Avondale Estates Registers First Motorized Cart

Avondale Estates has a new transportation mode.

On Tuesday, resident Matt Miller became the first resident to register a motorized cart at city hall.

In an email from city hall, Miller said, "I plan to use my motorized cart both for utility--carrying firewood and pine straw around the yard--and also for transportation around town. It's convenient, relatively inexpensive to operate, and just plain fun to drive!"

The city commission approved an ordinance in December allowing these motorized carts--with required safety features not found on regular golf carts--on many city streets.

The commission had been talking about legalizing the carts for more than a year.

Residents can use motorized carts within the city limits but must register their carts at city hall and pay a one-time registration fee of $10. Drivers must be 16 with a valid driver's license.

City Manager Clai Brown said in the email, "The wider benefit is that motorized carts, relative to cars, produce less tailpipe emissions and are therefore better for our air quality, reduce parking congestion because of their smaller size and can be operated safely and cost-effectively for short trips around the city."