Elio Motors, The Next Big Thing?!!... - Page 209 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

edwin · 12-25-2021, 04:22 PM

I'd rather drive an Elio to work in January than my KTM 200 Duke.

freebeard · 12-25-2021, 04:29 PM

Unpossible, but the Arcimoto FUV represents an attainable middle ground.

cRiPpLe_rOoStEr · 12-26-2021, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edwin

I'd rather drive an Elio to work in January than my KTM 200 Duke.

Riding a motorcycle in my hometown during winter, which is not the same time as I'm in the Southern Hemisphere, is also not the most pleasant experience. No wonder sometimes I lurk about making a replica of a Piaggio Ape from the '60s, as it would at least provide an enclosed cab for all-weather comfort.

Grant-53 · 12-30-2021, 01:13 PM

The regulatory issue of what is a trike motorcycle remains in most states. Similar issues are being sorted out for e-bikes. A four season motorcycle could be based on a 250cc to 400cc unit fitted with a Vetter Challenge shell, a heating source, and off road tires. Of course one needs a motorcycle license.

Hersbird · 12-30-2021, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grant-53

The regulatory issue of what is a trike motorcycle remains in most states. Similar issues are being sorted out for e-bikes. A four season motorcycle could be based on a 250cc to 400cc unit fitted with a Vetter Challenge shell, a heating source, and off road tires. Of course one needs a motorcycle license.

Individual states could make carveouts and not require motorcycle endorsement or helmets for 3 wheeled vehicles with rollover protection and 3 point seat belts. The purpose of 3 wheels is to get around federal regulations but those don't stipulate helmets or endorsements.

freebeard · 12-30-2021, 07:29 PM

In the 1980s it was "We're looking for a market niche big enough to park a Mercedes in". Now it's "We're looking for a carveout big enough to drive a tricycle through".

samwichse · 12-30-2021, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hersbird

Individual states could make carveouts and not require motorcycle endorsement or helmets for 3 wheeled vehicles with rollover protection and 3 point seat belts. The purpose of 3 wheels is to get around federal regulations but those don't stipulate helmets or endorsements.

From what I've found:

Quote:

As of January 2018, Elio reports that only three states—Alaska, Maine, and New York—still require a motorcycle license to operate an autocycle. Additionally, only Maine's partial helmet law, requiring helmets for occupants below the age of 18, applies to the Elio. No helmets are required in the other 49 states, regardless of regular motorcycle helmet laws.