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"Jim Spanfeller" (awesomeaustinv)
05/24/2020 at 10:19 • Filed to: None

What would be the problem with importing an electric three-wheeler? The things stopping new vehicles from coming to America are crash and emissions regulations, right? But a three-wheeled vehicle technically counts as a motorcycle, and those don’t really have crash safety... What are the rules for importing a foreign motorcycle? I assume it’s different than cars. Wouldn’t you just have to modify the engine to make it comply with U.S. emissions regulations? Except an electric car doesn’t produce emissions (well, not that kind anyway), so what would be the problem with importing one?

Is there anything I’m missing that would stop me from importing, say, a Nobe 100?

DISCUSSION (8)

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Jim Spanfeller
05/24/2020 at 10:30

I imagine they still have to be 25 years old unless you really want to she ll out . I’m pretty sure complying with emissions regulations on a federal level is enormously expensive and time consuming and generally terrible. Perhaps federal lighting standards are the only barrier for electric motorcycles?

At any rate, I wouldn't want to ride in the rear of the title picture car.

Nom De Plume > Jim Spanfeller
05/24/2020 at 10:33

You are greatly underestimating how arcane the regulations are.

That said they pale in comparison to doing something dumb like trying to build a plane you expect to be approved for flight. Literally a box truck full of documentation and a few years of your life to be told a miniscule element didn’t properly satisfy some purposely contrary subsection that goes against all sane or safe practice failed your application.

PyramidHat > Nom De Plume
05/24/2020 at 10:36

“We’re not happy until you’re not happy.” -FAA Slogan-

Jim Spanfeller > Nom De Plume
05/24/2020 at 10:37

That’s why I’m asking... I don’t know what the regulations are for importing new motorcycles/electric vehicles. I’m just assuming that motorcycles are excused from crash safety regulations, and electric vehicles should easily pass emissions, so I don’t know what else might stop me.

Jim Spanfeller > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
05/24/2020 at 10:42

The title picture car is a Nobe 100, an Estonian electric three-wheeler that looks like quite a clever bit of design. It’s a rare example of classic styling on a modern vehicle that actually works, and it’s my favorite electric “car”. They’re still a bit on the pricey side, but it’s currently the only electric vehicle on the market I actually want. I would drive the crap out of one... It would supplement Phoebe very nicely, I think.

zipfuel > Jim Spanfeller
05/24/2020 at 11:01

I have been giving this a bunch of thought recently too, like the main reason nobody imports stuff is that the bar for crash testing, emissions etc is set high and its very expensive to go through the process.

If all you’ve gotta do is prove the turn signals are up to spec and the wipers work etc then maybe it’s just a paperwork exercise.

I’ve been looking at Canadian regs and because we have a separate category for 3-wheel enclosed vehicles, there are still some significant hurdles like driver protection in frontal impact and steering column rearward displacement. Those sound like they’d need a crash test.

https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/C.R.C.,_c._1038/page-13.html#h-1226572

The three wheel motorcycle rules are a lot more slack though (thanks Bombardier).

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Jim Spanfeller
05/24/2020 at 11:54

I would rock a Honda e but that Move does look pretty unique. You can't quite pull that off with four wheels anymore so I'm happy this exists as long as I don't ride in the back. Who am I kidding, I would totally ride in the back.

Nom De Plume > Jim Spanfeller
05/24/2020 at 11:56

The first question is why would you want to bother with a POS poorly designed and horribly manufactured bike with no warranty and exceedingly high chance of showing up missing key parts? Blowing up is certainly not out of the question either.

If the answer is OPPO, fair enough. Send off your $200 and hope for the best. Attempting to mitigate problems by directly asking to have them examined by every authority along the line is probably not the way to chance it sliding through. Be prepared with worldly answers to impossible questions and have at it!