LIV (Light Intermediate Vehicles)
What is a VIL ?
A LIV is an intermediate light vehicle designed to combine the advantages of bicycles and motorised vehicles. It is a faster means of transport than conventional bicycles, while being more compact and often more environmentally friendly than cars.
What are the uses and benefits of LIV?
VIL offer many advantages for different uses: :
- Mobility in rural areas : The VIL make it easier to get around in rural areas, where public transport is often limited and cars are now the only option.
- Urban journeys : They help avoid traffic jams and reduce the carbon footprint.
- Daily travel : Ideal for commuting, shopping or quick trips around town.
- Urban deliveries : Their compact size makes them ideal for local deliveries in town.
- Access to difficult areas: Their compactness and ability to travel on unpaved or semi-paved roads make them ideal for country lanes.
- Reduced costs: cheaper to buy and maintain than cars or vans, VIL save money thanks to their low energy consumption.
- Respect for the environment: Because VIL produce very little pollution, they help to reduce CO2 emissions, which is particularly important in environmentally sensitive areas.
- Accessibility for people with reduced mobility: Some models are specifically designed to be accessible.
Government aid and LIV
From 1 November 2024, the French government will provide up to €900 in aid for the purchase of electric quadricycles. 2024, l’Etat aide l’achat de quadricycle électrique à hauteur de 900€.
The Sorean
What sets Soreans apart from other VIL?
The Sorean stands out from the crowd:
- its speed of 45km/h,
- its four-wheel design, offering enhanced stability,
- complete protection from the elements,
- two seats and pedal assistance,
combining a little physical effort with the power of electric motors.
For what uses is Sorean suitable?
The Sorean is a wise choice for suburban and rural journeys over distances of more than 10 km. It can easily replace a second car in a household, particularly for families with two children, thanks to its spacious rear seat.
In our experience, the Sorean is generally well received by other road users. Its compact size makes overtaking easy.
Although it offers great freedom of movement, the Sorean is subject to certain traffic restrictions. It is prohibited on cycle paths, expressways, the Paris ring road, motorways and bus routes.
What are the advantages of active mobility?
The Sorean works by requiring a little effort: you have to pedal to activate the electric motors. Pedalling keeps you active, which is good for your health. It also engages our bodies and minds, making us more alert and focused during our journeys.
What’s more, it saves electricity: the more you pedal, the longer the vehicle’s range.
What are the dimensions and weight of the Sorean? What about parking?
- 2,5 m long,
- less than a metre wide,
- 1.5m high,
- and with its 2 batteries, the Sorean weighs less than 150 kg (the lightest in its category).
For parking, we recommend that you respect the Highway Code and parking regulations. But we have no problem parking 4 Soreans in a public car park (2.3m x 5m) 🙂
What are the technical performances and characteristics of the Sorean?
The Sorean stands out for its remarkable performance. Its two 3000W motors make it capable of negotiating gradients of up to 15% with two adults on board. The motors are also used for electric braking (regeneration) and speed regulation (downhill).
The Sorean has been successfully tested on various types of road, thanks to its off-road origins inherited from the QBX Quadbike.
Its 2.1 kWh battery gives it a range of 80 km, and up to 150 km in the version with two batteries.
It can be recharged from a standard EU domestic socket (230V) in less than 2 hours, at a cost of around one euro for the dual-battery version.
Information on the certification, safety and insurance of the Sorean
The Sorean is a vehicle without a licence (or accessible with an AM licence from the age of 14), and must be registered, and requires ‘land motor vehicle’ insurance covering civil liability to circulate legally.
Currently undergoing homologation, we offer Soreans that can be used for experimental purposes. For more information, please contact us.
In addition to the approved protection device to prevent unauthorised use, we recommend securing the Sorean to a fixed point.
The Sorean ensures exemplary roadholding thanks to:
- its high-performance chassis,
- its two roll-over bars,
- side anti-intrusion bars,
- its four wheels with disc brakes
- and a front section designed to protect you in the event of frontal impact.
It’s much safer than a bike or speedbike.
The Sorean also complies with approval criteria for lighting and signage, guaranteeing good visibility at night and in all weathers thanks to its electric windscreen wiper.’
Cockpit and interior
The Sorean has a 100-litre boot that can be extended by folding down the rear seat.
The seat and handlebars are adjustable to suit riders of all heights (from 1.50 m to 2.00 m).
There’s also a USB socket for charging your equipment.
Environmental impact
At QBX, we believe that mobility should be sustainable.
That’s why the Sorean has been designed to minimise its weight. Made from recyclable aluminium and with a small battery, this makes it a particularly environmentally-friendly vehicle.
Environmental impact studies have confirmed that VIL are around 100 times less polluting than a combustion engine car.
Maintenance and reparability
The Sorean is durable and repairable! A large proportion of its components are standard bicycles and can be serviced and replaced at a specialist bike shop or by yourself! In our experience, car and motorbike garages are also very competent.
Finally, QBX can supply any specific spare parts.
After more than 60,000 km, we haven’t had a puncture yet.
However, a tyre or inner tube can easily be replaced without dismantling the wheel, using bicycle tools.
Prices, purchase options and delivery
The Sorean is available at €11,990 (incl. VAT) in 1-battery version as of 1 November 2024.
the French government will subsidise the purchase of electric quadricycles to the tune of €900.
We can deliver the Sorean anywhere in France in a dedicated, reusable rolling crate.
Contact us for more details.
Other business
Is it compulsory to wear a helmet?
Wearing a helmet is not compulsory.
Does the Sorean have a seatbelt?
No, in compliance with European regulations.
Is it possible to limit speed in certain areas?
Our cruise control allows you to choose between 3 regulated speeds, offering comfortable driving even in dense urban areas.
Is there a community of Sorean users?
We’re counting on you 🙂
Use of trailers?
Trailers towed by vehicles travelling at 45 km/h must be type-approved.
Customisation and fittings for people with reduced mobility
We can study your requests for customisation (covering or other).
QBX has proven experience in adapting quadricycles for people with reduced mobility. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your requirements.
Are there any accessories available for the Sorean?
Many bicycle accessories are compatible with the Sorean (luggage, phone holder, multitool, pump, etc.).
Are there any plans to use solar panels to increase autonomy?
The roof of the Sorean is designed to accommodate a solar panel. However, in view of the tests carried out and the performance results obtained, we have not opted for this solution as standard.
Is there a reverse gear on the Sorean?
This feature is currently being studied and will be available very soon!
Are there any used Soreans for sale?
There isn’t any.