QuadricycleNew Zealand

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


77. Quadricycle

A quadricycle is a motor vehicle with four wheels that belongs to a vehicle category below or separate from an ordinary passenger car. Quadricycles may be designed for passenger transport, goods transport or recreational use and can be powered by a combustion engine or electric motor.

Traffic law commonly distinguishes between light quadricycles, which have relatively low power and maximum design speed, and heavier or more powerful quadricycles. Driving-licence, helmet, registration, insurance and road-access requirements depend on the vehicle's legal classification and the local traffic regulations.

Quadricycle
Quadricycle International Q-Cycle 6 at the Old Port of Montreal. (Montreal, Quebec, Canada)
Wikimedia.org • Ahunt • CC0
What is a quadricycle?

A quadricycle is a four-wheeled motor vehicle belonging to a specialised vehicle category distinct from an ordinary passenger car.

What is a light quadricycle?

A light quadricycle is a relatively low-powered four-wheel motor vehicle with a restricted maximum design speed. In European vehicle classification, light quadricycles belong to category L6e.

What is a heavy quadricycle?

A heavier or more powerful quadricycle that does not qualify as a light quadricycle can fall within category L7e under European vehicle-classification rules.

Is a quadricycle the same as a car?

No. Although some enclosed quadricycles resemble very small cars, they belong to a different technical and legal vehicle category and can have different licence, power, mass and road-access rules.

Is a quadricycle the same as a quad or ATV?

Not necessarily. The quadricycle category includes several types of four-wheel motor vehicles. Some are open recreational quads, while others are enclosed road-going microcars designed for passengers or goods.

Can a quadricycle be electric?

Yes. Quadricycles can use electric motors, combustion engines or other approved propulsion systems.

Do you need a driving licence for a quadricycle?

Usually yes, but the required licence depends on whether the vehicle is classified as a light or heavier quadricycle and on the country's licensing system.

Does a quadricycle need a licence plate?

Road-going quadricycles commonly require registration and a registration plate. Exact requirements vary between countries.

Must quadricycle occupants wear helmets?

This depends on the vehicle design and local law. Open quadricycles may require helmets, while enclosed vehicles with a passenger compartment and restraint systems can be subject to seat-belt rules instead.

Can a quadricycle carry passengers?

Yes, when it is designed and approved to do so. The number of passengers may not exceed the vehicle's approved seating capacity.

Can a quadricycle use a motorway?

This depends on its vehicle category, construction speed and local motorway-access rules. Low-speed light quadricycles are normally unsuitable for motorway traffic.

Does a quadricycle follow motorcycle or car traffic rules?

This depends on its legal classification. Some light quadricycles are treated similarly to mopeds, while heavier quadricycles may follow many of the ordinary rules applying to cars.

1 New Zealand 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Advisory speed 5 Bike path 6 Pedestrian warning 7 Bridge 8 Speed bump 9 One-way traffic 10 Slope 11 Bus lane 12 Stop sign 13 Give way 14 Roundabout 15 Road narrowing 16 Pedestrian crossing 17 Railway crossing 18 Mandatory direction 19 Turn prohibition 20 School area 21 Crossing animals 22 Slippery road 23 Curve 24 Chevron 25 Wrong-way driving 26 Roadworks 27 Crosswind 28 Height limit 29 Priority at the next junction 30 Traffic lights 31 Pedestrian lights 32 Road markings 33 Parking 34 Disabled parking 35 Reversing 36 U-turn 37 Tourist attraction 38 Charging station 39 Dangers 40 Cyclist 41 Bus 42 Police 43 Ambulance 44 Pothole 45 Path 46 Particulates 47 Air pollution 48 Rush hour 49 Road code 50 Two-way traffic 51 Street gutter 52 Cargo bike 53 Forestry vehicle 54 Construction vehicle 55 Semi-trailer truck 56 Trolleybus 57 Speed pedelec 58 Delivery vehicle 59 Idling 60 Tow truck 61 Four-wheel drive 62 Bicycle 63 Motorcycle equipment 64 Tram 65 Rail track 66 Caravan 67 Trailer 68 Tow hitch 69 Fire truck 70 Siren 71 Convoy 72 Emergency vehicle lighting 73 Agricultural machinery 74 Electric bicycle 75 Electric vehicle 76 Pedelec 77 Quadricycle 78 Microcar 79 All-terrain vehicle 80 Van 81 Recreational vehicle 82 Scooter 83 Trikke 84 Personal mobility device 85 Skateboard 86 Segway 87 Kick scooter 88 Roller skates 89 Mailman 90 Hitchhiker 91 Toddler 92 Child 93 Disability 94 Motorail 95 km/h 96 mph 97 Speedometer 98 Ride height 99 Dirt road 100 Driving ...