3/4/2015 - Elio Motors Tech Talk V58 - Recent Frontal Crash Test Simulation

[Ty]

Pretty sure with only one rear wheel giving resistance in the side impact senario she'll slide away, but I sure don't want to be the one to test that theory!

T-bone's are great on a grill, but VERY bad on the pavement.

"on a grill" (of a big truck?)... LOL

 

[Ty]

Roll over, one door , on fire or t-boned on the door side....makes one think about safety.
Need two doors or a sun roof for safety.

Or a window and a center punch!

 

[Johnny Acree]

Sorry guys, but that crumpled up silver sheet metal between the trucks is not a smart.
Look at the wheel. A smart has three lug bolts.

 

[wizard of ahs]

smart car crash dump truck:

Nice try.................NOT a smart !

 

[Ty]

It looks to me like the rear licence plate holder has been designed to accommodate both small and standard license plates...

I believe you are correct, sir. Pretty smart thinking as the Autocycle designation could require a full sized license plate...

 

[eddie66]

I have seen many people think this however right now it is not possible for the states to do this as it would actually be against current Federal law, specifically U.S. Code Title 23, section 166. This law specifically says that states must allow motorcycles onto HOV lanes on federally funded highways, without charging them HOT toll charges, and specifically excepts motorcycles from the minimum occupancy rules.



The interesting thing to me about this section of law is that is says that the states "shall allow" motorcycles but only "may allow' public transportation vehicles. So states have to allow motorcycles regardless of people on board however it is optional whether they allow higher occupancy public transportation into the HOV lanes. o_O

It would still be possible for a state to block autocycles from using motorcycles lanes since the helmet law argument is that for all practical purposes, Elio operates the same as a car, and should not require the operator to have a motorcycle license and abide by state helmet laws. Tough to have your cake and eat it too, kind of arguement. I'm fairly certain the issue will come up from frustrated 4 wheelers sitting in stop and go traffic while we sail by them solo in the hov lanes.

 

[NSTG8R]

It would still be possible for a state to block autocycles from using motorcycles lanes since the helmet law argument is that for all practical purposes, Elio operates the same as a car, and should not require the operator to have a motorcycle license and abide by state helmet laws. Tough to have your cake and eat it too, kind of arguement. I'm fairly certain the issue will come up from frustrated 4 wheelers sitting in stop and go traffic while we sail by them solo in the hov lanes.

Good point Eddie66, 'lane envy' could cause some problems down the road. I can also see, assuming Elios sell like VW Bugs, states adjusting the classification to snag more tax money from the owners.

 

[eddie66]

Good point Eddie66, 'lane envy' could cause some problems down the road. I can also see, assuming Elios sell like VW Bugs, states adjusting the classification to snag more tax money from the owners.

I don't see that happening, because, as G1 pointed out, the three wheels would still qualify as a motorcycle by federal law. That is not to say they couldn't draft separate laws that go along with the new classification of autocycles, but it would have to come from the Feds and not the States. States could still dictate Hywy. laws

 

[goofyone]

I don't see that happening, because, as G1 pointed out, the three wheels would still qualify as a motorcycle by federal law. That is not to say they couldn't draft separate laws that go along with the new classification of autocycles, but it would have to come from the Feds and not the States. States could still dictate Hywy. laws

I have no doubt that complaints will happen and the issue will very likely be raised at some point. However as it stands right now without a change to either the federal NHTSA motorcycle status and/or the federal HOV laws there is currently nothing the states can do, which complies with federal law, to block the Elio vehicle from HOV lanes on federally funded highways such as the interstate system. I actually did not come up with this information myself but instead this was researched by EM's lawyers and provided to me in a discussion with EM's VP of government affairs, Joel Sheltrown.

The legal issues surrounding EM can definitely be confusing at times as this vehicle does not cleanly fit into classifications at either the state or federal levels. These separate state and federal laws also intersect and interrelate making it even more complicated to follow along however these issues are only going to get worse as just around the corner is the Lit Motors C-1 which further blurs the line between car and motorcycle. For those who do not know the C-1 is a fully enclosed two wheel vehicle which is driven using conventional automobile steering wheel and pedal controls just like the Elio. There is little reason why helmets or a motorcycle license would be necessary to drive the C-1 either however for now in many states both will be required until governments can figure out how to properly address these issues.

 

[John Painter]

I don't see that happening, because, as G1 pointed out, the three wheels would still qualify as a motorcycle by federal law. That is not to say they couldn't draft separate laws that go along with the new classification of autocycles, but it would have to come from the Feds and not the States. States could still dictate Hywy. laws

I don't believe states can "dictate" anything related to roads which are at least partially funded with federal money unless the state wants to give up federal highway funds, though they can regulate within federal guidelines.