Road Use Regulation Roundup: November 2016

Posted on November 9, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The following is a summary of some of the road use regulations for golf cars, LSVs, ATVs and UTVs that have been passed or are being considered at the state, county and city levels since August 2016.

Some trends in this latest regulation roundup:

Almost all of the regulation activity is occurring at the city level
Most of the ordinances are being considered but have not been passed yet.
Most of the ordinances concern allowing UTVs on city streets and a few concern golf cars or low-speed vehicles.
One city repealed an ordinance allowing utility vehicles on city streets because of safety concerns.

Nashville, TN – Elkhart County Commissioners passed an ordinance which would allow golf carts on all non-numbered county roads. The ordinance as proposed would allow the use of golf carts in all of the unincorporated areas of the county with the exception of numbered county roads, which for the most part would restrict their use to residential subdivisions. Vehicles could be used only from sunrise to sunset. The ordinance also regulates LSVs.

Kearney, MO – The city is considering a citizen’s request to allow the use of ATVs within the city. UTVs are already allowed. There is some concern by officials about the safety of ATVs being operated among larger vehicles such as trucks.

Fort Scott, KS – City officials are drafting an ordinance that will allow UTVs to be used on city streets. The police chief researched similar UTV ordinances in nearby communities and recommended that they be operated by licensed drivers at least 18 years of age and restrictions in place for certain city streets. There was some discussion on the speed of UTVs and whether tires on the vehicles are strictly for off-road use and would have proper traction on city streets. The city already has a golf car ordinance in place.

St. Augustine, FL – The City Commission passed new definitions and standards for low-speed vehicles like golf cars. They also discussed safety issues of using low-speed vehicles, golf cars and ScootCoupes (3-wheeled vehicles that can travel up to 40 mph) on certain roads. They are planning on analyzing the use of these same vehicles on a for-profit basis.

Hapeville, GA – The city is considering regulations to promote the use of low-speed vehicles and/or golf cars.

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada – The city is considering the use of ATVs and UTVs on municipal roads similar to other nearby municipalities.

Jasper, IN – The Jasper Police Department plans to increase enforcement of golf cars on city streets.

Landis, NC – The North Carolina Department of Transportation denied town requests to change the speed limits on two streets. In August, Landis made the request to lower the speed limit on both roads — along with several others — from 45 mph to 35 mph in order to allow golf carts and other low-speed vehicles to travel within the city limits.

Garner, IA – The City Council is considering an ordinance that will allow the use of ATVs and UTVs on city streets.

Kansas – The Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism commission is considering regulations that will allow golf cars and UTVs to be used on state park roads between sunrise and sunset.

Great Bend, KS – The City Council passed ordinances that would allow ‘micro-utility’ trucks on city streets. These vehicles are defined as any motor vehicle which is not less than 48 inches in width, has an overall length, including the bumper, of not more than 106 inches, has an unloaded weight, including fuel and fluids, of more than 1,500. Golf cars or all-terrain vehicles are not included.

New Hampton, IA – The City Council is likely to pass an ordinance that will allow golf cars and utility vehicles.

Festus, MO – Citing safety issues, the City Council repealed an ordinance passed last year that allowed utility vehicles to be used on city streets.

Nashville, TN – The Metro Transportation Licensing Commission voted to restrict pedal taverns, pedicabs and other pedal carriages as well as low-speed vehicles from operating between 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and between 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Congestion and safety concerns were the reasons.

STOVs Role In Future Transportation

Posted on October 28, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Is there a role for golf car type fleets off the course and in the urban centers of the future?

My colleague Stephen Metzger has written an article on the role of small, task-oriented vehicles (STOVs) in future transportation systems given potential trends towards more urbanization, increasing road traffic and evolving transportation technology. These trends intertwine with specific mobility trends such as electrification, shared mobility and driverless vehicles. He posits that golf car type vehicles are well suited to play a role in the urban transportation systems of the future. Learn more: Smallvehicleresource.com

Road Use Regulation Roundup: August 2016

Posted on August 30, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The following is a summary of some of the road use regulations for golf cars, LSVs, ATVs and UTVs that have been passed or are being considered at the state, county and city levels since May 2016.

Some trends in this latest regulation roundup:

The ordinances were roughly split half and half between those dealing with golf cars and LSVs and those related to ATVs and UTVs.
ATV/UTV ordinances allow for higher vehicle speeds compared to golf car and LSV ordinances.
Regulatory activity is happening primarily at the town or city level, but there is some action at the county level as well.
Most of the regulations are in favor of allowing golf car, LSV, UTV or ATV access. Those towns restricting or prohibiting use tend to be concerned about vehicle congestion on particularly high use roads.

Georgia Tech University, Atlanta, GA – A new low speed vehicle and golf car policy was passed requiring that any Georgia Tech unit owning or purchasing LSVs or golf carts must ensure these vehicles are street legal and register each of them with Georgia Tech Fleet Services. LSVs must not be driven on high-speed streets (above 35 mph), and golf carts must not be driven on streets with speed limits above 25 mph.

Grayson County, TX – Grayson County Commissioners approved a resolution Tuesday to allow golf carts or similar utility vehicles to operate on some roadways in unincorporated areas of the county. Licensed drivers will be allowed to operate the carts on public roadways with speed limits of 35 mph or less. The resolution is only for unincorporated areas of the county, not inside city limits. Utility vehicles are defined as being designed for off-highway utility work, not for recreation.

Poth, TX – The City Council is considering adopting an ordinance currently being used in Rockport, which requires annual inspections of neighborhood electric vehicles at a cost of $10, and insurance coverage. Each vehicle must have headlamps, tail lamps, reflectors, parking brakes, rear view mirrors, turn signals, seat belts, and a flag, mounted on a 6-foot pole, attached to the rear.

Panama City Beach, FL – A regulation was passed in May preventing the registration of LSVs unless they can prove they had ordered them before May 12. The city is concerned that the increasing number of LSVs, which grew from 93 to 194 in the past year, will become a road hazard on Front Beach Road. Many of the LSVs are from LSV rental businesses.

Canton, IL – A new ordinance allowing golf cars and UTVs generated more interest than expected as the city quickly went through the original 20 permit stickers they purchased in the first month. Utility vehicles must be issued a $50 annual permit by the city, renewable mid-year, and provide proof of liability insurance that has at least the same limits of coverage required by law for regular cars. Operators must also be at least 16 years old and licensed drivers.

Landis, NC – The town board passed ordinances that would allow low-speed vehicles on public roadways. Lowering the speed limit on a key roads for LSV travel was required. The Police Chief supported the ordinance.

China Grove, NC – The town passed an ordinance that would allow golf cars and low speed vehicles to travel between China Grove and nearby Landis. Insurance, drivers license and permit are required to the drive the vehicles on local streets but an operator would not need a permit from both towns. Lights are needed to drive the vehicles at night.

Wake Forest, NC – Town leaders are considering allowing golf cars on some city streets at the urging of local residents. The local police department is against the ordinance for safety reasons.

Red River, NM – The town repealed an ordinance allowing ATVs and UTVs to access certain roads because of concerns over safely operating ATVs at high speeds on road rather than off-road. Manufacturers state that ATVs shouldn’t be operated on paved roads. The town expects to pass a new ordinance that will prohibit ATVs but allow UTVs on certain roads and at speeds up to 45 mph.

Ames, IA – The town started issuing ATV and UTV licenses in August. ATVs/UTVs are able to travel on gravel roads during daylight hours but cannot exceed 45 mph. The vehicles must have front and rear lights and the owner/operators must be insured, over 16 and have a valid driver’s license.

Peosta, IA – The City Council shelved an ordinance regarding the use of golf cars, ATVs and UTVs on city streets . There is concern over vehicle congestion on the already highly trafficked streets that the vehicles would most likely use.

Girard City, KS – The City Council voted down a ordinance that would have allowed the use of golf cars, ATVs and UTVs on city streets.

Squamish, British Columbia, CA – District of Squamish staff is drafting a bylaw, which, if passed by council, would see low-speed, zero-emissions vehicles allowed on Squamish neighborhood streets. Staff is also investigating the possibility of a future bylaw to allow medium-speed vehicles. A low-speed bylaw would allow the vehicles to travel as slow as 40 kilometers per hour, while a medium-speed bylaw would cover vehicles that travel 60 kilometers per hour.

Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, CA – Premier Christy Clark has announced a pilot project that will allow golf carts on local roads (but not major highways) in the Township of Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island and the Village of Chase in the southern Interior. The move, which starts in September, is intended to give senior citizens another method of transportation around town to run errands.

Garia Launches Mercedes-Benz Style Edition Golf Car

Posted on August 29, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Mercedes-Benz Style Edition Garia Golf Car

The Garia Mercedes-Benz Style Edition Golf Car extends Mercedes-Benz luxury to the golf course.

Luxury golf car manufacturer Garia has launched a special edition Mercedes-Benz Style Edition golf car. The new golf car is the result of a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Garia that started with a Mercedes-Benz call for submissions for new ideas for the golf car of the future. The Mercedes-Benz Style brand was created to extend the modern luxury associated with Mercedes-Benz automobiles to other product categories.

This excerpt from the press release details some of the key design elements and the thinking behind them.

As a showcar, the new Mercedes-Benz Style Edition Garia Golf Car immediately appears distinctly different from conventional golf carts. The driver and passenger have a view through a large, curved windscreen. The carbon-fibre roof is different in colour and form from the base vehicle. With its short front and rear overhangs, it somewhat resembles a sporty baseball cap. The effect is to make the vehicle look low and more sporty.

The sporty impression is heightened by a small rear spoiler which acts as a golf bag holder while being fully integrated into the overall design as a significant feature. It is so constructed that it can accommodate two golf bags slanted rearwards. This slanted position allows golf clubs to be conveniently taken out and replaced. A carbon-fibre diffuser rounds off the lower rear end as a lighthearted reference to the vehicle’s character as a “real sports car”.

The bench seat has a sculptured, inviting look like a lounge chair, and blends in with the exterior design to provide a sensual experience. Other examples of intelligent and useful details: There is a refrigerator under the bench seat, and a stowage tray under the dashboard holds golf balls aligned in a row. Bottle holders on the instrument panel support and on the passenger side provide space for glasses and bottles.

An interior view of Garia’s latest luxury model shows the touchpad and use of leather, metal and wood.

This special edition golf car features a unique seat design including an underseat refrigerator.

Another feature is an integrated 10.1″ touchpad that displays both vehicle information and course related information. There are also Bluetooth enabled hi-fi speakers. The interior is a mix of leather, wood, carbon-fibre and metal. Other key features of this vehicle include:

Double wishbone suspension
3kW electric motor with 11kW peak power
Lithium batteries
Front disc brakes
460 kg payload
Up to 80 km range
30km/hr top speed
LSV compliant for use on US roads

Learn more: Arealsportscar.com

Yamaha Launches New Drive2 Fleet Golf Cars

Posted on July 18, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The new Drive2 fleet golf cars from Yamaha.

Yamaha Golf Car Company has unveiled their new electric and gas Drive2 fleet golf cars. The new models feature a new performance tuned rear suspension for an improved ride, new design lines on body panels, a larger rear access lid for easier maintenance and a 34% larger automotive dash. The newly redesigned dash has built-in storage areas for mobile devices, range finders and multiple sized drinks. Yamaha also added no-slip mats in the front storage compartments to keep personal items more secure during the round.

The dash has been redesigned to be larger and more versatile.

The Drive2 is available with an electronic fuel injected or carbureted gas engine with 8.9 hp or a 5 kW AC or 2.6 kW DC electric motor. The gas model also features Yamaha’s QuieTech, developed by Yamaha engineers to make a their gas golf car dramatically quieter than the competition and almost as quiet as an electric car. Other features include:

HybriCore chassis featuring a robotic welded automotive ladder-style steel frame
Tru-Trak II™ fully independent automotive-style strut front suspension and fully independent automotive-style strut suspension
Rear mechanical drum brakes
Front and rear bumpers
Range of colors to choose from
4-year limited warranty

For personal use, Yamaha offers the Drive2 PTV with an EFI gas engine or the AC electric powertrain. Learn more: www.yamahagolfcar.com

New Georgia Tech Policy Favors LSVs

Posted on June 6, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Georgia Tech recently instituted a new policy regarding low speed vehicles and golf cars. According to the policy, as of July 1, all LSVs or golf cars owned or purchased by any department must be street legal and registered with Georgia Tech Fleet Services, which will now only perform maintenance on registered vehicles. Furthermore, LSVs can only be driven on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or lower and golf cars on streets 25 mph or lower. There are a number of streets near the campus that only LSVs will now be able to drive. The new policy will also phase out any non-street legal golf cars and motorized vehicles by July 31, 2016. The policy does not impact landscape and maintenance utility vehicles. Learn more: GATech.edu

Comment: This policy is likely to push departments to purchase LSVs rather than golf cars as they will require no modifications to be street legal and will have fewer restrictions with regards to driving on public streets. For a number of years the university and college market has been a good market for low speed vehicles. The institutions like the safety features of the vehicles, as compared to a golf car, and the ability to legally drive on nearby public streets, especially if they need to transverse public roads to access different campus locations.

Road Use Regulation Roundup: May 2016

Posted on May 19, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The following is a summary of some of the road use regulations for golf cars, LSVs, ATVs and UTVs that has been passed or is being considered at the state, county and city levels since October 2016. Some trends in this latest regulation roundup:

Many of the ordinances cover the use of UTVs and ATVs on public roads while others also involve golf cars or sole involve golf cars. Few involve LSVs or NEVs.
In many instances the impetus for the regulations started with local residents approaching local council members or city managers.
Regulatory activity is happening primarily at the town or city level, but there is some action at the county level as well.
The regulations are a mix of those restricting on road use of ATVs, UTVs and golf cars and those allowing the use of these vehicles.

Chillicothe, IL – The Public Safety Committee agreed to send an ordinance prohibiting the use of UTVs on local roads after numerous calls from residents against an initial ordinance allowing the vehicles. Golf cars are still allowed.

Solon, IA – City Council voted against an ordinance that would allow UTVs on some city streets. Concerns were raised about safety given the size and speed of the vehicles and the fact that the city has no police officers of its’ own to enforce the ordinance. The city has allowed golf cars on certain streets since 2011.

Jefferson, WI – The city council unanimously approved an ordinance allowing NEVs on city streets with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less. The ordinance pertains to vehicles that conform to NHTSA LSV standards.

Panorama Village, TX – The city approved a golf car registration ordinance to ensure that residents are following regulations regarding use of golf cars on city streets.

Gulf Breeze, FL – The city council is considering strengthening golf car regulations for street use because of concerns with unsafe golf cart operations including use by children and teenagers, use on pedestrian sidewalks, use on high-traffic streets, excessive occupant loads and use at night with no headlights.

Louisa County, IA – The board of supervisors approved an ordinance allowing ATVs and UTVs on secondary roads in the county.

Barry County, MI – The Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance that opens non-highway roads to off-road vehicles (quads, ATVs, dirt bikes and UTVs) with a speed limit of 25 mph, but bars the vehicles from city and village streets and state roads. It also increases fines for unauthorized use of the vehicles from $60 to $250, with a portion of the revenue set aside for road repairs.

Gardner, WI – Urged by residents, the town board is considering allowing ATVs and UTVs on local and county roads in town. Vehicle users want to establish a trail to connect with neighboring towns that allow the vehicles.

Wadena, MN – The city passed ordinance that will allow permitted use of ATVs, UTVs, golf cars and other types of vehicles that are used for snow removal or other uses in the city. They are also working on an ordinance for recreational use of these same vehicles.

Jacksonville, IL – The City Council is working on an ordinance to allow street legal gof cars and utility vehicles on city roads. Drivers are required to have a valid license, carry mandatory liability insurance, pay a $75 permit fee and be at least 18 years old. Vehicles must have a review mirror, warning devices, seat belts, taillights, brake lights and turn signals.

Delaware County, IA – Delaware County officials are exploring the possibility of allowing all-terrain vehicles on county roads. A group of local ATV enthusiasts recently asked county supervisors to open county routes to the vehicles, as well as utility vehicles. The 100 members of Roads to Trails say there are limited options locally to use the vehicles.

Danville, IL – Danville Township passed an ordinance allowing people to use golf cars and UTVs on township roads after the vehicle has been inspected and an annual $25 fee has been paid.

Fayette County, IL – The County Board did not approve an ordinance allowing low speed vehicles on rural roads in the county. The ordinance pertained to ATVs, UTVs and golf cars.

Panama City Beach, FL – The council directed the city’s legal team to craft an ordinance that will put a moratorium on the registration of any new vehicles — essentially golf carts — until the board decides how to limit the number on the road. The city reports 194 rental vehicles are registered with the city compared to 93 the year before. The city is concerned with the large number of such vehicles on the roads and has already limited the number of scooters used.

Silver City, NM – Silver City is considering allowing ATVs and UTVs on city streets. In their 2016 session, the New Mexico Legislature passed a law allowing ATV use on paved roads in the state, subject to local government approval and stipulations. Any municipality that wishes to adopt this rule has the right to do so, and can also restrict ATV use on their roads in the ways they wish — including establishing separate speed limits for the vehicles.

Club Car Accessory Packages for Carryall Models

Posted on April 12, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Club Car is targeting the commercial market with the Carryall 700 and other vehicles.

Club Car is targeting the commercial market with the Carryall 700 and other Carryall models.

Club Car continues their targeting of commercial markets with the launching of commercial accessory packages for their Carryall utility vehicles. They are offering model specific packages for the Carryall 300, 500, 550 and 700. The packages are available for gas or electric models. The package for Carryall 300 utility vehicles includes:

A cargo box
Tailgate tethers
Heavy-duty trailer hitch
Tail lights, brake lights, turn signal and horn

The package for the Carryall 500 utility vehicle includes:

A cargo box
Tailgate tethers
Improved ride quality
Tail lights, brake lights, turn signal and horn

The package for the Carryall 550 utility vehicle includes:

A cargo box
Tailgate tethers
Heavy-duty trailer hitch
Tail lights, brake lights, turn signal and horn
Heavy-duty brush guard
Improved ride quality

The package for the Carryall 700 utility vehicle includes:

A flat bed
Heavy-duty brush guards
Tail lights, brake lights and horn

According to Club Car the packages are less expensive compared to purchasing each accessory separately. The accesory packages for each model are “…based on a detailed analysis of buying patterns of commercial companies, so it includes the accessories most commonly ordered for that vehicle by customers…”. Learn more: Clubcar.com

Comment: Club Car has been rolling out a number of products and services over the past year or so specifically targeting commercial segments. They have launched the new Carryall vehicles, new accessories, fleet management and maintenance services and now these accessory packages. With the decline and now stagnation in the golf car fleet market, the golf car manufacturers are looking to commercial and other non-fleet markets to boost sales of vehicles as well as parts, accessories and related services. Club Car is marketing to specific verticals, which they have defined as Resorts, Education, Non-Industrial Rentals, Industrial Rentals and Government.

Should Polaris Target Garia Next?

Posted on March 8, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Are the luxury golf cars and high-end utility vehicles of Garia appealing to Polaris?

With Polaris’ recent acquisition of Taylor-Dunn it made me wonder if Garia might make a good target as well. The European based luxury brand could be appealing to Polaris for a number of reasons.

Brand Value – The Garia brand has been around for ten years, not as established as the recently acquired Taylor-Dunn brand, but still a significant amount of time. More importantly though Garia is a luxury brand. Particularly with their new utility vehicle lineup, a high-end line of utility vehicles could be a nice overlay on the existing Polaris brands.
International Presence – With it’s strong European presence Garia would fit nicely with Polaris’ international expansion efforts. Garia could provide both expanded distribution and manufacturing options for other Polaris small vehicle brands outside the US. At the same time, Polaris manufacturing facilities could be used to reduce the cost of Garia vehicles sold in the US market.
Golf Segment Entry – The golf car segment is a major piece of the global small vehicle market, but Polaris does not have a presence in it except for the small portion of GEM owners using their vehicles for golf. The problem with the golf car segment is that it has been declining or stagnant in the US for several years and will likely remain that way for the foreseeable future. The golf car fleet market is also very price conscious and has its own interwoven distribution channel that funnels used fleet vehicles to golf car dealers. In the private transportation portion of the market used vehicles at various levels of refurbishment provide a range of choices in competition with new vehicles. However, what Garia has the potential to do is offer Polaris an entry into the golf car segment while remaining above the fray. They could avoid the price battles and target just the luxury end of the market which would require only a limited and targeted distribution network. Of course the question is if there is enough of a market there to interest them.
Complementary Vehicles – Garia vehicles would provide Polaris with golf cars and personal transportation vehicles but at the luxury end of the market that could complement the GEM brand in the personal transportation segment. Similarly the new Garia utility line could provide a higher-end vehicles sold through a complementary distribution network.
Electric Vehicles – Similar to Taylor-Dunn, the Garia product line would offer Polaris an opportunity to leverage their electric powertrain expertise and spread development costs among a larger array of vehicles.
Quality – Both companies focus on quality and the customer experience. There could be some good opportunities for knowledge transfer at many different levels for both companies.

What could be some reasons for not acquiring Garia. First, maybe Garia does not want to be acquired or their price could be too high. Second, Polaris may not see the luxury end of the small vehicle market as large enough to pursue. While luxury markets are often global, the luxury end of the small vehicle market may not be large enough even on a global scale to appeal to Polaris. Third, Polaris tends to purchase strong, established brands. Is the Garia brand strong enough and established enough to meet their needs. Fourth, Polaris may want to avoid the slow or no growth golf car segment altogether, even if the luxury end offers some growth opportunities.

2016 PGA Show: Parts Leader Nivel Emphasizes Branding

Posted on February 8, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Product display for Jake’s lift kits.

Display for one of Nivel’s wheels from their GTW brand.

In-store product display for Nivel’s recent brand acquisition, Madjax.

At the recent PGA Show, leading golf car parts supplier Nivel revealed plans to emphasize and leverage branded product lines. After a string of acquisitions over the last several years, Nivel’s management believes they had built a stable of well-known branded products, but had not fully realized the value of those brands. To that end the company is making an effort under their “House of Brands” initiative to build brand awareness and take advantage of the brand equity in some key product lines now under the Nivel umbrella. Key brands on display at the PGA Show include:

Jake’s – lift kits
Madjax – seating and lighting
Red Dot Enclosures – vehicle enclosures
Blue Dot – windshields and tops
GTW – wheels, lift kits and flipseats
Genesis 250/350 – seating
Reliance Power Parts
MJFX Innovative – lift kits and bumpers

Part of their strategy involves placing dedicated store displays for specific brands in dealerships. Nivel is the largest supplier of aftermarket parts and accessories for golf cars in North America.

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