Starting in 1995, there was some push back and now just exactly where the line is, is a matter of debate.
In sum- I say leave motor vehicle regulation in a state to the state itself.
Push back, IMO, is a good thing. From states, and from their citizens!
I, too, hesitate in suggesting MB specifications being made subject to federal law; however, I do envision the need for a substantial agreement among states as to what and what shall not be deemed permissible in terms of drivetrains, safety gear, and registration.
Before encountering a boy on his motored bike, I'd thought my best cycling days were behind me. This sport has given me a new lease on an old dream. I'm thinking of multi-state tours as a real possibility in my (eventual) retirement. A cohesive agreement between states would make tour planning much easier.
If it requires a federal mandate to bring this to life, count me in. I see it kind of like the EPA regs for automobile emissions. Meeting the minimum requirements of a federal standard, I could ride anywhere. Sure, I might not be able to
register my 2-cycle MB in California, for example; but, I could
legally ride through or visit the state.
I've spent a fair amount of time lurking around in "MotoredBiking Laws and Legislation". The current state of legislation is as clear as MUD! There's significant disparity in regs state-to-state, and little apparent consistency in their enforcement with a state's boundaries. Something needs to be done to clear this up.
I'm a believer in and advocate for grass-roots change. Gentle, vocal, and unrelenting "push-back" from responsible citizens, such as ourselves, could bring about beneficial change in the legislative aspect of our sport.
Maybe there's an advantage in organizing. Is anything happenning on that front?
Yoda