GEM e2 Review

GEM e2 Review 2011 - The e2 is classified as an NEV in the United States and as a quadricycle in the UK. It is a simple vehicle with optional doors and a top speed of 30mph (25mph in the United States).

GEM vehicles have been popular as transport in gated communities, on campuses and on large estates where they are an easy and economical way of getting around. Many of them appear at beach resorts as tourist transport where they serve as simple and entertaining transport for holiday-makers. Worldwide, over 45,000 GEM electric vehicles have been sold over the past twelve years.

Although they may resemble a golf cart, GEMs are road legal in both the United States and across Europe. Many enthusiastic owners use them for short journeys commuting to work or popping to the shops. However, do not expect them to have the same safety rating as an ordinary car.

The e2 is a very simple vehicle - plastic body panels bolted to a thick steel frame. Some of the panels feel fairly flimsy and the storage box on the back in particular looks like it could easily get damaged with rough handling.

Climbing into the car is easy thanks to the large openings and high seating position. Seats are very basic plastic-covered foam, but comfortable enough for short journeys. Visibility is excellent thanks to large glass areas and good mirrors.

If you are driving an e2 on a rainy day and you do not have the optional doors, prepared to get wet very quickly. Driving through small puddles throws water up into the cabin area and the wide door openings means that the rain can very easily intrude.

The e2 is never going to be a fast vehicle, but acceleration up to around 25mph is brisk and the car can easily keep up with city centre traffic. The little motor definitely has plenty of torque - enough to spin the wheels on a damp road when pulling away.

Handling is not great and corners are best tackled carefully rather than enthusiastically with limited grip and kick-back through the steering wheel if the e2 is pushed too hard into a corner.

There are two main reasons to buy an GEM e2: simplicity and price. If all you want is a simple vehicle for short low speed journeys, the e2 can fit the bill. Price wise, it is one of the cheapest electric vehicles available and there is a good supply on the used market as well.

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