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Comment by ArkanExplorer | Hacker News Reader

It seems that 'hardware' is eating the car, too. I want to just buy a small, slow, simple EV for picking up groceries and other city errands, for $5k-$10k.

It seems like the only companies making that are the Chinese, and usually only selling them in China.

Heck, it doesn't even need an Infotainment system - just bluetooth for audio and calls, USB-A charger port and phone cradle.

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Yes, something between a $500 bicycle and a $20,000 car. The barriers may be as much regulatory as anything else. In the US all cars must meet highway safety standards even if they will never be driven on the highway. I think it's even illegal to sell a car with a top speed of 35 mph.

There are some places, mostly retirement communities, where a lot of people get around by golf cart. They do the job and are a lot of fun.

Dacia has a new car in that bracket, but the range is a bit limited.

If you live in the US, Dacia is basically a Romanian company under Renaults ownership (which is a famous french brand) whith focus on cheap cars with proven tech. The use proven engines, parts from Renoult cars, etc.

A pretty good philosophy IMO but until now they had horrible designs, now they are improving, in the sense of adressing more general-public apetences, which means generic-looking SUVs.

There is Arcimoto, an operation based in Oregon. I think in some places their vehicles are grouped with motorcycles or something along those lines. I've seen them zipping around San Diego and other places.

Citroen Ami, $6000, 75km range, max speed 40km/h. The car is rotationally symmetrical (left and right doors are exactly the same, front and back is also the same)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citro%C3%ABn_Ami_(electric)

Yea, but these cars aren't available or legal to drive in the USA. To import one, you need to pay fees and it must be registered. To get it registered, it must have safety standards on file with the federal government. Unless you want to pay the $$$ (millions?) to get that certification for your single imported car, you need to wait 25 years for it to be imported as a "classic" car so those safety regulations don't apply.

I would love to buy a Honda E, but I live in Texas and it will never happen. After 25 years, the tech will be so outdated that it's likely not worth it. Plus the batteries will likely need to be replaced and good luck sourcing parts for one stateside without paying $$$ in shipping again.

A used Chevy Spark EV may be exactly what you need: https://www.edmunds.com/used-chevrolet-spark-ev/. If you can boost budget a bit, you can probably a used Leaf or similar.

You can get an enclosed mobility scooter for $6k-7k. Many have some sort of stereo system and climate controls though I don't know if they all have your desired features. But they do exist and are for sale in the US and Canada.

The Boomerbuggy X! This fully enclosed mobility scooter is more spacious and has some cool new features! Travel to get your groceries, to your neighbour’s or take it just for a leisurely joy ride without fear of the weather. The Boomer X is fully insulated with heating giving you the warmth and comfort that you need on those cold winter days. The Boomer X also features built in speakers, windshield wipers, and more. Regain your mobility, independence, and sense of freedom with the Boomerbuggy X the next generation of covered mobility scooters!

https://www.daymak.com/boomerbuggy-x.html

A few people in my neighborhood have golf carts, not sure how its legal but the police don't bother them.

If you're california, it's legal as long as they don't drive on a street with a speed limit over 35 mph

https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/vehicle-code/veh-sect-21260.htm...

TTG, 5 seconds ;)

In my neighborhood (AZ), they're actually very common; and also offroad "razor" type cars. You see people going to the store or even work in them. Fully open, and they have license plates, the works.

My aunt moved into an old age home and there is one chap that uses a mobility scooter to drive down the road to the local convenience store.

He has to cross a rather busy road though.

How about a Renault Twizy?

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