When the company began urging lawmakers to ease requirements in 2012, only 11 states didn't force tricycle drivers to get a motorcycle. Since then, Elio has been redefined as a new class of vehicle, the "autocycle," not subject to the training needed to operate an open-air motorbike. It's not difficult to believe: the enclosed trike has gas and brake pedals, a steering wheel, a seatbelt and airbags. While eight of these recategorizations are not fully in the books, they are currently "going through the legislative process."