Low-speed vehicles (LSV) and golf carts are often top choices when considering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
However, their uses differ — golf carts aren’t street legal, so they limit you to private settings, like college campuses or golf courses. On the other hand, you can drive Burns GEM electric vehicles in various urban settings and on some roadways. Their versatility makes them the best alternative to golf carts.
Burns GEM Vehicle Models and Their Uses
GEM offers four core models — e2, e4, e6 and el xd. Each model caters to the needs of various settings.
GEM e2
The e2 comfortably seats two passengers and is highly maneuverable, thanks to its compact design. Its size makes it suitable for areas with limited parking or narrow parts, such as neighborhoods and residential communities.
Homeowners in gated communities can use the model for short trips, like running errands or visiting neighbors. If eco-consciousness is at the top of residents’ minds, the battery-powered nature of Burns GEM cars makes them ideal electric neighborhood vehicles.
They’re also a great pick for university and business uses. The e2 offers an efficient alternative to cars for light transport across expansive campuses.
GEM e4
For organizations that need to transport more than just a couple of people, the GEM e4 offers seating for up to four passengers and excels at:
- Hotels and resorts: Perfect for transporting guests around large resorts or from parking areas to reception areas in a stylish and eco-friendly manner.
- Airports: Staff or VIP guests can be moved between terminals, which provides an efficient solution for busy airport environments.
- City and municipal centers: Local governments can use this model for cost-effective transportation between municipal buildings.
GEM e6
The GEM e6, with seating for up to six passengers, is ideal for high-capacity transport settings where you might need to move multiple passengers simultaneously.
Its robust design and comfortable seating make it perfect for convention and event centers. With large crowds attending events, the e6 can move attendees or staff efficiently around vast spaces.
This model is also ideal for retirement communities. It is great for group transport and makes it easier for residents to move around safely and comfortably.
GEM eL XD
This model is great for businesses that need a rugged vehicle for heavy-duty applications. The eL XD has a large payload capacity and versatile cargo configurations, making it a great fit in industrial and commercial environments.
Drivers can also use the eL XD for the following:
- Parks and recreation: Park managers can use it to haul equipment for groundskeeping, event setup or maintenance work.
- Light construction transport: On construction sites where larger equipment may not be necessary, the GEM eL XD provides a sustainable alternative for transporting materials, tools and other supplies around the site.
- Luggage and cargo transport: The eL XD’s ability to carry up to heavier loads makes it a great option for transporting luggage or cargo between terminals, warehouses and event spaces.
GEM Electric Vehicle vs. Golf Carts
Both GEM cars and golf carts offer practical solutions for various settings. However, they differ in terms of performance, safety and legality. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the best one for your needs.
Advantages of GEM Vehicles
Explore some key benefits of Burns GEM cars:
- Street-legal LSV: GEM vehicles are fully street-legal low-speed vehicles that comply with regulations — this means you can legally drive them on public roads with speed limits of up to 35 miles per hour.
- Safety features: GEM vehicles have a wide range of safety features like seatbelts, windshields, wipers, headlights, turn signals, mirrors and reflectors. These features ensure you’re especially safe in busy environments.
- Comfort and versatility: The brand’s vehicles have comfortable seating and better suspension. Their choice of models means they fit different purposes and are useful in industry settings.
- Customization: Having a wide selection of personalization options means you can tailor your vehicle to specific needs. You can choose from different configurations for passenger seating, cargo space and many others.
- Sustainability: As electric vehicles, GEM produces zero emissions, which helps businesses and communities reduce their carbon footprint. They also operate more quietly than gas-powered vehicles, perfect for low-noise areas like residential neighborhoods and universities. You also have the option to add solar panels, which provide an additional layer of sustainability. Solar integration reduces reliance on traditional power sources and improves energy efficiency.
- Cost-effective: GEM vehicles run on lithium-ion batteries, known for their long life span and high energy efficiency. Unlike traditional lead-acid batteries found in many LSVs and golf carts, lithium-ion varieties have up to three times the battery life, require less frequent replacements and provide greater range per charge.
- Versatile charging options: You can charge your GEM vehicle at public charging stations, which adds convenience and flexibility. This is especially useful if you need to power up while away from home or on the go.
Considerations for GEM Vehicles
Here’s what you need to consider before buying Burns GEM cars:
- Registration and taxes: Because GEM vehicles are LSVs, they require formal registration and titling and may be subject to property taxes, similar to regular vehicles. The additional paperwork and costs may be a factor for some buyers. However, they also benefit from increased road access and legal protections.
- Speed limitations: GEM vehicles can travel at a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour, which may not be suitable for long-distance or faster road travel.
Advantages of Golf Carts
Below are some perks of using golf carts:
- No registration required: In most cases, golf carts don’t require formal registration, titling or property taxes. You’ll only need to pay sales tax at the time of purchase.
- Simpler design: Golf carts are simple and easy to drive and don’t have advanced features seen in GEM cars. For small properties, golf courses or private campuses where vehicles don’t need to travel on public roads, golf carts offer a straightforward solution.
Considerations for Golf Carts
Keep the following aspects in mind when shopping for golf carts:
- Limited to private property: Most golf carts are not street-legal, limiting their use in private areas. This lack of flexibility makes golf carts unsuitable for businesses or organizations transporting people or goods between different locations within a city or town.
- Minimal safety features: Golf carts often lack the essential safety features of GEM cars. Although they are sufficient for slow travel on private property, they pose a safety risk in more complex settings like campuses, resorts and urban areas.
- Lower customization and utility: Golf carts are limited to simple passenger transport. If you need a vehicle for multipurpose use, like cargo hauling or customized passenger setups, golf carts fall short of meeting your needs.
- Environmental impact: Although some golf carts are electric, many are gas-powered, contributing to carbon emissions and higher operational costs in the long run.
Find a Burns GEM Electric Vehicle at Burns Industrial Equipment
At Burns, we provide GEM vehicles. These vehicles’ safety, efficiency and eco-friendly nature means you can use them for neighborhood commuting, campus transportation or municipal use. If you’re ready to explore the possibilities of LSVs or are looking to upgrade your fleet with a versatile, environmentally friendly solution, we’re here to help.
Contact one of our GEM specialists today to find the perfect model for your needs.
