Update, 2/8/04

Mike Patterson writes, "There are now ten for sale here in the USA through me, at the same email as before: mikeosaurusp@netscape.net"

Also, check out Mike's Twike film.

Getting a Twike

It's not easy to get a Twike. At least not in the USA. Because it would normally be classified as a motorcycle, it falls under Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, which means it has eventually to comply to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) as they apply to three-wheeled motorcycles. The main issues involved include testing and labeling of tires, wheels, lenses, brakelines, and the windshield. Some of these are minor issues but others, such as those concerned with labeling the windshield, require working with the manufacturers of the various parts.

You can import a Twike by filling out a form that indicates you will eventually comply the vehicle. The temporary permission to have it here for testing and compliance feasibility, which can be renewed annually, also allows you to drive it.

The hope is that the Swiss company or some US sponsor working in conjunction with the Swiss will undertake the steps necessary for regular compliance. The vehicle already meets stringent German and Swiss standards, probably more demanding than US standards, but international political and bureaucratic realities intervene.

I began researching what would be required to comply the Twike to US DOT requirements. I would be glad to share what I turned up with anyone with the time and resources to pursue the matter.

References

The English language page of the Swiss Twike site is at http://www.twike.ch/en/index.html

© 2000 Victor Muñoz