Electric LSVs Can Make Driving Fun and Affordable for Seniors

Spend a few days in a waterfront town, vacation destination or golf community, and you may see local electric vehicles on neighborhood streets.

The street-legal, low-speed vehicle category extends the fun, yet practical vehicles to suburbia and urban downtowns as the market for sustainable transportation grows.

Low-speed vehicles (LSVs) offer a safe, efficient and enjoyable drive – especially when highway speeds and 300 miles of range aren't required for daily drives.

What are LSVs?

LSVs are a specific, federally designated class of motor vehicles, not to be confused with golf carts. These elevated EVs have significant safety upgrades and they are generally street-legal across the country on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less, making them helpful for running errands.

It has been estimated that nearly 50% of all car journeys are under three miles. That percentage is even higher in cities.

As a result, many consumers are looking for mobility solutions that fit their needs, including eco-friendly GEMs for localized mobility. These EVs can be stylish and fun to drive.

Flexible charging can plug into any standard 110V outlet, with fast-charging options available when needed. And with battery packs providing upwards of 100 miles, LSVs have more than enough range for multiple trips in a day.

Some LSVs even offer an optional rooftop solar panel that further increases range and reduces reliance on the grid.

Unlike a golf cart, LSVs are legal after dusk, just like a full-size EV, but at a much lower purchase price.

A fully enclosed cab with hard doors and automotive-grade windows can provide comfort and protection from weather while containing kids, gear and groceries. The doors remove for a breezy, open-air ride.

Where can LSVs go?

Business and residential areas in every U.S. state have speed limits between 25-35 mph, making LSVs an increasingly viable, safe and community-friendly option.

GEM, which built the car pictured, manufactures two, four and six-seat LSV models.

Price Range

Like any vehicle, there is a price range. Starting MSRPs for GEM LSVs cost from $15,240 to $21,240.

At a cost-per-mile of 3¢, according to GEM, they are inexpensive to drive, drawing less from the grid than full-size EVs, and delivering a 30-50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over combustion vehicles.