Low Speed Vehicles: Not Your Father's Golf Cart
Many communities both on and off the links are beginning to recognize the value of today's street legal golf carts as a viable alternative to automobiles and light-weight trucks. If you currently live in a low-speed community, you may have already noticed customized electric carts taking to the streets. These probably didn't look anything like your father's golf cart, because they are not. Sleek, sexy and functional, these golf carts have morphed into nimble, environmentally friendly modes of transportation. And, not just for hauling the family but for work applications, too.
Low-speed vehicles (LSVs) are federally-approved street-legal vehicles that came into existence under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 500. LSVs are defined as a four-wheeled motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds (1,400 kg) and a top speed of between 20 to 25 mph (32 to 40 km/h). In most states, operators are generally restricted to driving their street legal cart on private or public roadways with a maximum speed of 35 mph.
Federal law prohibits dealers from selling LSVs that go faster than 25 mph but the cart's owner can easily modify their vehicle to go faster. However, once a low-speed vehicle has been modified, it has the same safety requirements as a passenger car and must include a three-point seat belts (or a lap belt), running lights, headlights, brake lights, reflectors, rear view mirrors, parking brake, turn signals and a windshield. Windshield wipers are not required and doors may be fixed, removable or non-existent. And yes, they must be registered.
From coast to coast, many newly developed communities are incorporating commercial areas or town centers that accommodate slow speed traffic by providing separate routes for them to use. In these slow-speed complexes, kids can be transported to and from school, and stores are easily accessed for everyday shopping trips. In fact, many of the communities that cater to seniors have organized low speed events, such as parades, where participants can only use LSVs. Best of all, Moto Electric Vehicles can customize a street legal golf cart to match your specific needs as well as your sense of style.
