  We show that the semi-classical model of conduction breaks down if the mean
free path of charge carriers is smaller than a typical extension of their
wavefunction. This situation is realized for sufficiently slow charge carriers
and leads to a transition from a metallic like to an insulating like regime
when scattering by defects increases. This explains the unconventional
conduction properties of quasicrystals and related alloys. The conduction
properties of some heavy fermions or polaronic systems, where charge carriers
are also slow, present a deep analogy.
