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The Golf Cart Man Street Legal LSV or NEV FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) 1. Vehicles What is a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) ? Low Speed Vehicles,
(LSVs), also referred to often as Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs)
are defined by certain state regulations
and by Federal Regulations (Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500) and by the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration as vehicles that are legal to drive
on public rights of way (streets). By law, vehicles that have a gross vehicle
weight of less than 3000 lbs (including passengers) that are equipped with headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, tail lamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, windshields, seat belts, and vehicle identification numbers may be certified as a low speed vehicle.
They must be driven by a licensed driver on rights of way that are open
to the public where the speed limit is less than 35 mph. By law, low speed
vehicles have a top speed of between 20 and 25 mph. Typically an electric
or solar-electric vehicle carrying 6 or fewer passengers will fall under the 3000 lb limit and can be equipped to become a low speed vehicle. However, please keep in mind, this may vary by state. Communities are beginning to
recognize the value of low speed vehicles for neighborhood trips for shopping,
social and recreational purposes. Some retirement and golf course communities have been
designed to encourage low speed vehicle usage. Some places, such as Catalina, California, favor electric vehicles over the use automobiles. Low
Speed vehicles sold by The Golf Cart
Man. are solar-electric-powered or electric powered.
The use of these vehicles, instead of larger, gasoline-powered vehicles like passenger cars, provides quieter transportation and uses no gasoline and creates a zero carbon footprint when operating
on solar power. What makes a
Low Speed Vehicle, a LSV, “street legal”? Federal regulations specify requirements for low speed vehicles. A low speed
vehicle is a 4-wheeled motor vehicle, whose attainable speed is more than
32 km/h (20 mph) and not more than 40 km/h (25 mph). Low speed vehicles
must be driven by a licensed driver. The standard requires ten specific
items of safety equipment. (1) Headlamps, (2) Front and rear turn signal
lamps, (3) Tail lamps, (4) Stop lamps, (5) Reflex reflectors: one red on
each side as far to the rear as practicle, and one red on the rear, (6)
An exterior mirror mounted on the driver's side of the vehicle and either an exterior mirror mounted on the passenger's side of the vehicle or an interior mirror, (7)
A parking brake, (8) A windshield that conforms to the Federal motor vehicle safety standard on glazing materials (49 CFR 571.205). (9) A VIN that conforms to the requirements of part 565 Vehicle Identification Number of this chapter, and (10)
A Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly conforming to Sec. 571.209 of this part, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 209, seat belt assemblies, installed at each designated seating position. However, please keep
in mind, this may vary by state. Where is it legal to drive a Low Speed Vehicle? Low speed vehicles can be driven
on any road with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. While
on a public roadway, the operator could cross over a road with a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour but must travel on roadways with posted limits of 35 miles per hour or less. Can local governments
prohibit Low Speed Vehicles? Yes, each state and local government has the final say regarding city and state road
rules and laws. Always check with your local municipality. Do I need to
register my street legal vehicle with the state? Yes, one of the requirements to be “street legal” is that the
LSV needs to be registered just like an automobile. Registration with the
state will be handled by your Cruise Car dealer. However, each state can
be different so check with your local or state DMV office for details. Do I need insurance on my LSV street legal
car? Yes,
your LSV must be insured just like your automobile. However, each state can have its own regulations concerning this so check with your local or state DMV office. Can I get my
car in any color? We offer a selection of Standard Colors which include: Red, White, Champagne, Navy Blue, Metallic Blue, Dark Green, Metallic Green and Black. Custom
color options are available and quoted upon request. What is the triple-coat protection? Is it powder-coated
or what? Yes, the triple coat protection is powder coating. Powder coating is a type of coating that is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder that is heated and becomes a liquid. Powder coating is
usually used to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint. Other than solar,
what are the most popular options? Our sales history indicates that the most popular options are the four options that are
described as follows: 1)
Wood Package: Available in the Classic Series only. This option not only features a wood look finished dashboard, but also a wood finish steering wheel and seat backs; 2) 12 Volt Outlet: Used for charging I-pods, cell phones, coolers, etc.; 3) Enclosures: Heavy-duty custom enclosures made from Sunbrella marine-grade fabric and heavy vinyl. These roll up under a small canopy and are available in colors which compliment
every color vehicle we offer; and 4)
Locking Glove Box: Available in plastic or the wood finish. How do I use my warranty? Will a competitor
dealer work on my car? Yes, any golf cart dealer may work on your vehicle, but labor rates and restrictions may apply. A Warranty Claim Form needs to be completed first, submitted to the manufacrturer and approved
by The Golf Cart Man. It is not a lengthy process and we pride ourselves on customer satisfaction. Can I order
a car without a solar top? Yes, the solar top is an option. These are electric vehicles. When you add a solar top, it extends driving range, battery life, and saves electricity. You need to charge your vehicle much
less often. Can I use my car on rough terrain? The Kudo and Classic Series vehicles are recommended to be
used on an incline of no more than 20%. The lifted 2020/2040 ASZ Classic Series vehicles are made to handle terrain that the average bicycle could navigate with an incline not to exceed 20%. What are an
MCO and an MSO? A MCO is a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin that certifies where the project originates. An MSO stands for a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin. Both documents have the same purpose. Do I need a
Tow Switch? What does it do? A tow switch is required only for certain vehicle systems; all vehicles do not require
a tow switch. A tow switch disconnects the electricity on the vehicle when
appropriate. Are your cars made overseas? Depending on the product ordered, some parts
are made overseas; others are sourced from American-owned companies and
made in America. The vehicles are assembled and shipped from Sarasota, Florida
in the USA. What do I need to put down to order my car? For the most part, the company policy is that
we require 50% down in the form of a check. This is what is needed to place
your order with the factory. Thereafter, the remaining 50% is due before your
car(s) is shipped from our plant. The only exception is when we are asked to issue a Manufacturer’s
Certificate of Origin with a VIN Number. We do not issue VIN Numbers until the vehicle
is paid-in-full, even if it is still at our plant awaiting shipment. Are the wheels aluminum or steel? Standard wheels for the Classic
Series are polished aluminum. The exception to this rule is the Scout, lifted
2020-2040 ASZ models. This has steel wheels and aluminum is an upgrade. The
standard for the Kudo Series is steel wheels. The exception to this rule is the 6043-K03. That model has many upgraded standard features and aluminum wheels are included in the price of the 6043. Foam filled tires are available
on steel wheels; these have been installed in the ambulance. Do I have to pay sales tax? The Golf Cart Man does not charge
sales tax if a vehicle is shipped out of the state of Florida. In the state of Florida,
applicable sales tax does apply. Low speed vehicles in most states are purchased directly through a dealer; in those instances, sales tax is paid directly to the dealer in conjunction with the sales price. Can I upgrade my mechanical brakes to hydraulic brakes?
If so, what are the advantages? Yes, upgrades are available on most vehicles. The main advantage is that hydraulic brakes
offer a four wheel braking system; mechanical brakes are a two wheel braking
system. What is the standard rear end gear ratio on your cars? 1249 to 1 is the standard rear
end gear ratio for Classic and Kudo cars and utility vehicles. 1025 to 1
is the high speed rear end gear ratio for LSVs; providing higher speed, but lower torque. If I buy the
car with the fold-down back seat, where do I put my golf bags? One of our most popular vehicles is the 2028-KSZ. It is a
multi-purpose vehicle. This features 2 passengers forward and 2 passengers
backward. The backward facing seat has the ability to flip down to a Cargo
Platform. There is an aluminum golf bag accessory that can be purchased
for a few hundred dollars that slips over the bar in the back. Thus, the
golf bag accessory can be used without eliminating the back passenger seat. 2. Solar-Electric Power
FAQS I’m somewhat confused about how solar will power my vehicle. What are the main benefits of adding solar to my car? First of all, the solar top will add approximately 5 to 10
miles per day to the traveling range of your vehicle, which is typically
30 to 40 miles on a full charge. This will reduce your operating costs. The solar
top will increase battery life and provide a zero carbon footprint when operating on solar power. Additionally by promoting solar energy technology, you will help make a future that will work for all. How will the solar top reduce global warming? A typical fossil fuel plant
produces about 2,500 lbs.of carbon
dioxide for each megawatt hour ofelectricity.Solar tops produce no carbon dioxide and thus have a Zero Carbon Footprint.
For every 1.0 kilowatt hour of electricity generated by the solar top, (five hours in the sun)
nearly 2.5 lbs of carbon dioxide is not released into the atmosphere. Over
365 days, that would be 912 lbs of carbon dioxide not released. How will
the solar top promote solar power? Clearly our future is dependent upon harnessing alternative energy sources. Conscientious consumers, aka Cultural Creatives, will be
attracted to locations that have solar technology available now. By demonstrating the value of solar, the
user educates consumers on the value of alternative energy solutions for our future. How much will
a solar top increase battery life? Life of battery is linked to available battery capacity; end of battery life
is when only 20% of capacity remains. Average life of battery without solar is 2 1/2 years. With solar panel,
average life of batteryis 3-1/3 years. Solar panels reduce the drawdown of the battery. Every
1% reduction in drawdown results in increase of 3.3%, with a total calculated battery
increased life of 33%. How much will a solar top reduce operating costs? With a solar panel, a vehicle
traveling 5 miles per day, in a year can travel 1825 miles for free. The reduction
in costs and carbon emissions reduces overall operating costs of the facility and reduces the carbon footprint of the organization. Why add a solar top to your vehicle? Our future is dependent upon
harnessing alternative energy sources. Conscious consumers, will be attracted
to business and government locations that have solar technology available. By demonstrating
the value of solar, you will educate your family, your community, your employees and
your customers on the value of renewable energy. There are environmental benefits (reduction in greenhouse gases) and economic benefits (longer life of battery and reduced electricity needed). Why should I
purchase a solar top from you versus anyone else? The Golf Cart Man has
more choices, are more powerful and more affordable than the competition. How much sun
does my car need to power the battery in the vehicle? The amount of sun needed depends on the angle of the sun, the geographic
location of the vehicle, the amount of cloud cover, etc. In general, in
full sunlight, we find that that a vehicle will generate 1 kW of power in
about five or six hours of sunlight. How much driving can I get from a solar charge? We estimate that 5 to 10 miles
of travel is possible on solar power alone, depending upon the capacity
of the PV panel (i.e. 180 W or 230 W, etc.) How often should I charge my vehicle? You should charge your vehicle
at lease once a week to keep the battery balanced and extend the life of
your battery. The charger will not overcharge the battery; it will What
happens if I plug my car in and it is fully charged? Does it have an automatic shut-off? Our Solar Top System comes with a charge regulator that automatically stops charging when the batteries are full in order to protect them. Will
the solar top fit any manufacturer’s vehicles? The solar tops fit
most Club Cars, Cruise Cars, Star Cars, E-Z-Go, Yamaha and others. Last revision: 05-25-10 3. Batteries How much
do brand new batteries cost? The current retail price for a set of eight 8-volt batteries ranges from $640 to $1,680, depending
on type of battery (lead acid or maintenance free) and battery range. What is the
warranty on the batteries? Depending on which type of batteries are ordered, the warranty is 12-18 months. The battery manufacturer warranties the batteries. When it’s time -- do I have to replace
all my batteries; do they all go at once? It is recommended that batteries be replaced all at one time. Why is the T-145
battery more money? What does it do? The T-145 battery has more range (lasts longer) than a T-105 battery. How do
I take care of my batteries? What kind of maintenance is required for the batteries?
What is a maintenance-free battery? The Golf Cart Man sells
lead acid batteries and maintenance-free batteries. For the lead acid batteries, standard maintenance
includes: checking the water levels at least once a week; adding distilled
water to ¼ inch above the battery plates. Avoid overfilling the battery – that causes acid to leak out. For the maintenance free batteries,
no maintenance is required, other than keeping the tops of the batteries
clean and the connections tight.
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