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I can't find an actual list, but I believe that most states do not require a motorcycle endorsement to drive the Elio. Their vague FAQ section only states:
Quote:
Q: Can I drive this with my existing license?
Many states do not require a motorcycle license to operate the vehicle, a regular driver’s license is usually enough. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles to be sure.
I have to say, these guys are a lot farther along with a much more promising business model than I would have expected. The steps to have Pep Boys doing maintenance seems like a good move. The idea for people to make an automated "car payment" equivalent to the amount of money they're saving on gas is brilliant, even if a little gimmicky. I wish them luck.
You'll have to wear a helmet if you travel in states that require it, and eye protection if they don't have an exemption for motorcycles with windshields. There are other restrictions in some states for carrying passengers (sometimes until you've had your license for x years)...
Motorcycle tires are generally fairly expensive, and don't last terribly long due to the traction requirements...
Safety may be an issue for some, it's a motorcycle so the usual government mandated safety features of a car do not apply... that's a huge cost savings.
The motor is anemic, a 900cc motorcycle engine will easily make twice the horsepower.. The specs are missing a lot of details (torque would be more useful). I'd be concerned about it's ability to maintain highway speed in hilly areas...
Last edited by braindead0; 08-25-2014 at 03:23 PM..
I can't find an actual list, but I believe that most states do not require a motorcycle endorsement to drive the Elio. Their vague FAQ section only states:
I put this in the category of "Wishful Thinking." Unless they are willing to pay for the millions of dollars worth of crash testing (which they can't currently pass) and other testing and documentation required to earn DOT certification, it won't be allowed to be licensed as a car. Federal rules trump state rules in this regard.
Matter of fact, the lower standards and lower construction costs and lower licensing costs for a motorcycle are exactly the reason the Morgan Roadster was designed as a three wheeler in the first place.
You'll have to wear a helmet if you travel in states that require it, and eye protection if they don't have an exemption for motorcycles with windshields. There are other restrictions in some states for carrying passengers (sometimes until you've had your license for x years)...
Motorcycle tires are generally fairly expensive, and don't last terribly long due to the traction requirements...
Safety may be an issue for some, it's a motorcycle so the usual government mandated safety features of a car do not apply... that's a huge cost savings.
The motor is anemic, a 900cc motorcycle engine will easily make twice the horsepower.. The specs are missing a lot of details (torque would be more useful). I'd be concerned about it's ability to maintain highway speed in hilly areas...
Doesn't look like it has motorcycle tires...not sure though.
A 900cc motorcycle engine would make it fun for sure, but 55hp won't make it win any drag races but it should be fine. My Polaris RZR side by side only makes 38hp and that will run 50 thru the trails with a 63mph top speed. and that is #1100, all wheel drive, and with big heavy offroad tires.
Interesting little car, though I think the Myers Motors version with four wheels and electric power might be a more compelling vehicle for commutes in dense areas/heavy traffic on low-moderate speed roads.
__________________
All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages.
~William Shakespeare (As You Like It Act II, Scene VII)
I put this in the category of "Wishful Thinking." Unless they are willing to pay for the millions of dollars worth of crash testing (which they can't currently pass) and other testing and documentation required to earn DOT certification, it won't be allowed to be licensed as a car. Federal rules trump state rules in this regard.
Matter of fact, the lower standards and lower construction costs and lower licensing costs for a motorcycle are exactly the reason the Morgan Roadster was designed as a three wheeler in the first place.
there is an easy way around that little issue of crash testing, and that is to make and sell this as a kit car. they just need to make it so that the customer has to do a little of the work to put the vehicle together, such as perhaps install the wheels, or install their engine. and then they can have the people that sell the vehicles do the installation for the customer as part of the purchase price.
Would it be wrong of me to say. This looks like a death trap?
I d be very afraid in houston traffic.
No worse then a motorcycle....
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