Different countries…different cars. The European directive 2002/24/CE of 18 March 2002 has divided mopeds and motorcycles into seven different categories, one of which, that of tricycles category L5e, in Germany is giving rise to a series of transformations aimed at making the most popular city cars drivable even at 16 years of age
In Germany, it was established that young people aged at least 16 could drive tricycles homologated under the “L5e” category—vehicles with a maximum power output of 20 horsepower, a top speed not exceeding 90 kilometers per hour, and, importantly, the option to have a split third wheel, provided the total track width is less than 47 centimeters.
This led the Bavarian manufacturer Ellenator to modify popular city cars to bring their power and performance within legal limits, also reconfiguring the rear axle accordingly. One of the most popular choices was the Fiat 500, whose engine was restricted from its original 68 horsepower down to 20, and equipped with a modified rear axle. This new configuration retains the original suspension and wheels but brings the rear wheels closer together to fall within the specified 47-centimeter track width.
In practice, this results in a three-wheeled vehicle that technically still has four wheels, while maintaining most of the mechanical features of the original car. This includes comfort and safety standards, which are significantly higher than those offered by most purpose-built tricycles currently on the market.
Tricycles category L5e
The car retains all of Fiat’s driver assistance systems, and the infotainment system remains unaltered. Fuel consumption is also a plus, averaging about five liters of petrol per 100 kilometers. However, the commercial model for selling the vehicle raises some concerns.
To get an Ellenator-converted Fiat 500, one must purchase a brand-new vehicle from a specific, authorized dealership. On top of the purchase price, around €6,000 must be added for the conversion. There is no option to convert used vehicles or new cars bought from other Fiat dealers.
Finally, it remains to be seen what measures are in place to prevent young drivers from restoring the vehicle’s original performance, and whether the conversion still guarantees adequate stability and safety in such cases.
Title: Tricycles category L5e: different country…different three wheels
Translation with ChatGPT
