Effective January 1, 2003
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VEHICLE DESIGN RULES
The Vehicle Design Rules are maintained by Electrathon America and enforced at sanctioned events. The rules are provided to promote safe, consistent and fair competition. Since safety is of key concern, these rules are considered minimum requirements. These rules will be enforced and the requirements defined must be maintained during the entire competition. Any vehicle should be able to pass inspection at any time during a competition.
Experimentation of design and ingenuity are encouraged, but keep in mind the intent of safe competition for the driver and other participants at each event. If a new concept is being attempted that does not fit the rules exactly, it is wise to contact an Event Official or an Officer of Electrathon America before proceeding with construction. It would be unfortunate to complete a vehicle and then have it disqualified at a competition. Please remember that safety is a primary goal.
To better understand how these rules will be enforced please read the Event Competition rules.
1.0 Dimensions
1.1 Minimum track (distance the tires are apart) is 2 feet center to center.
1.2 Maximum vehicle width is 4 feet at its widest point when the steering system is positioned as if driving in a straight line.
1.3 Maximum vehicle length is 12 feet.
2.1 All vehicles must be three-wheeled (cycle-car or tricycle) or four wheeled. Any configuration is allowed. All wheels must be load bearing, and remain in contact with the ground at all times, even under hard cornering conditions.
3.0 Frame / Frame Members
3.1 All vehicles must have frame members that protect the driver in the event of collisions from any direction.
3.2 Frames may be constructed of various materials and styles providing that the material(s) or methods provide adequate structural strength for protection/safety. The design will need to be structurally sound in the opinion of inspectors and/or race officials.
4.0 Roll Bar
4.1 A roll bar must provide roll over protection for the driver's head both from the top and from the side.
4.2 The roll bar structure must be triangulated with at least three legs or panel equivalent. Triangulated bracing can be either forward or rearward. Bracing must extend from the top of the roll bar and securely attach to the vehicle structure. Any roll bar that is constructed from more than one continuous piece must be reinforced and braced triangularly from all junctions/joints in addition to the top.
4.3 The roll bar structure must be sturdy enough to withstand the vehicle being dropped, upside down, from an altitude of 1 foot, with the driver inside without failure.
4.4 The driver's helmet must be below a straight line drawn from the top of the roll bar to the top of a front tire or the highest structural point when the driver is securely belted in driving position.
4.5 Composite or monocoque vehicles with integral rollover protection must meet comparable strength and clearance requirements.
4.6 Padding must be installed to prevent injury from contacting the frame members in the event of an accident. Padding must be at least 1/2-inch thick and made of foam.
5.0 VEHICLE BODY
5.1 All vehicles must provide a body/chassis structure sufficient to protect the driver from impact from any side. A suitable structure or shell is required to provide a barrier between the driver and any contact with another vehicle or the ground.
5.2 This body or structure needs to protect the driver’s legs, feet, and side up to shoulder level protecting the ribcage from side impact.
5.3 The legs and feet must be enclosed to prevent them from leaving the vehicle in an accident and provide protection against a frontal impact.
5.4 If the chassis contains a structural shell sufficient to protect the driver, then any body provided need not be structural. However, under no circumstances is the body to be made of cardboard, paper or any material that becomes weak when wet. Materials that are brittle, or produce sharp edges when broken (e.g. Plexiglas or brittle acrylic panels) are also not allowed.
5.5 A body is not required if the frame or chassis shell will prevent the driver’s arms and legs from leaving the vehicle and prevent another vehicle’s parts from entering the vehicle during an accident.
5.6 The vehicle must not have any sharp edges, corners or protrusions that could cause injury. Any questionable exposed portion of the vehicle should be cut off, rounded off or blunted with durable padding.
5.7 The vehicle must have a fixed floor pan that prevents the driver’s body from contacting the ground.
6.0 STABILITY
6.1 All vehicles must demonstrate stability at rest, while cornering, braking and at top speed.
6.2 Driver contact with the ground cannot be used for stability.
6.2 Vehicles must be positively balanced and stable at all times while moving and at rest. Stability is critical for safety and must be maintained in off-camber turns, high-banked corners and in windy conditions.
7.1 Leaning vehicles are permitted provided the driver is not required to balance the vehicle and stability requirements are met.
7.2 Leaning vehicles must use a mechanical device for actuation.
7.3 Vehicles which lean must have the ability to lock out the leaning capability of the vehicle for driver access and exit.
8.0 STEERING
8.1 Steering must permit a turning circle diameter of less than 50 feet curb to curb.
8.2 Any steering system must be well constructed and provide reliable steering action without looseness or binding.
9.1 At least two wheels must have brakes.
9.2 Brakes must be fitted to two wheels of the same axle. Either both front wheels or both rear wheels depending on vehicle construction.
9.3 When cable actuated brakes are used, both of the brakes must have separate actuation cables. If both brakes are to be actuated by a single hand or foot lever then both cables must be attached to the lever.
When using hydraulic brakes either one or two separate hydraulic lines may be used. They may be actuated by either one or two levers. It is recommended that armored hydraulic lines be used. All hydraulic lines must be protected from abrasion.
9.4 Regenerative braking is permitted in addition to conventional brakes.
9.5 The vehicle must not roll if pushed while brakes are applied. The vehicle must also be able to demonstrate a straight stop from a speed of 25 MPH in less than 40 feet.
9.6 Axles supported at both ends must have a diameter of at least 3/8” or 10 mm.
9.7 Axles that are only supported on one end must have a diameter of at least 1/2" or 12 mm.
9.8 Safety wire or cotter pins must be used to secure cantilevered wheel axle nuts. Nylon lock nuts and double nuts alone are not acceptable.
10.1 Tires must be a pneumatic (inflatable) type.
10.2 Tires must have a minimum outside diameter of 12 inches.
10.3 Clearance between the vehicle’s lowest point and the ground must exceed the height of the tire sidewalls to prevent the vehicle from sliding on the ground in the event of failure of any or all of the tires.
10.4 While in driving position the driver’s body must not be able to come in contact with tires, wheels or spokes.
11.1 Batteries must be lead acid only. Wet cell, gel or dry cell types are permitted.
11.2 Battery number and voltage is not limited, but must meet specified weight limits.
11.3 Batteries must display all original manufacturer’s labels.
11.4 Batteries must be commercially retailed and available to any competitor. Custom built or specialized batteries are not allowed.
11.5 Batteries must be stock and unmodified in any way, and meet all conditions of the manufacturer’s written warranty.
11.6 Total battery weight on sealed gel cell batteries cannot exceed 67 pounds.
Total battery weight on all other types cannot exceed 64 pounds.
Total battery weight includes any batteries used for controls, actuation, or functioning of the vehicle. Computers, radios, or similar equipment are not included.
11.7 Batteries cannot be exchanged or recharged from an outside source during a competition. Batteries may be recharged by regenerative braking. In Solar Class recharging through use of solar panels is also allowed.
11.8 Batteries must be securely attached to the vehicle in such a manner to withstand an impact or roll-over.
11.9 Batteries must be enclosed or covered to prevent acid leakage in the event of accidental damage to the battery.
12.0 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
12.1 A fuse or circuit breaker is required in any electrical circuit between the battery and any electrical device.
12.2 All fuses or circuit breakers should be mounted as close as practically possible to the source of power.
12.3 All fuses or breakers should be sized to protect the wiring to which they are connected. The current rating of fuses and breakers shall be no more than those listed in the following table for standard automotive cable. For other cable types or configurations refer to an applicable NEC (National Electric Code) standard.
Wire size
(AWG)
Max Fuse/
Breaker Size
20
5.5 AMPS
8
80 AMPS
18
9 AMPS
6
105 AMPS
16
12 AMPS
4
140 AMPS
14
15 AMPS
2
200 AMPS
12
20 AMPS
1
250 AMPS
10
30 AMPS
1/0
300 AMPS
Table adapted from National Electric Code (NEC) Handbook for standard
automotive type cable, single conductor, not in a raceway or conduit.
13.1 An isolation switch (kill switch) is required on all vehicles. This switch must have a break current rating that exceeds the maximum current draw of the vehicle.
13.2 The switch must be located in the main positive power cable between the battery and any motor controller.
13.3 An actuator may be attached to the switch for remote operation provided that it is durable and reliable.
13.4 Means must be provided for both the driver and race officials to actuate an isolation switch.
13.5 The driver must be able to actuate the switch while in driving position and without reaching outside the vehicle.
13.6 Race officials must be able to actuate the switch from outside the vehicle without reaching in.
13.7 Two switches may be installed if necessary.
13.8 A circuit breaker may be used as the isolation switch.
13.9 The switch or actuator accessible from outside the vehicle must be mounted within a solid red triangle whose sides are at least 4 inches. It must be visible and in contrast to the vehicle color or graphics.
13.10 Wiring must be well insulated and securely attached to the frame or body. All wiring must be kept free from moving parts and protected from chafing.
13.11 Wiring that passes through a hole with sharp edges or through sheet metal must be protected by an insulating grommet or other suitable device.
13.12 Terminals must be secured so they will not come loose or short out during a competition.
13.13 No part of the electrical system may use the vehicle frame as a conductor. The frame must not be grounded.
14.0 MOTORS & TRANSMISSION
14.1 Vehicles must only be powered by electric motors.
14.2 All motors must be controlled by the driver, and must turn off automatically when the driver releases the motor control.
14.3 All gears, chains, and sprockets must be covered if they could cause injury to the driver or others in the event of mechanical failure.
15.1 Any type of power (speed) controller is allowed.
15.2 Power to the motor must turn off automatically when the driver releases the accelerator.
15.3 Remote control of a vehicle is not permitted.
16.1 All vehicles must display assigned vehicle competition numbers.
16.2 Vehicle numbers must be least 6 inches in height
16.3 Numbers must be displayed and clearly visible on both sides of the vehicle.
16.4 The numbers must be in a contrasting color to the vehicle or number background. Out of state vehicles must also display their state abbreviation following the vehicle number in 3 inch high letters.
17.1 Vehicles must be equipped with a minimum of 8 square inches of usable mirror surface area.
17.2 The mirror(s) must allow the driver to see clearly to the rear on both sides of the vehicle.
18.1 All vehicles must be equipped with at least a three-point automotive seat belt and shoulder harness.
18.2 The seat belt must be mechanically attached to the vehicle and be capable of lifting the entire vehicle from the ground.
18.3 Safety belts must be mounted to a structural point 3 inches below the driver’s belt buckle.
18.4 The shoulder harness must be attached to a structural point 3 inches below the driver’s shoulder.
18.5 The seat belt or seat structure must prevent the driver from sliding forward during a sudden stop. A crotch strap (anti-submarine device) is recommended.
19.1 All drivers must wear a DOT approved helmet.
20.1 Drivers must be fully clothed during competition.
20.2 Long sleeve shirts, pants and shoes are required (water socks and wrestling shoes are acceptable).
20.3 Gloves are required for open cockpit vehicles. Gloves are optional for enclosed canopy vehicles. Fingerless gloves are allowed.
21.1 Drivers must be in a sitting or recumbent (reclining) position. A kneeling, or prone (head first) position is not permitted.
21.2 Arms and legs must remain within the vehicle body structure during competition.
22.1 Drivers must be able to exit their vehicle as it is driven in competition, unaided in 20 seconds. This includes any external method of securing canopies.
22.2 Handicapped participants will be allowed up to 2 minutes aided exit.
23.1 All drivers must show a valid driver’s license.
23.2 All drivers must sign a liability release prior to each event. Drivers under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian co-sign their liability release on their behalf.
23.3 Drivers must have an Electrathon America Competitor Membership.
24.1 This card may be made available by Electrathon America which can be presented as proof of current year paid membership. The Event Organizer may request a computer roster of current competitor members to verify memberships.
25.0 DRIVER’S WEIGHT
25.1 Drivers must weigh a minimum of 180 pounds. This includes race clothing and helmet. Drivers under this weight limit must provide non-liquid ballast to increase their weight to the legal limit.
26.1 Ballast cannot be performance related items such as communication equipment or computers. However, non-performance items such as cameras or music systems may be permitted as ballast provided they do not present a safety risk to the driver or other competitors.
26.2 Ballast must be removable for weigh in. Ballast must be securely attached to the vehicle in such a manner to withstand an impact or roll-over.
26.3 Each driver is responsible for providing the correct amount of ballast.
SOLAR ELECTRIC CLASS
All other Standard Class rules apply with the following additions:
1.0 Solar panels are permitted provided they are an integral part of the vehicle body and do not protrude to the front, sides or rear.
2.0 Wings or trailers are not permitted.
3.0 Solar panels must be a standard silicone type. Maximum panel size (total surface area) is one square meter