Transportation on Maine’s islands ranges from shanks’ mare to bicycles to automobiles that haven’t seen a current inspection sticker in years. An ongoing problem has been how to get around our islands safely, economically and comfortably and without destroying our fragile ecosystems. Chebeague Island may not have solved the problem, but later this year at least one lucky person will have taken a giant step toward an answer.
Through the generosity of a local resident, the Chebeague Recreation Center will raffle a state-of-the-art electric car that is simply ideal for island transportation.
The emerald green car, which retails for about $7,000, is a product of Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), a DaimlerChrysler company. Though some say it looks as if it should belong to Fred Flintstone, this versatile vehicle will travel at speeds up to 25 miles per hour (plenty fast for our purposes) with a cruising range up to 35 miles before it needs its six 12V batteries recharged. It produces zero emissions and costs only pennies per mile to operate. The car may also qualify you for an electric vehicle credit and reduced income taxes!
Unlike most golf carts, the GEM is street legal on Maine islands not maintained or supported by the state, which excludes Cousins Island but includes Bustins, Chebeague, the Cranberries, Cliff, Cushing, Frenchboro, Frye, the Diamonds, Isle Au Haut, Littlejohn, Long, Matinicus, Monhegan and Peaks Islands. The registration fee is only $4 and there is no local excise tax charged.
The GEM includes headlights, taillights, stop lights, turn signals, mirrors, seat belts, windshield wipers, parking brake and (most importantly) a horn. This car is whisper quiet!
The car features a rear trunk, but this can be easily swapped out for a golf bag rack or a long or short stakebed (not included). The car also has a turf feature for use as a golf cart, which limits its speed to 15 mph. Although there is no heater in the car (one can be added), optional side curtains can be installed to combat inclement weather.
Talk about a head turner! This is just a fun car to drive and ride in.
Since taking title to this vehicle late last summer, the Recreation Center has been displaying the car at local events, including a softball game on Long Island. The reaction has been remarkable. Tickets are available from the Rec for $15 apiece. For those who want to increase their chances of winning, lots of eight tickets are available for $100 or a hundred tickets for $1,000. The drawing will be held at the Chebeague Recreation Center’s Golf Tournament on Aug. 14.
For more information about the car, please visit
David R. Hill is the president of the Chebeague Recreation Center.