Cork Councillor Proposes Microcar Driving for 16-Year-Olds

:## Could 16-Year-Olds Soon ⁣Be ⁤Driving Microcars ⁢in‍ Ireland?

A Cork city councillor is ⁤proposing a change that could see 16-year-olds legally driving “microcars,” officially known as quadricycles, on Irish‍ roads. Councillor Damien Boylan, of the Fine Gael party,⁤ believes the move would⁤ bring Ireland in line with other European countries like France, italy, and Finland where these ‍small vehicles are already ⁣permitted for younger‍ drivers.

These quadricycles are battery-powered ⁤and have limitations in terms ‍of weight, engine power, and speed, typically‍ topping out at 45km/h. Boylan argues that if 16-year-olds are allowed to operate scooters, they should also ⁢be permitted to‍ drive these slightly⁢ larger, but still‍ limited, vehicles.

“If we’re suggesting that we can give ⁢a 16-year-old a ‍scooter,⁣ some quadricycles ⁤are simply scooters with a surrounding to them.If ‍you are allowed ride a⁢ scooter at 16, I don’t see any reason why you wouldn’t be allowed to drive ⁤one of these at⁢ 16,”‍ Boylan stated on Newstalk’s the Hard Shoulder.

Though, he clarified ‍that this isn’t about handing keys to anyone without proper training.”The way ⁤it ⁣is done in ⁣France is that anyone who ‍wants to be driving one of these must go through a set of driving instruction‍ hours and must get signed off as competent,” he explained.

Boylan envisions these microcars being especially useful for urban transport, with a maximum speed suitable for city driving. He⁢ acknowledges they aren’t practical for longer commutes, stating, “I live in Blarney, and I couldn’t see anybody‍ driving one of ⁤these ⁣from Blarney into Cork.” However, he believes they could be ideal for trips within a city, like from Bishopstown to ⁣Patrick Street or Blackrock.

The vehicles,like the Citroën⁢ Ami,are relatively⁢ affordable,with a price tag around €10,000,and require minimal maintenance due to their⁣ electric nature. Crucially, unlike scooters, microcars are registered and ⁤insured, adding a layer⁣ of accountability and‍ safety.

“Look,⁣ the ⁢bottom line is that I’m not asking anybody to sanction a 14-year-old to drive one, but I’m asking people to consider 16-year-olds⁤ driving ⁣them,” Boylan concluded.”You are driving at 16 on a scooter.It is indeed much of a muchness, from my personal‍ perspective. they offer something else to add to the mix. That is all.”