Classification for autocycles advanced

A new class of motor vehicle would be approved for use in Nebraska under a bill advanced from general file May 14.

Introduced by Papillion Sen. Jim Smith, LB231 would define an autocycle as a three-wheeled motor vehicle controlled with a steering wheel and pedals with a driver and passenger sitting in tandem in an enclosed area featuring a removable or fixed top, airbag protection, roll cage, three-point safety belt system and antilock brakes.

An autocycle would be required to have at least one but not more than two headlamps, at least one tail lamp, brake and turn signals. An autocycle could not be used for the driving skills test for an operator’s license exam.

Registration fees and taxes would have mirrored those for motorcycles: $6 registration, $25 base motor vehicle tax and $10 base motor vehicle fee. The bill was amended to increase the registration fee to $15.

Smith said autocycles represent a new transportation technology not currently addressed by Nebraska statutes. Other states already have approved the vehicles for road use, he said, and the vehicles soon will arrive in Nebraska.

“With the drive toward fuel efficiency, we have to look at this for a viable option for many of our citizens who need a more affordable means of transportation,” Smith said.

Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers opposed the bill, saying autocycle use should carry restrictions similar to golf carts and not be permitted on interstates or highways.

“I’m not prepared to put this in the category of motor vehicles,” Chambers said.

Sen. Dave Bloomfield of Hoskins supported the bill, saying autocycles designed with two wheels in front are a stable, safe method of transportation that should be allowed on any roadway.

A Transportation and Telecommunications Committee amendment, adopted 36-1, replaced the bill. It would require that airbags, a roll cage and three-point safety belt system be installed by the autocycle manufacturer and would permit either tandem or side-by-side seating.

The amendment also would increase from $6 to $15 the autocycle registration fee and would add autocycles to the motor vehicle tax schedule with automobiles and motorcycles.

Senators advanced the bill to select file on a 37-1 vote.