A low-speed vehicle (LSV), like the MAX-EV from Westward Vehicles, is a four-wheeled motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of fewer than 3,000 pounds (1,400 kg) and a top speed between 20 to 35 mph (32 to 40 km/h).
Electric LSVs are widely adopted across the US and Canada because of their zero-carbon tail-pipe emissions and quieter operation. Government programs often incentivize these vehicles. As a result, there is a growing movement of LSVs in universities, hotels & resorts, industrial facilities, golf courses, gated communities and personal uses.
Looking for a practical and efficient way to navigate crowded city streets? Look no further than LSVs, or Low-Speed Vehicles. According to NHTSA, with a maximum speed of 25 mph, LSVs are fully street-legal and can be driven on any U.S. roadway posted 35 mph or slower. Their compact design takes up minimal space on congested roads and curbs and weighs under 3,000 lbs.
LSVs come in a range of models, from two-seaters to six-seaters, with spacious passenger cabs that make them a practical alternative to traditional automobiles. Whether commuting to work or running errands around town, LSVs can get you where you need to go just as quickly as a standard vehicle, even on high-traffic streets.
Did you know that nearly 50% of all vehicle trips in the U.S. are less than 3 miles? That percentage is even higher within cities. That’s where LSVs shine! They offer a balanced trade-off for alternative transportation, providing accessibility, flexibility, and efficiency – all while being a perfect fit for city and community environments.
Safety is always paramount. That’s why LSVs are designed with safer low speeds, making them better suited for vulnerable road users and pedestrians. So if you’re looking for an accessible and secure way to get around town, an LSV might be the perfect solution.
In areas where snow is a regular occurrence during the winter, a low speed vehicle (LSV) equipped for snow plowing is becoming popular for clearing roadways. These vehicles, typically four-wheeled and capable of reaching speeds of up to 35 mph on a paved road, provide a cost-effective and efficient solution to snow removal. The posted speed limit must be observed while operating the low speed vehicle.
Designed for use on private roads, parking lots and other areas with light traffic, these street legal vehicles are equipped with plows and other snow-clearing equipment that make quick work of even heavy snowfall. With their compact size, low-speed vehicles are also ideal for accessing narrow spaces that would be difficult to clear using larger traditional plows.
Low speed vehicles are gaining in popularity, especially for use on farms. This compact four-wheeled vehicle is a handy tool when it comes to getting around a farm efficiently. Low speed vehicles come equipped with a range of farm-friendly features, making them easy and safe to maneuver around crops and livestock. The MAX-EV is great for farm ecological sustainability.
The MAX-EV for Farming and Agriculture is the top unit of choice for companies and farmers looking to optimize their tasks, streamline their budget and adopt sustainable eco-business practices. The MAX-EV is street legal and represents a green alternative to the conventional, pollution-emitting ICE vehicles typically used for the transportation of production materials and equipment around farms. As a nimble electric utility truck, the MAX-EV is durable, reliable and requires minimal maintenance.
Because they are not designed for high speeds, low speed vehicles are perfect for getting from one area of the farm to another without causing damage or disruption to crops and livestock. With their ease of use and versatility, low speed vehicles are quickly becoming essential for farmers who want to get the job done faster and more efficiently. Option up to wider turf tires or ATV style knobby tires for excellent grip. Westward Vehicles is also soon launching a 4×4 drivetrain that is ideal for loose soil terrain.
Because these street legal four-wheeled vehicles are designed to operate at speeds less than 35 mph, they are highly preferred for their safety and environmental efficiency in the construction trade.
Their usefulness in construction is because not only are LSVs equipped with all the necessary features to ensure a safe and comfortable ride (headlights and tail lights, windshield, turn signal lights, stop lights, reflex reflectors, an exterior mirror and a parking brake), but they also can be equipped to handle everything from toolboxes to hazardous materials to small work crews.
The gross vehicle weight rating of LSVs remains within a range of 2,000 to 3,000 pounds, which makes them ideal for carrying equipment and workers around the site without causing any damage to the landscaping. In order to drive an LSV, individuals must possess a valid driver’s license and follow specific regulations set by their state. These regulations often include requirements for safety equipment, such as mirrors, seat belts and headlights, as well as restrictions on where LSVs operate. It’s important to adhere to these regulations to ensure a safe and efficient driving experience for LSV drivers and other motorists on the road.
If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, save money and get around town safely and legally, an all electric vehicle or LSV might be the perfect choice for you. While there are many options available on the market, you can fully customize your own vehicle until find the perfect fit for your needs with Westward Vehicles.
Electric low speed vehicles are powered by electric motors that produce zero tail-pipe emissions, as opposed to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles that emit harmful pollutants into the air. This means that driving low-speed vehicles significantly reduces carbon emissions and helps to combat air pollution. Furthermore, many low-speed vehicles are street legal, making them a viable alternative for short trips in urban or suburban areas. As cities aim to reduce traffic congestion and promote sustainable transportation options, low-speed vehicles will play a significant role in achieving these goals while also being environmentally responsible.
Low speed vehicles (or NEV—for neighborhood electric vehicles) differ from golf carts, because they typically have higher speed limits. Golf carts are usually limited to just 15-20 miles per hour on paved, level surfaces. They are typically not street legal, but they may have on-road kits fitted. LSVs are street legal in any area with posted speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less, making them ideal for neighborhood use. Additionally, LSVs are equipped with safety features like DOT approved headlights, front and rear turn signals and tail lamps, windshield, stop lights and parking brake, ensuring visibility and reducing the risk of accidents in residential areas. With their smaller size, LSVs are easily maneuverable in tight spaces and easy to park in smaller spots, making them ideal for neighborhoods with limited parking.
LSVs are perfect for individuals who live in areas with low population densities or who enjoy exploring rural areas. They are also a great option for individuals who want to reduce their carbon footprint, as they offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cars. Low speed vehicles are also used as a way to get around on college campuses or in large retirement communities. With so many different use cases, low speed vehicles offer a flexibility that is unmatched by other forms of transportation. This flexibility makes them ideal for individuals who want to live life on their own terms and prioritize their own personal needs and preferences. The MAX-EV from Westward Vehicles is perfect for these applications, such as commuting, transportation on college campuses, or transporting goods around your property or worksite. Its versatility and durability are unmatched in the industry.
LSVs are street-legal and are driven on public roads with speed limits up to 35 mph. This feature makes them a great option for those who need to travel short distances around town safely and legally. Their small size and low speed also make them more maneuverable and easier to park than traditional vehicles. In addition, an LSV features a license plate and vehicle identification number (VIN) that comply with federal safety standards and allow for easy registration. This ensures that LSVs are properly regulated and easier to track in case of theft or accidents.
So, if you want to reduce your carbon footprint, save money, and get around town safely and legally, an electric LSV might be the perfect choice for you. Check out the many options on the market and find the perfect fit for your needs.
*Range is an estimate and is quoted without accessory draw such as heat & AC. Heavy payload and severe terrain impact range as well.
MAX-EV Model Information | ||||
MAX-6 | MAX-8 | MAX-15 | MAX-20 | |
Basic Specs | ||||
Drivetrain | 48v | 48v | 72v | 72v |
Lithium Ion Pack Size Kilowatt | 6 | 8 | 15 | 20 |
Estimated Range* | 28-32 | 35-40 | 70-80 | 115-140 |
On road Max speed mph | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
Est Turn Radius in feet | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
Twin passenger | y | y | y | y |
Electric Heat optional | n | y | y | y |
AC optional (late 2020) | n | n | y | y |
Rear Cab wrapper optional | y | y | y | y |
Hinged door - optional | y | y | y | y |
Flat deck option | y | y | y | y |
Ladder rack and tool chest option | y | y | y | y |
Total Payload | 1000 | 1000 | 900 | 900 |
The range for LSVs dramatically varies according to manufacture, and subsequently by terrain, battery type, accessories and even weather. The larger the battery pack, the greater the range. For example, a Westward vehicle outfitted with a 6kw battery has an estimated range of up to 28-32 miles per charge, while the larger 20kw battery has an estimated up to 120 miles per charge range.
Long-lasting Lithium-Ion batteries are preferred as they are easy to recharge hundreds or thousands of times with minimal battery degradation. Lithium-Ion is commonly one-third the weight of lead-acid batteries; moving less weight increases the vehicle’s range. Despite the higher upfront cost of these high-performing batteries, the cost of ownership is lower than lead-acid when considering a 7-10 year life cycle.
Utilizing green energy instead of fossil-based fuels will save thousands of dollars per year. On average, electric vehicles cost about $350 per year to fuel, compared to over $2,000 in costs for gas vehicles. Check out our complete article about electric vehicles and potential fuel cost savings.
LSVs are perfect for individuals who live in areas with low population densities or who enjoy exploring rural areas. They are also a great option for individuals who want to reduce their carbon footprint, as they offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cars. Low speed vehicles are also used as a way to get around on college campuses or in large retirement communities. With so many different use cases, low speed vehicles offer a flexibility that is unmatched by other forms of transportation. This flexibility makes them ideal for individuals who want to live life on their own terms and prioritize their own personal needs and preferences. The MAX-EV from Westward Vehicles is perfect for these applications, such as commuting, transportation on college campuses, or transporting goods around your property or worksite. Its versatility and durability are unmatched in the industry.
While it may seem that LSVs and golf carts are interchangeable, there are significant differences between the two. The only real similarity is the maximum speed at which they operate. Golf carts typically have a top speed of around 20 miles per hour, while LSVs are able to reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour.
But LSVs are typically much more versatile with a wide variety of customization accessories to fit many industries. They are required to have safety features such as stop lamps, rear turn signal lights, windshield and reflex reflectors that typical golf course carts do not. Another key difference is where they are driven. While a golf cart is primarily used on a golf course or private property, a low-speed vehicle (LSV) is permitted for use on a public road with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less. Understanding these differences is important as you choose the right vehicle for your needs and use them safely and legally.
The market for low-speed vehicles (LSVs) is steadily growing worldwide. While traditional motor vehicles may be necessary for longer journeys, LSVs are popular for shorter trips due to their compact size and affordability. LSVs are four-wheeled vehicles, street legal with a top speed of 35 mph or less and are often used for personal and commercial purposes.
Golf carts can also be classified as LSVs due to their similarity in design and speed limitations. As of 2021, the global LSV market is estimated to be worth $7.3 billion and is expected to continue growing as more individuals and businesses choose this mode of transportation for their daily needs. The unique benefits of what LSVs and golf carts offer and their ability to reduce traffic congestion and pollution make them an attractive option for environmentally-conscious consumers and forward-thinking industries.
To legally drive an LSV, the owner must possess a manufacturer’s certificate and have the following documents and items: license plates, vehicle identification numbers (VINs) and registration papers. These ensure that LSVs and other vehicles are properly regulated and easier to track in case of theft or accidents.
Welcome to the New and Improved Westward Vehicles, makers of the task specific utility vehicle known across North America as the GO-4. Primarily focused on the parking enforcement market, our vehicles are also used for many other applications. We invite you to review our company website and please contact us for any required information.
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