Nova Scotians will soon be able to register federally approved three-wheel vehicles

There could be more three-wheel vehicles on Nova Scotia roads following the announcement of a pilot project to permit registration of federally approved models, but one owner says he has questions. 

On Wednesday, Nova Scotia Public Works announced vehicles with three wheels, automotive seats, foot pedals and steering wheels can be registered in the province starting May 15. 

The five-year pilot project will bring Nova Scotia in line with other provinces, according to a news release.

“They’re not really a motorcycle, they’re not really a car,” said Kevin Mitchell, the registrar of motor vehicles for the province. 

Mitchell said three-wheel vehicles will be registered as a car, and drivers will require a Class 5 licence. Helmets will be mandatory for all occupants, passengers must be over age 9 and the vehicles are not allowed to tow trailers. 

“They’ve been permitted for sale in Canada for a while,” he said. “So this is just us getting caught up with the rest of Canada.” 

TWV label 

Mitchell said the manufacturers compliance label for qualifying vehicles should read TWV or three-wheel vehicle. He said the Polaris Slingshot and Campagna T-Rex are examples of models that qualify under the pilot project, but three-wheel ATVs and tuk-tuks, or motorized rickshaws, do not. 

Robert Gerrior purchased a Slingshot in June 2023. Last summer, the New Glasgow resident registered and insured the vehicle through a relative’s address in New Brunswick. 

“I know next week I can register it, but I don’t know if I can drive it on the road next week,” said Gerrior. “I don’t know that I can find a spot yet that’ll inspect it. Also, I’ve spoken to my insurance company and they can’t give me word on whether they can insure it or not.” 

Gerrior said the pilot project for vehicles is overdue. He said another Slingshot was registered with a Nova Scotia plate before the pilot project. 

He said he sent a picture to the government asking why he couldn’t register his vehicle when somebody else had already been successful.

Mitchell was told a three-wheel vehicle was registered by mistake and the registration was eventually revoked. 

‘Hard to miss a pothole’ 

Gerrior said the vehicle gets a lot of attention. But he said it has its quirks.

“It’s quite fun to drive and every time you stop for gas you spend 20 minutes … talking to people,” Gerrior said. “That third wheel in the back is in the centre, so it’s hard to miss a pothole.”