Possible problem re 3-wheel status?

[BKL]

Just came across this on Digg.
http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1038756_Scoot-Coupe-Hot-Holiday-Gift-Or-Barely-Legal-Nightmare

Basically, the article says there is some legal question as to classifying 3-wheelers as cars or motorcycles. I wonder how this might impact development efforts.

[voyager]

That has been an issue for a very long time. For instance, years ago the Carver was classified as a motorcycle in the EU. Don't think it would now if they reapplied. Has to do with weight. Some say that small companies prefer a three-wheel layout because of the lower safety requirements. Although I'm convinced that's not the case for all of them, I think it would not benefit them if people realize that their safety may be in serious jeopardy. Still, it's easy to see that a Carver (or a BMW Clever) is not as safe as a regular car. Nor is it pretending to be.

Another benefit that's open to motorcycles and tricycles is single-occupant use of the carpool lane. So, in which category a new vehicle falls is a big issue indeed.

[rickb]

There shouldn't be a problem classifying the Scoot Coupe as a car or motorcycle. I would hope that any law written doesn't blanket "all" three wheel vehicles from a safety perspective. Three wheel vehicles need classifications like any other vehicle segment. The enclosed, safety caged three wheelers like Aptera, Dagne, Persu, and Elio (Five Star Rated) with safety constraints like air bags. three point harness seat belts, and safer light weight carbon fiber body shells can't fall into the same general classification of vehicle as the Scoot Coupe, Spyder, or any other three wheel motorcycle or scooter for that matter. Please somebody tell me that when the enclosed, 5 star safety rated three wheeler I want to drive hits the market I am not going to be faced with classification and licensing issues.

[voyager]

Now that you're mentioning it, the Carver was classified as a motorcycle for which a car driver license was/is required. Like the Piaggio MP3 I guess. Btw, what does five star rating mean as far as three-wheelers concerned. I guess not the same thing as 5 stars for Renault Laguna. How come Elio got 5 stars if no one has ever seen a definitive production model?

[rickb]

Now that you're mentioning it, the Carver was classified as a motorcycle for which a car driver license was/is required. Like the Piaggio MP3 I guess. Btw, what does five star rating mean as far as three-wheelers concerned. I guess not the same thing as 5 stars for Renault Laguna. How come Elio got 5 stars if no one has ever seen a definitive production model?

It is The National Highway Transportation Safety Association's 5 Star Rating with 5 stars highest 1 star lowest based on crash test and roll over rating. Elio Motors is claiming a 5 star safety rating on their Elio Three Wheeler, but they do not share the specs on their website currently to support it.

[NortonF1]

Just to make it clear: The Carver One is NOT classified as a motorcycle, in Europe it s a "L5E" = three wheeled vehicle faster than 45 km/h.

Its a special Category where all the trikes fall under as well, and the Carver is insured like a trike as well.

Emission standards are equal as for motorcycles, and safety standards also, and you can drive it with a Car licence.

Regards Hans

[rickb]

Just to make it clear: The Carver One is NOT classified as a motorcycle, in Europe it s a "L5E" = three wheeled vehicle faster than 45 km/h.

Its a special Category where all the trikes fall under as well, and the Carver is insured like a trike as well.

Emission standards are equal as for motorcycles, and safety standards also, and you can drive it with a Car licence.

Regards Hans

Thanks Hans, but to make it even clearer for me that means "all trikes" or three wheel vehicles, "open" or "enclosed cabin", fall into that same L5E category and can be driven with a car license? If so, could it be that simple in the USA rather than dealing with individual State requirements. I believe that all trikes in the US are classified as motorcycles.

[Derwin]

If so, could it be that simple in the USA rather than dealing with individual State requirements. I believe that all trikes in the US are classified as motorcycles.

We have completely different classifications in America. In Europe, they have a special classification for a "trike", but we do not have this in America.

In America, all of these 3 wheeled vehicles are classified as motorcycles. Although, I have heard that certain areas in the country have special classifications where you can drive them with a normal drivers license.

But I would think as more and more of these babies get on the street, most states would designate them as car, and drivable with a normal license. Let's hope that happens soon!

Derwin

[voyager]

Just to make it clear: The Carver One is NOT classified as a motorcycle, in Europe it s a "L5E" = three wheeled vehicle faster than 45 km/h.

Its a special Category where all the trikes fall under as well, and the Carver is insured like a trike as well.

Emission standards are equal as for motorcycles, and safety standards also, and you can drive it with a Car licence.

Regards Hans

You're right, Hans about the classification as a three-wheeled vehicle. I should've added that fiscally the Carver is considered a motorcycle. Same annual road taxes. http://lexius.nl/kaderbesluit-mrb/artikel1.2

So, the (Dutch) authorities made an exception in the case of the Carver. Normally, enclosed three-wheelers are considered automobiles, fiscally. So, will the Space-Efficient Vehicle concept.