In Walloon Brabant, there are nearly a thousand of them traveling the roads, according to data from the FPS Mobility as of June 30, 2023, or 0.40% of all vehicles present on the territory of the Young Province. This is almost twice as much as the total percentage in Belgium (0.23%). Moreover, Walloon Brabant records the highest rate of registration of these carts per year: 19.7/100,000 inhabitants, where the Belgian average is 9.95 and Walloon 13.52.
Contrary to popular belief, accidents involving electric carts are not numerous, analyzes the Vias Institute: 69 in 2023, 58 in 2022, we are generally around 60 and 80 accidents on average per year, out of a total of nearly of 20,000 vehicles. Although they are few in number, the accidents are nevertheless more serious. Per kilometer traveled, the risk of being seriously injured is 6 times higher than for occupants of traditional cars. The important difference is the weight of the vehicles: 425 kg max for a cart where the average weight of other vehicles exceeds 1400 kg, especially since quadricycles have less safety equipment.
Still on the accident side, it is possible via these figures to know the average age of cart drivers. Thus, 6 out of 10 drivers involved in an accident are over 55 years old compared to 1 in 5 for conventional cars. The public is therefore elderly with the exception of Walloon Brabant where half of car accidents concern drivers under 18 (compared to 6% for the whole country). This is a “microphenomenon“, explains Vias spokesperson, Benoît Godart.
If the carts are practical, all these young people remain aware of the danger. “You have to be careful, it’s less safe than a classic car“, continues Victor. Julien too while recalling that “dangerousness also comes from the one behind the wheel“As his parents work a lot, the cart is an advantage for the whole family and regarding the cost, it was planned in advance. “But my parents saved so I could have one. And when I’m 18, I can get a real car“.
-Danièle came to pick up her children from college. Although they are not yet old enough to have one, the mother is quite convinced. “It’s a good thing, they’ll have one when they’re older. On the other hand, on the safety aspect, manufacturers should add a roll bar, given the price“.
Concerning security, in its study, the Vias Institute makes five recommendations. The request is made to the authorities to require the affixing of a sticker to the rear of the cart (limit 45 km/h) as for trucks. The intention is also to reinforce safety with airbags and ABS while making users aware of the dangers and how to drive this type of vehicle differently. Finally, it would be a question of imposing regular technical checks. “We still see them circulating patched up with tape“, confides Benoît Godart, in addition to having specific rules for their own approval. Today, carts are approved like mopeds, so there is no rigorous approval on the bodywork, for example.
Related News :