A four-wheeled motor vehicle with a top speed of not greater than 25 miles per hour the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of which is less than 3,000 pounds. The term includes neighborhood electric vehicles and speed modified golf carts. Low speed vehicles, including neighborhood electric vehicles and speed modified golf carts, shall comply with the safety standards provided in 49 C.F.R. Section 571.500.

Low speed vehicles and mini-trucks may only be operated on a public highway, road, or street where the posted minimum speed limit is 25 miles per hour or less. This restriction does not prohibit a low speed vehicle or mini-truck from crossing a public highway, road, or street at an intersection where the public highway, road, or street has a posted speed limit of more than 25 miles per hour.

Low speed vehicles and mini-trucks shall be prohibited from operating on any public highway, road, or street in the state unless the proper license tag therefor has been procured and is securely attached in the same manner as a private passenger automobile. The license tag shall indicate that it is for restricted low speed use.

NEV: electric motor, four wheels, top speed of 20-25 m.p.h.

MSEV: electric motor, misc. equipment, top speed of 35 m.p.h.

Registration: Title, vehicle registration, tax, license plate

Operator Licensing: Driver’s license or permit.

Insurance: Liability and personal injury coverage (same as passenger autos)

Operation Rules: Generally same traffic laws as other motor vehicles; no operation on roads with speed limit above 35

Safety Equipment: Must meet federal equipment requirements.

Neighborhood Electric Vehicle Classification 

Neighborhood electric vehicles and medium-speed electric vehicles are similar to golf carts, but have more power, can carry more passengers or cargo, and are designed for potential operation on public roads.

Neighborhood electric vehicle. A Minnesota law passed in 2006  defines a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) as a four wheeled, electrically powered motor vehicle that has a maximum speed of between 20 and 25 miles per hour on a flat surface. (Minn. Stat. 169.011, subd. 47).

Medium-Speed Electric Vehicle Classification

A 2008 law created a related classification: the medium-speed electric vehicle (MSEV). An MSEV is defined similarly to an NEV. It too is four-wheeled, electrically powered motor vehicle, but it can have a top speed of up to 35 miles per hour on a flat surface. It also must be fully enclosed, have at least one door for entry, be equipped with a roll cage or crush-proof design, have a minimum wheelbase of 40 inches, have wheels with a diameter of at least 10 inches, and other than speed capability, it must meet the federal safety standard for low-speed vehicles. (Minn. Stat. 169.011, subd. 39).

Regulations

Under Minnesota law NEVs and MSEVs are treated similarly to passenger motor vehicles, but their use is restricted to slower streets. (Minn. Stat. 169.224).

Safety

The vehicle may only be operated on public streets and highways if it meets federal equipment standards established for low-speed vehicles. This includes: a windshield, headlamps, tail-lamps, brake lights, front and rear turn signals, reflectors at the rear, rear view mirrors, a parking break, a seat belt, and a vehicle.