Light vehicles L1 - L7e: All vehicle classes at a glance

Vehicles have long been divided into different categories in order to adapt regulations and laws to the vehicle types. In 2013, the previous categorization was expanded by the European Union, including the vehicle category of "light single and double-track motor vehicles". This class is described with the letter "L" and a number between 1 and 7; electric vehicles also have an "e" at the end of their designation. There are also subcategories for some classes, such as "L1e-A".

The driving license required to drive a light vehicle also varies depending on the vehicle category. Most light vehicles can be driven with a class AM moped license or a motorcycle license. Only the L7e category requires a category B car driver's license.

We have put together an overview of the basic vehicle categories and the driving license category required for them:

Class	Definition	ARI Motors electric vehicle	Driving license class
L1e	Light two-wheeled motor vehicle, top speed up to 45 km/h, engine capacity up to 50 cm³ or up to 4 kW for electric motors.	No ARI vehicle available	Moped license AM – possible in Germany and Austria from the age of 15
L2e	Three-wheeled moped, top speed up to 45 km/h, engine capacity up to 50 cm³ or up to 4 kW for electric motors, unladen weight ready to drive up to 270 kg, maximum of two seats.	ARI 145, ARI 345	Moped license AM – possible in Germany and Austria from the age of 15
L3e	Two-wheeled motorcycle, engine capacity over 50 cm³ and/or top speed over 45 km/h.	No ARI vehicle available	Depending on performance: A1 from 16, A2 from 18, A from 24
L4e	Two-wheeled motorcycle with sidecar, engine capacity over 50 cm³ and/or top speed over 45 km/h.	No ARI vehicle available	Depending on performance: A1 from 16, A2 from 18, A from 24
L5e	Three-wheeled motor vehicle, engine capacity over 50 cm³ (combustion) and/or top speed over 45 km/h.	No ARI vehicle available	B (see note)
L6e	Light four-wheeled motor vehicle, unladen weight (without battery) up to 425 kg, top speed up to 45 km/h, engine capacity up to 50 cm³.	ARI 252, ARI 452	Moped license AM – possible in Germany and Austria from the age of 15
L7e	Heavy four-wheeled motor vehicle, unladen weight (without battery) up to 450 kg, or up to 600 kg for goods transport, net power up to 15 kW.	ARI 458 Pro, ARI 802, ARI Bruni	B

Light vehicles are a clear minority in Germany. According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority, an average of around 5,000 light vehicles have been registered each year in recent years. With around 3 million new vehicles registered each year, this is still very low. However, there has been an annual increase of around 20% in registrations of three-wheeled light vehicles in recent years.

This trend is likely to continue, because in times of increasingly congested city centers and the electromobile traffic turnaround, light vehicles offer many advantages: they take up less space, consume less electricity or fuel and are usually powerful enough for urban requirements. Depending on the body, the ARI 458 Pro electric van has a payload of 850 kg, which is enough for most suppliers and service providers in urban areas.

Are you interested in a practical light vehicle for your company? Then take a look at our offer and receive a non-binding and free quote!