Update: three-wheelers might be registerable soon in Ohio
Early last month, we found out that Ohio was hesitant to license electric 3-wheelers because of a new definition of what the seat needed to look like. This would have meant that electric vehicles like the Aptera (above), the Zap Xebra and the NMG would be a legal limbo in the state. The good news from the Cleveland Plain Dealer blog, though, is that versions of a big spending bill - House Bill 562 - have been passed by both the House and Senate, and it looks like the conference committee that is reconciling the differences will keep the redefinition of a motorcycle as a vehicle that has no more than three wheels and either a "saddle" or a normal seat. The legislature could pass the bill today. If that happens, and it is signed into law by the governor, it will allow three-wheeled EVs to be registered as motorcycles, but helmet laws might mean that drivers will need to protect their heads with a brain bucket for the first year. Ohio's Bureau of Motor Vehicles is still hoping for a more comprehensive legal solution that will get rid of quirks like that, but at least Ohio drivers can register their emission-free rides now.
[Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer, Thanks to Robert S. for the tip]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jesse 1:35PM (6/10/2008)
Finally!! I settle to wear a helmet for a year if I'm finally allowed to register!!
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Duodenum 3:43PM (6/11/2008)
Meh, you can't get an Aptera outside of California anyway.
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Wave54 4:14PM (6/10/2008)
Nothing says "No prom date" like a guy driving a ZAP Xebra with a helmet:)
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Throwback 4:41PM (6/10/2008)
Why can't you buy an Aptera and take it to any state? Once they are available of course.
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Wave54 5:21PM (6/10/2008)
I saw on their forum that deposits from outside CA are refused. Of course, no one can stop you from purchasing an Aptera while living in CA and then moving.
The main drawback would be warranty and service/parts support -- an issue for all EVs currently. Seems most of the start-ups are based in CA and will migrate slowly, if at all, to the east.
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stevefazek 7:21PM (6/10/2008)
They dont want to sell it out of cali because they dont have a support network set up. Give it time
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stevefazek 7:22PM (6/10/2008)
I forgot to add never buy any major purchase with out a good support network. Those new chinese appliances like Haier If it breaks they expect you to mail back a fridge to cali at your expense and people have been waiting 6 months for parts i hear.
while a kenmore if it breaks under warranty it will be fixed the next day for free normally.
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DS 7:31PM (6/10/2008)
I thought the video camera "mirrors" were another issue outside of California. They changed the law there to allow the video cameras instead of mirrors.
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Chris M 10:40PM (6/10/2008)
A better option would be to make another category for 3 wheel cars - enclosed 3 wheel vehicles with appropriate safety requirements.
As for "mirror" requirements - that should be amended to require "mirrors or video systems that provide rear and rear side views to the driver.
Those in other states should check the laws in question, and if necessary contact your state legislators to request that appropriate changes be made.
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