Low-Speed Recreational Vehicle Storage: Best Indoor and Outdoor Options
August 13, 2024 | Storage Tips
Storing your small and low-speed recreational vehicles (LSVs) properly is essential for maintaining their performance and longevity. Whether you own a golf cart, Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV), Utility Task Vehicle (UTV), or a low-speed shuttle, choosing the right storage solution can protect your investment and ensure your vehicle is always ready for use.
Low-speed vehicles (LSVs) are fun and functional, offering a convenient way to navigate golf courses, campuses, and large properties. They are also environmentally friendly. Many LSVs are electric-powered, producing zero emissions and contributing to a cleaner, greener environment. From climate-controlled indoor facilities to cost-effective outdoor solutions, we’ll explore the best storage options for these versatile vehicles, highlighting the importance of proper storage to prevent damage from weather, theft, and wear and tear.
Golf Cart Storage
When it comes to storing your golf cart and expensive equipment, proper self storage is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Storing your golf cart and clubs in a secure, climate-controlled environment ensures they remain in top condition and ready for your next round. Standard golf carts are generally about four feet wide and eight feet long, making them the ideal size for driving into your 5X10 storage unit. To prepare your golf cart for long-term storage, follow your manufacturer’s directions, which typically include cleaning the cart, removing the batteries, and keeping the tires at a recommended pressure during storage.
Additionally, golf carts are what comes to mind when we first think of a low-speed vehicle (LSV). Typically reaching speeds of between 12 mph and 14 mph, golf carts have been loved for decades by golf enthusiasts since becoming widely available in the 1950s. Today, golf carts are commonplace in airport terminals, theme parks, and university campuses.
As a golf enthusiast, you will enjoy all the perks of having a golf cart on the course. First and foremost, a golf cart protects expensive golf clubs, providing a convenient and secure way to transport them without the risk of damage. You can also avoid neck and shoulder strains from lugging your clubs for miles around the course.
The most recent golf cart models have options for GPS systems, cushioned seats, and advanced suspension for a smoother ride. These extras take your golfing and riding around the local neighborhood to the next level.
Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs) Also Used as Recreation Vehicles
Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs) are versatile machines, operated by a wide range of businesses, including government entities and industrial corporations, in various ways to enhance operational efficiency and safety. UTVs are commonly used by park rangers to patrol extensive parklands, by search and rescue teams to navigate rugged terrains, and by maintenance crews to transport tools and materials in municipal settings.
Agriculture, construction, and mining industries rely on UTVs for their durability and versatility, using them to move people, equipment, and supplies across expansive or rugged worksites. Additionally, UTVs can be equipped with specialized attachments and features to plow snow or conduct inspections in remote areas.
Investing in off-site storage for your UTVs offers numerous benefits. A secure storage solution between seasons will protect UTVs from damage caused by weather exposure, theft, and vandalism, ensuring they’re ready for action whenever you need them. Additionally, self-storage allows you to organize your equipment efficiently. You can store UTV attachments, spare parts, and maintenance tools in the same facility, making accessing everything you need in one place easier.
Where You’ll Find Low-Speed Shuttles
Low-speed-shuttles are used in resorts, campuses, and large properties to transport people over short distances. Shuttles in the category typically have a maximum speed of 25 mph. These shuttles are common in resorts, campuses, retirement communities, airports, and amusement parks. In Florida, amusement parks such as Universal Orlando Resort, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and LEGOLAND Florida Resort often employ low-speed shuttles to transport guests within the park or between parking areas and entrances.
Disney World in Orlando also utilizes low-speed shuttles for similar purposes. These shuttles are essential for efficiently moving large numbers of visitors while providing a comfortable and safe mode of transportation. Disney World’s low-speed shuttles integrate into the park’s overall transportation network, which includes monorails, boats, and buses, ensuring seamless connectivity throughout the resort.
Electric Scooters Require Wearing a Helmet
Electric scooters are a widespread mode of transportation for quick trips and require the rider to wear a helmet. Depending on the model and design, electric scooters typically have a max speed of 15 mph to 30 mph. Like most EV enthusiasts, people who ride scooters love their efficiency and low carbon footprint. Most electric scooters are designed for a single rider, but some models can accommodate two people. Popular brands of electric scooters include Segway-Ninebot, Xiaomi, Razor, Glion, and GOTRAX.
Electric scooters are usually small, and some are foldable, making them easy to fit alongside your personal belongings in your household storage unit. To keep your scooter in optimal condition when it is in storage, place it on a pallet or stand so there is less pressure on the tires, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparing your scooter for storage between riding seasons.
Is a Jet Ski a Low-Speed Vehicle?
No, Jet Skis and LSVs operate in different environments. Jet Skis are a brand of personal watercraft (PWC), and some can reach upwards of 60 mph on the water! Jet Skis are versatile and can be driven in lakes, rivers, bays, and coastal areas. People who love watersports like Jet Skis for their speed and maneuverability.
Currently, 42 states require a license to operate a Jet Ski. While qualifications are usually age-based, most state-approved boating licenses cover Jet Ski safety. For example, Florida operators born on or after January 1, 1988, must have a boating safety education ID card to drive a Jet Ski legally.
Jet Skis are, of course, transported via trailer, making them easy to store in your garage (if you have space) or a secure, drive-up storage unit. It is advisable not to leave this type of watercraft outdoors and exposed to the elements, even when covered if you live in an area with freezing winter weather conditions. There are various sizes of Jet Skis, but all must be less than 16 ft long to qualify as a personal watercraft. Like all motorized watercraft, check with your model’s guidelines on preparing your Jet Ski for storage between seasons on the water.
Low-Speed Recreational Vehicle Storage with Metro
Ready to give your low-speed recreational vehicle the best care possible? Choose Metro’s drive-up storage units for the ultimate convenience and protection. Our state-of-the-art facilities feature 24-hour security, ample lighting, and top-notch customer service to ensure your vehicle is safe and easily accessible whenever needed.
Don’t wait—rent your storage unit online today and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your investment is well-protected and ready to go whenever you are.
