How much does a license-free car cost in 2026?
The license-free car market has exploded in recent years. With the arrival of urban electric models such as the Citroën Ami and the Fiat Topolino, entry-level prices have fallen considerably. But the market remains vast, from a light quadricycle for under 8,000 euros to a premium model above 19,000 euros.
This guide details the prices of each brand, the purchasing options, and the true cost of owning a license-free car in 2026.
New license-free car prices by brand
Citroën Ami, from 8,190 euros
The Citroën Ami revolutionised the market by making electric licence-free mobility accessible. Fully electric, it offers a range of 75 km, which is more than enough for daily urban and peri-urban use.
- Ami: 8,190 euros
- Ami Tonic (coloured edition): 8,690 euros
- Ami Buggy (open version): 9,890 euros
Its compact footprint (2.41 m long) makes it unbeatable in town. The minimalist cabin and lack of air conditioning may put some buyers off.
Fiat Topolino, from 7,990 euros
Cousin of the Ami (same technical platform), the Fiat Topolino plays the Italian retro-style card. Same 75 km range, same drivetrain, but a design that appeals to a different audience.
- Topolino (closed): 7,990 euros
- Topolino Dolcevita (soft top): 9,490 euros
It is currently the cheapest entry point on the market for a new license-free car.
Mobilize Duo, 9,990 euros
The Mobilize Duo (formerly Renault) offers an original tandem format: two seats one behind the other. Longer than the Ami but equally narrow, it squeezes through everywhere and claims a range of 161 km, the best in this price bracket.
- Duo: 9,990 euros
- Also available on PCP from 50 euros/month (with deposit)
Kilow La Bagnole, 9,900 euros
The French market maverick. Kilow offers a fun, off-beat design with La Bagnole, an electric light quadricycle manufactured in France. Range of 70 km, maximum speed of 45 km/h.
- La Bagnole: 9,900 euros
- Customisable in many colours
Aixam, from 11,999 euros to 19,499 euros
Aixam remains the historic market leader for license-free cars in France. The range covers every need, from the entry-level model to an almost-city-car premium version.
- Aixam City (petrol): from 11,999 euros
- Aixam Coupé: from 14,999 euros
- Aixam Crossover: from 15,999 euros
- Aixam e-City (electric): from 14,499 euros
- Aixam e-Crossover (electric): from 16,699 euros
- Aixam e-Coupé GTI: up to 19,499 euros
Petrol Aixam models remain very popular in rural areas thanks to their superior range (around 400 km per tank of diesel).
Ligier, from 12,499 euros to 18,999 euros
Aixam’s main rival, Ligier (and its Microcar brand), offers a comparable range with styling that is often considered more modern.
- Ligier JS50: from 12,499 euros
- Ligier JS60 (sporty): from 15,499 euros
- Ligier Myli (electric): from 15,999 euros (or from 99 euros/month on PCP)
- Microcar M.Go: from 12,999 euros
- Microcar Dué: from 11,999 euros
The Ligier Myli stands out with a claimed range of 200 km, the best in the “classic license-free car” segment.
Chatenet, from 14,990 euros to 19,500 euros
Chatenet positions itself at the top of the market with careful finishes and superior comfort.
- Chatenet CH46: from 14,990 euros
- Chatenet CH48: from 17,490 euros
- Electric versions available
The used market: license-free cars from 4,000 to 9,000 euros
Used vehicles are an excellent option for accessing licence-free mobility at lower cost. Here are the price ranges observed in 2026:
Used price ranges
| Vehicle age | Average price | Common examples |
|---|---|---|
| Under 3 years | 7,000 to 9,000 euros | Recent Ami, Aixam City |
| 3 to 5 years | 5,000 to 7,000 euros | Ligier JS50, Microcar M.Go |
| 5 to 8 years | 4,000 to 5,500 euros | Aixam Coupé, Chatenet CH26 |
| Over 8 years | 2,000 to 4,000 euros | Older models, high mileage |
Tips for buying used
- Check the service history: diesel license-free cars require regular maintenance of the variator and belt.
- Watch the mileage: beyond 30,000 km, significant maintenance costs should be expected.
- Mandatory roadworthiness test: since 2024, license-free cars are subject to a roadworthiness test. Insist on a recent certificate before buying.
- Test before buying: try the vehicle on a varied route (town and road) to assess comfort and performance.
PCP and leasing: paying for your license-free car monthly
Personal contract purchase (PCP) has become very popular for license-free cars, particularly electric models.
Example PCP monthly payments in 2026
| Model | Deposit | Monthly payment | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citroën Ami | 0 to 1,000 euros | 19.99 to 49 euros/mth | 48 months |
| Fiat Topolino | 1,500 euros | 59 euros/mth | 48 months |
| Ligier Myli | 2,500 euros | 99 euros/mth | 48 months |
| Mobilize Duo | 1,000 euros | 50 euros/mth | 48 months |
| Aixam (petrol) | 2,000 to 3,000 euros | 150 to 250 euros/mth | 48 months |
| Aixam e-Crossover | 3,000 euros | 250 to 350 euros/mth | 48 months |
| Chatenet premium | 3,500 euros | 300 to 450 euros/mth | 48 months |
PCP gives access to a new vehicle with a controlled monthly budget. At the end of the contract, you can buy the vehicle (residual value) or return it.
Additional costs: insurance, maintenance, energy
The purchase price is only part of the budget. Here are the recurring costs to plan for.
Insurance
Insurance is compulsory for any license-free car driven on public roads. Expect:
- Third party: 20 to 40 euros/month
- Fully comprehensive: 40 to 70 euros/month
- High-risk profile (licence revocation): up to 200 euros/month
Maintenance
- Petrol license-free car: 300 to 600 euros/year (oil changes, variator belt, filters)
- Electric license-free car: 100 to 200 euros/year (mainly brakes and tyres)
Electric license-free cars are significantly cheaper to maintain: no oil changes, no belt, no oil filter.
Energy
- Diesel (petrol license-free car): around 3 L/100 km, approximately 60 euros/month for 500 km
- Electricity (electric license-free car): around 1 to 2 euros/100 km, approximately 7 to 10 euros/month for 500 km
Electric divides the energy bill by 6 to 8. Over 5 years, the saving exceeds 3,000 euros.
Roadworthiness test
Since 2024, the roadworthiness test is compulsory for license-free cars. Cost: 60 to 80 euros every 3 years.
Total cost of ownership over 5 years
For a clear picture, here is an estimate of the total cost over 5 years (purchase + insurance + maintenance + energy) for three typical profiles:
| Profile | Vehicle | Total cost over 5 years |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum budget | New Citroën Ami | approx. 14,000 euros |
| Mid-range | Used Aixam City diesel | approx. 13,500 euros |
| Premium electric | New Aixam e-Crossover | approx. 24,000 euros |
The value for money of the Citroën Ami or Fiat Topolino is hard to beat for urban use. For mixed town-and-country use with longer journeys, petrol Aixam or Ligier models remain relevant despite a higher purchase price.
Choosing well based on your budget and needs
The choice of a license-free car depends above all on your daily use. For a detailed comparison of electric models, see our 2026 electric license-free car guide.
Whatever your choice, think about fitting a GPS adapted to license-free cars. Standard apps like Waze are not designed for license-free cars and can send you onto dangerous roads.
Discover TacTac, the GPS built for license-free cars: safe routes, realistic journey times, and adapted voice guidance.