VSP, A French idea worth copying ?

Post by **adam2** » 22 Jul 2018, 11:35

In France, and some other parts of Europe, a small and lightweight car known as a VSP can be driven on the road by almost anyone over 14 without a driving licence. They are limited to 28MPH.

VSP is an abbreviation that may be loosely translated as "yours without permit"
Also known as "oldie killers" Though in fact serious accidents are not that common.

They are invariably petrol powered, but presumably an electric version could be manufactured. An electric version could be powered by simple low technology lead acid batteries and charged from any standard domestic outlet.

I wonder if such should be considered here ?
Much safer than two wheels for the young.
Cheap and simple.
Less fuel used and less wear on roads.
Might encourage lower speeds generally.

It would certainly be a change from the accepted wisdom that "faster, heavier, bigger" is the way forward for road vehicles.

cubes · Post by **cubes** » 22 Jul 2018, 12:27

With the standard of driving of "trained" licensed drivers I'd be reluctant to put people into a relatively slow vehicle they've not had much/any training to use. I can imagine some impatient bastard beating the shit out of some teenager for not going 35 in a 30 zone and holding them up.

vtsnowedin · Post by **vtsnowedin** » 22 Jul 2018, 12:29

They would become rolling road blocks on narrow roads where passing is difficult. But electric ones in resorts and retirement villages or otherwise confined to local streets might work out.

fuzzy · Post by **fuzzy** » 22 Jul 2018, 13:00

The world has lots of small vehicles. There are already french micro-cars in limited UK dealers. They invented the velosolex. Italy has the ape50 etc. which were imported in the UK for a time, Kai cars from Japan which are again rare as hens teeth here. These are never pushed in the UK because of credit for private purchases allowing people to spend stupid amounts for vanity, and business allowed vehicle cost deductions. Small cars are quietly dropped from sale in the UK or enlarged with more stupid gimmicks to please the 1st owner, not the 10 year old purchaser. New cars in the UK are not designed for rational purchases, they are designed for those dumb enough to spend a fortune [see TV adverts].

Post by **adam2** » 22 Jul 2018, 13:28

fuzzy wrote:The world has lots of small vehicles. There are already french micro-cars in limited UK dealers. They invented the velosolex. Italy has the ape50 etc. which were imported in the UK for a time, Kai cars from Japan which are again rare as hens teeth here. These are never pushed in the UK because of credit for private purchases allowing people to spend stupid amounts for vanity, and business allowed vehicle cost deductions. Small cars are quietly dropped from sale in the UK or enlarged with more stupid gimmicks to please the 1st owner, not the 10 year old purchaser. New cars in the UK are not designed for rational purchases, they are designed for those dumb enough to spend a fortune [see TV adverts].

All true, but AFAIK all such small cars if used in the UK still require a full licence, an MOT, and expensive insurance.
The point of the French VSPs is that no licence or MOT is needed and insurance is very cheap.

fuzzy · Post by **fuzzy** » 22 Jul 2018, 18:03

http://www.rossefield-aixam.co.uk/

You can just about buy these ones in the UK, but it says you need a full motorbike or car licence.

Jesus, they want 14grand for a 500cc car. Thats why we don't see them. I've seen 1 in Herefordshire.

cubes · Post by **cubes** » 23 Jul 2018, 21:43

You can pickup an Ape 50 pickup for Â£5700 (plus vat?)

http://www.qbmotorcycles.co.uk/new/bike ... ck-up.aspx

Remember seeing these all over when I used to visit relatives in italy in the 80s.

Post by **kenneal - lagger** » 26 Jul 2018, 09:58

You used to see a lot of what we called Struggle Buggies in Greece; a Rotavator with a close coupled trailer with a seat of two on the front of the trailer chugging along on the flat and struggling up any incline.

woodburner · Post by **woodburner** » 26 Jul 2018, 12:25

cubes wrote:You can pickup an Ape 50 pickup for Â£5700 (plus vat?)

http://www.qbmotorcycles.co.uk/new/bike ... ck-up.aspx

Remember seeing these all over when I used to visit relatives in italy in the 80s.

Price is over Â£100/cc. Doubt if it would be permitted in London or any other city with pollution restrictions.

Ll