A recent study in Canada concludes that due to safety concerns, Low Speed Electric Vehicles known as LSVs should be restricted to roads with a maximum speed limit below 31.

The study was conducted by the Canadian National Research Council and they presented 30 recommendations to help ease the introduction of LSVs into the market.  Among their recommendation some notable findings include LSVs can impede traffic and put their drivers and other drivers at risk.  LSVs have a significantly higher rate of fatality and death to occupants due to their low weight and small size.

Further, other drivers on the road are unaware that LSVs cannot accelerate, stop, and handle like other cars on the road.  When a driver of another vehicle expects an LSV to react in a given way and the vehicle it not capable of reacting in that manner, it presents a problem on the roadways.

Other drivers on the road have a great chance of becoming aggressive drivers when driving behind a slow moving LSV.  And LSVs along with their nearly silent operation could present increased risked for pedestrians and cyclists.

The in depth study found significant issues regarding the release of LSVs onto public roadways.  They suggest that all LSVs meet regular vehicle safety requirements in regards to brakes, lighting, tires, and safety glass, and be licensed vehicles in order to operate on roads with regular vehicles.

An LSV is classified as a electric only vehicle that produces no emissions, travels on four wheels, weighs less than 3,000 pounds, and is capable of traveling between 21 and 25 miles per hour. 

The study presents many interesting findings.  It's obvious that Canada is concerned about the introduction of a large amount of LSVs in the near future.  Other countries will likely follow and conduct similar studies to reduce the risk to drivers of LSVs and regular vehicles that may one day share the road together.

Source:  Wards Auto