What is an LSV (aka NEV)?
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NEVs, short for Neighborhood Electric Vehicles, are the most commonly used term in this category. Before the federal government established the Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) category, the term was already in use, describing compact electric vehicles designed for road travel within neighborhoods, rather than on golf courses. However, there is no precisely outlined boundary delineating the composition of an NEV.
On the other hand, LSVs (Low-Speed Vehicles), while less frequently utilized, accurately define street-legal vehicles. They are a federally mandated class of motor vehicles in the US and represent the sole legally defined category. Roughly comparable to Europe's "light quadricycles", LSVs have a maximum speed of 25 mph and are legally allowed on most roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. The Eli ZERO is designed to meet all U.S. federal safety standards for low-speed vehicles. It is equipped with essential features, including automotive safety windshield glass, three-point safety belts, turn signals, headlights and brake lights, horn, mirrors, windshield wipers, speedometer, back up camera with digitized screen, parking brake, and on-road tires. Additionally, an LSV must display a Manufacturer's Certification Label with the 17-digit VIN, indicating the type of vehicle as a "Low Speed Vehicle".
Securing street-legal status for LSVs can be challenging for new manufacturers. The manufacturer's factory and factories responsible for producing crucial components must obtain federal approval from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Many LSVs advertised as "street legal" in the US fail to meet all necessary criteria for legal road use. The Eli ZERO, however, is designed from the ground up to comply with both Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for LSVs and CARB requirements for California, ensuring you peace of mind.
Note: Golf carts are widely recognized due to their common use on golf courses nationwide. While some small communities have enacted local ordinances permitting their use on low-traffic roads, traditional golf carts are not street legal. Unlike LSVs such as the Eli ZERO, golf carts are typically open-air vehicles without doors or secure storage, which is a significant disadvantage in terms of security and all-weather usability.
