A COMPANY THAT HAS BEEN BRINGING ENERGY AND SMILES TO THE LOWCOUNTRY of South Carolina since 2020 has geared up to serve Metro Atlanta. Jason Bullock and his wife and business partner, Cindy, launched Carolina Rides so they could bring the best-designed, most playful and convenient electric vehicles (EVs) in the world to the Southeast. “Whether driving around the neighborhood, on city streets or skimming the lake, our goal is to make Carolina Rides the single source for all kinds of electrified fun,” he says.
The company sells six different types of electric vehicles and is continually enhancing its product line. “We are bringing new ways to enjoy Atlanta’s communities and city streets,” says Bullock. “These vehicles are silent, help reduce both noise and air pollution, and are a sustainable way to enjoy our neighborhoods and bodies of water. We take pride in our detailed research to bring the best designs in all categories to our customers.”
When Atlanta Style & Design caught up with Bullock, he had just completed the sale of three Moke vehicles that morning. The pace has gotten brisker since the manufacturer of Moke, a retro British military throwback EV with modernized features, recently reclassified its vehicle from a low-speed vehicle (LSV) to a passenger vehicle that is now street legal on any roadway. “Since its top speed has increased to 45 mph, the Moke is a classy ride that can travel just as easily downtown as in Buckhead,” Bullock explains. The Moke manufacturer restricts the number of vehicles it produces each year, so Carolina Rides pre-buys a large percentage of those vehicles to maximize availability to its customers. “We are moving quickly through our Moke summer inventory but expect to have more models available in the fall,” adds Bullock. “I’d advise someone to move quickly to reserve a Moke if they want to secure one for summer fun. You won’t find these vehicles sitting around on a lot.”
The Moke has a range of 80 miles on a single charge, with two rows of forward-facing bucket seats, seatbelts for all passengers and customizable options. Buyers can choose from 14 paint colors for the vehicle’s body and customize the color on other parts of the vehicle—bumper, grill and roll bar—for a truly unique look. To create an even more bespoke Moke, there are optional add-ons such as a wooden steering wheel, bimini top, custom tire covers and Bluetooth stereo to enhance driving satisfaction. “The Moke would make quite an eye-catching upgrade to the neighborhood-usual golf cart zipping around Chastain Park,” says Bullock, whose company is the only Moke dealer in Georgia and South Carolina.
The Moke is not the only popular four-wheeled EV in Carolina Rides’ inventory. The Tazzari EV is a symbol of Italian innovation and design, hailing from the region of Italy revered for brands like Lamborghini and Ferrari. Like other product introductions from the Imola area, it integrates state-of-the-art technology with expert craftsmanship. “Tazzari is imported as an LSV but also can run as a 55 mph street-legal vehicle, depending on where it is being used and how it is titled,” Bullock says. “It is highly customizable, with 20 colors that can be mixed and matched on different vehicle parts. Tazzari is 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 or downtown, including its excellent hill-climbing ability.” Tazzari sports a few features that make it distinctive from Moke, such as a locking glove compartment, folding back seats and an enclosed passenger area that is more weather-proof.
Another 55 mph EV passenger vehicle, the Oreion Buggy is a versatile option that allows drivers to go to the park to meet up with friends, shop downtown or head out for a night on the town. “It is the epitome of open-air fun,” says Bullock. “As a street-legal vehicle, it is acceptable to drive even in communities where LSVs are off-limits.”
For neighborhoods that are cart-friendly, the Honor LSV is a sure bet, combining the best of traditional cart features with a host of upgrades. As a street-legal luxury cart that holds six passengers and can travel on roads that are 35 mph or less, it is a perfect option for many Atlanta-area communities, such as Peachtree City. The company’s owner is committed to manufacturing and assembling Honor LSVs in America—the facility is nearby in Summerville, South Carolina. “Honor’s all-aluminum frame is powder coated in a range of custom colors for functionality and good looks; it is the best-made body on the market,” Bullock says. “A sway bar prevents tipping that is inherent in other LSV carts, and extra-bright rear lights make this a safe vehicle.”
While Carolina Rides’ four-wheeled EVs are popular, there are other options, including the two-wheeled Kaaspeed electric moped and the lake-friendly SipaBoard. Self-balancing because of its wide back tires, Kaaspeed appeals to travelers who enjoy a fun and easy ride at an affordable price point. Some users get creative with Kaaspeed, using it as a silent way to travel around the golf course.
Electric fun is not limited to the streets. SipaBoards are powered stand-up paddleboards that 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,” says Bullock. “That same multispeed motor can be turned on mid-trip to drive you forward if the 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 a well-made board.” Three different board designs, LED lighting on the bottom of the boards for an 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 Atlanta-area lakes or as take-alongs on a coastal vacation trip.
Carolina Rides is proud to serve Atlanta, electrifying fun and creating enjoyable and eco-friendly experiences for families and friends. *
Dana W. Todd is a professional writer specializing in interior design, real estate, luxury homebuilding, landscape design, architecture and fine art.
