GEM Cars
Why GEM Cars
GEM (stands for Global Electric Motors)
Due to the fact that our by-laws do not allow golf carts, a number of residents
have gone to an alternative. That alternative is the electric GEM car.
In New Hampshire GEM's are street legal on roads (generally under 35 mph),
although most GEMS's only do about 25 - 30 mph.
Why This Page
Since there are something like 40 in the park now, and inquiries continue
to come in about purchasing them, I thought a page
about them would be useful.
A Variety of GEM's
GEM cars come in a number of sizes (seating) and with a number of options
for the back of the vehicle. There are (2, 4, and 6) seat varieties. It
should be noted that as the wheel base gets longer the turning radius also
gets larger, and thus it is harder to turn them around on the road or small
spaces near the docks.
The back of the vehicle variations include (nothing, a small or large
bed (with and without stake body) and containers). A recent popular
option for the back is a conversion (flip up/down) combination rear facing
seat that flips over into a small bed.
Combination Seat (happens to be with a Golf Setup) click here.
GEM's Electric Batteries
The GEM car is electric and runs on 72 vols DC (that is 6 x 12 volt) batteries
in series.
These batteries are typically "Group 29" batteries and are very heavy
lead acid "Deep Cycle" batteries. Charging is done by plugging the GEM
into household electricty using a heavy duty extention
cord. It is important to understand that "Lead Acid" batteries come
in two basic types (Starting and Deep Cycle).
Starting batteries deliver a lot of power
all at once, and contain lead plates that have a lot of surface area
to provide that burst of power, but are not made to be run down.
So they are generally not a good choice for a GEM.
On the other hand "Deep Cycle" batteries generally contain lead plates
that are more robust, and made to be run down usually to about 35 percent.
Aside from Lead Acid there are a number of other battery chemistries
that are also considered Deep Cycle, for example "Absorbent Glass Mat"
but these others can be more expensive.
GEM's Range
The advertised range of a GEM seems to vary between 13 and 20 miles but
is generally considered 13-16 miles before needing recharging. The
range will vary depending on the quality and age of the batteries. That
range is usually quite enough to get around in WBR. It should be noted
that although the GEM may travel that far, it is recommended that
one not wait until they get low before re-charging. The general rule
for long battery life is that if it is not in use, plug it in.
Used GEM's
So far most of the GEM's at WBR are used vehicles and come from the 2002 era.
There have been some upgrades to various components, as well as after market
components such as on board battery chargers. You should know that how
the chargers works may also be different in that some chargers charge
once and shut off, while others charge and maintain the charge over time.
It should also be noted that there is a switch under the seat that will
disconnect the batteries.
The Switch Under the Seat
If this switch is in the off position, the
batteries will not charge. The switch is there mainly for maintenance
and for transport (for example on a trailer).
Buying A GEM
One of the most important consideratons when buying a GEM for use at
WBR is being able to register it at the DMV. This usually means you need
a
--TITLE--. There are many GEM's out there that have never been
used on the road and the owners have never gotten a title. It will
be a long process if you don't have one.
Additionally, NH requires that you know the mileage on the vehicle
and many of the controllers do not keep or do not show milage on the
display, but instead show hours.
It is generally considered that you either convert the age of the
vehicle to a mileage factor, or use the number of hours to calculate
a mileage factor. Its all up to you.
For your GEM to be registered, it must be street legal, and pass
inspection. So this means the wiper, lights, directionals etc
have to be in working order, just like any other car. As best we
know you have 10 days after you register it to get it inspected.
As of this writing "Rusty's Towing" on Brook Rd in Tilton has
been able to inspect the GEM's. Note: Brook Rd is one way in
the direction toward WBR. You should not go out on Rt 3 with
your GEM, however, you might be able to "back" down Brook Rd
legally.
Where To Buy A GEM
A number of GEM's in the park have been purchased off of Craigs
list or Facebook Marketplace. There is also someone out in New York
who re-builds them. His name is is Anthony Servino. He can put
together most configurations you might be interested in and
can be contacted by telephone at: (845) 591-4974. At least
(4) GEM's in the park have come from Anthony. Generally if you
answer a few questions, he can text/send you some pictures. To
the best of our knowledge he gives a 6 month warranty on the
chargers and provides Walmart deep cycle batteries which have
come with a 2 year replacement and 5 year prorated warranty.
GEM Parts and Service
There is at least one website that carries GEM parts.
Ride 4 Fun
GEM's over time have been a Polaris product. Locally a
few people have dealt with a Polaris dealer such as HK Power
Sports.
There is information on the web to help those who would like
to repair their own GEM's. These pages may be helpful.
GEM Error Code Table
GEM Alternate Parts and Sources
GEM Fuse Block Info
GEM Accessories
Some options came with GEM's when they were manufactured, for
example on board heaters. Here are also examples of after market
accessories:
- Roof Racks
- Passenger doors (hard and soft sided)
- Controllers
- Rear Windows
- Golf Club carriers
- Motors
- Tow Hitches
- Brackets To Hold Rear Accessories
- Wheels and tires
- Gear Sets
GEM Owners Manuals
Here is a good page listing GEM owners manuals.
GEM Electric Vehicles Owners Manuals
WBR GEM Mailing List
We are going to establish a GEM mailing list. If you would
like to be included on the GEM mailing list please use the
contact us button on the webpage and send your name and email
to be added to the list.
Look back here for more information.
/Jim
