Mini electric car to give young drivers a taste of the road

Christmas may still be a few months away yet, but if you’re looking for something special with which to treat the mini petrolhead in your life (and you’ve got a few thousand to spare), here’s an idea they’re sure to love.

British manufacturer Young Driver Motor Cars Limited has created a two-seater designed specifically for mini motorists aged between five and 10.

What’s more, the Firefly is sure to please environmentally conscious mums and dads, as it’s completely electric, powered by twin 12-volt batteries that allow it to reach up to 10mph.

And for parents worried that such speeds may be a bit too much for their little ones to take, they’ll be glad to know there’s also a special high-tech safety system that will bring the car to a stop if its sensors detect that a crash is imminent.

In addition, parents can stop the car from up to 120 metres away using a remote-control switch should they start to feel their mini racers are getting carried away.

The downside? It’ll cost you just shy of £8,000 to buy one of these cars outright. But on a positive note, it’s possible to book a 20-minute lesson in the Firefly for under £20.

It’s designed to handle just like a real car, but with a few special adjustments to make it accessible to young racers-in-the-making.

These include a fully adjustable seat that will help the majority of the car’s drivers to get comfortable behind the wheel, though an adult of up to six feet will be able to fit into the passenger’s seat too.

The car even comes equipped with a tablet programmed to act like a dashboard, with speedometer, clock and power reserve indicator.

It’s hoped the car will give young drivers a taste of what it feels like to get behind the wheel of a car, and help to teach them about safe driving so that they’re fully prepared for the roads when they have their own licence.