GEM e4
By The Smith Family, reviewed by Brad · Independent, no paid placement · Last verified Nov 10, 2026
The GEM e4 is the four-seat, forward-facing passenger model that GEM (Global Electric Motorcars, a Waev Inc. brand) calls its most popular and versatile. NHTSA's vPIC registry lists GEM as a Low-Speed Vehicle maker, so it is factory-LSV. A 5 kW AC-induction motor (6.5 kW optional) gives a 25 mph top speed; the standard 8 kWh lithium pack is rated 41–58 miles, and the optional 16 kWh pack stretches that to 83–117. It comes standard with three-point seat belts, an automotive-glass windshield, a back-up camera, and LED lighting with one-touch turn signals; a roof-mounted solar panel is optional and GEM says it can extend range by up to 40%. GEM sells through dealers and does not publish an MSRP. Street-legal: yes (LSV certified).
Factory-certified Low-Speed Vehicle (FMVSS 500)
Factory-certified LSV — NHTSA vPIC lists make GEM (Global Electric Motorcars, a Waev Inc. brand; MakeId 595) with vehicle type Low Speed Vehicle. GEM's own pages call it 'federally classified as a low-speed vehicle (LSV),' street-legal on roads posted up to 35 mph, and it reaches 25 mph. GEM does not cite the FMVSS 500 standard number by name.
Verified against the NHTSA vPIC registry · 11/03/2026 · How we verify LSV status →
Suspension — front upper ball joint
Defect: GEM WAEV LLC (GEM) is recalling certain 2022-2025 e2, e4, e6, and eLXD vehicles. The retaining fasteners between the ball joint and the hub strut may have been improperly tightened, which can result in ball joint separation from the wheel. Risk: Ball joint separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the retaining fasteners or replace the ball joints as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2025. Owners may contact GEM customer service at 1-800-688-8680. This recall replaces NHTSA recall 24V971.
~5,353 units · Source: NHTSA recall 25V-380 · verified 09/30/2026
Your pick if
you want a proven factory-LSV in the premium class without paying up for the belt.
Verified specification sheet
The facts, with receipts
LAST VERIFIED 11/10/2026
| Top speed | 25 mph†1 |
| Range (low) | 41 mi†2 |
| Range (high) | 58 mi†2 |
| Battery type | lithium†1 |
| Battery capacity | 163 Ah†2 |
| Seats | 4†1 |
| Length | 135 in†1 |
| Width | 55.5 in†1 |
| Height | 73 in†1 |
| Curb weight | 1,135 lb†1 |
| Motor power | 5 kW†1 |
| Motor power (hp) | 8.7 hp†1 |
| Brakes | Disk/Hydraulic drum†1 |
| Suspension | MacPherson strut front (5.6 in travel); independent trailing-arm rear (6 in travel)†1 |
| Warranty | 4 yr†1 |
| Battery warranty (total term) | 7 yr†3 |
| Battery full-replacement coverage | 4 yr†3 |
| Battery warranty terms | 7 years / 30,000 mi: 100% through month 48, then 75%, 50% and 25% of the pack cost†3 |
| Battery warranty schedule (maker's share) | 100% to yr 4 · 75% yr 4–5 · 50% yr 5–6 · 25% yr 6–7†3 |
| LSV certified (street-legal capable) | Yes†4 |
| Charge time | 6 hr†2 |
| Ground clearance | 8 in†1 |
| Turning radius | 14.4 ft†1 |
◆ Value scorecard
- Power-to-weight
- 4.4 W/lb
- motor watts ÷ weight
- Warranty
- 4 / 7 yr
- vehicle / battery
Our figures, from verified specs + the cart's sourced price — lower cost-per-seat and cost-per-mile is better; higher power-to-weight means more pep and hill-climb. Range uses the normalized estimate. Cost per kWh is what the price actually buys you in battery — the single figure that separates a cheap cart from an under-batteried one, and almost nobody publishes it. Pack energy is the maker's published kWh where they give one, otherwise volts × amp-hours.
Read from the verified specs
Where it wins, where it gives
Strengths
- Factory-certified LSV — VIN'd, titleable, and insurable with no dealer conversion.
- 58-mile max range covers most daily driving.
Trade-offs
- No material knock on the verified specs — the call comes down to fit and price.
Street-legal status
Factory street-legal (LSV) — no kit needed
Factory-certified LSV — NHTSA vPIC lists make GEM (Global Electric Motorcars, a Waev Inc. brand; MakeId 595) with vehicle type Low Speed Vehicle. GEM's own pages call it 'federally classified as a low-speed vehicle (LSV),' street-legal on roads posted up to 35 mph, and it reaches 25 mph. GEM does not cite the FMVSS 500 standard number by name. The DOT equipment, VIN, and 25 mph rating come from the factory, so you can title and register it without any aftermarket conversion.
Frequently asked
- Is the GEM e4 street legal?
- Yes. The GEM e4 is a factory-certified Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV), confirmed against the NHTSA manufacturer registry. It carries a VIN and can be titled, registered, and insured for roads posted 35 mph or under.
- How fast does the GEM e4 go?
- 25 mph — the top of the federal LSV range.
- How far does the GEM e4 go on a charge?
- Up to 58 miles per charge, per the manufacturer. Real-world range depends on load, terrain, speed, and battery age.
- How many people does the GEM e4 seat?
- The GEM e4 seats 4.
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