A Horseless e-carriage for Charleston. It could be a game-changer. It was unveiled by Kyle Kelly, a King Street shop owner who apparently spent years carefully considering the safety measures we promote. Unveiled last evening, the carriage design is meant to keep the classic look that tourists love but without inhumane treatment. It is a vast improvement over current wagons pulled by horses and mules. Stable steps to the wagon, headlights, a driver who will actually need a driver’s license and therefore subject to rules of the road as a motorized vehicle driver….and it is battery-powered!

Here’s what the developer had to say about the new concept:

Kelly began working on the E-Carriage about four years ago with the hopes of offering a classic tour ride with a modern twist on the streets of downtown Charleston. The E-Carriage is meant to be a green, humane alternative for people who still want the carriage ride experience while learning about the historic city.

The E-Carriage is powered by 16 batteries and outfitted with LED lights for a quiet, visible ride. The vehicle has four rows of seats, a bonus bench on the back, and room for 18 people including a carriage driver in the front. There are step rails on each side for passengers to safely climb on and off. It was designed with safety and comfort in mind while adhering to the aesthetics of a traditional horse-drawn carriage.

“I’ve been following the endless controversy over the horse carriage industry for many years. Residents have long voiced their concerns but there’s been little to no change. I saw an opportunity to come up with a solution,” said Kyle Kelly, founder of E-Carriage, LLC.

“It’s not meant to stop or disrupt existing horse carriage businesses, but rather serve as a vehicle in the evolution of the industry. I want this to be something locals are proud to see on the streets.”

We hope the Tourism Commission will look favorably upon this concept. What can YOU do to help push Charleston to a more humane touring vehicle? CALL or WRITE the Mayor and City
Council members.

https://www.charleston-sc.gov/180/Members-Districts

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