Street-Legal Electric Carts
What’s the Difference Between a Street-Legal Golf Cart and a Street-Legal Electric Cart?
Golf carts are not designed to exceed 15 mph (24 km/h) and are not required to have safety features for use on public roads.
Street-legal electric carts are designed for on-road driving beyond the greens. Low-speed vehicles, such as GEM, have enclosed cabs, optional full doors, DOT tires and come standard with safety features that meet and exceed NHTSA safety standards.
Street-Legal Cart vs. Golf Cart
Enclosed
Yes, configurable with full doors
No
About GEM Vehicles
GEM electric vehicles are street-legal carts with spacious cabs, comfortable seating for all passengers, optional full doors, 50+ upgrade options and more standard safety features than a golf cart.
Are GEMs Street-Legal?
Yes. GEM is the leader in the LSV (Low-Speed Vehicle) market, and GEM vehicles are street-legal in nearly all U.S. states. An LSV is a vehicle class that follows federal safety standards, has a maximum speed of 25 mph (40 km/h), and can legally be driven on most U.S. roads posted 35 mph (50 km/h) or less.
Are GEMs Considered Golf Carts?
While GEMs may seem like golf carts or golf cars, GEMs have many additional features that make our vehicles so much more. GEMs follow federal safety standards required to be classified as low-speed vehicles, and some of our features go above and beyond the standard LSV requirements.
- All GEM vehicles include an occupant protection system (OPS) that is roof crush certified to SAE J2358 standards.
- Add doors for a fully enclosed cab and protection from the weather elements.
- High-back bolstered seats provide premium comfort for drivers and passengers.
- 30+ automotive-like EV enhancements provide a smooth and enjoyable ride (hill control, smooth acceleration, one-pedal driving, DOT-compliant tires, a backup camera and more).
GEMs vs. Golf Carts
GEM Street-Legal Electric Carts
- Designed for on-road driving
- Up to 6 forward-facing passengers
- High-back upholstered seats with bolster support and weather-resistant technology for added weather protection
- Street-legal in nearly all U.S. states—explore where GEM can take you in your community with GEM Go
- Occupant protection system (OPS) that is roof crush certified to SAE J2358 standards
- Optional full doors to create a fully enclosed cab
- Standard safety features: 3-point seat belts, headlights and tail lights, brake lights, parking brake, turn signals, backup camera, horn, reflectors, mirrors and more
- 30+ EV enhancements to deliver an automotive-like driving experience: hill control, smooth acceleration, one-pedal driving, backup camera, one-touch turn signal, windshield wiper, optional automatic daytime running lights and more
- 100% electric
- Speed up to 25 mph (40 km/h)
- DOT-compliant tires
- Must be operated by a licensed driver to be legal on public roads
Golf Carts
- Designed for golf course driving
- 2-4 passengers, sometimes rear-facing
- Bench seating, typical
- No doors
- No occupant protection system (OPS)
- Generally not street-legal
- No standard safety features
- Gas or electric
- Speed unable to exceed 15 mph (24 km/h)
Find Your GEM Street-Legal Electric Cart
e2
Our most nimble EV and smallest footprint model.
Seats 1-2 | Starting at $15,240 US MSRP
e4
Our most popular and versatile EV.
Seats 1-4 | Starting at $17,490 US MSRP
e6
Our ideal people mover is a great alternative to SUVs or vans.
Seats 1-6 | Starting at $21,240 US MSRP
eL XD
Rival any truck or cargo van with up to 1,415 lbs of payload, 1,250 lbs of towing and zero emissions.
Seats 1-2 | Starting at $18,741 US MSRP