Another strange attraction in the center of Prague. Drivers’ cars are a thorn in their side
“That’s pedaling, isn’t it?” wonders the author of one of the comments under a photo of a strange toy car driving through the center of Prague. Among various imitations of veterans, electric scooters and horse-drawn carriages, other attractions have been added to the metropolis. And drivers of ordinary cars don’t like it very much. At the same time, these cars can reach 90 km / h.
A group of low single-seater cars are driving on the road in the center of Prague. Laughing people in helmets sit behind the wheel. But drivers in ordinary cars do not share much joy with them. “We missed that here. Carriage, scooters and cycling are constantly holding back traffic like this. Now this is it,” one of the drivers is angry. “Another tourist attraction, as if the disgusting ‘replicas’ of historic cars weren’t enough,” adds another critic who is more bothered by the strange design of the toy cars.
They are mini hot rods, ie miniatures of popular modified cars with giant engines in America, which are designed for racing on straight tracks.
The ones in Prague are designed for driving around the city. The company Hot Rod Prague offers the ride as an experience that is passed on by other portals such as Slevomat.cz or Firmanazazitky.cz.
For half an hour you pay 800 crowns after a discount, for an hour over 1,500 crowns. The main season is supposed to be from March to the end of September, but groups in low carts can also be seen in Prague in November. However, cars are not suitable for rain or even snow.
Source: Viktor Škaroupka
Some drivers don’t mind that experience driving is hampered by the already dense traffic in Prague. Others are surprised that such a vehicle can go on the road at all.
The mini hot rods are made in Germany and are powered by a single-cylinder four-stroke engine with a capacity of 170 cc and an output of 10 kW (over 13 hp). A stepless gearbox transfers energy to the rear axle. The vehicle is not completely slow, it has a maximum of 88 km / h, so it should be fine at 50.
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The seat is only 35 cm above the ground and the cars do not have suspension. Due to their size, they are registered as heavy ATVs (category L7e) and do not even have the usual safety measures, such as ABS, seat belt or airbag.
“Vehicles are not comparable to normal cars in service and their driving behavior, so even experienced drivers must be familiar with the handling and behavior… The vehicle has automatic and direct steering (small steering wheel movements lead to large changes in direction). Unlike passenger cars, “Drivers are required to drive with the vehicle and its special features before driving. This applies in particular to driving and braking behavior,” adds the operator.
Before the ride, everyone undergoes a short briefing and the group, which consists of a maximum of five carts, should always accompany the instructor in their own toy car.
The minimum age of the drivers is 18 years, the minimum height is 155 cm and the maximum weight is 120 kg. An adventurous driving requires a valid group B driving license as well as a motorcycle helmet that can be rented. “The operator adds that the alcohol behind the wheel does not tolerate:” Driving skills must not be affected by medication, drugs, alcohol or in any other way. The rental company or its staff may prohibit the journey or its continuation if they have reasonable doubts. “
It is forbidden to make phone calls or take photos during the journey, the driver is responsible for complying with the legal requirements for driving motor vehicles and is responsible for all consequences and any damage they cause.