As a teenager, who hasn't dreamed of being on the road independently - and arriving at their destination dry? Until now, 15 or 16-year-olds only had the option of driving a moped or later a scooter. With micro-cars, a new world is opening up. We'll tell you whether the small cars are really an alternative, what the safety situation is, and which models you have to choose from.
Unfortunately, we do not have cars for 15 or 16-year-olds on offer. But top cars for novice drivers:
| Model | Offers from | |
| VW Polo | €18,445 | Compare offers |
| Hyundai i10 | 14.520 € | Compare offers |
| Mitsubishi Space Star | €11,997 | Compare offers |
| Kia Picanto | €14,915 | Compare offers |
| Dacia Sandero | €13,130 | Compare offers |
What is a moped car?
Moped cars are small and light four-wheeled motor vehicles that can travel at a maximum speed of 45 km/h and may be driven by persons aged 15 and over. Their output is limited to 6 kW and the weight must not exceed 425 kilograms.
What driving licence do you need for a moped car?
As the name suggests, you need at least an AM driver's license for a moped car or microcar. Since July 2021, light vehicles that are not faster than 45 km/h have been allowed to be driven uniformly throughout Germany with the class AM driving licence at the age of 15. A Renault Twizy alternative would also be an idea. In addition to the AM class, the key number 195 will then be entered in the driver's license, which may only be used to drive in Germany until the age of 16.
As long as the specified maximum speed and weight are not exceeded, you are also allowed to drive a four-wheeled moped car.
How much do cars cost for 15 and 16 year olds?
Depending on the manufacturer, prices start at around 8,000 euros. The Citroen Ami is the cheapest model, the most expensive is an Ellenator, which is available from just under 25,000 euros.
Which micro-cars for 15 and 16-year-olds are there?
In order to be allowed to drive a light vehicle – also known as the micro-caro of the moped car – as a young person, an AM driving licence is required. Currently, eight manufacturers offer models that can be driven with this driver's license, and thus from the age of 15.
Current manufacturers with moped cars on offer:
- Aixam
- Casalini
- Ligier
- Microcar
- Opel
- Renault
- Fiat
- Citroen
From the age of 16, the models of the manufacturer Ellenator are also possible. This is a converted Fiat 500.
In Germany, since July 2021, it is no longer dependent on the federal state whether a vehicle may be driven at up to 45 km/h at the age of 15 or 16. The regulation has been standardized. Insurance is usually cheap, there are conditions for light motorcycles, as with insurance for novice drivers.
As examples, we highlight models from different manufacturers so that you can get a feel for driving from the age of 15.
Opel Rocks-e: Modern and lively
Visually, the Opel e-car can collect some plus points from the age of 15. It is colourful and – as far as a micro car is possible – has a modern design. Electric cars from the age of 15 make sense, but have a fairly short range, you might think. However, those who are on the road with the Rocks-e tend to have less of a problem, at least in summer. Supposedly, a range of 70 kilometersis possible.
The Opel car from the age of 15 is by far the cheapest model for young people. It is available from just under 8,000 euros, but you have to deal with hard plastic, poorly fitted plastic parts and hard seats in the interior. Overall, there is a lack of any comfort, even the turn signals have to be reset manually.
There is also no trunk, so the backpack must be placed on the passenger seat or behind the seats.
✅ Visually appealing ❌ comfort is completely lacking
✅ Well suited ❌ for the city An obstacle on country roads
✅ Lots of range ❌, little focus on security
Citroen Ami – identical in construction but still different
Since mid-2024, the Ami has finally been available in Germany, at a price of less than 10,000 euros. Leasing is also possible, from 39 euros a month you can drive a micro-car – by which time rail travel is almost no longer an alternative.
The only difference between the three identical models from Fiat, Opel and Citroen is probably the look. The Ami looks like the front at the back – and that was intentional. Whether it should be the Rocks-e, the Topolino or the Ami will probably only be decided by your own taste in the end.
✅ Finally little comfort in Germany ❌
✅ Functional design ❌ Hardly any safety
✅ Cheap leasing ❌ Only for short distances
Fiat Topolino – Dolce Vita in miniature
The Ami, Rocks-e and Topolino are actually identical in construction, but the little Italian still comes with an independent design and some extras that are not available in the other Microcars. If you choose the Dolcevita version, you get a roll-up roof and no side doors. But two ropes – ideal on the beach, a bit impractical in everyday life. The roll-up roof is rolled backwards or forwards by hand and fixed with Velcro fasteners. A circumferential zipper makes things tight.
Of course, the normal version has a roof and doors and you can also drive at a maximum speed of 45 km/h and have no trunk. An optional rear luggage rack is available for this purpose – really retro.
✅ Cuddly retro design ❌ No ABS, no ESP
✅ Version without doors possible ❌ Spartan interior
✅ Optional rear rack ❌ Slow loading
Renault Twizy: Involved from the beginning
The Renault Twizy has been on the market for over ten years. As one of the first electric cars ever and with its strange look, it caused a stir at the time. The Twizy cannot be described as a car, it is a mixture of scooter and car, but actually closer to a two-wheeler.
The electric motor has an output of 11 hp and a range of just under 80 kilometres. With a price of 11,450 euros for the basic version, your ears are literally ringing - because doors are only available for an extra charge. Yes, that's right, and it's a hinged door without a side window. It is better not to travel too far in strong winds or rain – it could be uncomfortable.
It is not really comfortable in the Twizy, although it is definitely a car for tall people that is also suitable for adults.
✅ Even tall people have space ❌ Little comfort (no heating, etc.)
✅ Well suited ❌ for the city Poor visibility to the rear
✅ Good driving characteristics ❌ Low level of safety
Ellenator: Fiat 500 times different
In contrast to the other cars from 15 or 16 years old, the Ellenator is a real car in the base. The installed engine is throttled to 20 hp, so that it can be driven with a driving licence class A1, and thus in most federal states from the age of 16. The top speed is 90 km/h, which is fast enough to swim well in traffic even outside the city.
Of course, the look is striking, the rear axle developed and patented by the manufacturer is located in the middle - and so are the two rear wheels. A clever move, because the Ellenator is classified as a three-wheeled vehicle. However, the special rear axle also has disadvantages. The car becomes unstable when cornering at high speed and can tip over, so you should definitely drive carefully here.
In terms of comfort, driving characteristics, workmanship and trunk, the Ellenator ranks far behind in first place - after all, it contains everything you know from the Fiat 500. But this also comes at a price: At around 25,000 euros, it is by far the most expensive car for 16-year-olds.
✅ Comfort and safety like a car ❌ Very expensive
✅ Four-seater + trunk ❌ Be careful when cornering
✅ No obstacle ❌ even on country roads Sluggish acceleration
Mopedautos von Aixam
Die Firma Aixam ist schon seit 1983 auf dem Leichtkraftwagen-Markt unterwegs und hat einige Modelle im Portfolio.
Die Modellreihe Ambition gibt es als City-Car, als Coupé und Cross-Version, insgesamt sind 7 Modellvarianten erhältlich. Die Ambition-Modelle kannst du als Diesel oder Elektro bekommen, die günstigsten Versionen sind ab 12.590 Euro (Diesel) und 14.390 Euro (Elektro) zu haben.
Günstiger ist noch das Miniauto, dass ebenfalls als Diesel (ab 10.390 €) oder Elektro (ab 11.990 €) verfügbar ist.
Moped-Autos von Microcar
Ligier-Microcar ist eine Firma mit Deutschlandsitz in Köln, die Leichtfahrzeuge für das Fahren ab 15 Jahren produzieren. Die Microcar-Modelle des Unternehmens sind: Microcar Dué und Microcar M.Go. Beide Modelle dürfen ab 15 Jahren gefahren werden, wobei der Fokus des Dué auf Wendigkeit und fahren im dichten Stadtverkehr ausgelegt ist. Beim M.o soll man dank eines 690 Liter Kofferraums sogar jede Menge einladen können.
Der Dué kostet ab ca. 14.000 Euro, für den M.Go sind mindestens 15.000 Euro fällig.
Micro Cars von Ligier
Zur gleichen Firma gehört auch die Marke Ligier, die etwas größere und sportlichere Moped-Autos herstellt. Der Ligier JS50 und der Ligier JS60 sind aktuell im Programm. Beide Modelle überzeugen mit einiger Ausstattung, Sportlichkeit und modernem Design.
Der JS60 ist sogar fast ein richtiges Mini-SUV – optional sind sogar eine Klimaanlage und Apple CarPlay oder Android Auto verfügbar.
Sicherheit: Wie sicher sind Micro-Cars und Moped-Autos?
Wer meint, dass Autos für 15- und 16-jährige genauso sicher sind, wie klassische Pkws, der irrt. Eigentlich lässt die Sicherheit sogar sehr zu wünschen übrig. Es gibt keine Airbags, die in den Jahren 2014 und 2016 durchgeführten Crashtests waren bei allen verfügbaren Modellen mangelhaft.
Das resultiert vor allem daraus, dass für Micro-Cars, also Fahrzeuge der Klasse L6e, keine Crashtests vorgeschrieben sind. Deshalb kann man die Sicherheit nicht mit normalen Autos vergleichen. Die Moped-Autos sind viel zu leicht, um genügend Sicherheit herstellen zu können.
Ein weiteres Problem sind Micro-Cars auf Landstraßen – vor allem nachts. Sie sind zwar beleuchtet, doch als Pkw-Fahrer:in kann man häufig nicht einschätzen, dass sich ein Gefährt mit nur 45 km/h bewegt. Das kann schnell gefährlich werden. Unter Tags bildet ein solches Fahrzeug zwangsläufig ein Verkehrshindernis, beim Überholen tut man sich schwerer als bei Kleinkrafträdern, was ebenfalls zu erhöhter Unfallgefahr führt.
Insgesamt fällt die Sicherheitsbilanz also nicht so gut aus, doch die Alternativen sind Moped und Roller – und hier sieht es in Sachen Sicherheit ebenfalls nicht besser aus. Die sichersten Autos sind die, die beim NCAP-Crashtest als sicher gewertet werden.
Advantages and disadvantages of cars for 15 and 16-year-olds
Depending on the perspective from which you look at the microcars, both advantages and disadvantages can be seen. Both should not be ignored before making a purchase decision:
Advantages of micro-cars
- Comfortable means of transport
- Independence (especially in rural areas)
- Driving experience to prepare for a normal driver's license
Disadvantages of micro-cars
- Security rather inadequate
- Cause traffic jams
- Speed difficult for other car drivers to assess
- Value for money could be better
Alternatives and tips for driving at 15 or 16 years old
If a four-wheeled vehicle is out of the question for your 15 or 16-year-old offspring for various reasons, there are still the classic alternativesthat have been around for many years:
- Moped (from 15 years)
- Scooter (from 16 years)
- Public transport
- Bicycle
- Walking
At the earliest, accompanied driving in a normal car is possible at the age of 17. However, the parents have to pull together with their child - because they have to sit in the car. The theoretical theory test is also necessary for the moped or scooter driving licence.