Published: October 15, 2007 12:29 pm            

The buggy is back

NEWTON — As golf carts and utility vehicles become more popular, a new dealership is looking to cash in on the hot market.

Newly opened Lewis Buggies Inc. in Newton is catering to those who want an alternative to bigger vehicles like cars or trucks, and instead, want something smaller and more convenient for short trips — a Bad Boy Buggy.

Owner Bruce Lewis described a Bad Boy Buggy as a four-wheel drive, lifted golf cart that’s all electric, so there is no gas smell and they are silent.

The user-friendly, easy-to-drive buggies are handy for people who hunt and for work around farms, according to Lewis. Women love to use them for yard work around their homes, he added.

“The key thing to these is they are quiet and they run better and have low-end power,” Lewis said comparing them to golf carts and other utility vehicles.

Even though the buggies are more of a slow, laid-back ride — they run about 20 miles per hour, Lewis said several people around the area are trading in their four-wheelers and other outdoor vehicles for them.

The buggies have several standard features, including a top and front basket racks and a trailer hitch. They typically seat four, however, there is a stretch model that seats six. The back seat flips down to make a flat bed. They also come with an electric braking system, as well as regular brakes.

The buggies have several accessories available, such as gun racks, bow racks, complete enclosure canvas, a metal box bed, aluminum or chrome wheels or a wench.

The standard model costs about $8,750.

Lewis said the batteries of a Bad Boy Buggy are similar to a 6-volt golf cart battery. He said fully charged batteries should provide enough power for the buggy to go 32 miles.

“We’re real pleased with them. We use them ourselves,” Lewis said.

For more information on the Bad Boy Buggy, call 618-783-3214 or visit the Web site at www.badboybuggies.com.

Jason Short can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 131 or jason.short@effinghamdailynews.com.