Definition of a Motorcycle...

[Bfromla]

Lil late but sharing all same, might clear up some confusion. Might create something else¿

 

[2dogs]

This doesn't clear anything up!

 

[Peter Aawen]

This doesn't clear anything up!

I dunno, I'd think those new bits they're adding about 'sitting astride on a seat or saddle...' and 'having handlebars with brake and accelerator controls on them...' are pretty significant changes that could be pretty problematic moving on for those things like Slingshots and others that have seats you sit IN like a car and steering wheels like a car...

 

[racoon]

Here's a link to the bill. It's a long read:

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3385/text/ih?format=txt

I found this "overview":

While no single, universal "Congress definition" exists, federal law (NHTSA) defines a motorcycle as a motor vehicle with power, a rider's saddle/seat, and not more than three wheels, while recent Congressional bills (like H.R.3385) propose updating this to specify handlebars, astride seating, specific controls (handlebar/foot), and capability over 30 mph, moving away from some three-wheeled car-like vehicles being classed as motorcycles.
Key Federal (NHTSA) Definition (49 CFR § 571.3)

• A motor vehicle with motive power.
• Has a seat or saddle for the rider.
• Designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground.

 

[Jackhartjr]

I couldn't watch the whole video. I'll wait for a better definition!

 

[canamjhb]

I think this bill creates more problems than it solves. My side-by-side, with 4 wheels, bucket seats, and a steering wheel was licensed and insured as a "motorcycle". My golf cart likewise is licensed and insured as a motorcycle. Both vehicle types are legal and regularly ridden on public streets and roads. The one exception is they cannot be operated on any interstate highways. The SxS tires were not DOT approved. While my golf cart tires are DOT approved, the cart cannot obtain interstate highway speeds. (MY SxS could). The golf cart can only be driven on streets and roads (legally) having a 35 MPH or less speed limit. The SxS can be driven (legally) on any street or road except federal interstates.

 

[Gwolf]

I doubt if it will affect anything in Florida. Might affect the Slingshots and make them register as a car. Slingshots or other vehicles with car like controls and seating are not defined as motorcycles in Florida now. They are defined as Autocycles and all the rules which apply to motorcycles may not apply to them, but they must not have more than 3 wheels to be in the autocycle category. I don't think it will affect the golf carts or Side by Sides in town, because the laws allowing their use in town define them as golf carts. Some of the package delivery services have a couple of Side by Sides in the towns where they unload the packages off the big box trucks and deliver in residential areas with smaller Side by Sides. It keeps the big box trucks from blocking the streets in residential areas with narrow streets and no place to pull over without turning into a driveway. Whatever the Feds do to block stuff, the States and the cities will find a way around it to prevent congestion and traffic problems. Golf carts and Side by Sides are allowed on the city streets in the town not 10 miles from me and they are allowed in the majority of the retirement communities in Florida. It keeps the retired people from firing up their Caddy Land Barge to run to the Jiffy Store for a loaf of bread.

The Feds can define vehicles and control what uses the Interstate and Federal Highways because they pay for and maintain them. The Feds will have a problem trying to control streets and roads built, paid for, and maintained by the State and the cities of that State.

 

[Peacekeeper6]

Motorcycle, schmotorcycle.

LET'S RIDE!!!

 

[blacklightning]

Here in NC a Slingshot is classified as an "autocycle". This allows them to not have to wear a helmet. Not sure what a Vanderhall or a Stallion would be classified as. Same thing goes for a T-Rex (not sure what that is). All 3 of those I mentioned have a steering wheel, but the Stallion doesn't have the rider and driver sitting side by side. So that is the one that I would really question what it is considered. I think the side by side thing is what makes the previous 3 not be considered as motorcycles.

 

[BajaRon]

The Slingshot is definitely not a motorcycle. It's a 3 wheeled car. They cut a fat one with that. If there are to be new regulations that are realistic, Slingshots may be in trouble. The T-Rex, Vanderhall, Morgan, and Stallion are all in this same boat. It's always the ones who push things too far that bring new laws to corral them. Because there really isn't anything motorcycle about these machines except for the powerplant, which just isn't enough.

Boss Hoss puts V8 Chevy motors in their trikes, but it's still a genuine motorcycle. You can't put a motorcycle engine in a car and, with a straight face, call it a motorcycle.

These other rides have automotive suspension in the front (which our Spyders share). They have automotive seating, steering, and controls (which our Spyders do not share).

My guess is that someone was convinced to look the other way when these vehicles were being classified. It seems only logical to put 3 wheeled cars into a 3 wheeled car category. We'll see. Though frankly, I would prefer less regulation, not more.

They've gotten away with it for a good number of years. But time may be running out on this one.

 

[weeneil]

Motorcycle, schmotorcycle.

LET'S RIDE!!!

Asolutely