The electric vehicles at carolina rides just keep getting cooler. Now the company has added a new brand to its fleet of electric-powered vehicles—Tazzari low-speed vehicles (LSVs) for coastal-style commuting. “This is another fun four-wheeled vehicle, this time from the region of Italy revered for brands like Lamborghini and Ferrari,” says Jason Bullock, owner of Carolina Rides, a dealer of eco-friendly electric vehicles serving the Southeast since 2020.
The Tazzari EV is a symbol of Italian innovation and design. Like other product introductions from the Imola region, it integrates state-of-the-art technology with expert craftsmanship. “The Tazzari is highly customizable, with 20 colors that can be mixed and matched on different vehicle parts,” explains Bullock. “It’s a really cool ‘first-on-the-block’ vehicle that makes a stylish statement but also has tons of features that make it very functional for riding around the neighborhood, downtown or island.”
Two Tazzari models—the Zero 4 Opensky and Zero 4 Buggy—are available now. Customers can customize their choice or take one of the stock inventory options for quicker delivery. The compact Zeromax and Zeromax Cubo can be special ordered. As low-speed vehicles, Tazzari reaches speeds up to 25 mph, with a driving range of up to 112 miles per charge on its lithium batteries. They can be plugged into a standard electrical outlet and have three-way LED headlights, Bluetooth surround sound, fold-down seats and a glove compartment for extra storage, all at an attractive price point. “The Tazzari is a great second or third car to run errands, take kids to school or head to the beach,” Bullock adds.
While the Tazzari is the newest vehicle carried by Carolina Rides, the company also offers other vehicles for fun cruising. Another popular eco-friendly vehicle is the Moke, a retro British military throwback with modern features, which is street legal where the posted speed limit is 35 mph or less. It’s quite an upgrade from a golf cart with its four forward-facing seats, seatbelts and customization options, like 11 paint colors, nine Bimini top standard choices, unlimited Bimini top customization and Bluetooth stereo system. Like the Tazzari models, the Moke can be customized by painting the bumper, grill and roll bar in different colors for a completely bespoke look.
“Both Tazzari and Moke vehicle speeds can be increased should South Carolina legalize medium-speed vehicles in the future,” Bullock notes.
Another LSV option—Honor LSV—is an attractive vehicle for driving the neighborhood streets with up to six passengers. As required by federal regulations, LSVs must have certain features, such as seatbelts, headlights, turn signals, brake lights, a windshield, horn and appropriate mirrors. The Honor has all of these features, plus it is manufactured and assembled in the Lowcountry.
For those who need to navigate streets with faster speed limits that preclude the use of an LSV, the Oreion Buggy is the right choice for open-air fun. “The Oreion is not restricted to 35 mph or less roads. As a street-legal, 55 mph ride, it is perfect to drive to the beach, to dinner downtown or anywhere a vehicle can go,” Bullock says. With or without a matching top, it’s a fun electric vehicle that is acceptable to drive even in communities where LSVs are banned, such as Kiawah Island. “It’s a blast to ride and is the only electric vehicle we sell that you can legally take to the beach from Mount Pleasant or downtown,” he adds.
Carolina Rides offers rentals of Moke, Tazzari, Honor and Oreion so visitors can soak in the beauty of Charleston without the hassles of waiting on rideshares or settling for a rental car. Rentals are delivered directly to the hotel or vacation rental. Bullock adds, “If someone falls in love with one of our vehicles, we offer nationwide shipping to take the enjoyment home.”
For those interested in zipping around on two wheels, the company offers Kaaspeed electric scooters. “The scooter is perfect for cruising downtown and the islands,” says Bullock. “We can add a surfboard rack, rear rack, trailer, fishing rod holders and a cooler support on the front of the vehicle for added convenience.” Some users get creative with scooters, using them as a silent way to get to a favorite hunting spot or as a way to travel around the golf course. They are popular around town with the college crowd and are available in many school colors.
Electric fun is not limited to the streets. Carolina Rides also offers SipaBoards. These powered stand-up paddleboards open up the market for even more people to enjoy one of the latest popular watersports. “SipaBoards are self-inflating; no pumping is required. A small motor that can be remotely controlled from the paddle inflates the board to the perfect psi—no guessing needed,” Bullock explains. “That same multispeed motor can be turned on mid-trip to drive you forward if the tide or wind turns against you or if you just want to take a break from paddling and enjoy the ride. The same unobtrusive motor both drives and inflates it. It’s just a well-made board.”
Three different board designs, LED lighting on the bottom of the boards for underwater glow effect at dusk, and a smartphone app for tracking the ride and controlling the board are features that make SipaBoards a standout for the paddleboarding crowd. SipaBoards provide exercise for the body and soul while allowing exploration of the rivers and creeks in the Charleston area. “I even use my board with the motor engaged to ride to my neighbor’s house to share a beer without having to paddle,” Bullock jokes.
Bullock and his wife and business partner, Cindy, launched Carolina Rides so they could bring the best-designed, most fun electric vehicles in the world to the Lowcountry. “We have decided against carrying some companies’ products, as we only want to sell the very best brands. We’re not into running a huge service center; we want to offer products that don’t have issues and don’t need a service department,” he says. “Whether on land or water, our goal is to make Carolina Rides the single source for all kinds of electrified fun.” *
Dana W. Todd is a professional writer specializing in interior design, real estate, luxury homebuilding, landscape design, architecture and fine art.
