if Texas won't approve them because the seat isn't between the legs, how do they explain the Morgan?
Good question.
I know of several that are registered in TX that are on the Morgan forum, Talk Morgan.
I think they just slid under the radar without any request for permission etc. The old saying, it's easier to get forgiveness than get permission.
Here in MI I've checked and all that's required to be a motorcycle is three wheels. So here no matter how large, enclosed, doors, seat belts, wipers, passengers etc, if it has three wheels, it's a motorcycle period!
My call to the Highway Patrol was to ask if you had everything a car has but it's three wheels, could I drive without a helmet. The answer was no exceptions at this time. But as Elio expands their quest for waivers on the helmet laws to allow people to drive their car, albeit three wheeled, it may come down that seats, steering wheel, windshield a seat belts may allow non helmet driving even for a three wheeler. That's the ammunition Elio is using when they're request state legislature waivers etc.