Can You Drive It? EU and US Rules for Light Electric City Cars Explained

The ASTRAUX Team
2026-03-27T16:24:32+08:00

You don't always need a full car licence to drive an ASTRAUX. Here's a plain-language breakdown of the rules in Europe and the US — who can drive it, what licence you need, and where you can take it.

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EV · Rules & Licences

Can You Drive It?
The Rules, Explained.

One of the first questions people ask when they discover ASTRAUX is: do I need a car licence for this? It is a fair question — and the answer will probably surprise you.

The Vehicles

Two Models, Two Categories

The AL6 and AL7 look like small city cars. They have 4 wheels, an enclosed cabin, seats, and a steering wheel. But legally, they sit in a completely different category — and that distinction works in your favour.

The AL6 falls under the L6e category, and the AL7 under L7e. Think of these as the EU's official labels for small four-wheeled vehicles that are lighter, slower, and simpler to licence than a conventional car. The category determines what licence you need, how old you have to be, and where you can drive.

The AL6 has a top speed of 45 km/h and weighs under 425 kg excluding the battery. Built for city use — tight streets, short commutes, urban daily life. The AL7 goes up to 90 km/h with a more powerful motor, covering urban and suburban routes for people who need slightly more range and road flexibility.

Licensing

What Licence Do You Actually Need?

For the AL6, you do not need a full car licence. In most EU countries, an AM licence is all that is required. The AM is essentially the same category as a moped or scooter licence — simpler, faster, and cheaper to obtain than a car licence. In many countries you can get it as young as 14 or 15. If you already hold a standard car licence, you are automatically covered.

For the AL7, the requirement steps up slightly. Most EU countries require a B1 licence — a middle-ground category that sits between a moped licence and a full car licence, available from age 16. In countries where B1 is not available as a standalone licence, a standard car licence covers it completely.

Country | AL6 — L6e | AL7 — L7e
France & Italy | AM licence, from age 14 | B1 or car licence, from age 16
Germany & Spain | AM licence, from age 15 | Car licence
Netherlands | AM licence, from age 16 | Car licence

Licence rules are set at the national level and can vary. Always verify with your local transport authority before purchasing.

Road Access

Where Can You Drive It in the EU?

Both models are road-legal across the entire EU. ASTRAUX received WVTA certification — short for Whole Vehicle Type Approval — from Sweden's transport authority. Think of this as a pan-European road legal passport: once a vehicle clears this process, it is recognised in every EU member state without needing separate certification in each country. No asterisks. No country-by-country exceptions.

Road access follows the vehicle category. The AL6 is built for urban streets where 45 km/h is the natural pace of city traffic. The AL7, topping out at 90 km/h, is suited for urban and suburban roads and routes outside the city where speed limits allow.

Neither model is permitted on motorways. This is not a restriction unique to ASTRAUX — it applies to all vehicles in this category by EU regulation. Both are built for city and city-adjacent roads, which is exactly what they are designed for.

United States

What About the US?

ASTRAUX is coming to the US in Q3 2026, and the regulatory picture there works differently from Europe.

The EU's quadricycle classification does not exist in the US. The closest American equivalent is the LSV — Low Speed Vehicle — a federal category for small four-wheeled electric vehicles. Think of it as the US version of a light electric city car: registered like a regular vehicle, issued a licence plate, and permitted to drive on public roads. A standard driver's licence is required, and insurance is compulsory.

Road access rules are set at the state level. In most states, LSVs are permitted on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph — around 55 km/h — or lower, which covers the majority of city and residential streets.

Full details on availability, state registration, and road access will be confirmed closer to launch. If you are in the US and want to be first to know when ASTRAUX arrives in your city, join the waitlist at astraux.com.

The Short Version

What You Need to Know

In Europe: Moped licence for the AL6, a mid-level or car licence for the AL7. Already have a car licence? You are covered for both. EU-wide road legal, no extra paperwork per country.

In the US: Coming Q3 2026. Operates under Low Speed Vehicle regulations, with access on city and residential roads. State-by-state details to follow.

ASTRAUX is designed to be accessible. The licence requirements are lighter than most people expect. The only real decision is which model fits your city.

Up Next
Is Range Anxiety Real? The Truth About Charging a City EV

Where do you actually charge it if you don't have a garage? Next week we break down the real charging options for city drivers — and why it is simpler than most people think.

Licence and road access rules vary by country and are subject to change. The information in this article reflects regulations as of March 2026 and is intended as a general guide only. Always verify current requirements with your local transport authority before purchasing or operating a vehicle.