A Jalopnik article warns that the US House of Representatives' very short Bill 3385 (see below), filed on 5/14/25, would change the definition of what a motorcycle is, making 3-wheelers like the Aptera, Polaris Slingshot, and Morgan Three-Wheeler illegal.
Aptera might be able to install handlebars, but it would be tough to implement "a seat or saddle requiring the rider to sit astride." Fortunately for Aptera, the current US House of Representatives has a difficult time passing bills of any kind, but I'll bet the company is keeping an eye on this one.
A BILL
To direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue certain regulations to update the definition of motorcycle, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. Motorcycle definition.
(a) In general.—Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue such regulations as are necessary to amend the definition of the term “motorcycle” in section 571.3 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to match the definition in this section.
(b) Motor cycle defined.—In this section, the term “motorcycle” means a motor vehicle, as was originally manufactured, with motive power, having a seat or saddle requiring the rider to sit astride, designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, steering controlled by handlebars, acceleration and braking controlled by handlebar and foot controls and capable of reaching speeds in excess of 30 mph.
Aptera might be able to install handlebars, but it would be tough to implement "a seat or saddle requiring the rider to sit astride." Fortunately for Aptera, the current US House of Representatives has a difficult time passing bills of any kind, but I'll bet the company is keeping an eye on this one.
A BILL
To direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue certain regulations to update the definition of motorcycle, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. Motorcycle definition.
(a) In general.—Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue such regulations as are necessary to amend the definition of the term “motorcycle” in section 571.3 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to match the definition in this section.
(b) Motor cycle defined.—In this section, the term “motorcycle” means a motor vehicle, as was originally manufactured, with motive power, having a seat or saddle requiring the rider to sit astride, designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, steering controlled by handlebars, acceleration and braking controlled by handlebar and foot controls and capable of reaching speeds in excess of 30 mph.