Neighborhood electric vehicles

[Liz Trice]

Hi all,

With tomorrow’s presentation to the sustainability committee, I wanted to flag something: there’s a real strategic connection between a 20 mph default speed limit and neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs).

NEVs are federally classified low-speed vehicles capped at 20-25 mph. Federal law restricts them to streets posted at 35 mph or less. So when we implement 20 mph citywide, we’re simultaneously creating ideal infrastructure for NEVs to operate safely throughout Portland.

NEVs cost a fraction of a conventional car — typically $5,000 to $15,000 new — require no gas, minimal maintenance, 1/3 the parking space,  can be charged at a standard outlet, and most importantly, drive non-lethal speeds. For the third of Portland residents who can’t, don’t want to, or can’t afford to fully rely on a car, they offer a practical, affordable middle path, along with electric bikes.

 Maine state law currently restricts low-speed vehicles mostly to islands. Unlike states such as Florida, California, and Wisconsin, Maine doesn’t have a clear municipal ordinance pathway for cities to authorize NEV use on designated streets.

The ask: If we win 20 mph, we should simultaneously push for a state law change allowing Portland and other Maine municipalities to permit NEVs on low-speed streets. Models exist — California’s AB-2432 and Amador County’s NEV transportation plan are solid templates.

—Liz

[Zack Barowitz]

Visionary thinking Liz! I’d like to hear if others have information on this. 

207-838-6120

917-696-5649
ZacharyBarowitz.com

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[Scsmedia]

Major flaw in this concept is that the council has been working hard to regulate golf carts into oblivion on Peaks Island.  That same council is not going suddenly allow thousands of small electric vehicles lose on the streets of Portland.

They are not practical for year around use in our northern environment where we have snow and very cold temps six months or more in a year.

https://www.motoelectricvehicles.com/vehicles/vehicles_list/neighborhood-electric-vehicle/

https://www.gemcar.com/neighborhood-electric-vehicles/

They are cute, but not practicable.

Maine state law currently restricts low-speed vehicles mostly to islands. Unlike states such as Florida, California, and Wisconsin, Maine doesn’t have a clear municipal ordinance pathway for cities to authorize NEV use on designated streets.

Steven Scharf

207-415-4662

SCSM...@aol.com

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[George Rheault]

The antipathy towards golf carts (electric or not) on Peaks Island is solely to deny them to tourists (whether local day-trippers or people coming farther afield via cruise ships, jetport + rental cars or the Turnpike).  If you own a million dollar Peaks redoubt, you are welcome to tool around on your NEV as much as you please before you leave for the winter season and don't return again until Maine (THAT kind of tourist is not a PESTY TOURIST).

I haven't personally experienced a Wisconsin winter in a long time but it seemed to share a lot of characteristics with Maine winters. 

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[George Rheault]

* return again until "May" not "Maine"

[Rauschpfeife]

Which leaves me wondering: If they're not "practicable", why is it necessary to ban them? 

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Best, 

Michael Smith

anacharsis.substack.com

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