Electrification of mobility is a essential step in reduction of carbon emissions and will have benefits for surf life saving members and beachgoers. Electric vehicles have much fewer moving parts and less maintenance requirements. An electric ATV will simply be plugged in to a 10 amp power point overnight to charge. Whilst they may have a higher upfront cost, the greatly reduced running costs will be a benefit to surf clubs.
Electric ATVs on the SLSA Approved Equipment List
2024 – $45,995 inc GST
Tows 1134 kg
The 2024 Polaris Ranger has had a major spec boost which will make it one of the best performing ATVs on the beach.
It now has a Lithium ion battery which will require no maintenance, it will be as simple as plugging it into a powerpoint. The 30kWh battery should be good for 120km/charge which should keep even the busiest patrol happy. There is also a smaller 14.9kWh battery which gives 70km range.
Electric ATVs which might do the job, but not yet assessed by SLSA
~$34000 + GST. Designed in New Zealand.
100km range. 1000kg braked tow capacity. Light bar! Winch! There are some videos of this vehicle dealing with difficult terrain, so looks like a candidate for SLS.
Tows 680kg.
$17,500 + shipping from New South Wales company
2 year warranty. Includes winch (I’m sure there is a use for surf clubs…)
Milbay Recharge™ All Terrain 4WD Electric Utility Vehicle
Queensland company. $28,000.
5 year corrosion and battery warranty.
Does tow -?capacity
Tow capacity but amount unclear
Lead Acid or Lithium batteries
Starts at $15,700
3000kg tow capacity “on private roads”!
Claims to be suitable for sand and slopes but appears to be 2WD “with the performance of a diesel 4WD”?
Price: ?
800kg towing capacity.
Future vehicles
BRP, current maker of ATVs and Jetskis used by SLS will have electric models of all vehicles by 2026