Category Archives: golf car

Road Use Regulation Roundup – April 2014

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Some trends in this latest regulation roundup:

  • There appears to be less ordinances being passed than in the past.
  • Iowa experienced the most activity in this latest review.
  • The trend towards more inclusive ordinances is continuing as allowing golf cars, UTVs and ATVs are the focus of many of the ordinances.
  • There appears to be more regulatory activity with regards to UTVs and ATVs than low speed vehicles.
  • While people are still expressing safety concerns about these vehicles being used in mixed traffic situations, they seem to be in the minority and most municipal boards are passing ordinances.

Britt, IA – The city council passed a low speed vehicle ordinance after considerable discussion on whether or not to include golf cars and utility vehicles. The ordinance allows any low-speed or utility type vehicle to be operated on any city street as long as the operator has a driver’s license and obey traffic laws and police. The vehicle must also have approved working lights and other safety features and be registered with the Britt Police Department. The ordinance also covers motorized carts, motorized scooters and electric scooters, although they have a few more restrictions.

Buchanan County, IA – According to the new ordinance, registered ATVs or Off-road Utility vehicles may be operated on gravel roadways in Buchanan County. The main section of the ordinance states, “In the event that a person residing on a county blacktop wishes to operate an ATV or Off-Road Utility Vehicles on the gravel roadways, said person may operate on the shoulder of the county blacktop for a reasonable distance to reach the permissible county gravel roadway. Such operation may begin one hour after sunrise and must cease one hour before sunset. …”

Washington County, IA – Washington County Board of supervisors approved an ordinance to allow all-terrain and off-road utility vehicles on county graveled roadways and Level B roadways. The ordinance does not affect the current use of such vehicles for farming purposes. Only those 16 years and older and holding an Iowa driver’s license will be allowed to operate the vehicles and the vehicles must also be registered by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and by Washington County and will not be allowed to carry more passengers than they were designed for. Such vehicles can only travel on the shoulder of a paved county highway until they reach the next gravel road and can only be used between sunrise to sunset. Those opposing the ordinance cited the Specialty Vehicle Institute of American (SVIA), a not-for-profit association representing ATV manufacturers and dealers, which has a strong policy statement against the use of ATVs on public roads. The SVIA states that ATVs are not designed for use on paved surface because of the negative affect on handling and control.

Bronson, KS – Bronson City Council approved an ordinance allowing special purpose vehicles to operate within the city. The special purpose vehicles include all-terrain vehicles, work-site utility vehicles, micro-utility trucks and golf carts. The board also approved picking up general purpose liability insurance in conjunction with the special purpose vehicle ordinance.

Leesburg, FL – City commissioners voted unanimously to allow golf carts, utility vehicles and low-speed vehicles on city-owned and maintained streets in the downtown area. Commissioners are concerned about safety though, so they are requiring that drivers be at least 18 years old in order to have more driving experience.

E-Z-GO Recalls Golf, Shuttle and Off-road Utility Vehicles

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One of the Bad Boy Buggie models being recalled.

One of the Bad Boy Buggie models being recalled.

E-Z-GO TXT_2plus2_LARGE

One of the E-Z-GO TXT models being recalled.

 

The Cushman Shuttle that is part of the recall by E-Z-GO.

The Cushman Shuttle that is part of the recall by E-Z-GO.

E-Z-GO is recalling approximately 30,000 golf, shuttle and off-road utility vehicles because a steering wheel nut may not have been tightened sufficiently, reducing the driver’s steering control. This can result in a crash. There has only been one reported incident related to the issue and it was a minor injury.

The recall includes E-Z-GO, Cushman and Bad Boy Buggies branded vehicles. Recalled E-Z-GO and Cushman vehicles have serial numbers from 2823208 to 2850425 and from 3000001 to 3003187. Bad Boy Buggies vehicles have serial numbers from 8005089 to 8006013. The recall includes the following models:

  • E-Z-GO TXT Fleet golf cars
  • E-Z-GO Freedom TXT, Shuttle 2+2 TXT and Valor personal golf cars all with one bench seat and one rear-facing seat
  • E-Z-GO Express with two bench seats and one rear-facing seat,
  • E-Z-GO Terrain with a cargo bed
  • Cushman Shuttle vehicles
  • Bad Boy Buggies HD, LD, LTO, and LT Safari utility vehicles

The vehicles were sold between August 2012 through February 2013. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact E-Z-GO or an authorized dealer for a free repair. E-Z-GO and E-Z-GO dealers are already contacting known owners. Consumers can contact E-Z-GO toll-free at (855) 738-3711 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday; or online at www.ezgo.com and click on Product Recall Information or at www.badboybuggies.com and click on Recall Information at the bottom of the page for more information. Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Comment:  The number of vehicles being recalled is quite large compared to the typical recall in the STOV market, which usually numbers a few hundred to a few thousand vehicles. On the other hand this seems to be only a minor issue and for the company a simple and relatively inexpensive fix. In general, dealers I’ve spoken to believe the quality of the Bad Boy Buggies vehicles has increased significantly since E-Z-GO acquired the company in late 2010. At the time, a large and more serious recall from both a safety and financial standpoint was a major reason the company needed to be sold.

Golf Car Companies Pursue Work UTV Segment with New Vehicles

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The new Cushman Hauler Pro with a 72-volt AC drivetrain.

The new Cushman Hauler Pro with a 72-volt AC drivetrain.

 

 

Carryall 2 from Club Car

Carryall 2 from Club Car

Faced with slow or no growth in their primary market, fleet golf cars, Club Car and E-Z-GO are pursuing higher growth opportunities in the commercial and consumer work UTV segments. To do this both companies have recently producing revamped product offerings. Club Car has come out with their new Carryall line of vehicles and E-Z-GO is attacking their market with the new Cushman Pro Hauler. The Pro Hauler uses a 72-volt AC drivetrain to provide longer runtime at golf courses and other maintenance environments. The whole Carryall line has been redesigned to appeal to a wide range of consumer and commercial customers.  Learn more:  The Augusta Chronicle

LSVs Show Strength in Government & Commercial Markets

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A six passenger transport vehicle from Cruise Car with a solar array on the roof for battery recharging.

Cruise Car out of Sarasota, FL reports growing sales on the strength of orders for  government and commercial markets. The company manufacturers golf cars and low speed vehicles for transport and utility. A key differentiator for the company is their Sunray Solar Roof Canopy which uses solar power to recharge vehicle batteries. They also feature an aluminum chassis and AC electric motors. According to management the company has been successful selling vehicles to military installations and last month was awarded a contract to supply fleets of shuttles and light utility runabouts to VA Hospitals and VA Cemeteries nationwide. Hotels and resorts are also an important market segment for the company. Many of the vehicles they sell to these markets are LSVs which can be used on public roads. Learn more:  HeraldTribune.com

Comment:  The companies success confirms with what we have been hearing from dealers around the country. Namely that STOVs and in particular LSVs are selling well in the commercial and government markets. The military and other government sectors are attracted in part to the fact that the vehicles are electric powered, whether to reduce fuel costs and/or meet sustainability goals. This is also true of the college/market where they can be used for personnel transport or light utility work around campus. The safety features of LSV compliant vehicles are appealing to buyers as well.

New Concept Drawings for Coachella Valley Multi-Use Parkway

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Concept drawing for multi-use parkway between Palms Springs and Coachella in California

The Coachella Valley Association of Governments presented new concept drawings for a 52 mile multi-use parkway for pedestrians, cyclists and LSVs/NEVs. Running along the Whitewater River wash between Palm Springs to Coachella, the drawings depict a parkway with “interactive kiosks where people would be able to see the trail’s real-time impacts on air quality and greenhouse gases and night-time laser light shows that would be motion-activated as users walked or cycled by.” Shade structures and color accents are key parts of the design. The concept also includes different configurations for the parkway as it conforms to the changing landscape along the 52 mile route. There has been mixed reaction to the parkway and some gated communities and country clubs would rather not have the project run through their properties. The exact route is still being worked out with potential alternatives for bypassing these properties being considered. In general, the cycling community is behind the project, if not enthusiastically. CVAG has pitched the project with an $80 million price tag — $70 million for construction and $10 million for operation and maintenance. Federal and state transportation and air quality funds will help fund the project.  Learn more: Mydesert.com

 

Road Use Regulations Roundup – September 2013

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Some trends in this latest regulation roundup:

  • Municipalities are passing ordinances that not only allow LSVs but a range of utility vehicles including UTVs, ATVs and mini-trucks on public roads. The ordinances for mini trucks, which operate at higher speeds, may be the beginning of a backdoor approach to more medium speed vehicle ordinances at the local level.
  • There appears to be less concerns being raised about safety issues of the vehicles in mixed traffic.
  • Ordinances governing LSV parking were common this roundup.
  • There appeared to be less road use regulatory activity at both the state and municipal level so far in 2013.

State Level Regulations

Florida – A new golf car law went into effect that allows for the conversion of faster golf cars – or similar low-speed vehicles – to even lower-speed cars, saving golf car owners registration and insurance fees. A one-time $40 fee is charged.

Minnesota – A bill that would allow operation of mini trucks on local roads as passenger automobiles has been introduced in the House and Senate.

Municipal Level Regulations

Garden City, KS – The Garden City Commission drafted an ordinance which would allow micro utility vehicles (UTVs) to be operated within the city limits. The vehicles will be subject to state safety requirements such as roll cages, head and tail lights, turn signals and seat belts and will only be allowed to be operated by legally licensed drivers.

Britt, IA – The City Council is considering an ordinance to allow low speed vehicles on Main Avenue where they currently are not allowed. Some council members are concerned about safety and creating an opening for golf car use on the street.

Nederland, CO – An ordinance allowing electric golf carts was discussed.

San Antonio, TX – City Council has approved an ordinance that allows owners of NEVs to operate their vehicles on city streets with speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less. Several accidents in 2006 resulted in the vehicles being banned.

Powell River, British Columbia – The Council considered a low speed vehicle ordinance. A number of cities in the province have passed similar ordinances.

Baton Rouge, LA – The city is discussing the regulation of LSV taxis. The Taxi Control Board wants them to be regulated similar to other taxis.

Medford, MN – The Medford City Council is considering an ordinance to allow residents to use golf cars, all-terrain vehicles and mini trucks on city roads. The vehicles will need to be permitted, meet certain equipment requirements and operate on the streets only during specified hours.

North Wildwood, NJ – The City Council approved up to  20 designated parking spaces for LSVs. These spaces will be clearly marked and only low-speed vehicles may park in these spots.

Jascksonville Beach, FL – Council takes comments from the public on low speed vehicle parking in the city.

Santa Monica, CA – The city is trying to clarify free parking rules for electric vehicles that are tied to state issued zero emission stickers. The state rules governing the stickers narrowed the definition of eligible vehicles in such a way as to exclude LSVs, which previously had been included.

Yamaha Offers Prepaid Maintenance Program

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Yamaha’s prepaid maintenance program is available for a range of vehicles including the Viking utility vehicle

Yamaha recently announced a prepaid maintenance program for motorcycles, scooters, UTVs and ATVs. The Y.E.S. Maintenance product will be available on new purchases and the cost can be folded into the financing for the vehicle. Yamaha claims that customers can save up to 30% compared to pay as you go maintenance. The program uses the maintenance schedule as laid out in the vehicle manual and can be purchased as a 4 year or 6 year plan. Owners will be sent maintenance reminders by Yamaha. While the program is designed to be a profit source for dealers, Yamaha corporate states that the long term win is a better relationship between dealers and customers as dealers have more frequent contact with the customer. Learn more: Powersportsbusiness.com

Comment:  While I believe the larger target market is for motorcycles, non-powersports dealers in the STOV market might be able to learn from a program such as this. You frequently hear complaints from golf car and LSV dealers that customers don’t know how to take care of their batteries and could get more life out of their batteries if they did. This can also lead to a negative impression of electric powered vehicles if the battery packs have to be replaced sooner than the customer expects. A prepaid maintenance program for these vehicles could lead to more profit, more customer contact and better vehicle performance.

IndyCar Champion Ryan Hunter-Reay Is Now A Garia Ambassador

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IndyCar champion Ryan Hunter-Reay with his high-end race car and high-end golf car from Garia

While at first glance the juxtaposition of a high speed IndyCar champion with a Garia street-legal low speed vehicle might seem funny, the pairing of a race car driver and a high-end golf car is more common then you think. A golf car dealer I know has in fact built a number of customized golf cars for some of the top NASCAR drivers and owners. These are highly customized vehicles that are often made to match the driver’s traveling coach and are taken along as they travel from race to race. They are quite handy for traveling around the racetrack grounds. They also involve quite a bit of engineering since they are a little faster than your typical golf car. Add in the bling and custom paint jobs and you are talking about a $20,000 to $30,000 vehicle or more.

The press release from Garia follows:

INDYCAR CHAMPION RYAN HUNTER-REAY IS NOW A GARIA AMBASSADOR

Garia, the manufacturer of the ultimate luxury golf and leisure car is pleased to announce a new exciting partnership with IndyCar Champion Ryan Hunter-Reay.

Ryan Hunter-Reay is the reigning IndyCar Champion and the most successful American currently competing in the IZOD IndyCar Series with more than three times as many wins as all the other current American drivers combined. Ryan is the recipient of the 2013 ESPY for best driver.  Ryan is also the only driver to have earned wins in IndyCar, CART, ChampCar, ALMS and GrandAm.

With Garia’s unique combination of craftsmanship, passion and performance the Ambassadorship is a perfect match. Ryan Hunter-Reay is dedicated to his sport and has a unique winning mentality. He is an expert in car performance and knows the importance of excellent craftsmanship and functionality, however he is also a family man.

Garia has built a four-seater street legal LSV for Ryan Hunter-Reay, with customized Garia Mansory accessories such as super-car inspired steering wheel, dashboard and side mirrors handcrafted in carbon fiber.

“This street legal Garia is the ideal leisure car for me and my family’s active lifestyle. The quality, driving performance and braking system gives me and my family a feeling of safety, especially when we have our baby boy on board. We love the design of the Garia and its amazing carbon fiber accessories!” said Ryan Hunter-Reay.

Ryan will be bringing his Garia with him on the racing tour enabling it to function as his primary transportation when not in the race car. The street legal ability of the Garia allows it to not only be driven inside the race circuit, but also taken outside and driven on public roads. Ryan has added a custom Hydra-Lift to his motorcoach which will transport the Garia to the various race events from Florida to California and points in-between.

“Garia’s marketing strategy has focus on golf and leisure. Last year we introduced the world-famous golfer Paula Creamer as our brand ambassador. Today we are very proud to introduce IndyCar Champion Ryan Hunter-Reay to our brand ambassador family. We feel the four-seater street legal LSV truly complements Ryan’s active lifestyle. We have many shared values such as dedication to craftsmanship, performance and the passion for the joy of driving a high quality car. We are confident the Garia will suit his needs” said Anders Lynge, designer of the Garia.

The Garia is created in collaboration with golf professionals and is designed, engineered and built in Europe. The Garia design team has been uncompromising in its efforts to create the best golf car in the world. Luxury features on the Garia include a built-in refrigerator, extra comfortable sport seat and 12” alloy wheels. With the Garia Mansory Accessory Program, it is possible to customize the luxury golf and leisure car into the vehicle you always only dreamt of. The Garia is available in various models, including street legal, two- and four-seater versions as well as a roadster.

Explore more

Press images of Ryan Hunter-Reay and his Garia, please contact press@garia.com

More information about this new partnership http://garia.com/explore/Ambassador-Ryan-Hunter-Reay/

More information about Garia http://www.garia.com

More information about our recent model http://www.garia.com/vehicles/garia-mansory-currus-edition

Follow Ryan Hunter-Reay on Twitter: @ryanhunterreay

Follow Garia on Twitter: @gariagolfcar

Trojan Battery Expands Distribution in South Korea for the Golf Car Market

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The Trojan T105 battery is popular in the golf car market.

Trojan Battery Company, the world’s leading manufacturer of deep-cycle batteries, today announced TAIJIN Instrument & Electric Co., Ltd. will distribute Trojan’s deep-cycle batteries in South Korea. TAIJIN will sell and service Trojan products for the golf car market in the region. Trojan estimates that there are 400 golf courses in the country.

TAIJIN is a leading supplier for the region’s golf industry and will offer Trojan’s broad line of deep-cycle flooded, AGM and gel batteries. The company will maintain an extensive stock of Trojan battery models to ensure product availability to meet immediate customer needs.

Learn more:  Golfcourseindustry.com

Mission Golf Car to Distribute New Ford Shelby Specialty Golf Car

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Ford Shelby GT500 Golf Car

Mission Golf Cars of San Antonio, TX has recently agreed to become a distributor for the new Ford Shelby GT500 golf car. The GT500 is the only officially licensed golf car of the Ford Motor Company. Key features of the golf car include:

  • Hand-laid fiberglass body with PPGPaint
  • SVT Inspired 12” wheels
  • Six Standard Ford Shelby GT500 colors
  • Locking front storage trunk
  • 48v DC motor (AC drive available)
  • Vinyl and ultra suede upholstered seats
  • Turn signals, horn and emergency flashers
  • Fold-down windshield
  • Limited three-year warranty

Learn more:  PRWeb.com