Interpretation ID: aiam3450
President
Sigma Six Inc.
P.O. Box 4272
Westlake Village
CA 91359;
Dear Mr. Zaun: This responds to your July 29, 1981 letter asking whether three-wheeled vehicle would be classified as a motorcycle for purposes of complying with the motor vehicle safety standards.; The term 'motorcycle' is defined in our regulations as 'a motor vehicl with motive power...designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground' (Volume 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 571.3). Since your vehicle is designed to travel on three wheels, it would be classified as a motorcycle for purposes of complying with the safety standards. The agency plans no major rulemaking at this time that would change the definition of motorcycle or the standards with which these vehicles comply.; Sincerely, Frank Berndt, Chief Counsel