One of the first bills introduced in 2015 legislative session (House Bill 6) defines a new type of passenger vehicle that is part-car, part-motorcycle—the autocycle. A couple of manufacturers across the country, including one in Virginia, have begun to build these three-wheeled motorcycles, which are equipped with steering wheels, pedals, air bags and seatbelts. Unlike motorcycles, autocycles are completely enclosed, obviating the need for a helmet. The Elio is advertised as a $6,800 vehicle that gets up to 84 miles per gallon. The Tanom Invader, made in Virginia, is a sportier model with a much higher price tag--retailing for about $50,000—which boasts of high-performance and speeds of up to 160 miles per hour. Why change the law? Both the Elio and the Tanom Invader would be classified as motorcycles under current North Carolina law. That’s because they are three-wheeled vehicles with a saddle for the rider. A person with a regular driver’s license is not permitted to drive a motorcycle. That requires a license with a motorcycle endorsement, which in turn requires that a person pass a motorcycle road test or compete a motorcycle rider course. A lobbyist for Elio said that a person can’t pass a motorcycle road test in an Elio because it can’t be maneuvered around lines and cones like a motorcycle. Plus, autocycle advocates say, specialized training is not necessary to drive such a vehicle. Finally, operators of and passengers on a motorcycle are required by law to wear safety helmets—a rule that seems a poor fit [...]
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