These compact whips, including the Aixam Access, offer appeals such as lower costs, a moped license, and minimal taxes. However, their limited speed of 45 km/h and subpar range for extended tours might outweigh their benefits for those seeking a city runabout.
Shocking Revelations: Micro-Cars are "Lethal"
Alarmingly, crash tests conducted by Dekra for "auto mobil - das Vox Automagazin" paint a grim picture for these diminutive vehicles. According to "Auto Motor Sport," these "'micro-cars' are lethal." During city collision simulations with removable deformable offset barriers, the bodywork of micro-cars remained somewhat intact, but the force exerted on the drivers and passengers has the potential to prove fatal.
In testing the Aixam Access, the most popular vehicle of its kind, "Auto Motor Sport" found that while the passenger compartment suffered minimal deformation, the force placed upon the dummy driver's head by the steering wheel without an airbag amounted to a harrowing 720 kilograms. This translates to forces higher than legal limits, which can already claim lives of some vulnerable individuals.
No Sweet Ride: Citroën Ami Stumbles in Safety Tests
The Citroën Ami's exterior gives no indication of its safety shortcomings. After all, brutal impacts upon occupants following collisions are not immediately evident to the naked eye. However, the car's rigid frame lacks the ability to absorb kinetic energy, akin to a crumple zone found in most modern vehicles. Thus, drivers and passengers would likely be subjected to significantly greater forces in the event of an accident.
Manufacturers Shrugging Off Blame
The relatively lenient safety standards applied to light motor vehicles contribute to the dilemma. These vehicles are considered comparable to motorcycles and S-Pedelecs, obliged to adhere to limited safety regulations.companies including Opel, Citroën, and Fiat presented their vehicles' advantages over other such vehicles, yet French manufacturer Aixam expressed regret that safety technologies common in modern cars are "technically not feasible" due to the design limitations of light four-wheeled motor vehicles of the L6e type.
In essence, micro-cars may captivate customers with their appealing price points and minimal requirements, but their diminutive size and modest construction make them vulnerable in crash situations. Before hopping into one of these pocket-sized marvels, consider the potential risks to your well-being and make an informed decision about whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
- Keywords: micro-car, safety, crash, Opel Rocks-e, Citroën Ami, Aixam Access, vehicles, DEKRA, Auto Motor Sport
Relevant Data:
Micro-cars like the Opel Rocks-e, Citroën Ami, and Aixam Access have been called into question due to their safety in crash tests. The relatively low safety requirements for light motor vehicles grant them minimal protection against crash forces compared to larger vehicles, making them more susceptible to damage and harm. Micro-cars often lack advanced safety features found in larger vehicles, such as comprehensive airbag systems, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), and crash sensors.
- The community policy necessitates a closer examination of the safety standards applied to micro-cars, such as the Opel Rocks-e, Citroën Ami, and Aixam Access, as their employment in the industry, especially within the automotive sector, may have financial implications due to potential lawsuits and damage to a company's reputation.
- In light of the safety concerns raised about micro-cars, it is vital for the transportation sector, particularly emission and employment policy at the operational level, to incorporate stricter safety regulations to ensure the welfare of passengers and drivers, promoting a safer and more secure commuting environment for all.
