States Wrestle with How to Regulate Three-Wheeled Autocycles

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August 2nd, 2016

It’s more than a motorcycle and less than a car. It’s an autocycle. And states are wrestling with how best to regulate this new type of vehicle.

Rhode Island has joined dozens of other states in enacting rules classifying the autocycle and allowing drivers to operate one without a motorcycle license or endorsement. Maryland also has new rules that it began publicizing Monday.

Autocycles have three wheels, typically two in the back and one in the front. They also have steering wheels, foot pedals and are sometimes enclosed. Some are designed for fun and others for fuel efficiency; they range in price from $6,800 to as much as $65,000.