Automobiles are auto-propelled vehicles with wheels. They are primarily designed to transport people.
There are two main types of automobiles. One is the automobile, the other is the motorcycle. The difference is in the number of wheels. Motorcycles have three wheels, while automobiles have four.
The motorcycle was invented in the mid-Victorian era. It was an adaptation of a velocipede, or pedal cycle, to include an engine. Charles Metz built the first production motorcycle in the United States in Waltham, Massachusetts in 1898.
Motorcycles have been designed for many different purposes. In addition to transportation, they are also used for commuting, sport, and cruising.
A typical motorcycle has a single cylinder, horizontal gasoline engine. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel through a chain or belt. Some motor scooters feature automatic clutches. Normally, the throttle is controlled through twist-type controls on handgrips.
New motorcycles are regulated in the United States and the EU. Emissions were limited to 1.4 grams of hydrocarbons and nitric oxides for 2006. These emissions were further reduced to 0.3 gram in 2007.
The European Union has imposed stricter limits on carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions. For instance, in 2007, new motorcycles were regulated to 0.3 grams of hydrocarbons and nitric gases. By 2020, this will be reduced to 0.1 gram.
Several court cases have determined that motorcycles do not qualify as automobiles. However, many people still consider them to be automobiles. This is a matter of debate.
