Well, maybe not in any kind of widespread road use or for long distance travel, but how about local low speed trips around the neighborhood or to the local grocery store?
I recently heard a news story talking about the authorization and use of golf carts in Sandusky, Ohio. In doing some investigative research, I found out that at least a dozen or more states have allowed the use of LSV’s (Low Speed Vehicles) on roadways with posted speed limits of 35 MPH or less. This would make them ideal for use in locations such as small rural towns, planned communities, commercial properties, military bases and college campuses.
Typically, a Low Speed Vehicle is a four-wheeled electrically powered motor vehicle (although there are some LSV’s with gas engines getting upwards of 50 mpg) with a maximum designed speed of not more than thirty-five (35) miles per hour. Seating capacity of not more than four persons and a maximum weight not to exceed two thousand two hundred (2,200) pounds.
The vehicles need to comply with a particular state’s vehicle safety equipment laws which in most cases are things like - headlights, tailights, front and rear turn signals, horn, windshield, reflectors, a VIN number and seat belts for each seating position. They are also required to be inspected by the local police. In Sandusky, OH, the fee is $25 for the inspection.
Of course, some of the rules vary from state to state such as in Georgia they require the vehicle to display an amber strobe light vehicle strobe light so as to warn approaching travelers to decrease their speed because of the danger of colliding with such vehicle.
Typically, a Low Speed Vehicle is a four-wheeled electrically powered motor vehicle (although there are some LSV’s with gas engines getting upwards of 50 mpg) with a maximum designed speed of not more than thirty-five (35) miles per hour. Seating capacity of not more than four persons and a maximum weight not to exceed two thousand two hundred (2,200) pounds.
The vehicles need to comply with a particular state’s vehicle safety equipment laws which in most cases are things like - headlights, tailights, front and rear turn signals, horn, windshield, reflectors, a VIN number and seat belts for each seating position. They are also required to be inspected by the local police. In Sandusky, OH, the fee is $25 for the inspection.
Of course, some of the rules vary from state to state such as in Georgia they require the vehicle to display an amber strobe light vehicle strobe light so as to warn approaching travelers to decrease their speed because of the danger of colliding with such vehicle.
Such amber strobe light shall be mounted in a manner so as to be visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of 500 feet from the front and rear of the vehicle.
The price range of these LSVs can run from as low as $2,500 to upwards of $10,000 or more depending on options. Are one of these vehicles for you?
Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price…” He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.DriveTheBestBook.com.
The price range of these LSVs can run from as low as $2,500 to upwards of $10,000 or more depending on options. Are one of these vehicles for you?
Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price…” He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.DriveTheBestBook.com.
