Here’s a polished breakdown tailored for the Aodes TrailCross Electric (top speed 25 mph) and its street-legal status—both federally and state by state:
Federal (U.S.) Criteria for LSVs
Under U.S. law, a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) is classified as a vehicle with:
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A maximum speed of 25 mph (40 km/h)
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A gross vehicle weight under 3,000 lbs
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LSVs must comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 500 (FMVSS 571.500), which mandates inclusion of:
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Headlamps, tail/stop lamps, front and rear turn signals, red reflectors
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Seat belts (Type 1 or 2 per seating position)
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Windshield, mirrors (driver-side + either interior or passenger-side), parking brake, alert horn, VIN
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General U.S. Road Use Rules
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LSVs require licensing, titling, registration, and insurance, similar to passenger vehicles.
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They are typically allowed on roadways with posted speed limits up to 35 mph, and may cross higher-speed roads at intersections.
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State-by-State Overview
The Aodes TrailCross, as an LSV, is likely street-legal in all U.S. states, but usage is conditioned on complying with state/local regulations.
States with Clear LSV Provisions:
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Florida: Allowed on streets ≤ 35 mph with proper title, registration, insurance, and license. Some local rules may apply.
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New Jersey: LSVs permitted on roads ≤ 25 mph; local jurisdictions can extend up to 35 mph.
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New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Utah, Vermont: LSVs may be registered and operated on roads ≤ 35 mph, provided federal safety standards are met.
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General Rule Across Most States:
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Nearly all 50 states allow LSVs (also known as Neighborhood Electric Vehicles, NEVs) on roads posted at or below 35 mph—if they meet FMVSS 571.500.
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Summary Table
| Region | Status for Aodes TrailCross (LSV, 25 mph) |
|---|---|
| Federal (FMVSS 500) | Meets top-speed and safety equipment requirements |
| Road Eligibility | Allowed on roads ≤ 35 mph (most U.S. states) |
| Requirements | Must be titled, registered, insured, driver-licensed |
| Varies by State/Locality | Local ordinances may impose additional limits |
| State-Level Examples | Florida, NJ, NC, etc. explicitly permit LSVs |
Bottom Line: The Aodes TrailCross Electric qualifies as an LSV and is street-legal in most U.S. states—as long as it meets federal equipment standards and adheres to state and local rules for registration, insurance, and road access.
FLORIDA
Here’s what applies specifically to the Aodes TrailCross Electric, which has a top speed of 25 mph, making it a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) under both federal and Florida law:
Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) Status in Florida
Classification
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A vehicle with a top speed greater than 20 mph but not exceeding 25 mph is classified as an LSV, not a standard golf cart.
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Equipment Requirements (Florida)
To be street-legal as an LSV, it must be equipped with the following mandatory items:
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Headlamps, stop lamps, tail lamps, front and rear turn signals
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Red reflex reflectors (one per side and rear)
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Exterior mirror on the driver’s side and either an interior rearview or passenger-side mirror
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Parking brake, windshield, seat belts for each seat, and a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
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Legal, Registration & Insurance Requirements
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Must be titled, registered, and insured in Florida. Required insurance includes:
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Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
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Property Damage Liability (PDL), typically $10,000 minimum each
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Driver Requirements & Speed Restrictions
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The operator must hold a valid driver’s license.
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LSVs may only be driven on roads where the posted speed limit is 35 mph or less, though they may cross roads with higher limits at designated intersections.
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