A
motor vehicle is a self-propelled
road vehicle, commonly wheeled, that does not operate on rails, such as
trains or
trams. The
vehicle propulsion is provided by an
engine or motor, usually by an
internal combustion engine, or an
electric motor, or some combination of the two, such as
hybrid electric vehicles and
plug-in hybrids. For legal purposes motor vehicles are often identified within a number of vehicle classes including
cars,
buses,
motorcycles,
off-road vehicles,
light trucks and regular
trucks. These classifications vary according to the legal codes of each country.
ISO 3833:1977 is the standard for road vehicles types, terms and definitions. Generally to avoid requiring handicapped persons from having to possess an operator's license to use one, or requiring tags and insurance, powered
wheelchairs will be specifically excluded by law from being considered motor vehicles.