Neighborhood Electric Vehicles

[30ashopper]

It's called a GOLF cart for a reason.

Get a hybrid or electric car.

These vehicles have evolve beyond the golf course. Folks use them as grocery getters more than golf carts these days. There is a whole class of these (LSVs vs golf carts) designed for short distance travel.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low-speed_vehicle

IMHO, forcing people to purchase a fourty thousand dollar car if they want to be green is not the right answer.

 

[30ashopper]

(I can't believe I'm on this side of the discussion with some of the SoWal folks who constantly complain about off shore drilling and our oil consumption!)

 

[scooterbug44]

No, IMO golf carts have not - so retirement/planned communities and golf courses are where they should stay.

Smart cars, hybrids, and electric cars are FAR better alternatives and have my full support.

The cars are 30K or less and can be driven everywhere as your primary vehicle. The carts or LSVs have a limited range of use, can be up to 10K, and cannot be your primary vehicle.

 

[nr light]

Welcome to the discussion Seagroovys. And welcome to the neighborhood.

Scooterbug, need I remind you that LSVs ARE classified as CARS. Cars. cars cars cars. They are tagged, titled, and registered at the DMV. They have a VIN. Drivers must have insurance. LSVs are CARS...dont hate them because they are small and green

I tell you what - the more I read on these forums, the more I want to rent an LSV just so I can take all the naysayers for a ride in one. I want to SHARE with you the good about these little vehicles.

 

[scooterbug44]

If they were cars, you wouldn't need to change the speed limit and reclassify roadways to use them. ;-)

They definitely have their place, I am just VERY convinced their place is limited and not on 30-A.

 

[30A Skunkape]

Yes, somewhat in jest. But really I don't think this is that big of a deal. I live in Sandestin currently, we have golf carts everywhere mixed with cars and trucks and everything else. We have golf cart paths mixed with bike paths mixed with regular roads. There are very few problems. 30A is more unique in that it's a highway, but we could easily accommodate all four methods of transportation (cars, carts, bikes, and walking) with little effort assuming locals in the area are willing to sacrifice a little pocket change to fund the infrastructure. (hint hint, nudge nudge.) 30A is unique, it should accommodate all modes of travel, especially those that are more environmentally sound than the gas engine, wouldn't you agree?

Would you and your buddies quit parking your golf carts in the car parking lot at Grand Blvd? Nothing is more irritating, especially when it is seemingly legal to park them on curbs and traffic islands (neutral grounds) in the parking lot. Thanx

 

[Lake View Too]

I've decided to cross over to the dark side on this issue. Think about it: if you're cruising along at 20 to 25mph, you have so much more time for texting. For that matter, you could probably watch a video, or read the newspaper, while you wait two hours to get to your destination. I've always wanted to try driving with my knees for prolonged periods of time...

 

[Geo]

You're not being very green, Geo. Obama would be ashamed.

Ha. I'm on board with the green movement. There exist numerous vehicles that are greener than the glorified golf carts that are more suitable/safe for roadways that don't require a lowering of the speed limit.

I don't have an issue with them being on the roads for which they have been designed. Drive them in communities. Drive them on roads between communities legally. But when the roads are rural with a posted speed limit that exceeds 35MPH then they shouldn't be driven. What is so hard to understand?

This is a case of people who like driving their vehicles that were designed for communities and roads with low speed limits wanting to change the law so they can drive their vehicles where they weren't intended to be driven. That's it.

I know people who own street legal horse and buggies. The law stipulates that these vehicles shouldn't be driven on roadways with high posted speed limits. Should we lower the speed limit on Scenic 98 to make the horse and buggy crowd happy? Horse and buggies are green. There is no data that proves it would be unsafe. There are plenty of Amish towns that have amended their laws. People should just slow down and enjoy the sights so the horse and buggies can take longer trips.

There is no compelling reason to change the law here.

 

[30ashopper]

I wasn't suggesting we lower the speed limit on 30A, I was suggesting we add additional support along the roadway for other types of vehicles. There's plenty of room, and it's just a little bit of grading and asphalt.

 

[AndrewG]

With gas predicted to hit $5/gallon by 2012 you'll be seeing more alternative energy vehicles including LSV's on 30A