I used the term 'small electric vehicle' yesterday in a Blog on this subject. I've seen the term 'NEV' used since and received an email from Police Chief Pete Hoell on the subject. NEV is defined as Neighborhood Electric Vehicle and you can see what one looks like by clicking here. The 2 passenger unit pictured has a bare bones price of $6,795. I find three dealerships noted in Wisconsin but that may be outdated by now.
Chief Hoell said, "I would be cautious to provide a positive recommendation if this were to be proposed in Germantown. I think one of the best tools for making decisions is to examine history and evaluate others who have "been there, done that". "I would like to evaluate Mequon's experiences with this new ordinance for awhile."
"Having said that, I know there are municipalities who have adopted these types of ordinances and the law has changed last year to accommodate that...". "Knowing Chief Graff from Mequon PD, I am sure his research was thorough and well thought out."
Wisconsin Department of Transportation has a full description of NEVs and all the information concerning registration and licensing.
The following cities have already approved an NEV ordinance: Stoughton, Mt. Horeb, Monona, Sun Prairie, Prairie du Sac, Sauk City, Boscobel, Reedsburg, Waupun, Hillsboro, Wonewoc,, La Crosse, Eau Claire, Eagle River, DePere, Green Bay, Ashwaubenon, Janesville, Beloit, Milwaukee, Ashland, South Beloit, Kaukauna, Delavan, West Baraboo, Madison, Racine, Fontana, West Allis, Black River Falls, Spring Green, River Falls, Pardeville, Union Grove, Marshfield, Verona, Suamico, Egg Harbor, Pleasant Point, Columbus, McFarland, Evansville, Edgerton, Elkhart Lake, Waupaca and Rice Lake.
Sixteen more are now considering similar ordinances including Grafton and Cedarburg in addition to Mequon in our area.
As Chief Hoell said, he has a feeling he'll be dealing with this issue sooner than later.
The NEV is defined as follows:
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has four wheels
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has a top attainable speed in 1 mile of more than 20 mph and not more than 25 mph on a paved level surface
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has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds
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is self-propelled by electric power
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must be titled and registered through the DOT, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
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must be operated by a licensed driver
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can be operated only on local roads specifically approved for NEV operation by local ordinance
I was very surprised to see the number of communities where this ordinance has already been passed.
I guess it must not be unusual for an 'old' curmudgeon to be behind the times!
