Can my wife learn to drive in a Renault Twizy?
My wife has never had a full driving licence. I contacted Renault to ask if their electric Twizzy model is approved for learner drivers, and for taking the driving test. Despite a few calls, they have been unable to answer the question.
I imagine that it is very unlikely, but it would be interesting to know. Any ideas?
I imagine that it is very unlikely, but it would be interesting to know. Any ideas?
Asked on 7 March 2014 by john warbvey
Answered by
Honest John
In some markets it's classed as a quadricycle.
I picked this up from a road test: "A lower-powered model called the Twizy 45 (4Kw, 5hp), that can be driven without a driving licence, will also launch, and will be ideal for those yet to pass their test. However, due to prohibitive legislation, it won’t be available in the UK just yet."
And: "Quadricycle regulations came into force on January 19 2013 and have prompted a re-think about the Twizy model range in the UK by Renault.
The French firm’s tandem two-seat electric vehicle comes in two different guises in Europe, the conventional Twizy and the Twizy 45.
The UK market was initially set to receive the higher-powered Twizy only. However, following the new guidelines, Renault is now contemplating selling the Twizy 45 alongside the Twizy from next year.
Head of Electric Vehicle Programme at Renault UK, Andy Heiron said: “We’re not saying it will be available in the UK yet, but if we can make it happen, we will.
“If it does come to the UK though, expect the Twizy 45 to cost between £400 to £500 less than the Twizy, going off price comparisons from Europe.”
That means the Twizy 45 would cost around £6,200 if it were to go on sale in the UK. However young motorists at 16 years of age would face the significant cost of insurance.
“Premiums could be as much as £4,000,” Heiron told MSN Cars, but given the restricted nature of the vehicle, this is expected to drop quickly.
The Twizy 45 falls under the European AM category for mopeds, meaning drivers would still have to pass a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training), driving theory and practical test.
The test will not be as rigorous or as in depth as that for a proper car, however – a contentious point given young 16-year-old motorists will share roads with more powerful, safer and faster cars without as much training required for a full UK driving licence.
However, the new initiative will mean younger drivers will have more experience of driving and road craft when making the transition to a conventional car."
I picked this up from a road test: "A lower-powered model called the Twizy 45 (4Kw, 5hp), that can be driven without a driving licence, will also launch, and will be ideal for those yet to pass their test. However, due to prohibitive legislation, it won’t be available in the UK just yet."
And: "Quadricycle regulations came into force on January 19 2013 and have prompted a re-think about the Twizy model range in the UK by Renault.
The French firm’s tandem two-seat electric vehicle comes in two different guises in Europe, the conventional Twizy and the Twizy 45.
The UK market was initially set to receive the higher-powered Twizy only. However, following the new guidelines, Renault is now contemplating selling the Twizy 45 alongside the Twizy from next year.
Head of Electric Vehicle Programme at Renault UK, Andy Heiron said: “We’re not saying it will be available in the UK yet, but if we can make it happen, we will.
“If it does come to the UK though, expect the Twizy 45 to cost between £400 to £500 less than the Twizy, going off price comparisons from Europe.”
That means the Twizy 45 would cost around £6,200 if it were to go on sale in the UK. However young motorists at 16 years of age would face the significant cost of insurance.
“Premiums could be as much as £4,000,” Heiron told MSN Cars, but given the restricted nature of the vehicle, this is expected to drop quickly.
The Twizy 45 falls under the European AM category for mopeds, meaning drivers would still have to pass a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training), driving theory and practical test.
The test will not be as rigorous or as in depth as that for a proper car, however – a contentious point given young 16-year-old motorists will share roads with more powerful, safer and faster cars without as much training required for a full UK driving licence.
However, the new initiative will mean younger drivers will have more experience of driving and road craft when making the transition to a conventional car."
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