A four-wheeled moped (FWM) is a mini passenger car with a top speed of 45 km/h. This report carries out an initial exploration of the consequences of introducing the FWM in The Netherlands concerning road safety. Recommendations were made about the policy to be adopted and the measures to be taken. The most important information was obtained from: (1) importers of the FWM; (2) the SWOV sister organizations in France, Italy, and Belgium; and (3) from the Dutch Department of Public Works. It was established that the prime target group consists of 55 to 60 year-olds and older persons, who do not have a driving licence. It was concluded that the FWM does not fit into the development of a `sustainably safe road and traffic system' in The Netherlands. It is recommended to prohibit admission of the FWM to cycle paths. The FWM could in principle only be permitted on maximum 50 km/h speed limit roads inside built-up areas. FWM drivers should have a specific driving licence type. It is recommended to set the minimum age for driving a FWM at eighteen years. It is also recommended: (i) to introduce a vehicle document for FWM for administration purposes; and (ii) to devote extra attention to the recognition of the FWM by fellow road users.
Samenvatting