Legal: Motorcycle License And Helmet Laws

[H2odog]

I don't understand why there is so much hubub about this now. This time next year - more appropriate for the seeming panic about this issue if things haven't been ironed out.

Anything that needs to be done through government intervention needs to at least be started NOW so that when the vehicle becomes available, it will be available to all and mot just a select few! This is not only a personal issue here but but a huge marketing tool as well.
Like this.....you own a hundred widgets that anyone might use. There are, however, only twenty licensed widget operators. It has been determined that a widget operates just like a gizmo for which nearly everyone is licensed for, and that the widget is only classed as it is because it is orange and not white like the gizmo. The distinction is foolish at best. Where are you going to sell your remaining widgets and how are you going to solve your problem?

 

[jtmarten]

I don't understand why there is so much hubub about this now. This time next year - more appropriate for the seeming panic about this issue if things haven't been ironed out.

Sorry - should have clarified this better. By hubub, I mean the seeming panic displayed by some reservation holders worrying about this now. IF there isn't progress made in this area by next year when the Elios are beginning to be produced, then there may be reason to worry.

 

[H2odog]

Sorry - should have clarified this better. By hubub, I mean the seeming panic displayed by some reservation holders worrying about this now. IF there isn't progress made in this area by next year when the Elios are beginning to be produced, then there may be reason to worry.

Which is why we must act on this now, so that there is no reason for anxiety when production time arrives

 

[JP]

They got back to me. Their response doesn't really surprise me. I hope Elio is working to get an exemption. Worse comes to worse I'll just get a mc license but it could really inhibit sales:

If the MVA determines that the Elio can be registered as a motorcycle in Maryland you will need to get a Class M, motorcycle, license to operate it. That is the law.

To get a Class M license you have a couple of options. If the MVA allows the Elio to be registered as a motorcycle you can take the 3-wheel motorcycle test with your Elio. For complete details on this process you should pick up a copy of the MVA Motorcycle Operator Manual http://www.mva.maryland.gov/safety/_docs/DL-001.pdf. You can also get a copy at any MVA branch office. You would be issued a Class M license with a J restriction that limits you to operating only the type of vehicle you were tested on, meaning that you would not be able to operate a 2-wheeled motorcycle.

The other option to consider is to take a Basic Rider Course http://www.mva.maryland.gov/safety/motorcycle/training/basic-rider.htm. You would do this on a 2-wheeled motorcycle, but if you successfully complete (pass) the course you would get a certificate for an unrestricted Class M license.

If you would like to discuss this in more detail please give me a call.

Regards.

 

[Ty]

But darlin' I can't take that motorcycle course unless I get a whole new outfit. I can't wear one of my dresses on a motorcycle and I don't own a pair of jeans. Sigh! What should I do? Do you think I will need leathers? I have heard wearing leather is the only way to ride a mc safely. Most of that stuff is black and black does absolutely nothing for my complection. You see what I mean? Wouldn't it be simpler and more logical for every state to accept that the Elio is an autocycle and therefore does not need a helmet or endorsement? Oh my, I forgot all about helmet hair. I will not wear a helmet I tell you, I will not!!! LOL Z

Zelio, dahlin, I'm on your side. I don't see how a motorcycle class has ANYTHING to do with driving an Elio!

 

[JP]

Zelio, dahlin, I'm on your side. I don't see how a motorcycle class has ANYTHING to do with driving an Elio!

Well if it is a motorcycle and I don't have a mc license, how can I get it home? Few people I went to high school with have died on bikes so I don't really want a mc. I just want to be able to drive my Elio!

 

[karl]

In Massachusetts the easy way to get your endorsement is to go to the RMV and take the permit test and pay the fees and then go to a MSF course like this one http://www.pvriders.com/
You need to budget about a weekend of time and course dates tend to fill up fast so now is already getting late for this summer and abound 300 bucks.

I would do this in a heartbeat if that was what I needed to do to drive an Elio.

 

[JP]

The guy from the mva sent me a motorcycle licensing pamphlet that had this quote. I'm going to follow up on it:
"The three-wheel test cannot accommodate trikes that are automotive
hybrids or automotive conversions. An automotive hybrid is a motorcycle that
shares some defining characteristic with a car, such as an engine, or seating.
An automotive conversion is a trike that has a front or rear mounted engine
and an automotive drive train"

To me, this sounds like the Elio

 

[LillyMayPatterson #1685 & #5648]

Ohio is screwed up yet. New Law goes into effect 1/1/2017. It both requires helmet and goggles to be worn by under 18 years olds and novelist riders (After motorcycle classes and for a whole year). OR 3511 requires it and 3511.53 (C) (2) excludes cab-enclosed motorcycles! Motorcycle endorsements will still be required. When I bring home my Elio in April 2015 till 1/1/2017 I will be breaking Ohio Lawssssssssssss. After that I will have standing in the court to argue. You know I'm looking forward too it. I love fighting in court, specially when I am RIGHT!

 

[KN16]

Ohio is screwed up yet. New Law goes into effect 1/1/2017. It both requires helmet and goggles to be worn by under 18 years olds and novelist riders (After motorcycle classes and for a whole year). OR 3511 requires it and 3511.53 (C) (2) excludes cab-enclosed motorcycles! Motorcycle endorsements will still be required. When I bring home my Elio in April 2015 till 1/1/2017 I will be breaking Ohio Lawssssssssssss. After that I will have standing in the court to argue. You know I'm looking forward too it. I love fighting in court, specially when I am RIGHT!

Odds are if a cop writes you for that you were doing something stupid to get his attention in the first place. Cops are rarely up on the finer points of the law and certainly won't be on the hunt for rouge Elio drivers.