Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/297477
with [the city's] Public Works [Department]," he said. "We pay and they install." NEW DOWNTOWN CRUISER TESTED By the time you read this, the DID will have conducted a test of another vehicle proposed to serve as a "circulator" to take people from hotels and parking garages to downtown destinations. On Thursday, April 17, a six-seat low-speed electric vehicle was scheduled to be tried out on a 5.2-mile route. It was to simulate a trip with regular stops at a variety of locations, and it was expected to require about one hour to finish the loop. Last month, the DID tested a six-seat electric vehicle made by Cruise Cars of Sarasota, a well-established company that produces golf carts and low-speed elec- tric vehicles based on golf carts. However, testing found the lead-acid batter- ies in the Cruise Cars needed recharging after about five hours of service. To maintain a reli- able system, the five-hour battery life meant two vehicles would be necessary to work a 10-hour day, pushing up capital and mainte- nance costs. April's test vehicle is made by Lectric Limos of Largo. It uses lithium-ion batteries, and it is designed and built as a low-speed electric vehicle. The modern batteries do not need recharging in the middle of a daily schedule. Moran hopes the test will be a proof-of-con- cept that a fleet of 10 electric vehicles can travel a circuit with wait times as short as five minutes for a ride. The route would include existing and planned hotels, plus a run up and down Main Street. Downtown Improvement District board members have complained that restaurateurs do not keep sidewalks clean where outdoor dining is provided. Photo by Norman Schimmel Sarasota News Leader April 18, 2014 Page 78