Frequently Asked Questions
Are these actually golf carts?
No, HeyYa Carts are not traditional golf carts. While they look just like golf carts, they have undergone significant upgrades in power and safety to meet legal requirements, making them Neighborhood Zero-Emissions Vehicles (NZEVs), also known outside BC as Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV). These enhancements ensure they are well-suited for urban exploration, providing a sustainable and safe mode of transportation.
Upgrades from a regular golf cart include:
- Upgraded power (able to maintain 40km/h)
- Seat Belts
- Daytime running lights
- High beam/low beam headlights
- Turn Signals
- A horn
- Laminated glass windshield
- Windshield Wipers
- Hazard Lights
- Rear- and side-view mirrors
- Emergency brake
- License plates/Vehicle Insurance
What is a NZEV?
How old do I have to be? Do I need a driver's license?
To rent one of our vehicles, individuals must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Any class of license that allows you to drive a car is okay, including “N” or Novice. All additional drivers must be listed on the policy!
Where can I drive?
In Vancouver, without prior permission, you must remain north of 16th Ave and west of Main St.
In Victoria, without prior permission, they are allowed in the City of Victoria & Oak Bay, where they can be driven anywhere south of Bay St and south/east of Cadboro Bay Rd.
These vehicles also CANNOT be driven:
- On the beach
- On the seawall (you can drive around Stanley Park, you just need to stay on the road)
- In bike lanes
- Over any bridges except: In Vancouver, the Burrard, Granville & Cambie bridges. In Victoria, the Johnson St & Point Ellis (Bay St) Bridge (if you cross these bridges, you must not cross Dominion Rd/Arm St).
- On the Freeway (including Highway 1).
- On Hwy 99 Stanley Park Causeway to the Lions Gate Bridge (i.e., Georgia Street west of Denman, except to access and drive around Stanley Park).
- On the portion of SW Marine Drive between 41st Ave and 16th Ave where the speed limit is above 50 km/h.
- On Chancellor Boulevard (West 4th Avenue east of Blanca) where the speed limit is above 50 km/h.
- On Blanchard St, north of Caledonia Ave.
How fast are the golf carts?
The golf carts have a maximum governed speed of 40 km/h (25 mph). When going up hill, a heavily-loaded cart may only reach speeds of 25 or 30 km/h.
What is the range, and how do I charge?
Our vehicles have a range of about 50 to 80 km, depending on how many passengers you have, and they come fully charged for your convenience. This range is ample for a day of touring Vancouver as long as you make plenty of stops. But if you end up getting down to about 20% charge, you’ll need to head directly back to our office for an early return. Depending on availability, we may be able to provide you a replacement vehicle.
There is no need to charge the vehicle before returning it to us at the end of your rental.
What road rules do I have to follow?
When operating our vehicles, please observe the following road rules:
- If there is only one lane, stay to the right to allow others to pass on the left.
- If there are two or more lanes, drive in the right-hand lane unless passing or turning left.
- Only drive on roads with a maximum speed limit of 50 km/h – this is the default speed limit on all municipal roads in Vancouver.
- Be mindful of school and playground zones, as well as certain side streets that may have a 30 km/h speed limit.
- The speed limit in lanes is 20 km/h.
You can read more in the City of Vancouver Street & Traffic Bylaw 2849 – Section 59a.
Does British Columbia have any unusual traffic rules?
Here are some unique driving rules in Vancouver:
- A flashing-green light indicates a pedestrian/cyclist-controlled crossing and will remain green unless someone pushes the button to cross.
- During a power outage, treat all traffic lights as stop signs.
- A red light with a flashing green arrow signifies that the light is green for turns in that direction but may be red anyone not turning.
- A white bar on a traffic light is designated for buses only.
- You are permitted to turn RIGHT on a red light, but only if it is safe to do so and from the right-most lane into the right-most lane.
- If turning onto a one-way street, you are allowed to turn LEFT on a red light, but only if it is safe to do so and from the left-most lane into the left-most lane.
- Pay attention to signs that may prohibit turns on red or during specific hours.
Where can I park the carts?
Please note that HeyYa Cart Rentals’ vehicles do not receive special parking privileges and must adhere to the same parking laws as regular passenger vehicles. Be cautious, as many parking spots in the city turn into no-stopping zones after 3 pm, and enforcement officers are swift, often accompanied by tow trucks. Always park within 30 cm (1′) of the curb.
For loading or unloading passengers, you may:
- Stop in a “loading zone” for up to 3 minutes (not a “Commercial Loading Zone”).
- Stop in a “passenger zone” for up to 3 minutes.
- Stop in a “no parking” zone for up to 5 minutes.
However, you may not stop, even for unloading passengers:
- In a “Commercial Loading Zone.”
- In a “Commercial Lane.”
- In a bus stop or taxi zone.
- In a no-stopping zone.
Additionally, you may not park:
- In any lane abutting retail or commercial businesses or marked for Commercial Vehicles Only.
- In resident-only or permit-only parking zones, even if you are a resident.
- Head-in or wrong-way in a street-side parking spot; you must be facing the proper direction.
- Within 6 meters (20′) of the nearest edge of the closest sidewalk on an intersecting street.
- Within 9 meters (30′) of the nearest edge of the pavement on an intersecting street where no sidewalk exists.
- Within 1.5 meters (5′) of a private road, boulevard crossing, or sidewalk crossing.
- Within 6 meters (20′) of a crosswalk.
- Within 6 meters (20′) of a stop sign.
- Within 5 meters (16.5′) of a fire hydrant.
- On or blocking a bike lane.
You can read more at the City of Vancouver’s parking rules.
Do I need to buy insurance?
Where is your office?
Even though we may be open for business, there isn’t always someone in our physical office — so we recommend you book online or by phone rather than showing up in person.
If you still want to find us, we’re inside the Pan Pacific Hotel at 999 Canada Place. Take the elevator to level “R”, and and keep to the right until you see our office. We’re in the same building as the Vancouver Convention Centre (East), Starbucks, the Cruise Ship Terminal, and the World Trade Centre.
How do i get there from YVR airport?
Getting to our location from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is most convenient via the Canada Line SkyTrain. Board the train on Level 3 of the airport, enjoy a 25-minute ride to the last stop, Waterfront Station, and exit through the main entrance – we’re just around the corner to the right.
Alternatively, taxis, Ubers, or Lyfts are available for your convenience.
How do I get there when arriving on a Cruise Ship?
You’ll exit the cruise ship into the underground parking lot. Before you leave the lot, right beside Spa Utopia you’ll see an elevator lobby for “Hotel & Convention Centre”. Take the elevator to “R” level and turn right. Keep right until you get to our office.
If you already have a rental booked, look for a text message from us with instructions on where to meet.
How do I get there when arriving via Hullo Ferry or Seaplane?
Both arrive at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, and we’re in the Convention Centre East. Walk along the seawall towards the “sails”, or east on Canada Place Way. We’re in the same building as Fly Over Canada and the Pan Pacific Hotel.