a new trike classification?

[Carbon_One]

With the recent introduction of Polaris's slingshot there's been some speculation as to what the various states should label it. Polaris and most states are calling it a motorcycle due to being on 3 wheels. A few refuse that title due to side by side seating and a steering wheel. Indiana and a couple other states are now going to classify them as "auto cycles". More than likely the T-Rex, Morgan, TMS Stallion, Elio, & Slingshot will eventually all far under this class. I'm sure we'll eventually be seeing a lot more three wheelers built & falling into this class.
In any case it should be interesting to see what the future holds for these "auto cycles ".

[tfdeputydawg]

Tandem seating + handlebars + 3 wheels = motorcycle trike or sidecar rig
Side X side seating + steering wheel + 3 wheels = CAR
Slingshot does not meet FMVSS, DOT, NSTA requirements for a "car".

Several states are already refusing to register these things as not meeting the requirements to be either a motorcycle or a car!

Might want to be one of the few to get one before they quickly fade away. Make sure you get one that has had the steering fixed!

Just an opinion, YMMV
BTW, the motor is the same GM 4cyl that was used in the Solstice/Sky vehicles that, IMHO got terrible gas mileage for small 2 seater vehicles. 25mpg was the realistic mileage!

Having said all that, would love to have one!!!!!!

[Carbon_One]

Kansas is the latest state going with autocycle.
Three-wheeled vehicles don’t roll easily into existing Kansas motor vehicle laws, so a pending bill would create a new classification: the autocycle.

House Bill 2044 rolled through the House last month on a 122-0 vote and awaits action in the Senate.
http://www.hutchnews.com/news/local_...e58186984.html

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South Carolina's DMV split out Trikes into two categories: "3-wheeled automotives", and "3-wheeled cycles". The delineation between the two categories is primarily based on steering ("car-style, or bike-style"). For full descriptions, you can see South Carolina Motorcycle Statute 56-5-145 and 56-5-150.

This state's Skills Test is configured in a way that makes it nearly (or outright, for the Slingshot) impossible to complete in a trike. Additionally, there was a large demographic of disabled veterans returning from overseas who wanted to ride, but no longer had the agility required to safely control a two-wheeled bike.

In 2009, former governor Mark Sanford signed into law House Bill 3347 which, among other things, allows both 3-wheeled autos and 3-wheeled cycles to be operated with a regular driver's license; no Motorcycle Endorsement is required.

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State: Virginia
Operator license required
All you need is a 3-Wheel Motorcycle License(M3) to ride a Polaris Slingshot.
Click to expand...

Motor Vehicles

HB 122 and SB 383: Autocycle; defines a new class of vehicle and provides for examination of drivers, fees, etc. (Chapters 53 and 383) Amends Va. Code §§ 46.2-100, 46.2-325, 46.2-626.1, 46.2-662, 46.2-694, as it is currently effective and as it may become effective, 46.2-711, 46.2-715, 46.2-730, 46.2-910, 46.2-1011, 46.2-1012, 46.2-1014, 46.2-1057, 46.2-1067, 46.2-1068, 46.2-1092, 46.2-1157, 46.2-1167, 46.2-1500, and 46.2-1993

This bill defines a new class of vehicle, known as an autocycle, and provides for examination of drivers, registration fees, safety, inspection, and other requirements pursuant to creating this new class of vehicle. This legislation reflects the recommendations of the Non-Conventional Vehicles Study relating to three-wheel vehicles that operate and handle more as automobiles than motorcycles. The bill contains technical amendments. Components of the bill include:

Definition:

• Defines a new class of vehicle (the “autocycle”), which is based on the recommendations of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) Three-Wheel Vehicle Working Group.
• The autocycle has a steering wheel and seating that does not allow the operator to straddle or sit astride.
• The autocycle must be manufactured to comply with federal safety standards for motorcycles.
  
  Driver’s license requirements:
  
  • A valid driver’s license is required to operate an autocycle on state highways.
    
  • A motorcycle class will not be required to operate an autocycle.
    
  • Autocycles may not be used for any behind-the-wheel examination.
    
    Safety belts:
  
  
  
  • Autocycles must be equipped with an approved safety belt system.
  • Operators and passengers in autocycles will be required to comply with
    
    safety belt use requirements.
    
    Helmets:
  
  
  
  • Helmets are required for operators and passengers of autocycles without a permanent, fixed roof.
  • Operators of and passengers in autocycles with nonremovable roofs, windshields, and enclosed bodies shall not be required to wear helmets.
  • This is consistent with current Virginia law on helmet use for motorcycle
    
    operators.
    
    Safety inspections:
  
  
  
  • For safety inspections, autocycles will be inspected as motorcycles.
  • In order to pass the safety inspection, autocycles must also be equipped with
    
    operational safety belts.
  • Because autocycle operators do not need to have a motorcycle endorsement,
    
    Virginia State Police will retain $2.00 from each inspection of an autocycle (compared to the $0.50 it retains for inspection of a motorcycle as the other $1.50 must be deposited into the Motorcycle Rider Safety Training Program Fund).
    
    Registration fees and license plates:
    
    • The base fee for registration of an autocycle is $18.00 (the same as a motorcycle).
    • As with motorcycles, autocycles will display one license plate on the rear of the vehicle.
      
      Autocycle dealers:
    
    
    
    • Autocycles will be sold by licensed motorcycle dealers.
    • There is no separate category for autocycle dealer.
      
      New titles will be issued at no fee for those vehicles that were titled as motorcycles but meet the definition of autocycle.
      
      Contact:
      Sheila Stephens, Deputy Director, Vehicle Services Administration (804) 367-2634
      E-mail: sheila.stephens@dmv.virginia.gov

[Carbon_One]

Here's more info on what is happening in regards to this topic. As we can see states will eventually be changing their licensing laws to better reflect these types of vehicles. Whether it's going to be good or bad time will tell. I do think it'll clear up muddied titles as to whether they're cars or motorcycles with, with my opinion of calling them auto cycles a better term.

Starting Jan 1,2015 in Illinois the SS is no longer considered a motorcycle It's now an auto cycle and no longer requires a motorcycle license. There will be a new plate and registration to follow. Senate Bill SB 3130 Regulates the use of autocycles - vehicles that have three wheels, but seating like a car rather than a motorcycle or bicycle

In VT, the "autocycle" is a motorcycle, helmets are required and the SS comes with seatbelts and must be worn. Seatbelt law is a secondary offense and you can not be stopped for it, unless your passenger is under the age of 16