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DGT Glossary
AMBA1A2

Quadricycle

Four-wheeled vehicle. The light one stays under 350 kg unladen and 45 km/h and needs an AM licence; the heavy one reaches 70 km/h and needs a category B.

Definition

A quadricycle (cuadriciclo) is a four-wheeled vehicle that falls short of being a car, and Spanish law splits it in two. A light quadricycle has an unladen mass under 350 kg — not counting the batteries on electric versions — a top speed by construction of no more than 45 km/h, and an engine of no more than 50 cc if it burns fuel. A non-light quadricycle, also called a motor quadricycle, starts exactly where the light one ends: above 50 cc and above 45 km/h. Quads belong to this second class.

Light and non-light quadricycles compared

Light and non-light quadricycles compared
Light quadricycleNon-light quadricycle
Unladen massUnder 350 kg, batteries excluded if electricAbove the light-quadricycle limit
EngineUp to 50 cc if combustionOver 50 cc
Top speed45 km/h by construction70 km/h (63 km/h towing a trailer)
LicenceAM (a category B also covers it)B

Key facts

  • Light quadricycle: four wheels, under 350 kg unladen, 45 km/h by construction.
  • The AM licence covers mopeds and light quadricycles, but not motor quadricycles.
  • Non-light quadricycle: 70 km/h, 63 km/h with a trailer, category B licence.
  • Where seat belts are fitted, driver and passenger must use them on all roads.
  • First ITV inspection four years after registration, then every two years.

Keep studying

Frequently asked questions

What is a light quadricycle in Spain?
A four-wheeled vehicle with an unladen mass under 350 kg (batteries excluded on electric versions), a top speed by construction of 45 km/h and an engine of up to 50 cc if it is a combustion engine.
What licence do you need for a quadricycle?
A light quadricycle needs an AM licence; a motor (non-light) quadricycle needs a category B, which the AM does not cover.
How fast can a quadricycle go?
A light quadricycle is capped at 45 km/h. A non-light one may reach 70 km/h, dropping to 63 km/h when towing a trailer.

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