Spain will allow 16-year-olds to drive small electric cars
The Spanish government has decided to allow teenagers aged 16 and over to own small electric cars, in a move to establish a culture of clean driving, rely more and more on electric energy for transportation, and raise awareness of road safety.
And Spanish media revealed that young adults may soon be allowed to drive small electric vehicles capable of reaching top speeds of 90 kilometers per hour (56 miles per hour), which is the maximum currently allowed on non-highway roads, starting from the age of 16, According to Spain's General Directorate of Traffic (DGT).
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is preparing to launch a "B1" license for younger people to be able to drive a traditional car, in an effort to increase mobility for those living in remote rural areas and give them a safer and less polluting option than motorcycles.
Young people who live in residential areas outside the city often use motorized or electric scooters to reach their schools or colleges and friends in the same city.
But those who live deep in the countryside or in small villages and towns, take longer to get around on a bike, and they're much less safe than small electric cars - as well as more polluting.
The minimum age to start learning to drive a car is 18 years in Spain, but before that those wishing to drive must pass several expensive and difficult tests, before being allowed to drive a traditional vehicle.
However, once they pass the exam, like any other adult motorist, they hold a license for a vehicle weighing up to 3.5 tons and capable of reaching top speeds of 120 kilometers per hour (74.6 mph).
So legal advocates consider that the ability to obtain a license for a small car with a limited engine size and electric power means that young people will gain road and vehicle experience before they start learning to drive a full-size car.
The law stipulates the type of vehicle that the 16-year-old is allowed to drive and which will have a maximum weight of 450 kilograms, or 0.4 tons, and a maximum power of 20.4CV.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande Marlasca says these types of vehicles, and their licenses for 16 years and over, have been successful in countries like France, particularly in rural and highly isolated areas.
Other countries used include Portugal, Italy, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
The new B1 license for electric small vehicles is part of an ongoing strategy to improve safety and sustainable mobility nationwide between now and 2030. The amendments also include a move to encourage airbag installation in motorcycles.
As of the beginning of the next academic year, road safety and sustainable mobility will become a core subject in the school curricula.
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