Street-Legal EV Carts Attract Buyers

“Not a converted golf cart” proclaims a promotion for Tomberlin Electric's latest all-electric vehicles, which some new-car dealers are taking on.

The Augusta, GA-based Tomberlin is selling vehicles that are legal on public roads, seat up to four, and have a range of up to 30 miles and a top speed of 23-25 mph. Tomberlin says its dealers and customers find them palatable runabouts.

Holland, a city in western Michigan, “has taken to e-carts with a passion,” says Bob Hahn, owner of Lakeshore Electric Cars there.

He is a charter dealer for the new Wheego electric car, but is finding more business with the Tomberlin carts among adults, teens and off-roaders attracted by the E-Merge model's $7,498 price tag and a 10% tax credit.

Tomberlin CEO Mike Tomberlin says his vehicles outperform other EVs, with features such as four-wheel drive and adjustable shocks and offroading wheels.

Tomberlin has 165 dealers in the U.S., about 70 of whom also have new-car franchises.