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Three Wheel Vehicle Problems In Texas

Smitty901

Smitty901

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BADBOY said:
That is my understanding also. Never owned a cycle but am I correct thinking insurance will be higher as more risky?
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Incorrect, of course driving history and age comes into play , along with Zip code. Both my Bikes together cost less than 1 car to insure and one of my bike cost more than many cars to buy. The other would be hard to replace.
 
B

BADBOY

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Smitty901 said:
Incorrect, of course driving history and age comes into play , along with Zip code. Both my Bikes together cost less than 1 car to insure and one of my bike cost more than many cars to buy. The other would be hard to replace.
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Thanks! My zip, age and driving record would be the same but as the price of the Elio is say $7 k and my current is $41k, I should have some decrease I'm thinking.
 
hawg_ryder

hawg_ryder

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Rickb said:
Neither the Elio or the Slingshot meet the Texas definition of a motorcycle...nothing to do with Elio's enclosed cab, but rather the seat style. DMV regs are DMV regs unless they change the definition by legislation before production time. There could be a slight glitch in Texas.

Perhaps we should all check our States MC Licensing Code and Definitions to be sure there aren't similar issues out there to avoid any surprises. Idaho is covered.
View attachment 3545
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Hidy Rickb,
You might take a look at post #41 which has the exact verbiage from the Texas statutes... The Elio is a "lesser type vehicle that is a motorcycle as described by the statute... After re-reading and reflecting on it a bit I wonder if that code was written to cover the Pulse (also known as the Litestar) which is an "autocycle" loosely based off of the Bede 5 Micro homebuilt experimental aircraft... here are a couple of links with info on both if you're interested..

http://www.autocycles.org/compare.html
http://www.autocycles.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Bede

The 5J (jet powered) was the only really successful variant of the micro... But they were twitchy little beasts and required a very competent pilot and good maintenance... Still they were neat planes and fun to watch perform... IMHO:)

h_r:cool:
 
Neal

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I know this has been clarified, but read this article today and the wording is very clear and shows how the Elio will have no issues:


http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2014/11/20/texas-explains-why-polaris-slingshot-missed-mark/?intcmp=ob_article_footer_text&intcmp=obinsite

Exerpt:

According to the DMV, a three-wheel vehicle can be classified as a motorcycle in Texas under either of two definitions laid out in the state’s transportation code:
  • Section 541.201(9) allows for three-wheel vehicles with saddle-style seating, other than tractors, to be titled as motorcycles.
  • Section 521.001(6-a) requires that they have an enclosed compartment and feature a steering wheel, seats, seat belts, a windshield and windshield wipers that are in compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards, plus a structure that passes a roof-crush test.
A DMV spokesman tells FoxNews.com that the open-top Slingshot does not qualify under the latter code due to its lack of a roof and also because Polaris did not provide documentation to certify the other safety features. Since it uses a pair of car-like, side-by-side seats instead of a saddle, it can’t be classified under section 541.201(9), either.
 
Edward43

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skygazer6033 said:
Absolutely correct jim. The problem with the Slingshot is automotive seating without automotive enclosed cabin. Completely different animal from the Elio. Texas reg 521.001 (a) (6-a) plainly explains the exception to the motorcycle rules if a 3 wheeler has automotive seating, seat belts, automobile controls and an enclosed cabin. Come on people let's not go looking for trouble where there is none.
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Polaris has just missed the mark on several occasions. Were they a little more on the mark we all would be ordering from them instead of Elio Motors.
 
OctoberGlory

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Edward43 said:
Polaris has just missed the mark on several occasions. Were they a little more on the mark we all would be ordering from them instead of Elio Motors.
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In some respects I agree with you, but I don't think Polaris could ever hit the Elio price point no matter how much they tried.

BTW: I do think Polaris makes some great vehicles - my Ranger is a beast!
 
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