Ligier JS50

Country of production

The Ligier JS50 is a French model; in the European market it is sold as a light quadricycle (L6e), with production and supply chain managed within the Ligier Group.

Short description

The JS50 is a microcar designed for urban mobility: compact dimensions (about 2.95 m), easy driving, and a practical “car-like” approach rather than a “scooter-like” one, with a closed body, two seats, and typical segment features (infotainment, connectivity, reversing camera depending on trim). The key differentiator is usability for younger drivers: in L6e form it is limited to 45 km/h and can be driven with an AM license (from 14 years old), with restrictions on carrying a passenger until age 16. The range includes Euro 5+ diesel and electric versions, with two battery sizes and declared ranges that are very competitive for the category.

Powertrain and performance

Note: the L7e version (when listed) is aimed at those who want a higher top speed; in Italy it typically requires an B1 license (from 16 years old) or higher.

Dimensions and capacity

Main trims and indicative pricing 

(Indicative “from” prices; they may vary with promotions, options, on-the-road fees, and dealer availability.)

Maintenance and early service (indicative costs)

(Estimates for microcars: they depend heavily on the network, geographic area, and usage. Electric versions typically have fewer mechanical interventions, but tires, brakes, and inspections remain.)

Pros

• Accessibility: L6e version can be driven with an AM license (from 14 years old), with clear limits and easy urban use.

• Surprisingly practical: trunk up to 471 L, very high for the category.

• Electric with two battery sizes: declared 123 km (8.28 kWh) or up to 192 km (12.42 kWh), well-suited to daily travel.

• Maneuverability: ~4.5 m turning circle is useful in city driving and parking.

Cons

• Price: for a microcar, “from” prices can become demanding as you move up trims and battery size.

• Passive/active safety typical of the segment: features such as airbags and ABS are not always present as on a conventional car (check by trim/model year).

• Performance intentionally limited in L6e (45 km/h): ideal for city use, less suitable for faster extra-urban contexts.

• NVH comfort: on diesel versions, vibration/noise can be more noticeable than on the electric.

In summary

The Ligier JS50 is an urban microcar with a clear positioning: maximum usability for younger drivers and daily mobility, with a more “car-like” approach than many alternatives. The diesel remains interesting for those who want quick refueling and strong autonomy, while the electric (especially with the 12.42 kWh battery) is the most coherent choice for urban use, quietness, and potentially more stable running costs.

Verdict — Ligier JS50 (Model year 2025)

Premium microcar · Homologations: L6e (light quadricycle) 45 km/h, L7e (heavy quadricycle, electric only) up to 75 km/h · Seats: 2 · Doors: 3 · Powertrains: Euro 5+ Diesel REVO D+ 499.8 cm³ (6 kW / 8 hp) or electric with 8.28 kWh or 12.42 kWh battery · Automatic transmission · Driving eligibility: from age 14 (L6e with AM licence), from age 16 (L7e with B1 licence)

The Ligier JS50 is a “minicar” that tries to step up from the traditional quadricycle concept: more mature styling, a more carefully finished cabin for the segment, and technology content that—on some trims—approaches “real car” territory (large touchscreen, smartphone connectivity, reversing camera, air conditioning and power steering). In 2025, the key point is the dual offer: Diesel for simplicity and quick refuelling, electric for quiet operation and more predictable running costs, with two battery sizes to match different daily mileages.

The JS50 should not be assessed like a conventional city car: performance is legally tied to the homologation class (45 km/h in L6e), while the L7e electric version adds a higher top speed (75 km/h) and a more flexible use case. In exchange, you accept the segment’s structural limits (2 seats, urban footprint, “microcar” layout), but with a level of comfort and practicality that is surprisingly strong for the category.

Key technical points:

• Homologation and speed:

  • L6e: top speed limited to 45 km/h (Diesel and electric L6e).

  • L7e (electric only): top speed up to 75 km/h.

• Diesel engine (L6e): REVO D+ 499.8 cm³ Euro 5+, output 6 kW (8 hp), torque up to 27 Nm, claimed consumption around ~3.0–3.8 L/100 km (depending on source/trim).

• Electric (L6e and L7e):

  • 8.28 kWh battery: claimed range up to 123 km.

  • 12.42 kWh battery: claimed range up to 192 km (L6e) or up to 179 km (L7e).

  • Charging from a standard socket (230 V) with indicative times of several hours (depending on battery).

• Dimensions and practicality: length about 2.97 m, width ~1.49 m, height ~1.50 m; boot up to 319 L under the parcel shelf and 471 L without the shelf (claimed figures).

• Equipment and comfort (trim-dependent): 10" touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, reversing camera, air conditioning, electric power steering; availability and standard/optional status vary by version.

Who it is for

Buyers looking for a higher-end microcar for city and inner-suburban use: students and families (as a second mobility solution), or users who want something compact but well equipped, with a more curated experience than entry-level minicars. It is especially sensible when usage is primarily urban and “calm” peri-urban, with frequent parking and short-to-medium trips.

Who should consider alternatives

If you need 4 seats, daily extra-urban driving, or true “car-like” speed/range, a conventional city car (or a compact EV) is often the more coherent choice. Likewise, if your routes include fast roads or consistently “quick-flow” traffic, the 45 km/h cap in L6e can become frustrating.

Recommended configuration

• Electric 12.42 kWh if your routes are consistently urban and you can charge at home: it is the more future-proof and quiet option, with higher claimed range and better day-to-day traffic quality. If you meet the requirements and need more flow, consider L7e (75 km/h) for a more flexible use case.

• Diesel REVO D+ (L6e) if you cannot charge regularly or you want maximum simplicity and quick refuelling: it remains the most straightforward choice for a JS50 used as an “always ready” vehicle.

• In both cases, to maximize long-term value it is advisable to prioritize: air conditioning, power steering, reversing camera, and full infotainment (features that materially improve daily usability and resale desirability).