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Dec 20, 2020
Will it be classified as a motorcycle
If so will you be required to have a motorcycle licence and wear helmets
Will it be classified as a motorcycle
If so will you be required to have a motorcycle licence and wear helmets
7 answers4 replies
As @Kerbe #12705 very nicely supplied us, here's a link to a very informative article about how autocycles are treated in different states.
https://www.ncsl.org/research/transportation/transportation-review-autocycles.aspx
In most states it falls into the autocycle exception. Right now I think only New York could be a problem and perhaps Maine for helmets. This is still changing.
In Quebec it might require both a Class 5 and Class 6e, or a motorcycle license (6a, 6b or 6c). However the legislation was written for Cam-Ams and such. There does seem to be an exception for T-Rexs and Slingshots because of the enclosed cab, but it's still unclear to me if it will still need a helmet.
Ontario is even fuzzier, so I guess there are still a few hurdles before it comes to Canada.
Might be time to contact your government rep and see if a lobbying effort is needed.
I also live in Canada in B. C. It seems there is some sort of approval across all Provinces except one (I think Nova Scotia). Most classify as a motorcycle some require helmets. A few want motorcycle licence but most are ok with a car licence. I know B. C. Classification is a 3 wheeled vehicle not motorcycle so no helmet and car licence is ok
I wrote to the Vermont DMV to ask about the rules here for autocycles. Their response: 1.) It will be registered as a motorcycle
2.) Operators of autocycles shall be exempt from the requirements to obtain a motorcycle learner’s permit or a motorcycle endorsement.
I contacted our provincial motor vehicle branch here in New Brunswick and they were totally stumped: apparently the Aptera doesn't fall under any of the motor vehicle categories here in New Brunswick...it's neither a car or a motorcycle. they referred me to Transport Canada instead. They also asked that I contact them back after I get a reply since they will use Transport Canada final say as basis for amending the NB Motor Vehicle act with regards to vehicles such as the Aptera. I just emailed Transport Canada earlier today and am awaiting their reply. Will keep you all posted.
Finally got a reply back from Transport Canada. They referred me back to the provincial Motor Vehicle branch saying they (the province of NB) would have the final say on licencing and registration for this type of vehicle. I tried contacting the person I had spoken with initially at the NB Motor Vehicle Branch (very nice lady by the name of Nathalie) but only got her voicemail. Still waiting to hear back, but looks like unless New Brunswick updates their motor vehicle laws with regards to three wheelers, looks like I'm out of luck driving an Aptera in this province. Shame.
Finally got a reply back from Transport Canada. They referred me back to the provincial Motor Vehicle branch saying they (the province of NB) would have the final say on licencing and registration for this type of vehicle. I tried contacting the person I had spoken with initially at the NB Motor Vehicle Branch (very nice lady by the name of Nathalie) but only got her voicemail. Still waiting to hear back, but looks like unless New Brunswick updates their motor vehicle laws with regards to three wheelers, looks like I'm out of luck driving an Aptera in this province. Shame.
Line 51 of Aptera's FAQ spreadsheet says: "The vast majority of states only require that you have a regular driver's license to drive a three-wheel vehicle like the Aptera. States that we’re aware currently require a motorcycle license are AK, MT, WY, NY, MA, and ME (check your local laws for clarity). We will work hard to show these outlier states that the safety and ease of use of the Aptera should allow its operation without a motorcycle license."
I'm almost positive I saw them say elsewhere that in California no helmet is required because it's enclosed. The same likely applies in some other areas.
I just did some googling to see what I could find with respect to helmet requirements. I found that we would be required to wear helmets in these states: West Virginia, Massachusetts, New York, and New Hampshire. Some states I haven't listed may require a helmet if you're under 18 -- I didn't check that as I'm lazy and also older than 18.
Assuming these two links are still accurate, we would not need helmets in any other state:
https://www.ncsl.org/research/transportation/transportation-review-autocycles.aspx
I hope that helps!