What is a motorcycle?

Mattel · May 10, 2010

This months issue of AMA (American Motorcycle Association, you should be a member if you are reading this) has a great artical on what is a motorcycle. It says the government is taking comments on how to define a motorcycle. Go to regulations.gov and click submit a comment, and enter fhwa-2010-0010 in the keyword id box and click search. let them know you think the Stallion is a motorcyle by describing it in terms you like. 
 
 
 
 
Background 
 
FHWA has collected motorcycle registration data since 1914. In the 
last few years, however, the population of motorcycles and related 
vehicle types has risen dramatically. Additionally, there has been an 
increase in motorcycle crashes due to factors including, but not 
limited to, rider inexperience, rider impairment, decreased use of 
helmets, and increased motorcycle use. 
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 
(NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) \1\ indicates that in 
2008, motorcycle rider fatalities increased for the eleventh 
consecutive year: From 2,116 in 1997 to 5,290 in 2008, an increase of 
150 percent. Other trends include a dramatic rise in motorcycle 
ownership and changes in other factors such as motorcycle size and new 
designs for these vehicles. However, this increase in fatality data is 
disproportionate to reported increases in motorcycle registration and 
in reported miles traveled. Due to this disconnect, safety advocates 
have encouraged improving the data collection process in order to 
better analyze and identify rider exposure and crash causality. 
 
 
On October 3, 2007, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) 
sent a letter to FHWA containing an NTSB Safety Recommendation H-07-34, 
which States: 
 
Following the 2007 Motorcycle Travel Symposium, develop 
guidelines for the States to use to gather accurate motorcycle 
registrations and motorcycle vehicle miles of travel data. The 
guidelines should include information on the various methods to 
collect registrations and vehicle miles traveled data and how these 
methods can be put into practice. 
 
FHWA is committed to improving both sets of data. 
 
This notice 
addresses the NTSB recommendation to gather 
 
[[Page 13810]] 
 
more accurate motorcycle registration data.

Specifically, related to 
vehicle registrations, FHWA has established an interagency review team 
consisting of experts from FHWA's Offices of Safety and Research, and 
various NHTSA offices, to assist in the following activities: 
1. Review State laws to determine the State of practice for 
motorcycle registrations by documenting State laws and practices; 
2. Improve the definition of motorcycles in the Guide to Reporting 
Highway Statistics; 
3. Develop guidelines for the States to use to gather and report 
more accurate motorcycle registration data; 
4. Include information on the various methods to collect and report 
registrations in the guidelines; and 
5. Initiate actions to bring the best methods in wider practice. 
 
Current Status 
 
FHWA's current definition of a motorcycle is two-fold: (1) 
motorcycles and (2) motor bicycles and scooters. The current language 
for defining motorcycles is provided in FHWA's Guide \2\ as follows: 
 
 
 
Item I.E.2. Motorcycles: This item includes two-wheeled and 
three-wheeled motorcycles. Sidecars are not regarded as separate 
vehicles--a motorcycle and sidecar are reported as a single unit. 
Item I.E.3. 
 
Motor bicycles and scooters: Mopeds should be 
included with motor-driven cycles (motor bicycles) in the States 
that require their registration. 
 
 
States annually report data to FHWA from their motor vehicle 
registration systems. As a result, such data is based on the 
definitions developed by States which may or may not approximate FHWA's 
definition of motorcycles, motor bicycles, or scooters. 
FHWA researched State legislation (including the District of 
Columbia, but not Puerto Rico) for definitions of motorcycles and 
similar vehicles. We found several characteristics that specifically 
differentiated motorcycle-type vehicles from other vehicle types.

 
Several States further defined the difference between motorcycles and 
mopeds, or in a few States, motor scooters. The characteristics for 
defining motorcycles included vehicles: with two to three wheels in 
contact with the ground (48 States), with a seat or saddle for the 
passenger(s) (36 States), with a sidecar or trailer (4 States), and 
with a steering handlebar (2 States). Additionally, one State defined 
motorcycles as having no enclosure on the vehicle for the operator 
(driver) or passenger. 
The following characteristics were used by some States to define 
the difference between motorcycles, mopeds, and in a few cases, motor 
scooters: speeds not in excess of 25 to 45 miles per hour (MPH) (3 
States mention 25 MPH, 13 mention 30 MPH, 1 State each mentions 35 or 
45 MPH); engine displacement of not greater than 50 to 150 cubic 
centimeters (cc) (21 States mention 50 cc, 1 State mentions 55 cc, and 
1 State mentions 150 cc). Some States used brake horsepower (HP) 
instead of, or in addition to, displacement to identify vehicle power 
(4 States mention 1.5 HP, 12 mention 2.0 HP, 1 State mentions 2.7 HP, 
and 1 State mentions 5 HP). Wheel diameter for differentiating 
motorcycles and mopeds from motor scooters is mentioned by 5 States (2 
States mention wheel diameter greater than 10 inches, 1 State mentions 
wheel diameter greater than 14 inches, and 2 States mention wheel 
diameter greater than 16 inches); and 4 States mentioned a platform or 
deck for a standing driver as a characteristic of a motor scooter. 
 
The United States uses a compatible but somewhat different 
implementation of these ISO standards for domestic use. Title 49, Code 
of Federal Regulations, Transportation, Part 565, Vehicle 
Identification Number Requirements, 565.15 Content, describes VIN 
characteristics as follows: The VIN consists of four sections of 
characters which are grouped according to given specifications. The 
first section consists of three characters that occupy positions one 
through three in the VIN. These numbers uniquely identify the 
manufacturer, make, and type of the motor vehicle. 
 
The second section 
consists of five characters, which occupy positions four through eight 
in the VIN. This section identifies attributes of the vehicle. For 
motorcycles, this would typically include the manufacturer's brand, 
model designation, engine type (displacement for liquid fueled 
engines), net brake horsepower (less than or greater than 2 HP), and 
vehicle weight.

All motorcycles would fall in the grouping of vehicles 
weighing less than 3,000 pounds. The placement of characters within 
this section is determined by the manufacturer, but the specified 
attributes must be decipherable with information supplied by the 
manufacturer in accordance with 49 CFR 565.15. In addition, the model 
year, in place 10 of the 17 digit VIN code, may also be useful for 
motorcycle registration information for identifying vehicle age. The 
remaining sections of the VIN would not provide the type of information 
needed to identify motorcycle vehicle types. 
 
Reference Material 
 
 
The definitions of motorcycle type vehicles found in 49 CFR 571.3 
state that: 
 
 
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle with motive power having a seat 
or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not 
more than three wheels in contact with the ground. 
Motor-driven cycle means a motorcycle with a motor that produces 
5-brake horsepower or less. 
 
The Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria (MMUCC) \5\ defines a 
motorcycle as a two or three-wheeled motor vehicle designed to 
transport one or two people. Included are motor scooters, mini-bikes, 
and mopeds. 
 
 
Discussion of the Proposal 
 
FHWA is seeking to provide improved registration data to agencies 
and the public to assist in the analysis of crash data relating to 
these vehicles. For FHWA, the issue is two-fold: FHWA must provide the 
States complete and comprehensive instructions on the data FHWA needs 
to collect to perform its responsibilities, and FHWA must work with the 
States to assure that they are providing accurate data to the extent 
that they can in accordance with FHWA instructions. A corollary to both 
issues is that FHWA must provide instructions that allow the States to 
provide accurate and collectable data. 
FHWA proposes to revise its definition of motorcycles and two-and- 
three-wheeled vehicles to better differentiate motorcycles, mopeds, and 
motor scooters. 
 
Further, FHWA proposes to build on the various existing 
State definitions and to work with the States to build consensus 
towards a uniform definition of these types of vehicles. An example of 
potential revised definitions include the following: 
 
Item i.e.2. Motorcycles: This item includes vehicles with the 
following characteristics: 
 
1. Two or three wheels in contact with the ground (excluding 
trailers suitable for motorcycle hauling). 
2.

A seat or saddle for rider (operator) and passengers (if any). 
3. A steering handle bar. 
4. Motor capacity exceeding 5 Horsepower. 
5. Wheel rim diameters exceeding 10 inches. 
6. Do not include a full enclosure for the rider (operator) or 
passengers. 
7. Sidecars and trailers are not regarded as separate vehicles--a 
motorcycle and sidecar or trailer is reported as a single unit. 
Item i.e.3. 
 
Mopeds or motor bicycles: this item includes 
vehicles with the following characteristics: 
 
1. Two wheels in contact with the ground. 
2. A seat or saddle for rider (operator) and passengers (if any). 
3. A steering handle bar. 
4. Pedals for operation without motor assistance. 
5.

Do not include a full enclosure for the rider (operator) or 
passengers. 
6. Have a brake horsepower not exceeding 5 Horsepower. 
Item i.e.4 Motor scooters: this item includes vehicles with the 
following characteristics: 
 
1. Two wheels in contact with the ground. 
2. Has a platform or deck for the use of a standing rider 
(operator). 
3. A steering handle bar. 
4. 
 
Do not include a full enclosure for the rider (operator) or 
passengers (if any). 
5. Have a brake horsepower not exceeding 5 Horsepower. 
6. Have a direct drive energy transmission from the engine to the 
drive wheel(s) (no transmission). 
 
In addition, FHWA seeks comments on the issues of identifying 
vehicles with the following characteristics: 
 
1. Two or three wheels in contact with the ground (excluding 
trailers suitable for motorcycle hauling). 
2. A seat for driver and passengers. 
3. Wheel diameters exceeding 10 inches. 
4.

An enclosure for the driver or passengers. 
5. Sidecars and trailers are not regarded as separate vehicles--a 
motorcycle and sidecar or trailer is reported as a single unit. 
 
FHWA also seeks comment regarding the types of three-wheeled vehicles 
that are small and lightweight, with a minimal chassis and body that 
may or may not be fully enclosed by doors and/or windows. Examples 
include commercial vehicles such as the Zapcar and T-Rex. FHWA seeks 
comments on all revised definitions above and on any other definitions 
that would provide value. 
Another approach would be for FHWA to request the States to report 
additional information on the relevant sections of the VIN of every 
motorcycle type vehicle registered with the States. 
 
FHWA could request 
States to report the relevant digits of the VIN of the registered 
motorcycle to gather additional details on the motorcycle 
characteristics and avoid digits that indicate a specific vehicle. By 
only asking for the characteristic-relevant digits, FHWA would avoid 
gathering any unique identifier of the vehicle (and the owner of the 
vehicle). FHWA seeks comments on whether the collection of this 
information would raise privacy concerns. 
Discussion with experts in the field indicates that motorcycle 
attributes contained in the VIN are less standardized than those for 
auto or truck type vehicles. This implies that VIN data may not be as 
helpful in classifying motorcycle type vehicles as some may believe. 
The VIN approach also adds considerable cost to FHWA's data collection 
and analysis program and may not provide significantly new or 
additional information. FHWA seeks comments on whether the collection 
of information contained in the VIN would provide useful or valuable 
information and if that information is useful, whether that information 
could be collected in another way.

stalliongirl · May 10, 2010

I can appreciate the reasons a Stallion should be called a motorcycle. However, in TX, I am running into an issue because they are requiring that I take the motorcycle safety course to get a motorcycle endorsement for my driver's license. The reason I bought a Stallion was for the automatic feature and the steering wheel. I don't want to learn about changing gears, leaning, hand brakes, keeping it steady. Does anyone in Texas know where I can take the safety course on my Stallion? Can't find anything in the Houston area yet.
Thanks a million.
Stallion Girl

Gorilla · May 10, 2010

stalliongirl, call TBMS and see if they can help you out. The factory is there in Texas

stalliongirl · May 11, 2010

Thanks TMIGALA, they've given me some suggestions.
StallionGirl

John Luciano · May 12, 2010

This is the same problem in Conn. they want you to get a motorcycle endorsement to ride anything called a motorcycle (Trike Sidecar or Stallion) I have been to the State Capitol on this issue they don't even want to talk about it. also the enclosed cockpit is throwing them for a loop. I do not believe there is one Stallion operating in Conn. as of this moment , because they can't decide if it is a car or a motorcycle. It fits neither description....

Gorilla · May 12, 2010

John I believe the resolution is a motorcycle endorcement with a trike restriction as they due here in Florida. You take the motorcycle written, you have to take a safety class (there are some that are geared to trikes) you get a lic. with a motorcycle endorcement restricted to 3 wheels only. 
 
By definition a Stallion is a motorcycle here in Florida and by the feds in the definition Mattel wrote above. I believe it is in our interest to keep it that way, because the Stallion does not meet all the restrictions (air bags, bumpers, etc) required for a car. Therefore it would go away.

Mattel · May 13, 2010

From my experence Stallions ususlly have one air bag, and it is driving! Hot air bag that is!!!

stalliongirl · Jun 14, 2010

WooHoo! I passed my basic rider course (required for TX) at Awesome Cycles in Houston. They allowed me to take the class on a 125cc scooter. They were absolutely fantastic and I got my M endorsement today. This should solve the licensing issue for those who don't want to learn on a 2-wheeler.

Stallion Girl

tfdeputydawg · Jun 14, 2010

Take you trike or you Stallion to the MSC and use it for the riding portion. 
Yes, the govenment is dumb too. Anything w/a steering wheel, no matter how many tires it sits on, is not a motorcycle! Just kidding-Don't flame me, I like 'em to. It's just to hard for my wife and I to get in and out of one! 
Contact you local ABATE-Tell them to lobby for trike licensing!

John Luciano · Jun 14, 2010

Found out today that if you have any medical reason for not being able to operate a 2 wheeler , Inner ear infection , bad knees etc. Get Doctor slip and you can take it on a trike .

Gorilla · Jun 14, 2010

deputydawg.

My wife has bad knees and she has her system to get in and out of the Stallion with ease. She has trouble climbing more than a couple of stairs.

In Florida a Stallion is a motorcycle. She has a motorcycle lic. (required for the Stallion) with a trike restriction. The Stallion has a motorcycle plate. Florida defines motorcycle as a vehicle with 2 or 3 wheels.

I think if someone showed you the entry/exit secret you would see that it is not as difficult as most make it out to be.

redneckray · Jun 14, 2010

you got to hit the button to get out of it, grinn[ejection button]

Mattel · Jun 14, 2010

tfdeputydawg said:
Take you trike or you Stallion to the MSC and use it for the riding portion.
Yes, the govenment is dumb too. Anything w/a steering wheel, no matter how many tires it sits on, is not a motorcycle! Just kidding-Don't flame me, I like 'em to. It's just to hard for my wife and I to get in and out of one!
Contact you local ABATE-Tell them to lobby for trike licensing!

I already did after the last artical in the AMA mag. They did not even know the Stallion existed. I would have thought TBMS would have atleast paid them a visit.

stalliongirl · Jun 15, 2010

Texas no longer does road tests to get the motorcycle license. You MUST take the Basic Rider Course, take your certificate to the DMV and take an on-screen knowledge test to get the license. I had tried taking the Stallion there first. Law changed in Sept 2009. I agree, you would think TBMS would have notified the state of this vehicle.

RickDeVon · Jul 10, 2010

I have had Harley blood in me for a very long time now...Even want to trike it these days...But the more I see the Ford Horse the more I want one...Now I may get blasted for this but....To me it is a three wheel roadster....It does have all the features of a car....And I am fine with that...

Gorilla · Jul 10, 2010

Welcome RickDeVon. I ride a HD trike and my wife has a Stallion. So I get to experience both worlds. They are different and she loves hers for the reasons you mention. I like riding her Stallion but still love my HD. If you like the Stallion it is a great machine.

Charlie D · Jul 11, 2010

Rick: One year ago June I had to take my stallion to Springfield,Il. to the Hqdrs of Sect of State of Ill.. They had never seen a Stallion prior to this.. They reset the trike course using my Stallion and when finished they adjusted the course to fit the stallion. Length width corners etc. Guarantee you can get a trike lisc, in Ill. with a Stallion.. It is a motorcycle here. Charlie D. P>S>S> 10 minutes later the IMP took the Stallion and passed the course and now has her lisc. and had never been on a course in her life before..

Charlie D · Jul 11, 2010

RICK Welcome to Trike Talk..best bunch of people you will meet.. Ye Haw!

triwinggirl · Jul 11, 2010

Trikes should not be classified as motorcycles, they are not motorcycles.
here in Nevada they are called trimobiles. you do not need a endorsement. you should not need an endorsement to ride a trike, especially if you drive a stallion. a stallion is definitely not a motorcycle.

A motorcycle has two wheels and requires balancing the vehicle and is inherently unstable. you must learn how to ride a motorcycle and how not to,and how to lay it down in an emergency. a motorcycle can slide out from under you, it will if you don't know how to ride it.

A trimobile stands on it's own like a car. anyone can ride/drive a trike with little or no training. a stallion has an automatic trans and a steering wheel and seat belts. the reason we are exempt from helmet laws is because trikes are stable on the road and safer.

I repeat trikes are not motorcycles, even if it is made from a motorcycle.

What about a convertibles, it does not have an enclosure for the driver/passenger when the top is down just like a stallion. how would you classify a stallion with a soft top. what about three wheeled cars. should you have to have an endorsement to drive these.

When they require safety courses to ride/drive a stallion , tell them you took that course in high school. IT WAS CALLED DRIVER EDUCATION

We are not motorcycles nor should we be grouped in with them. nor should mopeds be grouped with either trikes or motorcycles. they are each different animals. granted most of us have motorcycle backgrounds. the wind in your face is the same as a motorcycle, but so is a convertible car.

My :2cents: endorsments for trikes as motorcycles is just another way to keep us down, controlled, and scared.

Mattel · Jul 11, 2010

triwinggirl said:
Trikes should not be classified as motorcycles, they are not motorcycles.
here in Nevada they are called trimobiles. you do not need a endorsement. you should not need an endorsement to ride a trike, especially if you drive a stallion. a stallion is definitely not a motorcycle.

A motorcycle has two wheels and requires balancing the vehicle and is inherently unstable. you must learn how to ride a motorcycle and how not to,and how to lay it down in an emergency. a motorcycle can slide out from under you, it will if you don't know how to ride it.

A trimobile stands on it's own like a car. anyone can ride/drive a trike with little or no training. a stallion has an automatic trans and a steering wheel and seat belts. the reason we are exempt from helmet laws is because trikes are stable on the road and safer.

I repeat trikes are not motorcycles, even if it is made from a motorcycle.

What about a convertibles, it does not have an enclosure for the driver/passenger when the top is down just like a stallion. how would you classify a stallion with a soft top. what about three wheeled cars. should you have to have an endorsement to drive these.

When they require safety courses to ride/drive a stallion , tell them you took that course in high school. IT WAS CALLED DRIVER EDUCATION

We are not motorcycles nor should we be grouped in with them. nor should mopeds be grouped with either trikes or motorcycles. they are each different animals. granted most of us have motorcycle backgrounds. the wind in your face is the same as a motorcycle, but so is a convertible car.

My :2cents: endorsments for trikes as motorcycles is just another way to keep us down, controlled, and scared.

Good summery, but the issue is about grouping them in the choices they already have. This is the government we are talking about. They don't have a third or fourth group, that is why they are left with the choice of Motorccle or car. If you look at most mopeds, they are considered motorized bicycles, and the bicycle laws apply. Here, most states and nationally they don't have a third choice. It is Motorcycle or Car.

triwinggirl · Jul 11, 2010

TRIMOBILE is a current classification it describes a vehicle with three wheels.
They don't have the intelligence to use the third option.
there are lots of trimobile cars out there, anybody remember erkil's BMW

molinoman · Jul 11, 2010

I understand your rationale, but the main problem with being classified as a "trimobile" is that with the different states, or for that matter even nationally, if it is classified between being a motorcycle and a car (which technically it is) what kind of "safety" requirements would it then have to meet. If it no longer fits the motorcycle category you will now run into it having, possibly, to have 5 mph bumpers, seat belts, maybe multiple airbags, side crash beams, windshield wipers, etc... When and if that happens, as far as the Stallion is concerned it will probably just go away as to add all those features would increase the price, probably change it's appearance and as you mentioned you may as well just buy a convertible.

I haven't driven/riden a Stallion yet...should be able to in about 3 more weeks, but if it came with all those features and the looks of it were impacted by them in a major way I would probably not be interested. And from what I have read and been told by many on this board is it is a great ride the way it is.

If you are basically speaking from a licensing perspective, I can definitely see your point as maybe that should be addressed. One of the reasons I am looking at the Stallion is that I would like for my wife to get more involved with me in going on trips in this type of vehicle as she just isn't that comfortable with riding (a lot) on the back of a motorcycle. In addition I would love for it to be easier for her to learn how to "drive/ride" it but that does mean her having to have an endorsement on her license (here in Florida) and they do have a special trike licensing class (one in Orlando) but it just adds that much more that she will have to go thru to be able to "pilot" the Stallion...I am hoping she will be patient and work her way thru it so that she can go by herself in it if she wants to.

Dennis

13 dtg KAF
18 dtg Dubai
19 dtg Home
40 dtg London

Gorilla · Jul 12, 2010

triwinggirl

I hear what you are tiring to say, but your facts are a little off. Nevada DMV by definition: "Motorcycle” means every motor vehicle equipped with a seat or a saddle for the use of the driver and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, including a power cycle but excluding a tractor and a moped. (NRS 486.041).

They also say under licensing: Trimobile” means every motor vehicle designed to travel with three wheels in contact with the ground, two of which are power driven.

NRS 486.061 License required to operate motorcycle or trimobile; exception. Except for a nonresident who is at least 16 years of age and is authorized by the person’s state of residency to drive a motorcycle, a person shall not drive:

2. A trimobile upon a highway unless that person holds a valid motorcycle driver’s license issued pursuant to NRS 486.011 to 486.381, inclusive, or a driver’s license issued pursuant to chapter 483 of NRS.

It appears they register trikes as motorcycles, but do not require a motorcycle endorsement.

The vehicle then is defined as a motorcycle. But a seperate license is not required for the application "trimobile"

The Stallion is defined in all 50 states as a motorcycle. Some require a motorcycle lic., some have a 3 wheel restriction and some the Nevada just requires a regular drivers lic.

"I" (IMO) feel that trikes are motorcycles. The 3 wheel version has been around almost as long as the 2 wheel version and always has been referred to as a motorcycle.

jimjel · Jul 12, 2010

Dennis,

I found it easy to get a trike endorsement in Florida. I went to the DMV in Sarasota on my GW trike. Took the written test and then went out on the driving course. The examiner told me go 10 mph and then slam on the brakes. Hard to fail that one. Then he told me to ride the motorcycle course staying between the cones at all times. I told him that the cones were to close together and I wouldn't be able to make it through the first corner. He said "ok you passed". Most Florida DMV test centers aren't set up for trike driving tests, which makes it very easy to get a trike endorsment.

JJ

molinoman · Jul 12, 2010

JJ, that's good to know...maybe there is hope for my wife after all.

Dennis

13 dtg KAF
18 dtg Dubai
19 dtg Home
40 dtg London

triwinggirl · Jul 12, 2010

tmigala said:
triwinggirl

I hear what you are tiring to say, but your facts are a little off. Nevada DMV by definition: "Motorcycle” means every motor vehicle equipped with a seat or a saddle for the use of the driver and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, including a power cycle but excluding a tractor and a moped. (NRS 486.041).

They also say under licensing: Trimobile” means every motor vehicle designed to travel with three wheels in contact with the ground, two of which are power driven.

NRS 486.061 License required to operate motorcycle or trimobile; exception. Except for a nonresident who is at least 16 years of age and is authorized by the person’s state of residency to drive a motorcycle, a person shall not drive:

2. A trimobile upon a highway unless that person holds a valid motorcycle driver’s license issued pursuant to NRS 486.011 to 486.381, inclusive, or a driver’s license issued pursuant to chapter 483 of NRS.

It appears they register trikes as motorcycles, but do not require a motorcycle endorsement.

The vehicle then is defined as a motorcycle. But a seperate license is not required for the application "trimobile"

The Stallion is defined in all 50 states as a motorcycle. Some require a motorcycle lic., some have a 3 wheel restriction and some the Nevada just requires a regular drivers lic.

"I" (IMO) feel that trikes are motorcycles. The 3 wheel version has been around almost as long as the 2 wheel version and always has been referred to as a motorcycle.

NRS 486.370 “Motorcycle” does not include trimobile.

NRS 486.057 Trimobile defined : Trimobile” means every motor vehicle designed to travel with three wheels in contact with the ground, two of which are power driven.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 856)

NRS: 486.061: License required to operate motorcycle or trimobile; exception. Except for a nonresident who is at least 16 years of age and is authorized by the person’s state of residency to drive a motorcycle, a person shall not drive:

1. A motorcycle, except a trimobile, upon a highway unless that person holds a valid motorcycle driver’s license issued pursuant to NRS 486.011 to 486.381, inclusive, or a driver’s license issued pursuant to chapter 483 of NRS endorsed to authorize the holder to drive a motorcycle.

2. A trimobile upon a highway unless that person holds a valid motorcycle driver’s license issued pursuant to NRS 486.011 to 486.381, inclusive, or a driver’s license issued pursuant to chapter 483 of NRS.

NRS486.041 “Motorcycle” defined. “Motorcycle” means every motor vehicle equipped with a seat or a saddle for the use of the driver and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, excluding an electric bicycle as defined in NRS 483.067, a tractor and a moped.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1465; A 1975, 1082; 2009

NRS 486.231 Protective headgear and glasses: Standards; when use required.

1. The Department shall adopt standards for protective headgear and protective glasses, goggles or face shields to be worn by the drivers and passengers of motorcycles and transparent windscreens for motorcycles.

2. Except as provided in this section, when any motorcycle, except a trimobile or moped, is being driven on a highway, the driver and passenger shall wear protective headgear securely fastened on the head and protective glasses, goggles or face shields meeting those standards. Drivers and passengers of trimobiles shall wear protective glasses, goggles or face shields which meet those standards.

3. When a motorcycle or a trimobile is equipped with a transparent windscreen meeting those standards, the driver and passenger are not required to wear glasses, goggles or face shields.

4. When a motorcycle is being driven in a parade authorized by a local authority, the driver and passenger are not required to wear the protective devices provided for in this section.

5. When a three-wheel motorcycle on which the driver and passengers ride within an enclosed cab is being driven on a highway, the driver and passengers are not required to wear the protective devices required by this section.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 1469; A 1973, 1194; 1975, 1083; 1979, 857; 1985, 1959)

Although i appeciate your looking up my local laws for me you are completely miss reading them.

all trikes are registered as TRIMOBILES here. NOT MOTORCYCLES
Yes they give us motorcycle license plates, we are only required to have a drivers license,
We are exempt from all laws governing motorcycles, including, helmets, endorsments, gear, boots, all laws governing motorcycles.

My trike is registered as a TRIMOBILE according to the law

Trikes are not motorcycles, this includes the stallion, and any trike with two wheels powered, this does not include the can-am

a trike with two wheels in front for steering and one powered wheel is a motorcycle

I carry a copy of these laws with me at all times in case of dispute

stalliongirl · Jul 12, 2010

In Texas, anything less than 4 wheels gets classified as a motorcycle. After much searching, I was able to find Awesome Cycles just north of Houston. They let me take the Basic Rider Course on a little scooter--125cc, hand brakes and throttle but no gears and nothing to do with your feet! They were so supportive and encouraging. I love riding the Stallion and agree that to classify it as a car would change the looks and price beyond reach. I think TBMS needs to lobby to get the licensing laws modified or adjusted. They are missing a huge market of women who have been co-riders for years and want to be drivers!

Stallion Girl

Mattel · Jul 12, 2010

Funny thing is that I just don't understand TBMS. Sure they are nice people, they have a great product and they stand behind it, but...... When I this issue first surfaced in the pages of the AMA magizine, I contacted the AMA and introduced them to the Stallion. The American Motorcycle Association (AMA) is the primary force lobbying for Motorcycle rights nationaly and locally. They said they never heard of a Stallion and were very thankfull to find this information out.

With all this, I would think TBMS would do more to use the existing networks out there to get their product out to the public. Get it in a movie, on a TV show, something........ I just don't see TBMS doing anything like this. I would settle for them just giving us some inside information on this site. We are their customer base. I would be nice to give us updates, insitghts, take polls of what we like and dislike.

But.. start by getting invovled like you say.... That woud be a way to leverage the way their trike is impacted by this future major law change.

triwinggirl · Jul 13, 2010

TBMS

Nana · Jul 13, 2010

triwinggirl said:
TBMS

ThoroughBred MotorSports--creators of the Stallion.

What is a motorcycle?

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