70 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com better than electric carts on hilly terrain, but as the name implies, the Lowcountry has flat terrain, rendering a gas cart unnecessary. “If we had a bunch of hills, now gas carts are a necessity. But the general environment that we’re in, there’s not much of a need,” noted Streaman. “And especially with the prevalence of lithium batteries, the range on an electric cart is good enough where gas just really isn’t needed.” Range does present more of an issue in the commercial space, where you might see eight to 10 hours of daily usage, which could put a strain on a batterypowered cart. But generally, residential is almost all electric at this point, he added. Streaman said the industry started seeing more of a shift to electric after COVID-19. Residents didn’t want to deal with the noise of a gas-powered motor while driving around with family and friends enjoying leisure activities. “And since then, it’s been more and more prevalent,” said Streaman. “Sometimes by the requirements of the neighborhoods.” Leary said LSVs with lithium batteries offer the “best of both worlds.” “People wanted gas because they didn’t want to mess with the maintenance of the lead acid batteries. But they like the quiet of the electric cart.” Another reason for electric carts’ popularity boost involved the introduction into the market of higher-level vehicle options. “So, those first carts had seats and mirrors and a windshield and four wheels, and that was about it,” elaborated Streaman. Now there are carts with heated and cooled seats, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth and other added features that don’t work as well with gas carts as electric. “The biggest thing is it’s fun,” said Streaman. “It’s more convenient than taking a car. It’s easier to park. Obviously, that’s a consideration for a lot of folks because of the congestion we have.” automotive The Tomberlin E-Merge (pictured) and the new Engage are some of Etto’s top-selling LSVs. www.RadRydz.com | 843-972-8525 | Chad@RadRydz.com | 1314 Stuart Engals Blvd UNIT C, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 Rad Rydz is your go-to source for high quality golf cart sales and service in Mount Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, and surrounding areas. WE’VE RELOCATED — COME CHECK OUT WHAT’S NEXT! YOUR FAVORITE RIDE—VOTE US FOR BEST OF MT. PLEASANT! @RadRydz
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