No, that big red vehicle on the Quad isn’t a Model-T wannabe, and it’s not Lafayette College President Nicole Hurd’s getaway car. But what is it, exactly?
That mysterious maroon machine, with a covered roof and three doors on each side, is the latest — and flashiest — addition to the college’s arsenal of golf carts, giving visitors a ride they won’t forget.
“We received many requests to provide accessible transportation, particularly during busy times like this past weekend,” wrote Geoff Labe, the assistant vice president of finance and administration, in an email, referencing last weekend’s full schedule of bicentennial and homecoming events.
“This cart provides an additional transportation option for those needing assistance navigating campus,” he continued. It will be used by a range of departments, including the Office of Admissions and the student life division.
The electric-powered cart was purchased four months ago in accordance with the college’s sustainability commitment to reduce carbon emissions, according to Labe.
Questions remained, however. To find out more about the vehicle and its specifications, The Lafayette secured an exclusive golf cart ride with Labe himself at the wheel.
The ride was incredibly smooth, the engine delightfully quiet and the seating surprisingly spacious. The speedometer stopped at 30, confirming the “25 MPH Vehicle” sign, located on the back of the vehicle.
During the ride, Labe highlighted the cart’s reliability, all-weather durability and multi-use potential.
“GEM’s a good brand,” Labe said, before emphasizing the importance of following the college’s safety guidelines and relevant advice from local authorities.
The vehicle is a GEM e6 model priced above $20,000, with a range of 86 miles and an energy cost of just 3 cents per mile.
Eager students are out of luck in securing a ride, but for now, they can gaze upon its glorious figure just outside Marquis Hall, where it’s parked when not in use.
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