California changes the definition of a motorcycle
Click above for a gallery of the Aptera 2e
We've taken an in-depth look into what it takes to create a road-legal three-wheeled motorcycle in the past, and California has just made it even easier to enter the market in that far-left State. As noted before, it's a constantly evolving set of rules because each state is left up to its own to decide what's legal and what isn't. Companies such as Aptera have specifically chosen to market their first products in California because of that State's lax definition of a motorcycle, something that is actually about to change once again. Specifically, there will no longer be a weight limit on three-wheeled vehicles - no matter what, they will be classified as motorcycles and will therefore be allowed in High Occupancy Vehicle lanes in that State. California will also no longer differentiate between motorcycles that run on alternative fuels. Regardless of whether it's powered by gasoline, electricity, or hydrogen - or anything else for that matter - if it's got two or three wheels, it'll be a motorcycle. Period.
Gallery: Aptera 2e
[Source: Daily Democrat via Biker-Events]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
wincros 11:17AM (12/26/2008)
So does this mean that operators of three wheelers will now have to have a motorcycle license? Up to now three wheelers have not been classified as motorcycles and could be driven by anyone with a regular driver's license.
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kballs 5:48PM (12/26/2008)
+1 on the motorcycle drivers license. Also does this mean you'll have to wear a helmet in 3-wheelers like the Aptera? It is enclosed with seatbelts and airbags, is the size of a car, and has a steering wheel... no balancing needed, no braking individual wheels, countersteer, etc.
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Ian Bruce 9:35PM (12/27/2008)
AB 2272 was Venture Vehicles' (now Persu Mobility's) bill, signed into law on September 30th of this year.
To answer your questions: If the vehicle's enclosed, like the Persu, a regular license is sufficient, and no helmet is required.
Odd choice to showcase the Aptera in this article... Despite claiming for months their vehicle would be allowed in HOV lanes, they absolutely no justification in making that claim. They were unaware of this pending legislation -- and had nothing to do with the tremendous effort to get it passed.
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