H.R. 9711: Autocycle Safety Act

This bill would create a new federal safety framework for autocycles, which it defines as three-wheeled motor vehicles with front-wheel drive, a fully enclosed cabin, and a steering wheel.

What the bill changes

The bill amends federal motor vehicle safety law so that autocycles are specifically covered by their own section of law. It also makes clear that these vehicles are subject to safety standards the Secretary of Transportation decides are appropriate through regulation.

Temporary safety requirements

Until the Transportation Department issues new final rules, an autocycle would be treated as compliant with federal requirements only if it meets a list of existing safety standards. These include:

• Passenger car standards for controls and displays, lighting and reflective equipment, brakes, seats, seat belts, and crash protection;
• Motorcycle standards for tires and tire/rim selection;
• Either motorcycle or passenger car standards for brake hoses, rearview mirrors, brake fluid, and glazing materials;
• Performance criteria for upper interior impact, as far as possible; and
• Equipment requirements for a steering wheel air bag, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control.

New federal rules within 3 years

The bill would require the Secretary of Transportation to issue final rules, interpretations, and test procedures within 3 years. Those rules would establish which safety standards apply to autocycles on a permanent basis.

How the Transportation Department must decide the rules

When writing the new rules, the Secretary would have to:

• Use motorcycle safety standards for parts of autocycle performance that are best regulated that way; and
• Use passenger car safety standards for parts that are not properly covered by motorcycle standards.

Other rulemaking requirements

The bill says the Transportation Department must give manufacturers enough time to adjust to any new standards and must follow the usual federal requirements for issuing motor vehicle safety rules.

Relevant Companies

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