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Polaris Slingshot Reclassified as ‘Autocycle’ For New York’s Roads

If You're a Local and Have a Drivers’ License, You Can Drive the Polaris Slingshot

A view of the Polaris Slingshot - a vehicle that has been reclassified as an attocycle for the road of New York

Polaris has just had a vast corner of the New York market open up to them.

As of this morning, The Empire State has reclassified the Polaris Slingshot as a motor vehicle, or ‘autocycle,’ meaning anybody with a legal drivers’ license can drive a Polaris Slingshot. 

A view of the Polaris Slingshot - a vehicle that has been reclassified as an attocycle for the road of New York

Previously, Polaris fans needed a motorcycle license to operate the Slingshot, with the recent changes being due to the fact that the machine boasts “side-by-side bucket seats, seat belts, and an automated manual transmission or manual transmission option typically found in traditional automobiles.”

A view of the Polaris Slingshot - a vehicle that has been reclassified as an attocycle for the road of New York

“We’re excited to open up the door for more New Yorkers to experience the open-air driving experience only a Polaris Slingshot delivers,” enthuses Chris Sergeant, Vice President of Polaris Slingshot. 

A view of the Polaris Slingshot - a vehicle that has been reclassified as an attocycle for the road of New York

This is huge news; the American motorcycle manufacturer now has access to customers that have (for reasons that are beyond me) yet to take the moto plunge but might be considering a switch from their standard Toyota Corolla..

And whyever would you not?  Just look at the thing. 

A view of the Polaris Slingshot - a vehicle that has been reclassified as an attocycle for the road of New York

Having access to drivers as well as riders is a big change for any moto brand…though we don’t think Polaris is complaining.

We anticipate big things for the brand this year. Standby for a mid-season sales update (we’re guessing numbers will be experiencing a happy spike at that time) subscribe to our newsletter or other updates like this one, and as always – stay safe on the twisties. 

*Media sourced from the relevant press release, as well as NewAtlas, Top Gear and Car Scoops*