Opel Rocks Electric can be driven by 15-year olds (in Europe)

While use of public transport is encouraged, the Europeans also seem to be okay with motorised vehicles for personal mobility – as long as they are small and don’t pollute the air. So manufacturers like Renault, Peugeot and Opel offer microcars that can be used in cities and even by young teenagers.

15-year olds can drive it
One such car is the Rocks Electric by Opel (a company in the Stellantis Group) which can be driven by anyone aged 15 onwards on public roads in European countries. The youngsters (aged 15 or 16, depending on the country) can get an AM driving license in the AM category which is available in the EU (European Union) and drive 2-wheeled/3-wheeled vehicles which have a maximum speed of 45 km/h.

The Rocks Electric (which has an equivalent Citroen model called the Ami) was launched in 2021 and is produced at a Stellantis Group plant in Morocco. It has been especially popular in the Netherlands where it was the best-selling light motor vehicle in 2023 and had a market share of over 40% in the microcar segment.

‘Detox’ design philosophy
For 2025, the model has been updated with a bolder, cleaner, and more distinctive look. The new styling theme reflects the 162-year old brand’s ‘Detox’ philosophy which is the approach to a more focused, safe, and powerful drive.

Preview images released by Opel show that its Opel Vizor (the ‘face’) now shines in the characteristic black, while the Opel lightning bolt on the front and rear shines in contrasting white. The body below the window line is completely light grey, contrasted by the black roof and black wheels.

While being compact (smaller than a Perodua Axia), the Rocks Electric offers significant and obvious advantages over e-bikes, motorcycles and scooters. It protects its occupants from wind and rain and with the tubular space-frame, deformation zones, and a laminated windscreen, driving is safer.

Only 485 kgs in weight
The electric motor generates 6 kW (8.2 ps) which is adequate for a vehicle that weighs just 485 kgs. The battery is a 5.5 kWh lithium-ion type and can give a range of up to 75 kms. As the battery capacity is not large, a full charge takes around 4 hours and it can be done from a household power socket. The charging cable is integrated into the side panel behind the passenger door and can be easily pulled out when needed.

To save costs, the two doors are 100% identical in design, meaning that the hinges are on only one side. This gives a unique installation on the car: the door on the right side swings forward while the door on the left – with its hinges on the right side – swings open in the opposite direction.

Clean, clear, connected interior
The interior of the Rocks Electric is also fully geared towards the younger generation. The design, consistently focused on functionality, has easily accessible controls and clear, easy-to-read displays that focus on the essentials.

The steering wheel has been restyled for 2025 with the same approach as the exterior. The standard panoramic roof, which, like the side windows and rear window, is made of tempered safety glass, creates a light and pleasant atmosphere – unusual for a vehicle in this class.

A smartphone holder positioned on the centre console with a USB port and connectivity via DAT dongle ensures network connectivity. The driver can also connect their smartphone via Bluetooth using the separately mountable ‘MyRocks Switch’ on the steering wheel. With ‘MyRocks Play’, he or she can listen to favourite music, use the preferred navigation system, and make phone calls without taking their eyes off the road.

RM38,350 in Germany
The Rocks Electric will be available in Edition and GS equipment levels. While prices for the 2025 model have not been announced yet, the EV has been selling at €7,990 in Germany, equivalent to RM38,350.

Though it’s a practical vehicle for city use, it is unlikely to attract buyers in Malaysia who can get a bigger Axia (with more space) from RM22,000 or a Bezza sedan from RM34,580. Ten years ago, TC Euro Cars tried selling the Renault Twizy EV – also a microcar like the Rocks – and it was priced at RM72,000 as there was no duty-exemption then. There was no interest and it was more a novelty which could be rented from a company that tried to interest the public in eco-friendly mobility.