Should Wheeling allow electric cars on streets?

If it were up to former Village President Bill Hein, the residents of Wheeling would be driving around in electric vehicles.

Hein has proposed allowing such cars, which resemble golf carts, in town to reduce dependency on gas and help residents save money. The board took up the discussion Monday.

While most trustees agreed that the proposal was commendable in preserving the environment, they also pointed out that there were still many drawbacks.

Police Chief John Stone and Trustee Bob Heer said that even if Wheeling regulated the carts on its own streets, the county and state still have jurisdiction over their roads.

The question of how reliable a 25-mph cart would be on a fast-moving street such as Dundee Road continued to come up.

"Safety is the key word here," Stone said.

However, Trustee Ken Brady said it's an exciting concept for someone who lives near work or wants to make a quick run to the grocery store.

"I'd hate to see this die," he said. "A resolution to the energy crisis is going to take some bold moves."

Trustee Dean Argiris pointed out that much of the pending development around village hall on Dundee Road is designed for pedestrian use, and an electronic vehicle may give residents more of a push to shop locally.

Hein said a two-person cart could cost anywhere from $5,900 to $9,000; a multi-person cart would cost from $9,000 to $11,000. He said the neighborhood electric vehicles differ greatly from golf carts, which don't have the same safety features, such as headlights and shocks.

The vehicles come with eight batteries that charge while plugged in and would last 60 to 70 miles per charge.

The board had some lingering questions about the proposal and agreed not enough information had been gathered to make a decision.

The trustees decided to send out surveys to residents to see if enough would be interested in the idea. Acting Village President Pat Horcher said he'd also like to see a feasibility study be done and then possibly incorporate the idea into village planning if it gains supporters. "We're moving forward slowly," he said.