Keller’s Bill Clarifying Definition of Autocycle Passed by House
HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Mark Keller (R-Perry/Cumberland) that would clarify the definition of an autocycle today was unanimously approved by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
House Bill 1797 will next be considered by the Senate.
“Autocycles are currently registered as motorcycles, which we believe to be an inappropriate definition,” said Keller. “This legislation will make clearer the distinction between these newly developed three-wheeled vehicles with two forward wheels and the more recognizable three- wheeled trike-style motorcycles which have been around for many years.”
Keller’s bill would:
• Define these vehicles as an autocycle and register and title them by creating a special designation under the existing motorcycle definition. This effort will help to clarify crash reporting statistics, assist law enforcement with determining which laws to enforce, and ultimately, provide a safer environment on the road.
• Require an autocycle to be operated with a motor vehicle license instead of a motorcycle license due to the likeness in vehicle configuration and driving experience with a traditional motor vehicle. For example, these vehicles are equipped with bucket seats, seat belts, a steering wheel, and gas and brake pedals similar to a car; whereas, a three- wheel motorcycle requires the operator to use a handlebar and sit astride the straddle style seat which necessitates active positioning on the vehicle to properly maneuver it.
• Apply the safety belt requirement for automobiles on autocycles and keep the helmet law for motorcycles consistent with autocycles. Additionally, there would not be a requirement for windshields, wipers or an enclosed cabin as that is not required under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards applied by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Keller pointed out that Pennsylvania would join 23 other states that have passed autocycle bills, if his measure is enacted. Additionally, four states are currently considering similar legislation.
“Overall, this legislation will foster conformity with other states regionally that have already adopted an autocycle definition, and continue a trend that is developing nationally,” added Keller. “Further, it will assist the Department of Transportation and the law enforcement community to better regulate these vehicles in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
For more information on Keller and his legislative priorities, please visit
RepKeller.com or
Facebook.com/RepKeller.
Representative Mark Keller
86th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andy Briggs
717.260.6474
abriggs@pahousegop.com
RepKeller.com /
Facebook.com/RepKeller