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UNCONVENTIONAL VEHICLES. Of course, it wasn’t too long before it became difficult to decide… MOTOR VEHICLE OR NOT?. A few examples of the registration and titling challenges faced in T EXAS. What Are They?. Neighborhood Electric Vehicles Motor-assisted Scooters
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Of course, it wasn’t too long before it became difficult to decide… MOTOR VEHICLE OR NOT? A few examples of the registration and titling challenges faced in TEXAS
What Are They? • Neighborhood Electric Vehicles • Motor-assisted Scooters • Pocket Bikes • Travel/Cargo Trailers
Neighborhood Electric VehiclesA vehicle subject to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 500 (49 C.F.R. §571.500) Maximum speed attainable in 1 mile by each low-speed vehicle not more than 25 MPH Equipped with: (1) head lamps (2) front & rear turn signal lamps (3) tail lamps (4) stop lamps (5) reflex reflectors (6) exterior mirror (7) parking brake (8) windshield (9) Conforming VIN 2002 Ford Th!nk Neighborhood Vehicle
Motor-assisted Scooters • At least 2 wheels in contact with the ground • Braking System • Gas or Electric Motor < 40 CC • Deck to stand/sit during operation • Ability to be propelled by human power alone
Minnie Hawg Minimotorcycles
Texas Motor Vehicle Division Definition (1) can commence and continue movement without pedaling or pushing off: and (2) has as it primary purpose the transport of a person or persons, or property, on public streets, roads, or highways, by either: (A) being certified as a moped by the Texas Department of Public Safety; (B) meeting the certification criteria of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for a motor vehicle: or (C) meeting three or more of the following criteria: (i) has an internal combustion engine with a piston displacement of at least 30 cc or an electrical power system with at least 2 brake horsepower or 250 watt power; (ii) has not more than three wheels at least 12” in diameter; (iii) can attain speeds of 20 mph or more; (iv) has a gross weight of 40 lbs. or more; (v) can travel a minimum distance of 30 miles or for a minimum period of 2 hours.
NOT a motor vehicle 10” wheels speeds up to 12 mph gross wt. 50 lbs. up to 45 minutes of continuous use no turn signals, rear-view mirror (NHTSA cert)
180 watts 26” wheels speeds up to 15 mph weighs 40 lbs. 14 miles min. distance NOT a motor vehicle
Motor Vehicle 43cc two-stroke engine speeds up to 20 mph weighs 108 lbs. 30 mile min. distance headlight, turn signals, mirrors (NHTSA cert.)
NOT a Motor Vehicle Motor will not engage until rider has “pushed off” to 3 mph not motorized
Motor Vehicle 43cc two-stroke engine 12” wheels speeds up to 20mph gross wt. 103 lbs. 30 mile min. distance headlight, turn signals, mirrors (NHTSA cert.)
Motor Vehicle 43cc two-stroke engine speeds up to 25 mph weigh 108 lbs. headlights, turn signals (NHTSA cert.)
Motor Vehicle 49cc four-stroke engine speeds up to 25 mph gross wt. 62 lbs.
Pocket Bike Legislation 79th Legislature Pocket bike or minimotorbike” means a self-propelled vehicle that is equipped with an electric motor or internal combustion engine having a piston displacement of less than 50 cubic centimeters, is designed to propel itself with not more than two wheels in contact with the ground, has a seat or saddle for the use of the operator, is not designed for use on a highway, and is ineligible for a certificate of title under Chapter 501. The term does not include: (A) a moped or motorcycle; (B) an electric bicycle or motor-driven cycle, as defined by Section 541.201; (C) a motorized mobility device, as defined by Section 542.009; (D) an electric personal assistive mobility device, as defined by Section 551.201; or (E) a neighborhood electric vehicle.
Scooter Legislation Sec. 551.304. APPLICATION OF SUBCHAPTER TO POCKET BIKE OR MINIMOTORBIKE. This subchapter may not be construed to authorize the operation of a pocket bike or minimotorbike on any: (1) highway, road, or street; (2) path set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles; or (3) sidewalk.
Texas Cities Respond Dallas Dallas Police Department began monitoring accident statistics in 2004, and continues to do so. At least 19 reported accidents since early 2004. Source: DPD, April 2005
Texas Cities Respond LaPorte City restricted the use of “motorized scooters” to daylight hours, and to streets with posted speed limits under 30 mph. After 2 boys lost control of a scooter and were struck and injured by a motor vehicle. Source: USA Today, 3/14/05
Texas Cities Respond Laredo City ordinance preventing pocket bikes from operating in public. Ordinance aimed at public awareness, after a fatality in 2005. Source: Pharr VTR
AAMVA INQUIRY RESULTS • AZ – TRAILER • ID – DEPENDENT ON USE • LA – TRAILER • MD – TRAILER • MO – TITLE/REG. SAME; BODY STYLE TT • NE – DEPENDENT ON USE • NM – TRAVEL TRAILER • VA – TRAVEL TRAILER • WA - TRAILER
Pocket Bikes – A Safety Concern • No standard safety features (i.e., rearview mirrors, decent brake system) • Cannot pass state safety inspection • Inexperienced operators (kids); no DL required • Visibility issues
Another Driver View Driver View
Unconventional Vehicles State Requirements • Generally, states require that: • Motor vehicles meet federal and state equipment standards • Motor vehicles be registered and titled • Motor Vehicle operators be licensed • Most unconventional vehicles do not meet equipment standards and can not be licensed or operated on public streets
Where do we go from here? • Consistency between jurisdictions and local governments on questions of operation, registration, and drivers license • Recognition of safety hazard posed by unconventional vehicles
What AAMVA is Doing • A subcommittee formed as part of the VRT • Chaired by Betty Johnson of Nebraska • First meeting via conference call August 3