Low Speed Vehicle
Encyclopedia
A low-speed vehicle is a legal class of 4-wheel vehicles that have a maximum capable speed typically around 25 mi/h, and have a minimum capable speed (typically 20 mi/h) that allows them to travel on public roads not accessible to all golf carts or neighborhood electric vehicle
s (NEV). The vehicles operate under very similar restrictions to but without the specification of battery electric power. See the NEV article
for general vehicle requirements.
started plying Manila / Makati City streets on July 1, 2008. 4 e-jeeps were launched by Jejomar Binay
on 2007, with 2 prototypes from Guangzhou Langqing Electric Car Co., Ltd., China at P 371,280 each. "The first public transport system of its kind in South-East Asia," the vehicles can be charged by plugging into an electric socket, using power from biodegradable waste. E-jeepneys would also soon begin commercial operations in Puerto Princesa, Bacolod
and Baguio. The 2 new e-jeeps were made by the Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (MVPMAP), while the first 4 units were made in China
. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board classified and registered them as LSV (low-speed vehicles) or 4-wheeled motor vehicles that use alternative fuel such as electricity and running a maximum 40 km per hour. The E-jeepney carries 17 passengers and can run 120 km on an 8-hour charge from an electric outlet.
has published safety guidelines in the United States which apply to vehicles operating in the 20–25 mile-per-hour speed range. Low-speed vehicles are defined as a four-wheeled motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating
of less than 3000 pounds (1,360.8 kg) and a top speed of between 20 mile per hour.
Nearly all 50 states allow LSVs, also called NEVs, to drive on their roads where the speed limit is 35 mph or less. Either they follow FMVSS500 (25 mph top speed on 35 mph limit roads), or make their own more aggressive law. Because of federal law, car dealers cannot legally sell the vehicles to go faster than 25 mph (11.2 m/s), but the buyer can easily modify the car to go 35 mph (15.6 m/s). However, if modified to exceed 25 mph (11.2 m/s), the vehicle then becomes subject to additional safety requirements.
These speed restrictions, combined with a typical driving range of 30 miles (48.3 km) per charge and a typical three-year battery durability, are required because of a lack of federally mandated safety equipment and features which NEVs can not accommodate because of their design. To satisfy federal safety requirements for manufacturers, NEVs must be equipped with three-point seat belt
s or a lap belt, windshield wipers are not required, running lights, headlights, brake lights, reflectors, rear view mirrors, and turn signals. In many cases, doors may be optional, crash protection from other vehicles is partially met compared to other non motorized transport such as bicycles because of the use of seat belts. In 2011, a Time magazine article concluded that the lack of passenger safety protection made most LSVs unfit for city driving, despite their excellent maneuverability.
Neighborhood electric vehicle
A Neighborhood Electric Vehicle is a U.S. denomination for battery electric vehicles that are legally limited to roads with posted speed limits as high as depending on the particular laws of the state, usually are built to have a top speed of , and have a maximum loaded weight of 3,000 lbs...
s (NEV). The vehicles operate under very similar restrictions to but without the specification of battery electric power. See the NEV article
Neighborhood electric vehicle
A Neighborhood Electric Vehicle is a U.S. denomination for battery electric vehicles that are legally limited to roads with posted speed limits as high as depending on the particular laws of the state, usually are built to have a top speed of , and have a maximum loaded weight of 3,000 lbs...
for general vehicle requirements.
Canadian regulations
Under Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations, low-speed vehicle is defined as a vehicle, other than an all-terrain vehicle, a truck or a vehicle imported temporarily for special purposes, that is powered by an electric motor, produces no emissions, is designed to travel on 4 wheels and has an attainable speed in 1.6 km of more than 32 kilometre per hour but not more than 40 kilometre per hour on a paved level surface.Philippines "e-jeepneys"
E-jeepneys or minibuses, supported by GreenpeaceGreenpeace
Greenpeace is a non-governmental environmental organization with offices in over forty countries and with an international coordinating body in Amsterdam, The Netherlands...
started plying Manila / Makati City streets on July 1, 2008. 4 e-jeeps were launched by Jejomar Binay
Jejomar Binay
Jejomar "Jojo" Cabauatan Binay, Sr. , also known as Jojo Binay or VPNay, is a Filipino politician who has been the 15th Vice President of the Philippines since 2010. Previously, he was Mayor of Makati City from 1986 to 1998 and again from 2001 to 2010...
on 2007, with 2 prototypes from Guangzhou Langqing Electric Car Co., Ltd., China at P 371,280 each. "The first public transport system of its kind in South-East Asia," the vehicles can be charged by plugging into an electric socket, using power from biodegradable waste. E-jeepneys would also soon begin commercial operations in Puerto Princesa, Bacolod
Bacolod City
The City of Bacolod , is a highly urbanized midsize Philippine city. It is the capital of the Negros Occidental province. Having a total of 499,497 inhabitants as of August 1, 2007, it is the most populous city in the Western Visayas Region. It is currently ranked as the 17th most populous city in...
and Baguio. The 2 new e-jeeps were made by the Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (MVPMAP), while the first 4 units were made in China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board classified and registered them as LSV (low-speed vehicles) or 4-wheeled motor vehicles that use alternative fuel such as electricity and running a maximum 40 km per hour. The E-jeepney carries 17 passengers and can run 120 km on an 8-hour charge from an electric outlet.
United States
The National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is an agency of the Executive Branch of the U.S. government, part of the Department of Transportation...
has published safety guidelines in the United States which apply to vehicles operating in the 20–25 mile-per-hour speed range. Low-speed vehicles are defined as a four-wheeled motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating
Gross vehicle weight rating
A gross vehicle weight rating is the maximum allowable total weight of a road vehicle or trailer when loaded - i.e., including the weight of the vehicle itself plus passengers, and cargo....
of less than 3000 pounds (1,360.8 kg) and a top speed of between 20 mile per hour.
Nearly all 50 states allow LSVs, also called NEVs, to drive on their roads where the speed limit is 35 mph or less. Either they follow FMVSS500 (25 mph top speed on 35 mph limit roads), or make their own more aggressive law. Because of federal law, car dealers cannot legally sell the vehicles to go faster than 25 mph (11.2 m/s), but the buyer can easily modify the car to go 35 mph (15.6 m/s). However, if modified to exceed 25 mph (11.2 m/s), the vehicle then becomes subject to additional safety requirements.
These speed restrictions, combined with a typical driving range of 30 miles (48.3 km) per charge and a typical three-year battery durability, are required because of a lack of federally mandated safety equipment and features which NEVs can not accommodate because of their design. To satisfy federal safety requirements for manufacturers, NEVs must be equipped with three-point seat belt
Seat belt
A seat belt or seatbelt, sometimes called a safety belt, is a safety harness designed to secure the occupant of a vehicle against harmful movement that may result from a collision or a sudden stop...
s or a lap belt, windshield wipers are not required, running lights, headlights, brake lights, reflectors, rear view mirrors, and turn signals. In many cases, doors may be optional, crash protection from other vehicles is partially met compared to other non motorized transport such as bicycles because of the use of seat belts. In 2011, a Time magazine article concluded that the lack of passenger safety protection made most LSVs unfit for city driving, despite their excellent maneuverability.
See also
- ZENN 2-seat battery electric vehicle by ZENN Motor Company
- Peter RehraPeter RehraPeter rehra, ਪੀਟਰ ਰੇਹੜਾ is a homemade vehicle used in rural Punjab. It is made by assembling a diesel engine,, removing the pumset assembly from it, and joining it with a framework made steel angles and woodenplanks, and finally completing it all by putting four moveable wheels, two are steerable ...
a rural transport in Punjab - Solar Golf CartSolar golf cartSolar golf carts are golf carts powered by mounting a photovoltaic or thin film panel on top of the existing roof or using a PV panel as the roof itself. A controller converts the sun's energy to charge the golf cart's 36-volt or 48-volt battery bank...
- Short Commute VehicleShort Commute VehicleA Short Commute Vehicle is a powered vehicle designed and used specifically for short commuting. The term Short Commute Vehicle or SCV was coined by David Rush the Founder of the Paloverde Electric Vehicle Company to overcome the negative connotations surrounding terms such as Low Speed Vehicle ...
- OKA NEV ZEVOka NEV ZEVThe Oka NEV ZEV is an electric Neighborhood Electric Vehicle converted from a VAZ-1111 Oka to be sold in the US market by Oka Auto USA. The Oka NEV ZEV can be bought pre-made or in kit form.-Public Appearances:...
- Medium speed vehicle