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Legal: Motorcycle License And Helmet Laws

JP

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Here is a copy of the email I sent to my MVA:

*********** BEGIN REDIRECTED MESSAGE ***********
To: MVA Customer Service <MVACS@mdot.state.md.us>
Date: Mon, 07 Apr 2014 21:35:11 -0400
Subject: MVA0000545743 Autocycle Registration



To whom this may concern:

I have reserved an autocycle and I have been reviewing the rules for motorcycle endorsement in MD.
I am confused about which parts would apply to this vehicle. Because it has only 3 wheels it is considered a motorcycle at the Federal level, but it is nothing like a trike style. It is a fully enclosed automobile set up just like any standard automobile with standard automotive controls and equipment. Many other states have created a new category for "autocycle"
that does not have any requirements different from the standard drivers license. However, I could not find any information about this for MD. I have no desire to ride a standard two or 3 wheel motorcycle, only to drive the Elio as I would a normal car. I do not have a motorcycle license, only a standard MD drivers license.

http://www.eliomotors.com/

What would I have to do to get licensed for this vehicle?
 

JP

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I JUST RECEIVED A REPLY TODAY FROM THE MVA:

Hello,

There are several steps that need to be completed to see if the Elio is compliant with Maryland's regulations. First the vehicle must be inspected by the State Police Automotive Safety Enforcement Division (ASED).

In order to request an examination of the ELIO to see if it is suitable for registration in Maryland, you must contact Ms. Rhonda Witt, Manager of the Vehicle Services Division, MVA at 410-762-5060 or via email at rwitt@mva.maryland.gov.

Ms. Witt will need the following information and documents to arrange for the examination with the State Police ASED. If you are working with a dealer who sells these vehicles it will be helpful to her to have that dealer's name and address.

She will need to obtain:

* a certificate of origin for the specific vehicle that will be brought in for examination,

* a copy of the manufacturers certification label for that specific vehicle,

* a verification that the manufacturer has certified the vehicle meets requirements under 49CFR

* a copy of the owner's manual

* any information available on the internet on the vehicle, (which has already been provided to her)

Please let Ms. Witt know how you would like to proceed with this matter and she will assist with setting up the examination.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to assist you with this matter. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Witt at the number or email address above.

Dee Largent
Customer Agent III
Vehicle Services Response Unit
410-787-7886
dlargent@mva.maryland.gov
 

JP

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HERE IS THE EMAIL I JUST SENT TO THE NEW PERSON I WAS ADVISED TO CONTACT:

Hello Ms. Witt,

I was directed to contact you in the email attached below about registration and licensing for the Elio. As I mentioned, I have put down a deposit on an Elio, set to begin production in the first quarter of 2015. As you have seen on their website, the vehicle has only 3 wheels (to get better gas mileage). That means it is classified as a motorcycle under Federal requirements. This poses an issue because while the Elio only has 3 wheels, it is operated with standard vehicle controls like gas and brake pedals and a steering wheel. It also has the same safety features that cars do like side-view mirrors, 3 airbags, a safety cage, and seat belts. The driver is fully enclosed in the vehicle as well. Since it is so much like a regular car, I do not see why I need to have a motorcycle license to operate when it is nothing like a motorcycle, except for having less than 4 wheels.

I do not have an Elio in my possession yet so I cannot provide one for testing and certification. The vehicle is in the pre-production stages currently.

I am writing in the hopes that Maryland may grant an exemption for such vehicles like the Elios and create a separate classification for auto-cycles where a standard drivers license is required, since it has the same controls as a car does. The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators is trying to call the vehicle an auto-cycle as well, so it can be driven with a standard driver's license.

I would like to see the Elio be operated with a standard driver's license so I am seeking an exemption for a motorcycle license to be made by the MVA in Maryland for auto-cycles like the Elio.

Thank you.
 

zelio

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HERE IS THE EMAIL I JUST SENT TO THE NEW PERSON I WAS ADVISED TO CONTACT:

Hello Ms. Witt,

I was directed to contact you in the email attached below about registration and licensing for the Elio. As I mentioned, I have put down a deposit on an Elio, set to begin production in the first quarter of 2015. As you have seen on their website, the vehicle has only 3 wheels (to get better gas mileage). That means it is classified as a motorcycle under Federal requirements. This poses an issue because while the Elio only has 3 wheels, it is operated with standard vehicle controls like gas and brake pedals and a steering wheel. It also has the same safety features that cars do like side-view mirrors, 3 airbags, a safety cage, and seat belts. The driver is fully enclosed in the vehicle as well. Since it is so much like a regular car, I do not see why I need to have a motorcycle license to operate when it is nothing like a motorcycle, except for having less than 4 wheels.

I do not have an Elio in my possession yet so I cannot provide one for testing and certification. The vehicle is in the pre-production stages currently.

I am writing in the hopes that Maryland may grant an exemption for such vehicles like the Elios and create a separate classification for auto-cycles where a standard drivers license is required, since it has the same controls as a car does. The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators is trying to call the vehicle an auto-cycle as well, so it can be driven with a standard driver's license.

I would like to see the Elio be operated with a standard driver's license so I am seeking an exemption for a motorcycle license to be made by the MVA in Maryland for auto-cycles like the Elio.

Thank you.
Well done JP. One more step forward. I am glad you mentioned the AAMVA because I think that takes the request out of the personal and to the community level. Good job! :-) Z
 

JP

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Just replied. I'm really moving up the ladder with this:

Thank you for your email. According to current Maryland Vehicle Law, the vehicle does fall under the definition of motorcycle. I will be pleased to assist you with setting up the examination of the vehicle by the Maryland State Police Automotive Safety Enforcement Division, once the vehicle and required documents are available, as itemized in the email from Dee Largent.

For your questions concerning the driver licensing requirements for this type of vehicle, I am copying Phil Sause, Manager of the Motorcycle Safety Program on this email.

Thank you for allowing us to assist you with this matter.

Rhonda Witt, Division Manager
Vehicle Services
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
Telephone: 410-762-5060
Fax #: 410-768-7413
Email: rwitt@mva.maryland.gov
 

JP

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As suggested, I emailed the Manager of Motorcycle Safety is Maryland:

Hello,

I was told to email you about the licensing issue for the Elio. As you see in the previous emails, I have reserved a 3-wheeled Elio which classifies as a motorcycle. Unlike a motorcycle however, it is operated with standard vehicle controls like gas and brake pedals and a steering wheel. It also has the same safety features that cars do like side-view mirrors, 3 airbags, a safety cage, and seat belts. The driver is fully enclosed in the vehicle as well. Since it is so much like a regular car, I do not see why I need to have a motorcycle license to operate when it is nothing like a motorcycle, except for having less than 4 wheels. I have attached an official photo from their website showing the controls for the vehicle. As you can see, it looks nearly identical to any other automobile, which is why I hope to drive it using a standard driver's license.

I understand that since that the vehicle has not entered production, you have nothing physical to examine but over 14,000 people have reserved one as of 4/6/2014 on their company website. This will potentially cause problems when production starts.

The AAMVA is trying to call the vehicle an auto-cycle as well, so it can be driven with a standard driver's license. I am hoping for an exemption so that I can drive it with my standard license.

Thank you.
 

zelio

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As suggested, I emailed the Manager of Motorcycle Safety is Maryland:

Hello,

I was told to email you about the licensing issue for the Elio. As you see in the previous emails, I have reserved a 3-wheeled Elio which classifies as a motorcycle. Unlike a motorcycle however, it is operated with standard vehicle controls like gas and brake pedals and a steering wheel. It also has the same safety features that cars do like side-view mirrors, 3 airbags, a safety cage, and seat belts. The driver is fully enclosed in the vehicle as well. Since it is so much like a regular car, I do not see why I need to have a motorcycle license to operate when it is nothing like a motorcycle, except for having less than 4 wheels. I have attached an official photo from their website showing the controls for the vehicle. As you can see, it looks nearly identical to any other automobile, which is why I hope to drive it using a standard driver's license.

I understand that since that the vehicle has not entered production, you have nothing physical to examine but over 14,000 people have reserved one as of 4/6/2014 on their company website. This will potentially cause problems when production starts.

The AAMVA is trying to call the vehicle an auto-cycle as well, so it can be driven with a standard driver's license. I am hoping for an exemption so that I can drive it with my standard license.

Thank you.
That is so awesome. All you did is take one small step and look what you have accomplished so far. I am very, very impressed. Congratulations. :-) Z
 
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Erik Peterson

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Why not must get a cycle endorcement? My wife did a weekend course in MI at a local community college for 25$ a couple of years ago. She can barely ride a bycycle but, figured it out passed, tried riding and didn't like it... But still is legal. You do not need to have been riding long to pass, at least in MI, the license is no indicator of riding skill. To get that you need a higher level of training with real coaches on a track.
 

zelio

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Why not must get a cycle endorcement? My wife did a weekend course in MI at a local community college for 25$ a couple of years ago. She can barely ride a bycycle but, figured it out passed, tried riding and didn't like it... But still is legal. You do not need to have been riding long to pass, at least in MI, the license is no indicator of riding skill. To get that you need a higher level of training with real coaches on a track.
The Elio very simply is a motorcycle only because it has 3 wheels and a mc vin. I have seen mc courses that were $195. That is very high for someone who is buying the Elio because of the low price. There is no need for a motorcycle endorsement unless the Elio owner is also going to ride motorcycles. Many are but there are also many who are not. I'm glad Elio is working on getting these laws changed so they make sense. :-) Z
 

JP

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Why not must get a cycle endorcement? My wife did a weekend course in MI at a local community college for 25$ a couple of years ago. She can barely ride a bycycle but, figured it out passed, tried riding and didn't like it... But still is legal. You do not need to have been riding long to pass, at least in MI, the license is no indicator of riding skill. To get that you need a higher level of training with real coaches on a track.

Elio is trying to sell a car that is badged a motorcycle. Calling it a motorcycle will limit their market since the word turns many people off immediately, not too mention they have to get a separate license
 
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