Lincoln, California: A NEV-Friendly
Community
by Bennett Engineering, the City Of Lincoln, and
LincolNEV
August 28, 2008
LINCOLN, California --While dependence on foreign
oil, rising energy prices, and the threat of global warming
continue to burden Americans, the City of Lincoln has
embraced an alternative mode of transportation--the
Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV). A NEV is a
fully-electric passenger car, designed to be used around
town. While inexpensive to operate and earth-friendly, these
little cars are also a lot of fun to drive!
In addition to saving money on gas and reducing
pollution, NEVs benefit the community. When residents own a
NEV, they tend to shop locally. This helps foster a sense of
community. To encourage patronage by NEV owners, many
Lincoln merchants even offer special parking and charging
station outlets in commercial centers throughout town.
Charging is easy and convenient, using a standard 110 Volt
outlet.
NEVs have a top speed of 25 mph, and typically have a
range of about 20-30 miles. NEVs are ideal for short local
trips such as running errands, taking the kids to school, or
visiting friends. According to a recent report to the
legislature, NEV users average 15 trips per week (one-way),
and the majority of trips are 6 miles or less.
The California Streets and Highways Code allows NEVs to
travel on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 MPH or less.
However, with higher-speed roads between residential areas
and shopping areas, NEV transportation was historically
confined, and impractical for daily driving. Groundbreaking
legislation was passed (Assembly Bill 2353, and the
subsequent AB 2963) allowing the cities of Lincoln and
Rocklin the flexibility in planning for NEV use within city
limits.
The City of Lincoln's Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV)
Transportation Plan was adopted in 2006. Since that time,
city engineers and consultants have begun work on city
streets, such as Joiner Parkway--a major thoroughfare in
Lincoln, to include new signage and striping for shared NEV/Bike
lanes. The City plans to continue to expand NEV routes by
adding striping and signage, and expects this will promote
the use of NEVs throughout the City.
Of course, with any new transportation paradigm, safety
is of utmost importance. Lincoln's Police Chief, Brian
Vizzusi, likes to point out that there hasn't been an injury
accident involving NEVs.
At first glance, many mistake NEVs for golf carts, but
there are important differences. By law, NEVs must meet
higher safety standards. NEVs must be equipped with: seat
belts, headlights, rear/brake lights, side and rear view
mirrors, safety-glass windshield, front and rear turn
signals, rear reflectors, a horn, a parking brake, and a
covered passenger compartment. Additionally, while golf
carts are limited to two occupants, NEVs have no such
restrictions, with models ranging from two to eight
passengers. NEVs must be registered with the Department of
Motor Vehicles, and NEV drivers must be insured and possess
a valid driver's license.
So who are buying NEVs? Studies estimate there are over
600 NEVs in the City of Lincoln, and that number is growing.
Of course, the vehicles are tremendously popular in
retirement areas such as the Sun City Lincoln Hills
development. In fact, the enthusiasm for these vehicles is
so high, that residents formed a club that currently boasts
over 300 members. However, NEV use is hardly limited to
retirement areas. Instead of waiting in an idling car for
school to release, some parents have chosen to "spare the
air", and drive a NEV instead.
City Councilmember Kent Nakata states, "The City
definitely promotes NEVs as a smart method of travel. NEVs
are very beneficial in the reduction of pollution in our
region." Mr. Nakata also serves on the Placer County Air
Pollution Control District Board of Directors.
A survey of NEV owners was conducted by the City of
Lincoln in 2003. Applying recent data collected by Global
Electric Motorcars, at projected buildout of 5000 NEVs, 2.5
tons of cold-start pollution per year will be eliminated.
Another result of the 2003 survey indicated the
participants' primary purpose of trips in NEVs are as
follows: 54% of the trips taken were classified as leisure,
43% were for purposes such as trips to doctor, shopping, and
bank errands, meaning trips of necessity; and 3% were
designated as business or commuting.
While NEVs are environmentally friendly, they are also
budget-friendly. NEVs require very little maintenance, and
cost less to drive than a traditional car. In addition,
insurance rates are typically much less expensive. Used NEVs
start at around $3,000, and new vehicles can be purchased
for as little as $6,250. Ryan Kugel, owner of
Electrick
Motorsports in Loomis explains, "With the cost of gas
approaching $5 per gallon, people are looking for any way to
reduce their consumption of gas, and one way to save is by
purchasing a NEV. NEVs are great for short trips under 30
miles to local stores, parks, school or a friend's house.
NEVs also cost very little to maintain with a typical
vehicle only being serviced once a year for $75. With the
City of Lincoln investing in NEV-friendly roads, and local
shopping centers installing free charging stations to
accommodate these types of vehicles, it's a great
opportunity for people of Lincoln to take advantage of and
have fun doing it."
City officials would like to remind golf cart users to
stay within the Golf Cart Transportation Plan in the Sun
City Lincoln Hills development. Commercial centers within
the Golf Cart Transportation Plan include the Safeway
shopping center (but not Raley's). The intent of the NEV
plan is to provide safe routes throughout the City to
accommodate licensed Neighborhood Electric Vehicles. NEVs
are equipped using the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards, whereas golf carts are not. Please contact us at
the Lincoln Public Works Department for more information by
calling (916) 434-2450.
