Crash Testing

[CROSSBOLT]

Why crash test if it is considered a motorcycle?

Karl

 

[slinches]

Why not?

It's being marketed as a replacement for a small car, so demonstrating that it is as safe as a vehicle of that size can be is a major selling point.

 

[Jeff Porter]

Why crash test if it is considered a motorcycle?

Karl

Hey Karl,

From my point of view, a reason to crash test this motorcycle of Elio's is that I want to feel safe in this 1-person wide vehicle. From Elio Motors' point of view, Paul Elio is shooting for the "and"-vehicle market, plus for lower income folks, and several other "car" markets, so these potential customers want a vehicle they can feel safe in.

Also, there is proposed legislation on a Federal level, and in-place legislation in several states, that define this vehicle as an autocycle. People driving an autocycle will want the benefits of seat belts, air bags, ABS, traction control, a roll cage, etc.

 

[Gas-Powered Awesome]

Marketing: People demand "safe" vehicles now. Demonstrating it's safe will sell more Elios.

 

[WilliamH]

Why crash test if it is considered a motorcycle?

Karl

There are currently bills in the House and Senate that will create safety standards for "autocycles".
S.685 - 114th Congress (2015-2016): Autocycle Safety Act and the companion H.R.2892 - Autocycle Safety Act.
Both of these bills would require safety standards and Elio's actions would just put them one step ahead of the game.

 

[Rickb]

There are currently bills in the House and Senate that will create safety standards for "autocycles".
S.685 - 114th Congress (2015-2016): Autocycle Safety Act and the companion H.R.2892 - Autocycle Safety Act.
Both of these bills would require safety standards and Elio's actions would just put them one step ahead of the game.

Yes, the bill classifies autocycles and identifies required safety equipment. Are you saying the Bill will require crash testing? I thought crash testing remained voluntary.

 

[WilliamH]

Yes, the bill classifies autocycles and identifies required safety equipment. Are you saying the Bill will require crash testing? I thought crash testing remained voluntary.

Rickb, Yes, It actually does
---> https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/685/text <---
Or at least, that's my opinion after reading it.
In "30114. Autocycles" it lays it out pretty clearly and refers to FMVSS 201 which is a crash test procedure.
But you are right in that it is voluntary until those bills are passed.

 

[karl]

 

[Coss]

Good video; I can see an airbag on a Wing, why not, it's got everything else under the sun on it plus it weighs just about as much as a car.
I always wondered, if you lay it down, or it just falls down from soft surface under the kickstand; do you have to call a tow truck to pick it up?

 

[skygazer6033]

Coss --- Hard to believe I know but even though the GL1800 Goldwing weighs well over 800 lbs. all the heavy stuff is at about knee level. Crash bars around the cylinder heads and bags catch it if it's just knocked over or dropped. Just grab the bars and the rear seat assist handle, a lift and push and it'll roll right up on it's wheels. Not nearly as formidable as it looks.