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.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
The Honda Prologue was a top-selling EV, thanks in part to discounts that climbed over $20,000 at times. But after losing the $7,500 tax credit, sales of the electric SUV fell 86% in November.
Honda Prologue sales fall in November despite discounts
After launching the Prologue last March, the electric SUV quickly became one of the most popular EVs in the US, thanks to its competitive range, affordable price, and Honda’s trusted name.
The momentum carried into this year, with the Prologue consistently ranking among the most popular EVs alongside the Tesla Model Y, Model 3, Chevy Equinox EV, Hyundai IONIQ 5, and Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Advertisement – scroll for more content
Thanks to policy changes under the Trump administration, including the elimination of the $7,500 tax credit at the end of September, nearly every automaker reported significantly fewer EV sales in November. Ford, Hyundai, Kia, and Toyota all reported significant EV sales declines last month, and Honda was no exception.
Honda Prologue Elite (Source: Honda)
Honda sold just 903 Prologues in November, 86% fewer than the over 6,800 it sold the year prior. Through November, Honda sold 38,262 Prologues, which is still more than the roughly 33,000 it sold in all of 2024.
Despite the lower EV sales, Honda said “electrified” vehicles, which are mainly gas-powered hybrids, reached 30.9% of brand sales. With another 28,258 units sold last month, Honda’s electrified vehicle sales reached 385,453 through November, a new annual sales record.
The interior of the Honda Prologue (Source: Honda)
Although Honda confirmed the Acura ZDX will not return for a 2026 model year, the Prologue will remain on sale for at least another year.
The Prologue is built on GM’s Ultium platform, the same one that underpins all electric Chevy, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles.
Honda Prologue at a Tesla Supercharger (Source: Honda)
Honda has been offering some of the most significant discounts on the Prologue, with combined savings exceeding $20,000 in some months. Even after the tax credit expired, Honda is still offering nearly $17,000 off select Prologue models.
Next year, Honda will introduce its new 0 Series electric vehicles, based on a dedicated EV platform. The first vehicle based on the platform will be an SUV in 2026, followed shortly by a sedan.
Of the over 102,000 vehicles Honda sold in the US last month, only 925 were all-electric vehicles (including the Prologue and Acura ZDX), or less than 1%. Those 0-series EVs can’t come soon enough.
As most automakers agree, the policy changes under the Trump administration led to a rush of buyers ahead of the tax credit expiration at the end of September. Despite reports claiming the credit created false demand for EVs, the market is expected to reset over the next few months.
With nearly $17,000 in savings, the Prologue is still a great deal. If you’re looking to test drive one for yourself, we can help you get started. You can use our link to find the Honda Prologue in your area.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
The official dates for Black Friday and Cyber Monday may have passed, but that doesn’t mean the savings train has pulled out of the station, as EcoFlow has launched its Cyber Week Sale with up to 80% continued savings on power stations, alongside free gifts and bonus savings using the code 25EFBFAFF at checkout. Among the offers, you’ll find the brand’s latest DELTA 3 1000 Air Portable Power Station down at $309 shipped, which comes with a FREE waterproof bag ($99 value), but sadly isn’t eligible for the extra savings code. We saw this new model launch early last month during early Black Friday sales with $200 cut from its $499 full tag price. While it’s not returning to that launch rate, if you missed out, you’re still getting the next-best price that sits only $10 higher. Head below for more on this new backup power solution and browse the entire sale lineup while it lasts through the rest of the week.
We’re seeing some slightly changed promotions during EcoFlow’s Cyber Week Sale, starting with the continued 5% extra savings you can score on many units by using the code 25EFBFAFF at checkout. From there, you will get a FREE 45W portable solar panel after spending $500, which becomes 2x 160W Bifacial portable solar panels once your order reaches $2,500. The brand is also offering an additional 10% automatic savings when buying two eligible accessories in one order, as well as the continued chance at the Lucky Draw.
Advertisement – scroll for more content
As the name implies, EcoFlow’s new DELTA 3 1000 Air power station is a lighter and more compact solution for powering devices and small appliances. It houses a 960Wh LiFePO4 battery that EcoFlow boasts to “power 99% of home-essential appliances” with a 500W steady output that can climb to 1,000W at most. You’ll have a mix of AC, Type-C, and Type-A ports for connections, complete with indicator lights for grid status when tapped in and immediately switching over power supplies when any instability is detected.
It comes with four primary means to top its own battery off, starting with two hours of charging from an AC outlet. There’s also the option to utilize up to 500W of solar input or a gas generator, as well as the usual on-the-go solution from your car’s auxiliary port (with a 500W alternator charger ramping that rate up to much faster heights).
***Note: The prices below have not had the bonus 5% savings factored in, so be sure to use the promo code 25EFBFAFF at checkout to score the absolute best prices. Some offers may not be valid.
EcoFlow’s other Cyber Week DELTA 3 1000 Air offers:
EcoFlow Cyber Week website-only deals/bundles:
RAPID Mag Qi2 10,000mAh 15W magnetic power bank: $55 (Reg. $90)
RAPID Mag Qi2.2 10,000mAh 25W magnetic power bank with built-in cable: $70 (Reg. $100)
DELTA 2 (2,048Wh) with extra battery and 2x 110W panels: $929 (Reg. $2,646)
Get $1,620 exclusive savings on EcoFlow’s DELTA 3 Ultra 3,072Wh power station at a new $879 low
Holiday savings are still running strong, as we have secured an exclusive deal from Wellbots on EcoFlow’s DELTA 3 Ultra Portable Power Station for $879 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5ECOCM120 at checkout, beating the brand’s current Cyber Week sale pricing by $220. Coming down from its $2,499 price tag, we saw this new model drop as low as $999 between its launch in late September and today. That rate is getting beaten out by the combined $1,620 exclusive markdown here, which lands it lower than ever for the best price we have tracked. You can also find new continuing lows on the DELTA Pro Ultra 400W solar bundle, as well as 20 various offers on the latest DELTA Pro Ultra X power station and bundles.
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.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
National Grid is rolling out new AI tools to get ahead of increasing wildfire risk across the Northeast. The utility is partnering with Washington DC-based Rhizome, a grid resilience planning company, to identify and prevent potential ignition threats across its transmission and distribution networks in Massachusetts, New York, and the UK.
Rhizome’s gridFIRM (Fire Ignition Reduction and Mitigation) platform launched in July 2024. It uses AI to calculate the likelihood that utility equipment could spark a wildfire and highlights the most cost-effective ways to mitigate those risks. The system builds on Rhizome’s existing weather-driven grid-failure modeling tools that utilities are already using.
Casey Kirkpatrick, director of strategic engineering at National Grid, said, “This groundbreaking new tool will allow us to pinpoint and address risks within our transmission and distribution systems while minimizing costs for customers.”
“As we’ve seen in both the data and the destruction in recent years, wildfire risk is not a regional problem but an increasingly global one,” said Mishal Thadani, cofounder and CEO of Rhizome. “Today’s partnership with National Grid is a significant step forward in our mission to shield society from the effects of climate change through intelligent planning.”
Advertisement – scroll for more content
National Grid says using the gridFIRM platform will help it identify high-risk areas where utility assets could spark wildfires, quantify and prioritize wildfire risks across its networks, develop cost-effective prevention and response strategies, and improve overall grid-resilience planning.
While wildfires have long been associated with the West Coast, the Northeast is increasingly feeling the heat. In 2024, New York and Massachusetts saw a combined 2,626 wildfires — more than double the number from the previous year. As both the human and financial tolls rise, National Grid says that comprehensive wildfire planning is becoming a necessity for utilities and the communities they serve.
If you’re looking to replace your old HVAC equipment, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you’re finding a trusted, reliable HVAC installer near you that offers competitive pricing on heat pumps, check out EnergySage. EnergySage is a free service that makes it easy for you to get a heat pump. They have pre-vetted heat pump installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions. Plus, it’s free to use!
Your personalized heat pump quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here. – *ad
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.