Frequently Asked Questions

Are these actually golf carts?

No, HeyYa Carts are not traditional golf carts. While they started their life as golf carts, they have undergone significant upgrades in power and safety to meet legal requirements, making them Neighborhood Zero-Emissions Vehicles (NZEVs), also known outside BC as Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV). These enhancements ensure they are well-suited for urban exploration in Downtown Vancouver, providing a sustainable and safe mode of transportation.

Upgrades from a regular golf cart include:

  • Speed boost
  • Seat Belts
  • Headlights
  • Daytime running lights
  • Turn Signals
  • Windshield Wipers
  • Hazard Lights
  • Rear- and side-view mirrors
  • Emergency brake
  • Insurance

What is a NZEV?

A Neighbourhood Zero-Emissions Vehicle (NZEV), also recognized as a “Low Speed Vehicle” (LSV) or a “Neighbourhood Vehicle” (NEV) outside of British Columbia, stands as an electric micro-mobility solution tailored for local and urban mobility. These vehicles excel in environmental friendliness by producing zero emissions, making them optimal for short-distance travel within neighborhoods or urban areas. With a top speed of 40 km/h (25 mph) and an impressive range of up to 80 km on a single charge, they play a crucial role in minimizing environmental impact and propelling sustainable transportation solutions.

You can read more in the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations.

How old do I have to be? Do I need a driver's license?

To rent one of our vehicles, individuals must be at least 19 years old. All drivers must show a valid Driver’s License and be listed on the policy.

Where can I drive?

These vehicles are permitted to be driven anywhere within the City of Vancouver or Burnaby where you would typically be allowed to drive a car, provided the speed limit does not exceed 50 km/h. However, there are specific restrictions in place.

These vehicles CANNOT be driven:

  • On the beach
  • On the seawall
  • In bike lanes
  • Over any bridges except the Burrard, Granville & Cambie bridges.
  • On the Freeway (including Highway 1).
  • On the Stanley Park Causeway (i.e., Georgia Street west of Denman, except to access Stanley Park).
  • On the portion of SW Marine Drive between 41st Ave and 16th Ave where the speed limit is above 50 km/h.
  • On Chancellor Boulevard (West 4th Avenue east of Blanca) where the speed limit is above 50 km/h.

How fast are the golf carts?

The golf carts have a maximum governed speed of 40 km/h (25 mph). Additionally, there is a switch available that allows you to adjust the maximum speed to 32 km/h (20 mph). It’s worth noting that the speed may vary based on the number of passengers, and going uphill, the carts may only reach speeds of 25 or 30 km/h.

What is the range, and how do I charge?

Our vehicles have a maximum range of about 80 km, and they come fully charged for your convenience. This range is ample for a day of touring Vancouver. However, if you plan for a multi-day rental or an extended drive, please ensure we provide you with a charging cable. Charging the vehicle takes just a few hours when plugged into a regular electrical outlet. There is no need to charge the vehicle before returning it to us at the end of your rental.

What road rules do I have to follow?

When operating our vehicles, please observe the following road rules:

  1. If there is only one lane, stay to the right to allow others to pass on the left.
  2. If there are two or more lanes, drive in the right-hand lane unless passing or turning left.
  3. Only drive on roads with a maximum speed limit of 50 km/h – this is the default speed limit on all municipal roads.
  4. Be mindful of school and playground zones, as well as certain side streets that may have a 30 km/h speed limit.
  5. The speed limit in lanes is 20 km/h.

You can read more in the City of Vancouver Street & Traffic Bylaw 2849 – Section 59a.

Does Vancouver have any unusual traffic rules?

Here are some unique driving rules in Vancouver:

  1. A flashing-green light indicates a pedestrian/cyclist-controlled crossing and will remain green unless someone pushes the button to cross.
  2. During a power outage, treat all traffic lights as stop signs.
  3. A red light with a green arrow signifies that the light is green for turns in that direction but red for going straight.
  4. A white bar on a traffic light is designated for buses only.
  5. You are permitted to turn RIGHT on a red light, but only if it is safe to do so and from the right-most lane into the right-most lane.
  6. If turning onto a one-way street, you are allowed to turn LEFT on a red light, but only if it is safe to do so and from the left-most lane into the left-most lane.
  7. Pay attention to signs that may prohibit turns on red or during specific hours.

Where can I park the carts?

Please note that HeyYa Cart Rentals’ vehicles do not receive special parking privileges and must adhere to the same parking laws as regular passenger vehicles. Be cautious, as many parking spots in the city turn into no-stopping zones after 3 pm, and enforcement officers are swift, often accompanied by tow trucks. Always park within 30 cm (1′) of the curb.

For loading or unloading passengers, you may:

  • Stop in a “loading zone” for up to 3 minutes (not a “Commercial Loading Zone”).
  • Stop in a “passenger zone” for up to 3 minutes.
  • Stop in a “no parking” zone for up to 5 minutes.

However, you may not stop, even for unloading passengers:

  • In a “Commercial Loading Zone.”
  • In a “Commercial Lane.”
  • In a bus stop.
  • In a no-stopping zone.

Additionally, you may not park:

  • In any lane abutting retail or commercial businesses or marked for Commercial Vehicles Only.
  • In resident-only or permit-only parking zones, even if you are a resident.
  • Head-in or wrong-way in a street-side parking spot; you must be facing the proper direction.
  • Within 6 meters (20′) of the nearest edge of the closest sidewalk on an intersecting street.
  • Within 9 meters (30′) of the nearest edge of the pavement on an intersecting street where no sidewalk exists.
  • Within 1.5 meters (5′) of a private road, boulevard crossing, or sidewalk crossing.
  • Within 6 meters (20′) of a crosswalk.
  • Within 6 meters (20′) of a stop sign.
  • Within 5 meters (16.5′) of a fire hydrant.
  • On or blocking a bike lane.

You can read more at the City of Vancouver’s parking rules.

Do I need to buy insurance?

It’s important to note that credit card insurance coverage for our vehicle rentals varies, and not all providers may offer protection. We recommend checking with your insurer to confirm coverage details for Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV). To ensure comprehensive protection, we advise purchasing our Collision Damage Waiver, which limits your cost to the $500 deductible in case of any vehicle damage.

Please be aware that, regardless of credit card or other insurance coverage, without our Collision Damage Waiver, you are responsible for the entire repair cost, up to the full vehicle value, which may exceed $25,000. We do not handle insurance claims directly, meaning you must cover the repair cost and then seek reimbursement from your insurance provider.

Where is your office?

We’re in the World Trade Centre building at the Cruise Ship Terminal.  Enter the lobby right beside Starbucks and take the elevator to the 4th floor.  We’re in 17-404.

How do i get there from YVR airport?

Getting to our location from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is most convenient via the Canada Line SkyTrain. Board the train on Level 3 of the airport, enjoy a 25-minute ride to the last stop, Waterfront Station, and exit through the main entrance – we’re just around the corner.

Alternatively, taxis, Ubers, or Lyfts are available for your convenience.

How do I get there when arriving on a Cruise Ship?

As you exit the cruise ship into the underground parking, right beside Spa Utopia you’ll see an elevator lobby for “Hotel & Convention Centre”.  Take the elevator to “R” level and turn right. Our office will be on your right.

How do I get there when arriving via Hullo Ferry or Seaplane?

We’re located basically on top of the arrivals terminal.  Go up the stairs and walk past the Pan Pacific and Starbucks to enter the World Trade Centre lobby. Go to the 4th floor and we’re in 17-404.