North Fresno Collision Center - Blackstone

Is an Elio a Car or a Motorcycle?

Recently, Elio Motors put out a press release that stated that anyone interested in driving one of its highly efficient three-wheelers would not require a motorcycle license in 41 states. The reason you might require one is because, in many states, three-wheelers are considered to be the same as motorcycles. Elio, however, wants to be a car. They figure that if it has a steering wheel and the driver is completely enclosed in the vehicle, the Elio should be treated just like an automobile—but some people strongly disagree

So, what are the states in which you do need a motorcycle license to drive an Elio and how will it affect us here in Fresno, CA? At North Fresno Collision Center - Blackstone, we realize that we are living in probably the most exciting period in automotive history and that's why we always like to share news like this.

There are about nine states that don't want to dance with the other 41 states for whatever reason, and will make it a little more difficult to own and drive an Elio in their state. These are Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Arkansas, Alaska, West Virginia, New York, Maine and Hawaii. 

There is also one state on this list that will require Elio drivers to wear helmets while driving one, and that is West Virginia. Five states also have different age requirements surrounding the helmet requirement—In Montana and Alaska if you're under 18 you'll have to wear one; in Maine and Hawaii if your 17 and younger, and in Arkansas if you're under the age of 21.

For the past few years, Elio and its PR people have been proactively working with state governments to make laws that will make it considerably easier to drive an Elio. Elio Motors has designed a three-wheeled vehicle built in a "motorcycle configuration" according to its creator. With two wheels in front, one in back and with a proposed mpg of 84/hwy. and 49 mpg in the city and a targeted base price of $6,800, the Elio represents an alternative, low-cost, high-mileage option for a wide variety of consumers.

In many ways, the Elio has many of the same standard features that you will find on your average car—air conditioning, a heater, power windows, cruise control, power locks, tempered glass, three airbags, a reinforced steel roll cage, side intrusion beams, seat belts, a windshield wiper, stability control and ABS brakes, just to mention a handful. ​

So, is the Elio a car or a motorcycle? It depends on your perspective and also where you live. But, Elio Motors is continually working to change state laws all the time, so stay tuned.

Sources: Elio Motors, CNN and USA Today