Elio Motors Continues Legislative Efforts to Add Helmet, Motorcycle License Exemptions for Enclosed Three-Wheeled Vehicles in 19 States
Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) February 09, 2015 -- Elio Motors is launching an enclosed, three-wheeled vehicle that will sell for $6,800 and get up to 84 MPG, essentially creating an entire new class of vehicle, the “Autocycle.” Currently, any vehicle with three wheels is classified by the Federal Government as a motorcycle. Elio Motors has already worked with several states to make legislative changes, and is currently working with 19 states to waive helmet and motorcycle requirements for three-wheeled vehicles.
“Sometimes innovation outpaces current legislation and that’s the case with the Elio,” said Elio Motors founder and CEO Paul Elio. “Drivers and passengers in the Elio will actually be safer without helmets and the vehicle drives more like a traditional passenger car than a motorcycle. Because we are blazing new trails here, it is important that we educate state lawmakers and work with them to pass legislation in the best interest of their constituents. Creating helmet and motorcycle license exemptions makes sense.”
Currently only five states remain with motorcycle helmet requirements for enclosed autocycles. At the start of the 2015 session, Mississippi House Transportation Committee unanimously moved HB 111 out to the House floor. Sponsored by Representative Steve Massengill, the legislation puts autocycle in definition and removes helmet and motorcycle endorsement requirements for Elio autocycles. HB 111 is expected to clear the House by mid-February. Also in Mississippi, Senator David Parker (SB2225) Senator Joey Fillingane (SB2122) are handling the Senate versions of the legislation.
In Missouri, Senator Jay Wasson, Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, has introduced SB 344 and is leading the effort to exempt helmets and motorcycle license requirements in the Senate.
Representatives Dave Hinson (HB 580) and Charlie Davis (HB 562) are taking the lead in the House. The bills remove helmet and endorsement requirements and put autocycle in definition.
Nebraska’s Senator Jim Smith, Chairman of the Transportation Committee, sponsored LB231 which had its first hearing February 2. The legislation puts “autocycle” in definition and exempts helmet and motorcycle license requirements for autocycles. LB231 is expected to be voted out of committee this week. Passage out of the Senate should soon follow.
Senators Bob Beach, Herb Snyder and Bob Williams have sponsored SB 259, leading the legislative effort in West Virginia and Representative John Torbett has introduced H6 in North Carolina and awaits House Transportation Committee passage, rounding out the last of the 5 states requiring helmets.
Arizona’s Senator Judy Burges has SB 1051 on the move, which cleared the Senate Transportation Committee last week. The bill places “autocycle” in definition and exempts autocycles from motorcycle endorsements. Passage out of the Senate is expected soon. Representative Warren Petersen (HB 2211) has joined the effort with companion legislation in the House.
About Elio Motors:
Founded by car enthusiast Paul Elio in 2008, Elio Motors Inc. represents a revolutionary approach to manufacturing an ultra-high-mileage vehicle. The 3-wheeled Elio will attain a highway mileage rating of 84 mpg while providing the comfort of amenities such as power windows, power door lock and air conditioning, accompanied by the safety of multiple air bags and an aerodynamic, enclosed vehicle body. Elio’s first manufacturing site will be in Shreveport, La., with plans for the first production vehicle to roll off the assembly line in 2015 and significant production, sales and distribution during the next two years. For more information, visit http://www.eliomotors.com or http://www.facebook.com/ElioMotors.
Mike DeVilling, BERLINE, +1 (248) 875-4207, [email protected]
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