I've already posted in the general discussion about license requirements but I thought a thread about a four wheel version belongs in this forum. The three wheel version is a non-starter for legal reasons. The stability and safety issues are just engineering problems, I have zero doubt that they can solve them. However three wheels has severe legal implications and those are solvable. Anything less than four wheels is a motorcycle, motorcycles require a special license and they also require helmets. It's crazy that a car with a Kevlar and carbon fiber roof needs helmets but the law says it does and those laws won't be easy to fix. It also won't be eligible for the Federal and probably most state tax credit and rebates. The F150 Lighting which will be lucky to get 2 miles per KWh will be eligible but the Aptera which gets 10 miles per KWh won't, stupid but that's the law. The solution is a fourth wheel. Even if it costs some efficiency I'd be happy with a 500 mile car instead of a 600 mile if I didn't need a motorcycle license and didn't need to wear a helmet.
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I've seen in some interviews with Nathan from Aptera that a 4 wheel drive, 4 seater version of the Aptera would come 2 -3 years later once the have proved the 3 wheel one is successful. It was one of the interviews below I made note of that.
For once, Mississippi isn't behind the curve...
Mississippi Code Title 63. Motor Vehicles & Traffic Regulations § 63-3-103. Types of vehicles
(c) “Motorcycle” means every motor vehicle having a saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground but excluding a tractor. The term “motorcycle” includes motor scooters as defined in paragraph (j) of this subsection.
(i) “Autocycle” means a motorcycle with three (3) wheels that is completely enclosed with a roll cage or roll bar, automotive controls and seat belts.
Title 63 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulations
Chapter 1 - Driver's License
Article 1 - Driver's License
§ 63-1-6. Requirement of motorcycle operator's license
(1) Unless exempted under Section 63-1-7 or Section 63-1-6.1, no person shall drive or operate a motorcycle, except for an autocycle as defined in Section 63-3-103, upon the highways of the State of Mississippi without first securing an operator's license with a motorcycle endorsement upon it.
It has also been decided that electric autocycles will pay the same annual road-use penalty fee (currently $75) as electric motorcycles and hybrid vehicles. (4-wheeled EVs pay $150/year)
Look under the FAQ. I think you will find it there.
Where did you get the data that the composite is made of Kevlar and carbon-fiber? Looked like a fiberglass resin composite to me. Or is the Kevlar and carbon fiber used only in certain locations on the cycle?
Why would you start working on very complicated vehicle when you have over 10,000 preorders for the Aptera that is nearly finished? There is almost no competition for the vehicle they are now developing. The key to success at this point is laser focus. Get the Aptera into production. Go Aptera!
Where do you live? Most States no longer require either a helmet or a motorcycle exception. New York still does, but legislation has been introduced to change this
Aptera has a lobbyist and the Brand Ambassadors are organizing for States where work is still needed.
Three wheelers ate also covered to be eligible for incentives in the proposed new legislation.