By: Las Vegas Now Staff
In response to high gas prices, a growing number of cities are allowing golf carts on streets. That is not yet the case in the city of Las Vegas. But Eyewitness News uncovered some local communities that are already golf cart friendly.
Gas prices are definitely a factor as to why people drive golf carts in Summerlin. But more than anything else, it's become their way of life.
“That's one of the benefits of living here in this community,” said Robert Bower.
In the retirement neighborhood, golf carts are a common sight on the greens and off. Sarah Storm takes hers out for a spin everyday to run errands and go to the pool. “These short trips, running these short trips are what uses the gas up.”
Storm is one step ahead of the game. She bought an electric cart last year. So all she has to do is recharge it. “It's really handy,” she said.
And it's the convenience that's allowed 82-year-old Norbert Glaser to give up his car entirely. “I found my vision was deteriorating so bad I didn't trust myself to drive.”
But a golf cart allows him to still be independent. “I can go to the fitness center, grocery store Smiths is nearby,” he said.
And he likes to drive to his sister's house. “She lives as I said 3/4 of a miles away.”
The rules are pretty relaxed when it comes to driving your golf cart there; the speed limit is 30. The cart only goes about 20. The single most important rule is that you don't take your golf cart outside of the compound, and most folks said that's no problem at all.
“I guess with gas problems, it's a very good thing to have,” said Glaser.
If you're wondering – you can get a used electric golf cart for as little as $2,000. The golf carts have a two and a half gallon tank, which means that will cost you less than $15 to fill up.
Not a bad alternative if you live in a golf cart friendly neighborhood.
Email your comments to Reporter Janet O.
