Amble One Electric Buggy: A Street-Legal Alternative to Golf Carts
A new electric buggy named the Amble One is poised to enter the market, offering a distinctive and charming option for individuals residing near waterfronts or in communities where golf carts are a common sight. This vehicle presents an appealing alternative for those seeking something beyond the ordinary.
Currently, pre-orders for the Amble One are being accepted with a nominal deposit of $100, though the initial deliveries are scheduled for 2028. Priced at $25,000, excluding value-added tax, this electric vehicle is designed to be street-legal. However, due to the absence of airbags and other standard safety features, it will be classified as a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV), which implies specific limitations on its speed and operational areas.
The Amble One is equipped with a 12.0 kilowatt-hour battery, powering a 20-horsepower rear electric motor. This configuration allows for a driving range of over 60 miles on a single charge. Recharging the battery via a standard AC outlet is estimated to take approximately five and a half hours. While the manufacturer states a maximum speed of over 40 mph, NEV regulations, which vary by state, may restrict the vehicle to roads with speed limits of 35 mph. In certain isolated areas, such as islands accessible only by ferry, medium-speed EVs may be permitted on roads with speed limits up to 45 mph, as per guidelines from the United States Department of Energy.
Despite its attractive price point, comparable to that of the Slate Truck, the Amble One's practicality is somewhat limited by its inability to operate on all public thoroughfares. Furthermore, the standard model lacks doors and windows, although the company has hinted at optional accessory doors for enhanced weather protection through conceptual drawings.
Amble envisions the One as a more fashionable substitute for conventional golf carts, a goal that appears to have been successfully met. Its construction features an aluminum frame and a polymer body, incorporating mounting points for various accessories like baskets, straps, and mirrors, allowing for personalized storage solutions. The buggy offers seating for four, with three seats designed to fold down, accommodating larger items such as surfboards. The inclusion of fully independent suspension is expected to deliver a more comfortable ride than typical golf carts, a feature certainly warranted by its $25,000 price tag.
The Amble One represents an entry into a growing segment of the market, echoing the popularity of similar vehicles like the Moke and Myers Manx already established in the United States. While no centralized sales data for NEVs in the US is publicly available, the demand for such specialized electric vehicles continues to expand.