Electric Vehicle for Short Rides To Town

[carolinarider09]

I live near (well just inside the city limits) of a small town.  From my house to downtown is a little over a mile.  Of that only three tenths of a mile has a sidewalk. While there is a grass on both sides of the roadway, I'd rather not walk .7miles  that way.

Also, planning for the future, ect, mobility there are several things that are worthy of note and visiting in this small town (and its getting better). 

Anyway, yes I can drive down there, take the bike, but I was thinking of the future and also other potential physical limits.

So, what I would like to investigate is the purchase of a four wheeled "thing" that my wife and I and, on occasion, our dog Zoe, can ride into downtown.  It could also be used to visit the Food Lion about 300 yards further down the road.

The thing would have to be legal to drive on the "road". 

I have very little experience with these "utility" vehicles and was wondering if anyone had thoughts, ideas or recommendations. 

Thanks. 

[Bighead]

 Check with your local gov a golf cart may be ok in your small town.

[carolinarider09]

Thanks Bighead, I should have thought of checking with the town.  I have seen several what I will call ATVs riding up and down the roadways but I should check. 

I also looked at "golf carts".   Man they are not cheap.   May be limited by cost.... we shall see.

[f6john]

Well I did see where some motorheads I follow on tv are putting a Tesla drivetrain in a first generation Mercury Cougar. Opps, you said something about budget issues.

[scooperhsd]

Well - I don't if they have something about the budget - but here you go -

https://www.electriccartcompany.com/

[Earl43P]

I'm contemplating adding 1000W battery-powered front wheels to two of our bicycles for similar usage. My wife isn't sufficiently robust to ride very far, so while I might ride a pedal-only bike, she may not be able to keep up for the distances I have in mind. They go pretty fast!

About $400 (kits) each buys a pretty impressive front wheel drive system.

Doesn't address YOUR stated situation, but something to consider adding to maybe a three-wheeled utility bike. The 500 watt model drive wheels are somewhat cheaper and were the standard in earlier versions. The $$ is in the battery packs, but for a couple miles you can cheap out on that. Amazon and Wal-Mart online have lots of options.

[carolinarider09]

Well - I don't if they have something about the budget - but here you go -

https://www.electriccartcompany.com/

Interesting stuff but no prices.  Makes one wonder

[carolinarider09]

I'm contemplating adding 1000W battery-powered front wheels to two of our bicycles for similar usage. My wife isn't sufficiently robust to ride very far, so while I might ride a pedal-only bike, she may not be able to keep up for the distances I have in mind. They go pretty fast!

About $400 (kits) each buys a pretty impressive front wheel drive system.

Doesn't address YOUR stated situation, but something to consider adding to maybe a three-wheeled utility bike. The 500 watt model drive wheels are somewhat cheaper and were the standard in earlier versions. The $$ is in the battery packs, but for a couple miles you can cheap out on that. Amazon and Wal-Mart online have lots of options.

Not something I had considered.  Thanks.   Every piece of information is of value.   

I just feel guilty driving a gasoline powered car 2.5 miles just to have breakfast or go to the local drug store...

[Patrick]

There are quite a few street legal golf carts where we are in Florida. Been in a couple that'll run 50 mph. But they are very very expensive, some folks have $30K in them.

A bit of topic, a friends son in law that is an ultra liberal and kinda out of touch with reality in most things in life has a fully electric car. This car goes just 200 miles on a charge and he decided to drive it from MN to FL.  We all had the conversation with him about charging stations which he didn't seem to understand. Well, he made to FL and now understands what that conversation was all about, we think he understands anyway. He says he should have had it shipped which is part of the conversation we had with him.

[scooperhsd]

It's amazing what injecting some reality can do for some people's viewpoints.

Now - what Carolina wants for an electric vehicle sounds quite reasonable - something to make a quick trip into town for errands, etc. What the friends son-in-law didn't comprehend was the logistics of using a vehicle with a 200 mile range ,  with a fuel source that may not be placed where he needs them, on a cross country type trip. It would have made a lot more  sense for him to have RENTED a gas powered vehicle for the trip.

I haven't been on a long distance Motorcycle trip since I got my valk - after having diesel cars that can go 400-700 miles on a tank, 100-125 miles for my valk seems awfully short to me. And I really would like to get an Interstate tank (add 50 miles range) .

[Robert]

I use my motorcycle whenever I go into town for something to eat because its so crowded and you can never find parking.

Most carts are lucky to do 35 MPH and if I am not mistaken need at least that to be road worthy. They are also not supposed to go onto main roads. The other issues are when you get behind them its a PIA and most who are following are not happy since they hold up traffic. Batteries are around 1200.00 to replace maintenance and storage as per situation could be a problem. Individual batteries do go bad also so they need to be checked.  

If you do not maintain the batteries the range and speed are reduced dramatically.

Charger battery acid and battery connections on older carts.

Fun for a moment, maintenance for life, not a big fan.

Maybe I can get my wife to respond, she loves them, But she has me to maintain them. 

[Jess from VA]

Here's an alternate view.  (applies to me)

I live urban, and every store known to man is a short drive (longer than a mile, but mostly inside 4-7 miles, each way).

In my retired, hermit, stock up on everything (as a prepper, but also because I don't look forward to shopping) mode, my truck (and to a lesser extent my bikes) just don't get driven enough miles for what I consider good health.

My '17 (but bought new as a 600mi demo in spring '18) Dodge Ram has about 5500 miles on it (and that includes two round trips (2k+ miles, total) to MI.  I only put gas in a few times a year (and I always do that going 100mi round trip to fill up my 25 gallons of corn free gas, and put that in my truck too, which it doesn't need, but which is better for months of sitting in the tank).  I know short trips can be more harmful than not at all, but mine are enough to get up to temp.

Twice last winter (more hermit than summer), I took a leisurely 50 mile drive just to get out of the house and exercise the truck; and I didn't even need to shop for anything.  

I could not (or would not) take an ATV up my busy urban roads for shopping, for fear of life and limb.

So my counterpoint to you is:  my dang truck needs occasional exercise.

PS: When USAA raised their eyebrows at my declared low annual miles for insurance, I invited them over to look for themselves.  

[98valk]

Rokon has a street legal model now, and has a trailer avail. now 37 mph speed

https://www.rokon.com/product/ranger/

https://www.rokon.com/product/single-track-trailer/

[cookiedough]

I think a used electric golf cart holding 3-4 people if equipped with the rear facing seats would be best suited for your needs.  not cheap even a good used one, but no gas to put in and if ran weekly the battery would not die as soon vs. only running 1-2 times per summer. 

I know is not what you want to hear, but ever heard of a bicycle with a tow behind designed for young kids to put the animals and groceries in while downtown, especially if only 2-3 miles one way would not be that big of a deal, unless snowy winter roads?  They make decent new e-bikes with 1000w motors as well for 1 grand or so if pedaling is not your thing that would work with a tow behind stroller type attached to the bicycle. 

Most all small towns nearby me have opened up ATV/UTV riding on all public streets in town and so far NOT ONE issue with speeders or a-holes just driving around town ripping around creating noise, although I do come down my hill a few times per  year 45 mph for a few seconds to burn the carbon out of it a short distance though like 50 yards downhill is all to my house.  A good used ATV will run 2500 or so that runs decent probably cheaper or about the same as a good used electric golf cart.  Maybe check with the local golf courses in your area on electric golf carts they want to get rid off and buy one from there? 

[Patrick]

Golf carts.

More and more keep showing up in the driveway to be fixed.
In our area there is a mix of electric and gas. Both can be made to go faster than original [ gas is easier to do]. Around here they can be driven on side streets if they are made street legal which is quite expensive [ 4 wheel disk brakes, go fast parts, etc.]
I now like lithium batteries for them, expensive but less maintenance and problems.
Mine will go 28-29 mph and still has the original rear drum brakes. I stay within our community and golf course, but, I've found out that JoAnn has been taking it shopping. They are a PITA to pull up behind going down the street at only 30 mph.

I went to Safety Harbor for a lithium battery and the owner of the shop told me to 'get in'. We jumped in a cart he was re-doing for a fella and converting to a lithium battery. This thing had everything done to it, about $30K worth. We were going right down Main St at 48 mph.

I can't remember the name of those goofy looking 2 or 4 seat electric vehicles made by Chrysler.  They're kind of a neat thing and seem fairly reasonable. It appears they are pretty trouble free.




GEM, just thought of the name. It was mix of Textron/Polaris/Chrysler. I don't know when they were discontinued.

[cookiedough]

Thanks Bighead, I should have thought of checking with the town.  I have seen several what I will call ATVs riding up and down the roadways but I should check. 

I also looked at "golf carts".   Man they are not cheap.   May be limited by cost.... we shall see.

If your town allows ATV/UTV's on town roads, I suspect a golf cart is fine as well.  A gold cart is not much different than a riding lawnmower and see 100's of riding lawn mowers going thru our town of 1100 people all the time entire town about 2 miles square tops.

[carolinarider09]

Thanks for all the replies. I will try and respond to them later tonight.  Just got in from todays ride....  Will post some videos later.

[Binkie]

Do you know how much gas you can buy for the purchase price of an electric car/cart. It doesn’t make financial sense for the purpose you stated. It’s your money but it’s not money well spent.

[cookiedough]

Do you know how much gas you can buy for the purchase price of an electric car/cart. It doesn’t make financial sense for the purpose you stated. It’s your money but it’s not money well spent.

tru dat, but if money was an issue everyone would be pedaling bicycles, non-electric ones  all over.    starting up a vehicle for 2-3 miles is not the best for them long term not allowing any moisture to evaporate not getting the engine HOT enough to burn it all off.    I do not see too many issues where I live where anything on the streets should not be allowed.  I know once when my kids were younger about 15 years ago,   the village was raising a stink about the craze going on with electric stand up scooters going around town streets with young kids on them thinking it was dangerous with cars whizzing by kids ages 5-12,   cars doing 25 mph vs. scooters going 10 mph.  Is not any worse than the very young kids ages 4-6 on bicycles on the side street near me not paying attention and running their bicycles right in front of me forcing me to slam on the car brakes ASAP.  That one families parents NEVER comes out and watches over their very young kids feel like rapping on their door and chewing them out.  Same family who the Dad was not around watching their 5 year old trying to push a lawn mower thru tall grass barely able to push the lawn mower.

[carolinarider09]

Ok,,, it has been a few days just wanted to follow up.

The reason for the "thought" was two fold.  One, I will someday, probably not be able to drive my car.  I was sort of thinking that a golf cart kind of thing would allow me to still get into town when needed.

Two, I always feel guilty starting up my vehicle for a 3 mile ride (wear and tear, ect).  

And yes I could ride the bike but the same thing applies.  And yes I can extend my trip on the bike so its more than a few miles.  But suppose I don't want to and .......

But after looking at the prices (as some have suggested) its basically not a "good" idea.  

As to what is required or allowed, here is what the State of SC allows.

SECTION 56-2-100. Conditions for operation on street or highway.

(A) A low speed vehicle may be operated only on a highway for which the posted speed limit is thirty-five miles an hour or less.

(B) A low speed vehicle may cross a highway at an intersection where the highway has a posted speed limit of more than thirty-five miles an hour.

(C) A low speed vehicle must meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 500 (Part 49 Section 571.500 of the Code of Federal Regulations) at all times when operated on any highway. A low speed vehicle that complies with the equipment requirements in 49 C.F.R. Section 571.500 complies with all equipment requirements of this title.

(D) Nothing in this section prevents local governments from adopting more stringent local ordinances governing low speed vehicle operation.

(E) A county or municipality may prohibit the operation of low speed vehicles on any street or highway if the governing body of the county or municipality determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.

(F) The Department of Transportation may prohibit the operation of low speed vehicles on any street or highway if it determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.

(G) A farm vehicle, as defined in Section 56-1-2070(C)(2), is not a low speed vehicle for the purposes of this article.[/b]

Item "G" above is interesting since I do have a diesel tractor and it needs to get out more often.   So, there are no real restrictions for a "Farm Vehicle".   Just need to start taking it into town.  

Also, it turns out that the speed limit changes from 45MPH to 35MPH right in front of my house.   Just something to keep in mind

[cookiedough]

there you go,  farm tractor into town, problem solved...

You could get a nice riding lawn mower and say it is farm eqmt. right?  If not a big city, I see NO issues of taking a riding lawnmower or ATV/UTV or golf cart thru town as long as speed limits are 35 mph or less.  Near all small towns nearby us now say 4000 people and less allow ATV/UTV's to drive on ALL streets IN TOWN since all speed limits are 30 mph or less as well.  I would guess only about 20-30 of us here in my town of 1200 people have ATV/UTV's driving around town the past 1 year and so far no issues with speeders going say 40-50 mph thru 25 mph speed limits (except me about 2-3 times per year going down our dead end street/hill for 3 seconds from 10-50 mph)   

My neighbor (illegally by the way) drives his rich kid's Honda pioneeer 1000 5 seater from his house in the city next to me to his wife's parents farm in the country about 8 miles away.   It is legal now to drive in town, but am pretty sure he needs to buy/register as not only recreational use but farm use being 2 different types of registration here in WI to drive legally on country rural roads 8 miles away to the farm.  I doubt he is smart enough to know that but still continues to drive the UTV illegally on country hwy. roads.

My wife and kid in April went down to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge TN area and saw daily huge UTV's driving all over the place guessing is legal to drive them on the roads down there that have 55 mph speed limits as long as have turn signals, etc. installed on them.  They get between 20-25 mpg so not ideal but as long as have ON road tires vs. OFF road tires would be fine with me not wearing my OFF road tires down to nothing in a few 1000 miles of ALL ROAD use.    Nothing takes the tread off OFF road ATV tires more so than riding a few 1000 miles ON ROADS that are blacktop or cement/hard pavement

[Jess from VA]

I do have a diesel tractor and it needs to get out more often.

There you go.  Maybe tie a red wagon to the back for groceries.  (Bib overalls and straw hat required)


Have you considered a mule?  

[cookiedough]

south carolina does not get much snow I assume and not much cold weather so a bicycle would be good exercise with a tag along tow rig behind.  ONLY thing bad is if it is raining outside getting wet, so a golf cart with canopy top would be a better choice.

I think you can call around golf courses and see if any USED carts are going to be scrapped soon and pick one up fairly cheap, although new batteries are not cheap nowadays either.    I called around and cheapest battery for my truck needing one few months ago was 100 bucks.

[carolinarider09]

Just an update since a local news channel had this on their website today. 

This is for South Carolina. 

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Ahead of the 4th of July holiday, here's a reminder of current state laws if you're planning to hop in a golf cart to get around.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety says all golf carts:

Must be permitted by the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Must have insurance
Must be driven only during daylight hours
Can only be driven on roadways where the speed limit is 35MPH or less
Can only be driven within four miles of your home
Driver must be at least 16 years old carrying a valid driver's license.

https://www.wltx.com/article/news/local/golf-cart-rules-south-carolina/101-f4915a65-056e-4777-8f7d-31b56a644fe9?fbclid=IwAR2rtZag8ZZczpJ5o-Pi9ZdJ9VgrFDRh0Nx9tpbOe5hPF8rLXTg6hVbQCDs

[f6gal]

Well - I don't if they have something about the budget - but here you go -

https://www.electriccartcompany.com/

Interesting stuff but no prices.  Makes one wonder

There are prices... https://www.electriccartcompany.com/--inventory

[cookiedough]

Interesting part on MUST HAVE insurance.   I been thinking about this more and more since I do not have ATV insurance since rarely drive it but a few times per year on ATV state trails.   Now that ATV/UTV's are legal to drive on city streets in town anytime anywhere,  I have been taking it downtown on city streets to recycling center/gas station, etc. the past month or so a few times.

Something to think about adding since just liability cannot be more than say 80 bucks per year to insure just in case I get into an AT FAULT accident.  Few days ago I drove it downtown to recycling center and some lady had the right of way main drag downtown and I stopped at stop sign side street waiting for her to pass and she STOPPED (luckily small town no traffic)  in the middle of the road and waived me to go on pass her.  Who does that????????    All it takes is someone who does NOT keep going or does something a normal person would not do and then an accident happens.

[Jess from VA]

Well - I don't if they have something about the budget - but here you go -

https://www.electriccartcompany.com/

Interesting stuff but no prices.  Makes one wonder

There are prices... https://www.electriccartcompany.com/--inventory

Holy cow, those cost more than my first 5 cars combined.  LOL

[98valk]

Interesting part on MUST HAVE insurance.   I been thinking about this more and more since I do not have ATV insurance since rarely drive it but a few times per year on ATV state trails.   Now that ATV/UTV's are legal to drive on city streets in town anytime anywhere,  I have been taking it downtown on city streets to recycling center/gas station, etc. the past month or so a few times.

Something to think about adding since just liability cannot be more than say 80 bucks per year to insure just in case I get into an AT FAULT accident.  Few days ago I drove it downtown to recycling center and some lady had the right of way main drag downtown and I stopped at stop sign side street waiting for her to pass and she STOPPED (luckily small town no traffic)  in the middle of the road and waived me to go on pass her.  Who does that????????    All it takes is someone who does NOT keep going or does something a normal person would not do and then an accident happens.

here in NJ we got real morons, sorry mainly women that stop in middle of the road whereas they have the right of way to allow somebody to enter the road from a side street or from a parking lot.  they just all of a sudden slam their brakes on to allow this to happen.   I have had a few idiots while I'm on one of my motorcycles waiting to make a left turn in an intersection. the car coming towards me stops and  wave me to make my left. they stop all of the traffic behind them.

[..]

Well - I don't if they have something about the budget - but here you go -

https://www.electriccartcompany.com/

Interesting stuff but no prices.  Makes one wonder

There are prices... https://www.electriccartcompany.com/--inventory

There are?!

I thought they were typos 

[Savago]

Has to be electric and 4-wheeled?

Otherwise, I would go with a Honda Monkey: https://powersports.honda.com/street/standard/monkey

[scooperhsd]

The monkey is a 125CC, unlike the Trail 70

[carolinarider09]

I still think on it but at $10K, I guess I will have to feel guilty taking my care or bike for a 2 mile ride to pick up stuff at the drug store. 

And yes, I could get it delivered (Prosperity Drug has a "Drug Bug") but.... 

[Jess from VA]

If you tie a golf bag with a couple of old clubs in it to the back, this could pass for a golf cart.

Fun too.   

[The emperor has no clothes]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKqZc_jEm1U

I think they go for about 10k

[Thulsa Doom]

Might want to consider an old air cooled Beetle. Not electric but for little short trips to town and back it'd be perfect.
Take the doors off if it's not rotted.

[carolinarider09]

Might want to consider an old air cooled Beetle. Not electric but for little short trips to town and back it'd be perfect.
Take the doors off if it's not rotted.

A good idea.  You know, in 1974-75 I (we my wife and I) had one while we lived in Florida.  I did like it always liked the air cooled concept and there rear engine and drive. 

We sold it when we moved but I got a replacement in 1985 when I got a brand new white Pontiac Fiero.  Not air cooled but was rear engine. 

[cookiedough]

My ex neighbor just bought a new E-bicycle 500watt for 1750 top speed 28 mph and as long as charge it near daily will go 15-20 miles on a charge or so.  It has a flat rack on back where you could put a crate on top for few bags of groceries, etc.   ONLY issue is in the rain would suck.

[Jess from VA]

I had not even heard of electric bicycles (E Bikes) (not that I was looking).  This bike doesn't have a rack though.  

Wow, do they come with instruction?



Kidding aside, that is a heavy duty looking bike and tires.  Disk brakes, lights.

This one is $1K, 25miles, 25mph  https://electriczip.com/products/electric-bike-fat-tire-nakto-cruise-300w-36v-10ah-cruxb260007?currency=USD&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIv6bQh8vX8QIVEgaICR0CEQLaEAkYAyABEgJCTfD_BwE

And I'd think no trouble using public roads, no insurance or inspections, but maybe local bicycle registration.

And if you run out of juice, you can pedal home.

Some dogs can go over 25.   

[Binkie]

You’re wrong Jess…that bike has a rack!

[scooperhsd]

You’re wrong Jess…that bike has a rack!

Well - the rider does, anyway ...