Legal: Motorcycle License And Helmet Laws

[Mr Deleon]

It would be GREAT PR if Elio tested with the motorcycle standards because they had to but also tested with the car standards because they believe in their product.

 

[Jeff Porter]

I am, of course, not knowledgeable about other states, but here in Missouri obtaining a motorcycle endorsement is REALLY simple. You do have to take an easy knowledge test, but the driving test is on YOUR motorcycle, in this case, your Elio. For three-wheeled and side-car rigs, they don't even take you on their regular driving skill course. Just follow you around and observe. So, I only see the helmet law as a big deal for us right now, and maybe by the day I drive my Elio home to Missouri, that will be resolved.

That's very interesting, I guess we all know that each state is different, but wow, for a skills test, they follow you around and observe your driving on regular roads. For the most part, that really makes sense for a driving skills test for an autocycle. :-)

 

[Rickb]

It would be GREAT PR if Elio tested with the motorcycle standards because they had to but also tested with the car standards because they believe in their product.

That's exactly what they are going to do to achieve the anticipated 5 star crash rating.

 

[Rickb]

Place the effort on Elio's mc exemption as an enclosed cab three wheeler and the helmet laws are a non-issue.

 

[Jeff Porter]

Side bar comment: I'm willing to bet that about half the motorcyclists out there do not have a M/C endorsement on their license and do not have any insurance for a motorcycle either. I see a lot of "scooters" in the 50cc-150cc class running around town here without helmets and negligible riding skills.

I agree that it would be proactive to attain your motorcycle endorsement while promoting the change of the motor vehicle law to accomodate three wheeled autocycles. However, I worry about the "having your cake and eating it too" comment because the Elio is skirting the "crash test" requirements by using the motorcycle classification. Now, as potential owners, we want to declare the Elio is not or motorcycle to avoid the licensing requirements. Seems hinky to me...just my opinion though...

Half the KY motorcyclists don't have an mc endorsement and don't have insurance? Wow. That's a big number.

 

[zelio]

I just read this, and I believe it is good news!

I'm guessing ELIO has used this same information while getting the State laws changed to accommodate the autocycle?

http://www.aamva.org/3WheelVehicleBP/

I always recommend this document to anyone who is contacting their state representatives and DMV people. It gives their suggestions and requests some reinforcement and takes it from the personal level to the level of "for the better good of all". Of course that is my very biased and totally not the least humble opinion. :-) Z

 

[zelio]

It would be GREAT PR if Elio tested with the motorcycle standards because they had to but also tested with the car standards because they believe in their product.

To my knowledge, that is exactly what they are planning - at least with the car standards. I don't know anything about mc standards. :-) Z

 

[Chris F]

Side bar comment: I'm willing to bet that about half the motorcyclists out there do not have a M/C endorsement on their license and do not have any insurance for a motorcycle either. I see a lot of "scooters" in the 50cc-150cc class running around town here without helmets and negligible riding skills.

I agree that it would be proactive to attain your motorcycle endorsement while promoting the change of the motor vehicle law to accomodate three wheeled autocycles. However, I worry about the "having your cake and eating it too" comment because the Elio is skirting the "crash test" requirements by using the motorcycle classification. Now, as potential owners, we want to declare the Elio is not or motorcycle to avoid the licensing requirements. Seems hinky to me...just my opinion though...

What I think we are saying is that there is a new class of vehicle the laws should recognize on the state level that has elements of both automobiles and motorcycles. For the most part, vehicle laws are a matter of state jurisdiction, so state law ought to be changed.

 

[zelio]

What I think we are saying is that there is a new class of vehicle the laws should recognize on the state level that has elements of both automobiles and motorcycles. For the most part, vehicle laws are a matter of state jurisdiction, so state law ought to be changed.

True, but we have a vested interest in helping see this gets done. Legislators won't think about something they have never heard of. We have all heard of the Elio but how many of us missed an opportunity to see the Elio in person because we had never heard of it? I did. It was in Portland in September 2013. I learned about it in January 2014. I was just lucky that Portland got a return visit this year and I was totally committed by then. We need to bring attention to these vehicles in any positive way we can to help the process along. :-) Z

 

[AriLea]

Is my Lit Motors C-1 enclosed cab motorcycle an Autocyle........with only two wheels.........AAMVA should have read enclosed cab Two & Three Wheelers.
View attachment 2902

Probably that would give issues with parking etc that Lit would not want to get entangled on.

A a name space that could fit both the C-1 and the Elio is a Cabinscooter, or if you like a Cabinroller or Cabincycle or CabinCar.
Although it would be best if a CabinCycle remains two wheeled, to narrow down to the platform differences.

The C-1 is always self stabilized so most disabilities are not any more of a problem than a 4w Car.