It's an auto, no it's a cyle — no bill says it's an 'autocyle'

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They are part automobile, but also part motorcycle. So lawmakers are nearing creating a new category of licensed vehicle in Utah called "autocycles."

The Senate Transportation Committee voted 3-0 on Thursday to endorse HB38, and sent it to the full Senate, to set up regulations for those unconventional vehicles — and allow driving them without a motorcycle license.

An autocycle is a three-wheeled vehicle that's similar to a motorcycle, but it has a steering wheel, car-like seats that do not require straddling, and safety features such as a steel roll cage, air bags or anti-lock brakes.

Rep. Stewart Barlow, R-Fruit Heights, sponsor of the bill, said they are becoming more popular, although only 65 have been registered in Utah so far.

"They ride like a car. They fit most of the categories of a car, yet they are under a motorcycle code" now, Barlow said. "We're expecting to see a lot more of them on the market" because they sell for about $8,000 "and all get roughly 50 to 80 miles per gallon."

— Lee Davidson