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One city repealed an ordinance allowing utility vehicles on city streets because of safety concerns.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.

4ekolka: A 3D Printed LSV

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The 4ekolka, a prototype electric powered city car.

The 4ekolka is a 3D printed, electric powered vehicle out of Prague from Petr Chladek. The estimated cost to build this prototype vehicle was $12,000 with half of that for the batteries and battery management system. The vehicle is designed for a top speed of 55 km/h or approximately 34 mph. The 9.6 kWh battery pack consists of LiFePO4 batteries with a capacity of 200Ah @ 48V and the estimated range per charge is 200 km or 124 miles. The 4ekolka is expected to consume about 100 Wh compared to 200-300 Wh for most electric vehicles.

The expected market is for intra-city driving and as a secondary car. The designer is also investigating commercial uses. The vehicle is currently being tested on roads in Prague. Learn more: Electrek.co

New Models Reveal Market Trends

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Marc Cesare

While the growth of the small, task-oriented vehicle market (STOV) may not be as strong as a few years ago, the proliferation of new models since the beginning of the year indicate a competitive and still growing market. The STOV market includes utility vehicles(UTVs)/side-by-sides, golf cars and LSVs. UTVs make up the largest share of the STOV market and not surprisingly that is where much of the action is. The UTV segment is also where much of the growth opportunity is as well.

A review of over 25 brands and product lines including all of the major players in the UTV market, as well as smaller ones, shows that approximately 80 new models were launched since the end of 2015. These have included completely new entrants, product line extensions, special edition models customized for specific applications and product line upgrades.

Yamaha continues to build out their UTV line with models like the 2017 Wolverine EPS.

A major factor in this large number of new models has been the re-entry of established powersports brands into the market over the last several years. For example, Honda after being somewhat dormant after their Big Red UTVs pursued the market with their Pioneer line. Meanwhile Yamaha had built out the work oriented Viking line, the Wolverine crossover line and more recently attacked the pure recreational/sport segment with their YXZ line.

The Ranger XP 1000 EPS in Nara Bronze features more horsepower than the XP 900.

An analysis of recent model introductions illuminates important trends in the market including the continued push for higher horsepower vehicles, targeting ‘value’ buyers with lower price point models, developing models with accessory packages for specialized applications, and shifts in the electric UTV segment. These trends and others are discussed in an article a I recently posted in our buying guide section.

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.

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.

$230 Million for California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP)

Posted on April 7, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Source: SVR based on CVRP data.

The California Air Resources Board (ARB) is proposing $230 million in funding for the California Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP) for fiscal year 2016-2017.

CVRP offers vehicle rebates on a first-come, first-served basis for light-duty ZEVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), zero-emission motorcycles, and neighborhood electric vehicles. Rebate amounts are $2,500 for battery electric vehicles (BEVs); $1,500 for PHEVs; $5,000 for fuel cell electric vehicles; and $900 for zero-emission motorcycles and neighborhood electric vehicles. As of February 1, 2016, the CVRP has rebated over $291 million, covering 137,000 vehicles.

NEVs have been a small portion of these vehicles, totaling only 147 vehicles and just over $151,000 in rebates from 2010 to 2016, according to the CVRP statistics. One issue is that there have been only four brands that have been eligible for the rebates including GEM, Miles, Vantage and EVI eMega. By far GEM has been the most prevalent NEV in the program, accounting for 111 of the 147 vehicles. However, the model year 2014 and 2015 vehicles have not been eligible because the do not meet CVRP performance requirements. According to the CVRP website there are no current model year NEVs eligible for the rebate. As the above chart shows, there has been a significant drop-off in NEV rebates since 2013.

Source: SVR based on CVRP data.

Only 35% of the NEV rebates went to businesses, 34% to federal, state or local governments and 22% to individuals with the remainder to non-profits. These figures are not that surprising as GEM sells mostly to commercial customers. Learn more: Cleanvehiclerebate.org

NFMT Trade Show

Posted on March 28, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Last week I visited the NFMT trade show in Baltimore at the invitation of Andy Kaplan of Dominion Utility Vehicles, a Polaris commercial dealer who carries the GEM, Brutus and Gravely vehicle lines. The National Facilities Management and Technology Conference & Exposition (NFMT) brings education, networking and new products to facilities professionals nationwide. While a host of products and services from lighting, energy, air systems, roofing, HVAC, etc are on exhibit, I was there to check out the handful of utility vehicle brands on display including the GEM and Brutus from Polaris, Club Car, Taylor-Dunn and Vantage Vehicle.

The Polaris Brutus HDPTO Deluxe with an angle broom attached on display at the NFMT expo.

The Polaris display had one of the larger footprints on the NFMT expo floor and had on display the GEM eL XD, Polaris M1400 and Brutus HDPTO Deluxe. The latter probably received the most attention on the day I was visiting. (The NFMT ran for three days) The Deluxe is an impressive vehicle with a factory installed cab with heat and A/C standard, integrated front PTO, 24 hp Kohler diesel engine, hydrostatic drive, and 1,250 lb. cargo box. The model also has a treadle pedal so you don’t have to shift gears back and forth during tasks like plowing snow, and with the hydrostatic drive the hydraulic fluid absorbs the changing forces rather than gears. The display model had an angle brush attachment mounted on the front. Starting at around $24,000 with the attachments extra the vehicle may appear to be pricey, but the Brutus HDPTO Deluxe is a commercial level work utility vehicle and the versatility provided by the attachments allow the Brutus to do the work of several vehicles on all types of terrain.

An interior view of the Brutus shows the joystick for controlling attachments.

For example, with the finishing mower attachment you can mow even on steep terrain and do so in a climate controlled cab. The angle brush can sweep sidewalks of dirt and debris in the summer and snow in the winter. For other snow removal applications there is a snow blade or snow blower. The attachments can be controlled from the cab and can be moved up, down, left, right and tilted forward or backward. A cargo box spreader attachment was added last year with cab controls for adjusting the area of the spread, the volume of material, and the vibration of the auger to prevent clogging. The PTO also has a separate throttle control so the vehicle can be operated at a slower speed but the attachment can be operated at higher power. Other attachments include a landplane, grapple, pallet forks and materials bucket. According to recent Polaris earnings calls the higher end Brutus vehicles have been selling well.

The recessed bed in the new 2016 GEM eL XD.

A shot of the interior of the GEM eL XD on display at the NFMT expo.

I was also able to see the new 2016 GEM eL XD up close. As advertised the new doors feel really solid. I met another GEM dealer who expressed optimism about sales for the new line in the coming year. The recessed bed on the eL XD is one of the new features for 2016. I sat in the cab and the overall look and feel of the vehicle is solid and gives the impression of a quality build.

A Club Car Carryall with the VersAttach system installed.

At the Club Car display they had their relatively new Carryall 500 and 700 on display but were focusing more on their VersAttach Bed System, a configurable and removable track-based bed attachment system for carrying tools and equipment. The commercial focused team was representing Club Car at the event. They are focusing products and services on specific vertical market segments such as education, resorts and government.

The electric powered Vantage Vehicle is proving to be a popular alternative to pickup trucks in certain applications.

Werres Corporation, a distributor of Vantage Vehicles, had one of the vehicles on display at their booth. The electric powered vehicle features a long truck bed and an enclosed cab with a design similar to mini-trucks. The Vantage Vehicle has been a big seller for Werres, and often displaces pick-up trucks for campus applications.

The electric powered Taylor-Dunn Bigfoot has a 3,000 lb. load capacity.

Taylor-Dunn was featuring one of their relatively new vehicles, the Bigfoot. The Bigfoot features 48V AC power, hydraulic brakes, 12 mph top speed, a 44″x77″ flatbed and a 3,000 lb. load capacity. Other amenities include dual USB charging ports, LED lighting, adjustable seats, tilt steering and recessed tie-downs. The Bigfoot has a range of up to 40 miles and can be configured with a cab, stake sides or aluminum drop-down sides.

2016 GEM Line Looks Like A Success

Posted on March 2, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The new GEM product line for model year 2016.

The new GEMs for model year 2016.

A recent conversation with a GEM dealer indicates that the newly designed 2016 GEM product line will be a success. In November I spoke with John Stockman, Director of GEM about the new 2016 line of GEM vehicles. I wanted to follow-up that article with a dealer’s perspective of the line now that it has been in the market. To that end I spoke with Andy Kaplan of Dominion Utility Vehicles of Bedford, Virginia, which carries the GEM line along with Gravely and Brutus utility vehicles. Polaris manufactures all three of these brands.

While December through February are typically a slow season for Kaplan, he has been selling GEMs at a rapid rate this year. In fact, we conversed while he and his loaded vehicle trailer were calling on customers for test drives and to deliver a price quotes. He is still following up leads from a trade show six weeks ago. Kaplan typically sells vehicles to colleges and universities, hospitals and real estate developments where GEMs are used for security, maintenance and people transport.

Polaris significantly re-engineered the GEM line for 2016. They made changes to the body design, added more cabin space, improved the doors and added more door options, introduced their Smart Power concept, and expanded options and accessories for the utility model. According to Kaplan, the changes have all hit the mark and are winning over customers. The new doors and additional cabin space are probably the most critical changes driving customer interest. As Kaplan observes, these changes give the GEM a more car-like feel. He believes they have helped position the GEM in it’s own market niche between golf car based vehicles and fully functional automobiles.

Kaplan expects to double his GEM sales this year driven by both the new 2016 line, and by virtue of the new line being part of a Virginia state purchasing contract. The latter allows state colleges, universities and other agencies to more easily purchase GEMs without having to conduct a complex purchasing process.

I’ve posted a more in-depth article from my discussion with Mr. Kaplan in our buying guide section.

What’s Cooking on the STOV: Electric Food Truck

Posted on February 22, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Highlighting some of the many applications for Small, Task-Oriented Vehicles

Chef Greg Steel and his Philly Greens food truck built on a GEM LSV.

In Philadelphia Chef Greg Steele is using a solar-powered Polaris GEM EL XD LSV as the basis for his Philly Greens food truck. With a top speed of 25 mph and range of up to 30 miles, the electric powered food truck suits his needs for urban/suburban mobility. The electric power plant cannot provide enough power for cooking as well, so he also uses a small gas generator.The Philly Greens truck started out as flatbed and then a metal frame was added followed by what looks like a stainless steel or aluminum skin. Custom paint and graphics made the truck complete.

The metal framework that provides the foundation for the custom food service area.

The GEM customized and ready for paint and graphics.

The vehicle is an integral part to Chef Steele’s goal of creating a sustainable food truck business. He offers a seasonal menu made with non-GMO, high quality, healthy food and sources ingredients locally. The menu changes frequently and includes what is referred to as a Jawn, which his website describes as “A word used by Philly cats to describe anything and everything. It fills in for another word, handy in a brain-freeze moment, or comes out as an expression of enthusiasm.” It also seems to include leafy greens and other ingredients of the moment. Other menu items include chili, nachos and recently sweet potato, coconut soup with sunflower chili, topped off with spiral cut turnip. Learn more: Phillygreens.com

Comment: Whether it is taxi services, tourist rentals or now food trucks, electric powered LSVs appear to be slowly carving out a niche in urban environments. The slower speeds, shorter distances, and limited parking space in these areas make these vehicles an ideal choice. The drive for sustainability by many local governments and citizens makes these electric powered vehicles appealing as well.

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