Neighborhood Electric Vehicles Help River Falls “Go Green”

In March of 2008, the City of River Falls first approved an ordinance authorizing the operation of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) on public roads within the city limits that have a speed limit of 35 mph or less. Since the city’s jurisdiction contains ‘connecting’ and ‘state trunk’ highways, final approval needed to be obtained by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT). After an ordinance revision in August, final approval was finally received from the DOT allowing NEVs to travel on all streets within the city limits that have a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less EXCEPT for the small section of S. Main Street south of E. Johnson Street. (NEVs are allowed to cross at Cemetery Road.)

So what exactly is an NEV?

• An NEV is an electric vehicle that meets the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, for a “low speed vehicle.” (Three-point seat belt, windshields, rear view mirrors, turn signals, etc.)
• NEVs have four wheels, are self-propelled by electric power, and have a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour. (Note: golf carts are not considered NEVs.)
• When operated on public roads, an NEV must be titled and registered through the DOT, Division of Motor Vehicles and operated by a licensed driver.
• NEVs serve as a great alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles and emit little pollution.

(Sources: Wisconsin Statutes, Section 349.26, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, City of River Falls, WI Municipal Code Chapter 10.26)