by R.J. HEIM, NBC 10 NEWS
EXETER, R.I. (WJAR) — Better late than never -- low speed vehicles are coming to Rhode Island. Battery Charge
The Ocean State is the third to last out of all 50 states that will allow the electric commuter cars on the road, with restrictions, starting next year.
For decades, E.W. Gardner's in Exeter just sold and serviced golf carts. But during the pandemic, with a putt-putt factory shutdown, they expanded to carry and service the growing demand for low speed vehicles (LSV).
Owner Jim Turner said they’re for “customers that just want to have something to drive around in local communities. You can get up to 50 miles distance on a full charge."
They now have the Northeast U.S. exclusive franchise for South Carolina-based Bintelli Company LSVs.
The high-end Lifted Bintelli Beyond Low Speed Vehicle seats six, with lithium-powered batteries. They are priced about $19,500.
For the cost-conscious, there's the non-lifted Bintelli Nemesis, that seats four, powered by lead acid batteries. These cost around $11,500.
By law, that goes into effect in the Ocean State on July 1, 2024.
The DMV needs to grease the wheels -- so to speak to get them into the system. They must be registered, insured, inspected, plated, top speed 25 mph, under 3,000 pounds, with windshield wipers, mirrors and seatbelts, that can only be operated by licensed drivers on roads where speed limits are no higher than 30 mph.
That means no interstates and no state roads.
Peter Celani, the service manager at Gardner’s, said “Buckle up. It's great news. It's something that Rhode Island's needed for a long time. Very happy about this. And we're looking forward to providing the service to keep Rhode Island rolling correctly."
The LSV market is expanding, with vehicles being designed, built, and sold worldwide now, self-enclosed models, with all the luxuries of standard cars.
Fixed Relay The future really is now!