AutoblogGreen

1. They need to get this vehicle going further than 30 miles. What good is it going 70 MPH if it can't go beyond 30 in distance?

Posted at 10:26AM on May 5th 2008 by Robert Prtichett

2. So if it's not a car and it's not a motorcycle then I assume it does not need to be registered at all right (or insure it)? I have no registration for the chair I'm sitting on right now, and while it would be unwise to take this chair down the street, I doubt there are any laws specifically prohibiting it.

Posted at 10:26AM on May 5th 2008 by GoodCheer

3. Hmmm - Is this a relatively recent interpretation of the law?

I grew up in Ohio and saw trikes - with seats that weren't "saddle" looking - on the road regularly (plus a neighbor had a VW-powered, wheelie-popping trike). And the Myers Motors web site includes a news station video of the NmG on the road, with footage supposedly shot in Ohio. I even remember looking closely at a 3-wheeled gas-powered enclosed vehicle for sale in the mid-80s (sorry, can't recall exactly what kind of seat is had) that was on the road in Ohio.

Myers has owned the old Corbin design since late 2004 - I find it hard to believe that registration difficulties are only now coming to light. What's really going on here?

It'd be nice to see Ohio become a legislative leader in this area - helping boost the development of non-standard format EVs. Personally, a used Sparrow/NmG would be ideal for my commute - but there are simply none available in my area, and prices I've seen are well beyond what I'd be able to afford.

Posted at 10:29AM on May 5th 2008 by Phil L.

4. GoodCheer -

There are plenty of laws on the books preventing things that aren't legally cars or motorcycles from using public roads.

You probably wouldn't get arrested for rolling your office chair down the street, but just try the same thing with a go-kart, mini-bike or any other powered vehicled that doesn't have a license plate. Sadly, Zap and NmG are stuck in this category at the moment.

The insurance side gets to be important, too. Would you risk a $10K+ vehicle on the road without insurance to protect that investment? You'd also be unwise to risk your financial future without liability insurance. You can't get that insurance without a title and registration.

Posted at 10:35AM on May 5th 2008 by Phil L.

5. I'm a lawyer licensed in Ohio. If anyone gets zinged for driving one of those, give me a buzz. I'm very interested in this area and hope to help out.

Dave Brannon
www.branlaw.com

Posted at 10:48AM on May 5th 2008 by Dave

6. Good show Dave! I live in Ohio, too, and I'm disappointed that such a predicament may exist since I want an Aptera if they ever get this far. Now if they can only invent electric horses so the Amish buggies can go a little faster.

Posted at 11:57AM on May 5th 2008 by jmspearman

7. Big oil lobbying wins again!

Posted at 12:20PM on May 5th 2008 by Mark

8. That's crazy that they won't register the 3-wheeled EVs. If anything, they're safer than motorcycles! Let's just hope that the law gets changed relatively quickly so that people don't get discouraged from adopting the technology. And if anyone gets a chance to drive an NmG, it'd be really cool to read your review: http://greenhome.huddler.com/products/myers-motors-nmg-ev

Posted at 2:26PM on May 5th 2008 by Stins

9. Here's the best description of Ohio's definition of a motorcycle I could find:
"4511.01 ( C ) states in part, Motorcycle means every motor vehicle, other than a tractor, having a saddle for the use of the operator and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, including, but not limited to, motor vehicles known as motor-driven cycle, “motor scooter” or “motorcycle” without regard to weight or brake horsepower."

The saddle is "for the use" of the operator, but they don't specify what use. In theory one could add a bicycle seat and use it to hold one's cell phone. That's a "use."

Posted at 8:06PM on May 5th 2008 by GenWaylaid

10. wow people always try to do things to stop green living

Posted at 8:30PM on May 5th 2008 by Kevin Nugent

11. The only reason manufacturers of these small electrics choose to use 3 wheels is an attempt to circumvent safety requirements for automobiles. A three wheeler has no inherent advantages beyond that subterfuge.

If the vehicle pictured had four wheels there would be room for a decent sized trunk, more passengers or additional batteries increasing the range.

Regarding vehicles like VW powered trikes, they typically come under another exemption for home built and kit car vehicles.

Posted at 9:34AM on May 6th 2008 by jim

12. Ohio's biggest paper is in favor of 3-wheeled electrics...
http://www.cleveland.com/editorials/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1210581121265890.xml&coll=2

I wonder how Ohio defines its meter readers? Federal law clearly defines vehicles like this, so how do 3-wheelers circumvent the law?

One of the main reasons why 3-wheelers are so common in places like Asia is because they are more affordable. Isn't that what these companies are trying to do, introduce affordable, street-legal EVs?

Posted at 2:14PM on May 12th 2008 by Alex Campbell