Killing the electric car

Published over 3 years ago

Well it looks like the ZAP car might be dead for those in Massachusetts. Since the electric car, ZAP Xebra has only three wheels, it is classified as a motorcycle. And apparently motorcycles in MA cannot be enclosed. It is stated in the article from the Boston Globe that there is concern about the driver's safety and that they might have a false sense of security from the enclosure of the car. I have to say, I feel like even a helmet seems to give a false sense of security as I see many motorcycles speeding down the highways, weaving in and out of traffic... Anyway, the ZAP Xebra passenger car has a maximum speed of 40 miles per hour, so there is concern that since the vehicle would be classified as a motorcycle, that it would be allowed on highways. This is obviously dangerous and shouldn't happen as it would be a major hazard. But is it reason enough to take them off the road altogether?

For the time being, the 4 ZAP owned cars in MA are ordered off the road. It seems to me that instead of getting them off the road the state should consider a classification for the mini electric cars, perhaps something like an auto scooter. Scooters and mopeds are clearly not allowed on highways due to their low maximum speeds, but are great around town and city vehicles, saving gas and easy to park. A state as progressive as Massachusetts should be looking to work a gas saving vehicle into its landscape, not banishing it from its streets. After all, MA decided to add higher jersey barriers (10" taller) on their highways to compensate for height and weight for the gas guzzling SUVs.