What's an Autocycle?
Act 34 of 2016, signed by Gov. Tom Wolf on May 25, amends the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code to make a distinction betwen three-wheeled trike-style motorcycles with two rear wheels and newer three-wheeled vehicles with two front wheels.
The new law creates a special designation of "autocycle" under the existing motorcycle definition. An autocycle is "a three-wheeled motorcycle that has a steering wheel and seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride."
In general, an autocycle does not have more than three wheels in contact with the ground; is designed to be controlled with a steering wheel, gas and brake pedals; has a seat or seats that are fully or partially enclosed; and is equipped with seats and safety belts for the occupants, who sit with their legs forward. Because the vehicle is configured and driven more like a car than a motorcycle, an autocycle would be operated with a motor vehicle license instead of a motorcycle license.
The Act states, "The qualifications for the safe operation of an autocycle shall be the same as for any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than 26,000 pounds or any combination of vehicles that does not meet the definition of either Class A or Class B ..."
According to the Senate Co-Sponsorship Memorandum by Senator Mario M. Scavello, "there are approximately 23 states with autocycle legislation passed into law and approximately four additional states currently seeking legislative changes to more appropriately classify these vehicles as autocycles."
For more information, go to the Pennsylvania General Assembly Web site at www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/bills/ and type "SB 1108" in the Legislation Quick Search box in the upper right corner of the page. Click Printer's Number 1752 for the full text of the bill.
The new law creates a special designation of "autocycle" under the existing motorcycle definition. An autocycle is "a three-wheeled motorcycle that has a steering wheel and seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride."
In general, an autocycle does not have more than three wheels in contact with the ground; is designed to be controlled with a steering wheel, gas and brake pedals; has a seat or seats that are fully or partially enclosed; and is equipped with seats and safety belts for the occupants, who sit with their legs forward. Because the vehicle is configured and driven more like a car than a motorcycle, an autocycle would be operated with a motor vehicle license instead of a motorcycle license.
The Act states, "The qualifications for the safe operation of an autocycle shall be the same as for any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than 26,000 pounds or any combination of vehicles that does not meet the definition of either Class A or Class B ..."
According to the Senate Co-Sponsorship Memorandum by Senator Mario M. Scavello, "there are approximately 23 states with autocycle legislation passed into law and approximately four additional states currently seeking legislative changes to more appropriately classify these vehicles as autocycles."
For more information, go to the Pennsylvania General Assembly Web site at www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/bills/ and type "SB 1108" in the Legislation Quick Search box in the upper right corner of the page. Click Printer's Number 1752 for the full text of the bill.
