The Elio would be registered and licensed as a motorcycle in all States. If EM gets to the point of vehicle validation, the Elio will have to comply just as Arcimoto”s FUV and Electra Meccanica’s SOLO did by adding the required center headlight.
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Helmet Laws, Etc.
- Thread starter Russell Naill
- Start date
RSchneider
Elio Addict
The Slingshot has a center light too. The Vanderhall has two that look like they are close enough together that it must meet the requirements. So, I wonder if the Elio is in the same boat as the Vanderhall because they have no center mounted light.
I don't know. Can a state agency set requirements beyond the physical capabilities of a vehicle designated by the federal government as fitting into that category? Regardless, it would have to be decided by the courts and not worth it.
Does anyone know of someone trying to take the motorcycle riding test on a Polaris or Slingshot?
Maurtis
Elio Addict
Apparently some Slingshot owners have, with some pretty funny results 
https://www.slingshotforums.com/threads/gas-state-driving-test-for-the-slingshot-fun.6606/
https://www.slingshotforums.com/threads/gas-state-driving-test-for-the-slingshot-fun.6606/Thanks. I believe this supports what I was saying. If it is a legal "motorcycle", the state cannot reject it and must modify their test to accommodate it. These people obtained their motorcycle license on a slingshot that did not fit the state's test course, so they modified their test to accommodate the vehicle.Apparently some Slingshot owners have, with some pretty funny results
If these people had an Elio, I suspect the state DMV would have to modify their test to accomodate the Elio. It would be an easy test. I like what the person said: "I needed a "M" endorsement in Oklahoma, when I went in get my license updated the clerk didn't know how they would give me the ridding test, so he had me call the senior examiner. She came out that day and followed me. I basically drove the car route with her telling me over a radio what to do. Now I can legally ride any motorcycles even though I've never been on a 2 wheeled bike."
Another person said: "And that's why states just need the Autocycle classification. I don't see myself getting a 2wheeler anytime soon but if I were I would get the proper training. GAs current setup allows anyone to get the M classification without the real knowledge or skills needed for a bike..."
I maintain, if the Elio becomes popular, states will want the federal government to create the "autocycle" classification which would be in the VIN number. This would allow the states to easily regulate the vehicle.
Folks, read the people's stories in Maurtis post.
Thanks Maurtis.
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RSchneider
Elio Addict
I can tell you what will happen. Elio starts to sell 125K to 250K units per year. Of the few states that make you have a M class license will adopt what the rest have and a non M can drive it. The post that was given was from three years ago and Elio motors went to bat for Polaris and got things changed. Good for Elio looking out of the industry. In the end, it'll get an M license plate but non M can drive it. What will end up happening is they will end up being a subset of an automobile and then be subject to those same safety rules and emissions. That's what happens when you become overly popular like Elio will be. If you fly under the radar, then no big deal.
I found out that in my state, no M required for a Slingshot and future Elio.