Are enclosed trikes legal. in all 50 states ?

[e1cycle]

According to Eilo motors they are. They have a lot riding on the Eilo. I'm sure they have done their home work on this .

[DaveJ98092]

I would think they would be legal in all 50 states and most of Canada too if you follow all rules and regulations. For a fact, in Washington State, if its inclosed, has a steeringwheel and you set in a seat, it is a trike but you do NOT need an endorsement. Open c0ckpit, handle bars or set on a bike seat you must have a trike or sidecar endorsement. Both can use the HOV carpool lane.

[1983JZR3W]

Elio is facing an issue in Texas. On November 4th, the Texas DMV withdrew their approval to use the Elio on Texas streets and highways. They still approve of the Morgan Three Wheeler and the Campagna trike. Their ruling said in order to be legal in Texas, the rider must sit astride of the vehicle as on a two wheeler motorcycle with the engine between the rider's legs. Since the Elio is a two passenger vehicle with tandem seating, not side by side, that seems to be the problem the DMV is having. Yet, the Morgan, Campagna, and other similar trikes have side by side seating and the engine is not between the rider's legs, it appears the DMV is singling out Elio for some reason.

I found this info on the "Cars and Coffee" forum a few days ago. I will let everyone know any updated info I find.

[e1cycle]

Guess big texas oil and 84 mpg don't mix

[e1cycle]

Here's a message from Major Bob Bailey of the Texas Highway Patrol: "Our customer service representative Ms. Hodge asked our office for a response to your question below regarding the elio, 3 wheel vehicle manufactured in Louisiana. After looking at our Transportation Code, the short version answer to your question, yes, you will be able to drive this vehicle with your existing Texas driver license. You will not be required to have a motorcycle endorsement to operate this “lesser type of vehicle” defined in Trans. Code Section 521.085.

[DaveJ98092]

About what I thought it would be. Up here it means no motorcycle/Trike/sidecar endorsement. Even no helmet required in a semi inclosed, steering wheeled, sit in a chair type seat trike.

Each and every state has its own regulations and you should know yours way before trying to build one.

Years ago you could buy 3/4 completed Kit Cars after the owner found out that their states regs would not allow it to be tab'ed. Learn before ya burn.

[TomyJ]

Ca. DMV civil code Paragraph "f". What is the true meaning of "enclosed"? Just roll bars? (this one I will try to sneak by) 

[DaveJ98092]

TomyJ, what state is that from? It covers the requirement of wearing a helmut in a three wheel motorcycle.

[TomyJ]

dang, why didn't the writing work? California, read paragraph "f"

Thank you Dave

[TomyJ]

California, CVC: 27803, Now read "f"

  (a) A driver and any passenger shall wear a safety helmet meeting requirements established pursuant to Section 27802 when riding on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle.

(b) It is unlawful to operate a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle if the driver or any passenger is not wearing a safety helmet as required by subdivision (a).

(c) It is unlawful to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycles, or motorized bicycle if the driver or any passenger is not wearing a safety helmet as required by subdivision (a).

(d) This section applies to persons who are riding on motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, or motorized bicycles operated on the highways.

(e) For the purposes of this section, “wear a safety helmet” or “wearing a safety helmet” means having a safety helmet meeting the requirements of Section 27802 on the person’s head that is fastened with the helmet straps and that is of a size that fits the wearing person’s head securely without excessive lateral or vertical movement.

(f) This section does not apply to a person operating, or riding as a passenger in, a fully enclosed three-wheeled motor vehicle that is not less than seven feet in length and not less than four feet in width, and has an unladen weight of 900 pounds or more, if the vehicle meets or exceeds all of the requirements of this code, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and the rules and regulations adopted by the United States Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

(g) In enacting this section, it is the intent of the Legislature to ensure that all persons are provided with an additional safety benefit while operating or riding a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle.

(Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 710, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 1998.)

"ENCLOSED" Now can I get away with a roll bar (s) I feel the need to send a email to the head of Ca DMV and ask them, plus some sport cars don't have roll bars?