Golf Cart Friendly Cities?

John & Angela wrote:
Someday i would like one of both, but that's a ways off on the need list. :).

With all the inconsistencies in the LSV regs from one area to the next, I would personally go with a smart car, a hybrid, or similar. The small toad trailers would carry it. And I can use it at home when I'm not camping so the price would be worth it.

We don't camp in the super sized cgs but if we did, a simple scooter would do nicely and be easy enough to slip onto the toad trailer with the car.

I did read where florida now has approved a version of the gas lsv, and golf cart for use on public streets, along with the electric version. You can also apply for a vin no., but once registered it cannot be reversed, it must be a tax thing.

Bumpyroad wrote:

bukhrn wrote:

ependydad wrote:
Colonial Beach, VA is very "Low Speed Vehicle" friendly. I took a sign that said "share the road" and had a picture of an amish buggy and below that a golf cart!

Evidently, they don't enforce the State Laws, golf carts are NOT LSV's according to VA DMV,
Low Speed Vehicles: These electrically powered four-wheel
vehicles have a maximum speed ranging from 21 to 25 MPH.
Low speed vehicles may be operated on public roads with
speed limits of 35 MPH or less by licensed drivers or learner’s
permit holders accompanied by a licensed driver. Low speed
vehicles must comply with all federal safety standards and must
meet Virginia’s requirements for passenger vehicle registration
and insurance coverage. Golf carts are not classified as low
speed vehicles.

what if this minimobile is street legal and gas powered, not electric?
bumpy

We were in the market for an LSV for a bit until needs changed. Did a fair amount of research and can't ever remember seeing a gas version. It probably wouldn't make sense from the point of view of maintenance, not to mention the electrics would run circles around the gassers in terms of performance. I suppose one could take a gas golf cart and equip it properly to be used as an LSV but not sure if it would be recognized as such. Even in newer small cars, once you have driven the electric version its hard to look at the gas. The electrics all have muscle car performance in comparison to the ICE versions. The only down side is if you have a long commute. Most have ranges around 75 miles or less. I drive a diesel smart car and in comparison to the electric version my diesel is a slug but for long trips it is the only choice. Someday i would like one of both, but that's a ways off on the need list. :).

bukhrn wrote:

ependydad wrote:
Colonial Beach, VA is very "Low Speed Vehicle" friendly. I took a sign that said "share the road" and had a picture of an amish buggy and below that a golf cart!

Evidently, they don't enforce the State Laws, golf carts are NOT LSV's according to VA DMV,
Low Speed Vehicles: These electrically powered four-wheel
vehicles have a maximum speed ranging from 21 to 25 MPH.
Low speed vehicles may be operated on public roads with
speed limits of 35 MPH or less by licensed drivers or learner’s
permit holders accompanied by a licensed driver. Low speed
vehicles must comply with all federal safety standards and must
meet Virginia’s requirements for passenger vehicle registration
and insurance coverage. Golf carts are not classified as low
speed vehicles.

what if this minimobile is street legal and gas powered, not electric?
bumpy

Below seems like a good all around option so that you don't have to check the local laws and regs for LSVs just to plan a trip. Great idea, John!

John & Angela wrote:
LSV's are generally limited to streets of 35 mph or lower.

If you have the money consider getting a smart car electric or even better the cabrio version. Three times the price of a golf cart but all the same advantages of size, etc. Range is around 80 miles or so. The car will happily run around 80 mph, solid as a rock, excellent safety ratings and available as a convertible. Good cargo area for day to day type shopping. Still the funnest cars we have ever owned. (Ours are not electrics but if our little diesels ever quit we will replace at least one with an electric. Perfect for our commute)

We are in myrtle beach quiet often, own a golf cart, registered, cost 5bucks, it is very convinent to go to the groc store, out to eat and the beach, which I may add has special parking for GC's. They have as much right to be on their designated streets as any other vehicles.,, sorry about the bashers

Sun City, Arizona allows them. We never go there. :)

dodge guy wrote:
When a golf cart is converted to street legal it is no longer considered a Golf Cart, but an Electric Vehicle. a Golf Cart is built without seatbelts, windshield/wipers, stop/turn and head/running lights. when converted to street legal all that is included and then some.

You don't need that in SC. According to the permit registration form and SC Code of Laws Section 56-2-105.

OPERATING RESTRICTIONS
- The Permit Registration must be carried when the golf cart is operated.
- To be operated during daylight hours only.
- Operator must have a valid driver’s license and must be at least sixteen years of age.
- The driver’s license must be in the operator’s possession.
- May be driven on a secondary highway or street for which the posted speed limit is thirty-five miles an hour or less, within 4 miles of residential or additional address noted above.
- May cross a highway or street at an intersection where the highway has a posted speed limit of more than thirty-five miles an hour.
- Upon sale of the golf cart, immediately notify the Department of Motor Vehicles in writing giving the name and address of the new owner, with date of sale.
- Remove the assigned permit decal from the golf cart upon sale.

When a golf cart is converted to street legal it is no longer considered a Golf Cart, but an Electric Vehicle. a Golf Cart is built without seatbelts, windshield/wipers, stop/turn and head/running lights. when converted to street legal all that is included and then some.

In SC you have to register your golf car with DMV if you plan on driving it on the road they will give you a sticker to put on it. Their new rule it it has to be operated on the back roads within in 4 miles of your home base & I have been told a campground like Ocean Lakes (many residences) can be home base.... Noticed alot of golf cars last week with SC stickers along with Ocean Lakes registration stickers... Did see one guy with an Club Car Golf Cart with turn signals added.... driving across 17 outside the gate ( think he was crazy with the high volume of traffic...........