diff --git a/tests/test_utils_hastyepics.py b/tests/test_utils_hastyepics.py
index 21e83417..634c6bda 100644
--- a/tests/test_utils_hastyepics.py
+++ b/tests/test_utils_hastyepics.py
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ def test_motor_instantiation_fast_vs_epics():
     assert m_fast is not None
     assert m_slow is not None
     
-    assert not m_fast.connected  
+    assert not getattr(m_fast, 'connected', False)  
     assert m_slow.connected     
 
     assert (t1 - t0) < (t3 - t2)