In Part 1 and Part 2 of this series on LSVs and electric micro-cars, we discussed the definitions, use cases, and street-legal rules regarding this important class of tiny vehicles. Now in Part 3, the final installment of the series, we’ll look at which street-legal vehicles are actually available in the US.
As we discussed in Part 2, there are clearly defined federal regulations that low-speed vehicles (LSVs) must meet to be considered street-legal in the vast majority of the US. While there are a few states with more lenient LSV laws (I’m looking at you, Arizona and Colorado), almost everywhere in the US requires LSVs to meet dozens of regulations relating to their manufacturing and safety equipment.
These are the vehicles that do, or will shortly. And we’ll regularly update this list as new street-legal LSVs join the market.
Also, it is important to note that there are a growing number of unscrupulous micro-car dealers in the US that claim street-legal status for their LSVs purely based on claims that the vehicles “only reach 25 mph of speed” or “come with seat belts,” though as we learned in Part 2 of this series, that isn’t nearly enough to make the vehicles street-legal.
So always remember to check a bit deeper before simply believing any ol’ micro-car is a street-legal LSV.
Eli Zero
The Eli ZERO is an all-electric two-seater that is already available in Europe as a quadricycle, but is expected to enter the US market soon as a street-legal LSV.
As of mid-2023, Eli is preparing for an exclusive pilot of the Eli ZERO in the US. The company will launch a pre-order program and plans to deliver a limited number of vehicles in the US by the end of the year.
The Eli ZERO was designed from the ground up as a LSV to comply with both Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for LSVs and CARB requirements for California.
Initially designed for the US market, the Eli ZERO was later developed into a European version of the vehicle, which has already been made available in select regions across Europe. Building on the international experience gained, the company is now planning to introduce a special edition of the Eli ZERO for the US market.
As Eli’s founder and CEO Marcus Li explained to Electrek:
In the US, roughly 60% of journeys are under six miles, and cars in urban areas move slower than you would think. The average speed of a car in Midtown Manhattan is only 4.7 mph. As people seek affordable, practical, and eco-friendly ways to get around, the demand for advanced micro-EVs like the Eli ZERO is set to soar. According to McKinsey, the addressable market can reach $100 billion by 2030, and Eli is well-positioned to seize the opportunities presented by this transformative era.
Pricing hasn’t been announced for the US, but the Eli Zero costs around €14,000 in Europe, or approximately US $15,000.
Wink Motors
Wink currently has four different models of LSVs that have all been homologated for street-legal use in the US. Two of its models, the Sprout and the Sprout Solar, are designed for budget-minded drivers, coming in at just under US $10,000. The more premium models, known as the Mark 1 and Mark 2 Solar, are still fairly low-priced at around US $12,000.
All of the models are four-seaters and have similar performance specs, feature safer fireproof lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries as standard, and include air conditioning.
The solar versions of each body style include a large solar panel on the roof to partially recharge the battery from the sun. The panels are sufficiently large to add around 5 miles of range per day, or even more in extra sunny areas. For those that only use the vehicle in the city or around the neighborhood, that might be enough to never charge the vehicles into the wall for home-charging.
Compared to most other buggy-style street-legal LSVs in the US, Wink’s models are slightly more car-like in their appearances, especially the Mark 1 and Mark 2 solar. The prices also compare favorably to higher cost LSVs, putting the Wink vehicles closer in line with LSV golf cart pricing.
WAEV GEM
The GEM is one of the original low-speed tiny cars to popularize the concept of a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV). The company changed ownership a few times, most recently being spun out from the larger Polaris umbrella and now settling with WAEV.
GEMs are largely open-air vehicles, similar to a golf cart, though they have accessory options for adding doors for a more enclosed experience.
They’re popular at commercial venues, campuses, airports, and other locations that require people movers that aren’t necessarily cars, or that require indoor vehicle use.
GEMs are some of the more refined LSVs on the road, boasting many years of development and innovations. However, high prices make them more expensive than a simple golf cart or other newer LSVs to market. Despite seemingly lower prices starting at around US $14,000, the base model vehicles come with decades-old lead acid battery technology. Upgrading to a proper, modern lithium-ion battery is an over US $9,000 upgrade by itself. So while these vehicles look great and function well, they’re pricey enough that they’ve largely been left to commercial use.
The Vanish comes in a standard flatbed design, but add-ons can turn it into a pickup truck of sorts with three fold-down side gates. There are also modular cargo box options that can create a box truck configuration.
The Vanish is being produced in Texas at AYRO’s Round Rock facility, making it one of the first electric mini-trucks produced in the US.
The LSV version is homologated for use on public roads, but AYRO will also have a non-homologated version for private property and campus use. That model will have a higher load capacity and can take advantage of performance specs that fall outside of the regulatory framework of LSVs in the US.
At a starting price of around US $33,000, the Vanish is pricey compared to most LSVs. Considering its target market is commercial applications and that the vehicle is able to haul much more than most LSVs, that price might be worth it for the right type of commercial customer in need of an electric mini-truck
The company has produced several versions of its electric mini-trucks for the US market that have been designed to meet federal standards for LSVs.
Mini-trucks are popular forms of utility vehicles in many areas of the world, but they have yet to catch on in large numbers in the US. This is largely due to safety standards and regulations for motor vehicles in the US, which make it hard for low-volume production vehicles to enter the US. But with the creation of the LSV category, more electric mini-trucks are starting to make their way stateside. Most imported Chinese electric mini-trucks are not street-legal in the US since they don’t comply with US LSV regulations, but the Pickman has been homologated for sale in the US.
Prices for Pickman trucks in the US start just north of US $20,000, though special versions such as four-seaters and others come with higher price tags.
Club Car
Club Car is one of the largest golf cart manufacturers in the US and has several LSV versions of its vehicles. While most of the standard golf carts in its lineup are not homologated as LSVs and thus don’t meet federal regulations for on-road use, the company’s LSV models were designed to meet these federal requirements.
The company has both four-seater and six-seater models that qualify as LSVs, as well as utility versions and even an electric mini-truck vehicle designed to meet LSV standards. Prices start at around $13,500 for the most affordable options, but those use older-technology lead acid batteries.
The company is also working on an interesting concept known as the CRU (seen above), which is a more luxurious open-air vehicle that combines the mobility of a golf cart with the luxury of a living room sofa.
E-Z-GO
E-Z-GO is another large manufacturer of golf carts that has also expanded into LSV versions of its popular models.
Like Club Car’s LSV models, E-Z-GO’s Liberty LSV is largely a golf cart that has been homologated for street use by meeting the federal safety regulations for low-speed vehicles.
This means that it is an open air vehicle like a golf cart, features bench seats, flat plastic windshield, and easy entry through the doorless sides of the vehicle.
It also includes some more creature-comfort features such as an infotainment system with music streaming via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Anyone who is used to driving a golf cart will immediately find this style of LSV familiar, since it looks and functions much like a traditional golf cart. But due to the modifications required for street-legal homologation as well as the lithium-ion battery package the price is quite a bit steeper than a simple golf cart. The Liberty LSV starts at around US $20,000 and climbs from there depending on accessories.
MOKE America
MOKE America offers its open-air Mokes in the US, based on the original British design popularized in European beach towns throughout the ’60s and ’70s.
Unlike the original Mokes, these are all-electric and thus don’t require the same level of maintenance as those old combustion engines. But they still retain much of the same classic charm, from the low step-over entry to the windy cockpit and seating for four.
The specialty design certainly adds to the price though, with a Moke starting at around US $23,000 before any add-ons like a soft-top or rain doors.
When it comes to the fun-loving wind in your face driving with classic vibes, it’s hard to beat the look of an old-school Moke!
More LSVs are sure to come!
These are the currently available street-legal LSVs in the US, as of the time of publishing. We’ll do our best to update though as more interesting models come to market.
There are other NEVs and micro-cars in the US, though like we talked about in Part 2 of this series, many are not actually street legal. In fact, many of the options sold online that make claims of “street legal!!!” are far from actually being approved for use on US roads.
As the LSV category grows and more Americans find their way toward smaller, nimbler, and more convenient electric micro-cars, the number of street-legal options is sure to expand.
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We’re closing out this week’s Green Deals with a double-feature from EcoFlow, as the brand has launched its Members’ Mega Sale (AKA its Members’ Festival) that is running parallel to its ongoing Easter Sale with a fresh batch of offers at up to 65% off, like the DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station that is hitting $2,799, among others – all complete with bonus savings and rewards. On top of the initial sale, the brand is also giving us two short-term flash savings to new low prices on the RIVER 2 Pro Portable Power Station for $349 and dual DELTA Pro Smart Extra Batteries for $2,899. Aventon’s Spring Into Motion Sale getting extended, with the Abound Cargo e-bike down at $1,599, as well as its legacy discounts and a full list of its latest smart models. Lastly, we have a roundup of Husqvarna lawn care equipment seeing discounts, like the 40V 24-inch Hedge Master 320iHD60 Cordless Electric Hedge Trimmer at $270. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Lectric April Showers e-bike sale, Jackery’s flash offers, and more.
EcoFlow Members’ Mega Sale takes 65% off additional units alongside Easter Sale offers – starting from $113
Running parallel to its ongoing Easter Sale, EcoFlow is adding some additional deals to the mix in an alternate Members’ Mega Sale through April 14 with up to 65% discounts across the lineup. Among the new offers, one that caught our eye was the newer DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station which has dropped down to $2,799 shipped in both sales. Normally carrying a $3,699 price tag outside of sales, the lowest we’ve seen discounts drop the costs was (without bonus savings) $2,899 in last month’s limited Spring Sale flash offers, with it going to $2,999 for Black Friday before that. Today though, we’re looking at the lowest initial price cut direct from the brand as $900 is struck from the tag, with it even matching at Amazon.
As with the case of its Easter Sale, the Members’ Mega Sale is offering the same bonus savings – all you have to do is become a member (free sign-up) before making your purchase. Let’s do a quick rundown on what you can score afterwards: a free Power Hat ($129 value) on orders over $500 or two 125W solar panels ($499 value) on orders over $3,000. You’ll also score 800 EcoCredits upon member sign-up, as well as an extra 500 for each order placed – plus, 3x the EcoCredits from purchases for standard members and 3.5x EcoCredits for Plus members. On top of all this, you can redeem already collected EcoCredits to cut 5% in additional savings from your cart’s total at checkout.
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One of the EcoFlow’s newer power stations, the DELTA Pro 3 starts off with a 4,096Wh LiFePO4 capacity that you can further bolster upwards to as high as 48,000Wh. Likewise, its starting 4,000W of output power (which surges to 6,000W) will also expand with additional equipment up to 12,000W – particularly when three power stations have been connected together. Unlike the other units under the brand’s flag, this one boasts a massive array of recharging methods: seven solo-source options and 18 combination options. Plugging it into a standard wall outlet, for example, fills you back to an 80% battery in 50 minutes, or you could take advantage of the 2,600W max solar input, EV charging, cigarette outlets in cars, dual PV charging, and much more.
There are 14 output port options to cover all your devices and appliances, one of which happens to be a TT-30R port to cover RV needs too – with you able to monitor and adjust settings and performance through the smart controls via the companion app. It’s one of the few models that’s been given the brand’s X-Core 3.0 tech, providing superior host safety, performance, and intelligence improvement. It also allows for its surging power output to climb higher for more demanding appliances while also increasing charging speeds, lessening noise and temperatures, improving the battery management system, and extending its overall lifespan – you can charge and recharge it every day for nearly 11 years, which means with less use it’ll last you many more beyond.
EcoFlow flash sale takes 48% off two units, with the RIVER 2 Pro 768Wh LiFePO4 power station at new $349 low
As part of its Easter Sale and the parallel Members’ Mega Sale, EcoFlow has launched the first of its limited flash sale offers that are taking up to 48% off two units. The first of these is the RIVER 2 Pro Portable Power Station that is down at $349 shipped. Normally going for $599 at full price, we’ve seen it come down as low as $359, first as part of last month’s Spring Sale and continuing through these two new sales running through April 14. The limited-time flash savings here today, though, are taking an additional $10 off the discounted rate for a total of $250 in savings at a new all-time low price.
On the larger end of EcoFlow’s RIVER series, the RIVER 2 Pro is a compact backup solution that supports you through short-term needs for campsites, road trips, and the like, with a 768Wh LiFePO4 capacity. It outputs up to 1,600W of power through its eight port options, all thanks to the X-boost tech inclusion that allows it to “run 80% of home appliances.” Last minute travel plans are far easier here too, as it can recharge in just 70 minutes with a wall outlet, alongside USB-C and car port options too. You can connect up to a maximum 220W solar input, putting it back at full via the sun’s rays in 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
The second of these offers gives you two DELTA Pro Smart Extra (expansion) Batteries for $2,899 shipped. Normally just one of these batteries at full price runs you $2,799, with the current sales’ pricing dropping things to $1,599, making this quite the steal if you’ve been wanting to expand your existing DELTA Pro setup closer to its max 25kWh capacity.
Be sure to check out the full lineup of EcoFlow’s Easter Sale deals, as well as the newly added Members’ Mega Sale deals that are both running through April 14 – with both offering bonus savings, free gear, and more.
Aventon’s extended Spring Sale gives you the cargo-hauling Abound e-bike at $1,599
Aventon has extended its Spring Into Motion sale through April 16 with up to $700 in savings off its lineup of e-bikes while also making room for its large selection of new smart models. Among the bunch, the brand’s Abound Cargo e-bike is down at $1,599 shipped. Normally you’d have to shell out $1,999 for this model, though its been more consistently keeping at $1,799 during sales since May 2024, which was also the last time we saw it brought down to $1,599. You’ll be saving $400 off the going rate here, with the option to upgrade to its newest generations, the Abound SR smart e-bike for $100 more or the Abound LR smart e-bike for $200 more, with the difference between them being the latter’s seven-inch longer cargo space with a lockable onboard storage bag and 8-pound heavier chassis.
Since its release in 2023, Aventon’s Abound Cargo e-bike has been quite the popular model. It comes with a 750W rear hub motor that peaks at 1,200W to tackle inclines and increase its cargo-hauling potential, as well as a 678.2Wh integrated battery – the combination of which provides you with top speeds of 20 MPH for up to 50 miles of travel when its four PAS levels (supported by a torque sensor) are activated. Of course, there’s also the pure electric riding option via the throttle, though you should take into consideration that this will shorten its travel range.
It comes along with plenty of solid features too, including a front suspension fork, hydraulic brakes, integrated front and rear lights with turn signal functionality, fenders over both tires, the integrated rear cargo rack with a 143-pound payload, a Shimano 7-speed derailleur, a kickstand, a storage bag, and an LCD Smart “Easy Read” display.
Aventon’s Spring Into Motion sale legacy e-bike deals:
Tackle heavy-duty trimmer jobs with Husqvarna’s 40V 24-inch Hedge Master 320iHD60 at $270
Amazon is now offering the Husqvarna 40V 24-inch Hedge Master 320iHD60 Cordless Electric Hedge Trimmer for $269.99 shipped. Brought down off its usual $320 price tag, this hedge trimmer is among the few electric models from under Husqvarna’s that see more regular discounts, whereas many others often only see seasonal sales pricing, like for Black Friday, Christmas, and the like. While we’ve seen this particular bundle with the battery and charger fall as low as $223 back during October’s Prime Day, you’re still looking at a solid $50 price cut down among some of its lowest rates. If you already own an appropriate battery/charger, you can score the hedge trimmer by itself for $200.
Husqvarna’s Hedge Master 320iHD60 has been equipped with a high-torque brushless motor for “increased efficiency, increased reliability, reduced noise and longer product life.” It provides you with a 24-inch reach, with your comfort taken into mind via the tri-handle grips that allow for easier heavy-duty jobs on top of longer-spanning usage. Its blades are able to handle cutting through branches up to 1-inch thick, with an un-jam button that opens the blades up for easier clearing should the unexpected happen. You can extend runtimes by using any of the brand’s interchangeable 40V batteries here too, or use the included battery in the bundle with alternative equipment you may have.
Segway Ninebot F3 eKickScooter (preorder through April 14): $600 (Reg. $850)
Best new Green Deals landing this week
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.
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Affirm shares have plunged nearly 30% in the past two trading days and are on track to close out their second-worst week on record, following President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff announcement on Wednesday.
Widespread tariffs could represent a particular problem for Affirm, because the provider of buy now, pay later loans is reliant on consumer spending, and economists expect prices to rise on all sorts of goods. The news got worse on Friday when Affirm rival Klarna delayed its long-anticipated IPO due to market volatility.
Klarna had planned to debut on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker KLAR, targeting a valuation around $15 billion. Affirm’s market cap is now $11 billion. Klarna reported $2.81 billion in revenue last year, which is about what Affirm generated over the past four quarters.
In addition to Klarna, ticketing marketplace StubHub hit pause on its share sale, raising concerns that the IPO market’s expected rebound won’t be taking place anytime soon. The Nasdaq is down more than 9% this week, headed for its steepest drop since the early days of the Covid pandemic in 2020.
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The setbacks mark a sharp turn for the BNPL sector, which had Wall Street excited towards the tail end of 2024. Affirm shares soared 60% in November, the month Trump was elected. Jack Dorsey’s Block, which owns BNPL provider Afterpay, jumped 22% that month, but is down 9% this week.
James Friedman, an analyst at SIG, noted Affirm’s exposure to fashion, beauty, and travel, which are often hit hardest when consumers retreat. Roughly 42% of Affirm’s transactions are in general merchandise, with fashion and travel combining for another quarter of volume.
A spokesperson for Affirm declined to comment on Klarna’s delayed listing.
Regarding market volatility, the spokesperson said the adoption of products like Affirm, which offer more flexible options than credit cards, “is a secular and enduring trend across market cycles.”
“We underwrite every transaction before making a real-time credit decision and enable consumers to pay over time without any late or hidden fees,” Affirm said.
The electric SUV will finally be here later this year. With its highly anticipated debut just around the corner, the Porsche Cayenne EV was caught in a parking lot in the US with a sleek new design.
Porsche Cayenne EV coupe is testing in the US
After launching its second electric vehicle, the Macan EV, last year, Porsche will add its third later this year. Although the luxury automaker shifted plans with a new lineup of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and gas-powered cars on the way, Porsche confirmed the fourth-gen Cayenne will still go fully electric.
Porsche introduced major upgrades on its largest SUV in 2024, but CEO Oliver Blume promises the EV version will “set standards in the segment as an electric SUV.”
After the first electric Cayenne prototypes left the Porsche factory last year, we got a sneak peek of the SUV as it hit the streets for testing.
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You can see that the electric SUV retains the signature Porsche design but with a few upgrades to help it stand out as an EV.
Porsche Cayenne EV Coupe testing in the US (Source: KindelAuto)
After a new Cayenne EV model was spotted testing in the US, it looks like we will have two versions to choose from. The new image from KindelAuto reveals what appears to be the coupe variant with a more crossover-like design.
The coupe has a streamlined profile with a much lower roofline, adding to its already sporty design. Although more details will be revealed closer to launch, we know it will be based on the PPE platform, which underpins the current Macan EV and Audi Q6 e-Tron.
Porsche said the platform will receive “comprehensive” upgrades for the upcoming electric SUV. The Macan EV has an EPA-estimated range of 308 miles. On the European WLTP scale, it’s rated at 613 km (381 miles).
The Porsche Cayenne EV will debut later this year as a 2026 model. Porsche is also working on a larger ultra-luxury electric SUV, codenamed “K1” internally, slated to launch in 2027.
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