Citroen Ami
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for an ultra-compact urban mobility solution that doesn’t require a full driving licence? The Citroen Ami might be exactly what you need. This tiny electric quadricycle represents a completely different approach to city transport, offering basic weather protection and zero-emission driving in a package smaller than most shopping trolleys. It’s designed for people who need simple, affordable electric mobility for very short urban journeys.

The Ami stands in a category of its own, though it competes loosely with other micro-mobility solutions and city cars like the Smart ForTwo or electric scooters. What makes it unique is that you can drive it from age 16 with just an AM moped licence. The interior is refreshingly simple, with basic controls and a utilitarian design that prioritises function over luxury. Everything about the Ami screams practicality and affordability.

Driving the Ami is unlike any conventional car experience. With just 8 horsepower and a top speed of 28mph, it’s designed purely for pottering around town centres and short suburban trips. The electric motor is whisper quiet and the ride is surprisingly smooth for such a basic vehicle. While it won’t win any performance awards, the Ami achieves something remarkable. It makes electric mobility accessible and affordable for people who might never consider a traditional electric car.

What's the Citroen Ami Like to Drive?

The Citroen Ami is designed for ultra-low speed urban mobility, not performance. The single electric motor produces just 8 horsepower, which might sound laughably small but is perfectly adequate for its intended purpose. It takes around 10 seconds to reach its maximum speed of 28mph, making overtaking impossible and dual carriageways completely off limits. Think of it more like a covered electric scooter than a conventional car, and the performance makes perfect sense.

Where the Ami excels is in its maneuverability and ease of driving. The tiny dimensions make parking effortless, and you can squeeze into spaces that would be impossible for any normal car. The steering is light and responsive at low speeds, making urban navigation a breeze. The electric motor provides instant torque from standstill, so despite the modest power output, it feels quite peppy when pulling away from traffic lights. This little quadricycle is perfectly suited to city centres where traffic rarely exceeds 20mph anyway.

Inside the Citroen Ami: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Ami and you’ll find an interior that’s refreshingly honest about its budget positioning. The cabin is basic but functional, with hard plastic surfaces throughout and a dashboard that houses just the essentials. There are no fancy touchscreens or premium materials here. Instead, you get simple controls, basic instrumentation, and a practical storage area where a traditional glovebox would sit. The seats are surprisingly comfortable for short journeys, though you wouldn’t want to spend hours in them.

The driving position is upright and visibility is excellent thanks to the large windows and high seating position. Road noise is minimal at the Ami’s modest speeds, and the electric motor operates in near silence. Climate control is basic, relying on opening windows for ventilation, though some markets offer a heating system. The interior feels spacious enough for two adults on short trips, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. It’s utilitarian in the best possible way, focusing purely on getting you from A to B with minimal fuss.

The Citroen Ami succeeds brilliantly at what it’s designed to do. It provides affordable, zero-emission urban transport that’s accessible to younger drivers and costs almost nothing to run. The build quality feels solid enough for its intended use, and the simplicity is actually refreshing in an age of increasingly complex vehicles. It’s not trying to be something it’s not, which makes it genuinely appealing. The limitations are obvious. The 28mph top speed, tiny cabin, and minimal storage make it unsuitable as a primary vehicle for most people. It’s really a second car or a replacement for public transport rather than a conventional car alternative. However, if you live in a city centre and mainly need transport for short journeys, the Ami offers unbeatable value. It’s particularly appealing for younger drivers who want independence without the massive insurance costs of a conventional car.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Citroen Ami?

The Ami’s running costs are where it truly shines, making it one of the most affordable vehicles to operate in the UK. Charging costs are minimal, with a full charge from empty costing around £1.50 using a domestic electricity supply. The 5.5kWh battery provides up to 46 miles of range, which translates to incredibly low running costs per mile. Insurance falls into the moped category rather than car insurance, keeping premiums very reasonable for younger drivers.

The biggest consideration is the initial purchase price, which starts around £7,000 new. While this might seem expensive for such a basic vehicle, it’s competitive when compared to quality electric scooters or other micro-mobility solutions. Maintenance costs should be minimal due to the simple construction and electric drivetrain. There are no oil changes, filters, or complex engine components to worry about. Car finance options are available, making the Ami accessible through affordable monthly payments, and the ultra-low running costs help offset the initial investment.

Citroen Ami Practicality & Boot Space

Despite its tiny dimensions, the Ami manages to be surprisingly practical for its intended use. The small cargo area behind the seats can accommodate a couple of shopping bags or a small rucksack, making it genuinely useful for quick trips to local shops. The symmetrical design means both doors open in opposite directions, making access easy in tight parking spaces. Storage within the cabin includes door pockets and a useful dashboard storage area.

The Ami’s 46-mile range covers most people’s daily urban driving needs comfortably. For a single person or couple living in a city centre, it provides adequate transport for commuting, shopping, and social visits. However, the tiny cabin means it’s really only practical as a two-seater, and longer passengers will find space tight. If you regularly carry passengers or need to travel beyond city limits, you’ll want to consider other used Citroen cars with more conventional capabilities. For urban micro-mobility though, the Ami hits the sweet spot perfectly.

The Citroen Ami represents a bold experiment in urban mobility that largely succeeds in its modest ambitions. It offers genuinely affordable electric transport with virtually zero running costs and surprising build quality for the price point. While it won’t suit everyone, it fills a genuine gap in the market for ultra-compact city transport that doesn’t require a full driving licence.

You choose the Ami because you want simple, affordable electric mobility for short urban trips. It’s perfectly suited to city centres, university campuses, and suburban areas where speeds rarely exceed 30mph anyway. If you’re looking for basic electric transport that costs almost nothing to run, the Ami deserves serious consideration, especially with cars under £10,000 becoming increasingly rare in today’s market.