WHAT REALLY MAKES A VEHICLE AN LSV - ESPECIALLY IN CANADA?

At Simolo Customs, we’ve spent years educating the public on what an LSV actually is—and why not all “street-legal” vehicles are created equal.

In the United States, there’s a well-established federal class of vehicles known as Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs). They must meet specific safety criteria—seat belts, headlights, turn signals, and speed-limiting capabilities—and are often approved for use on public roads up to 35 mph. But here in Canada, the rules are different. And that difference matters more than most people realize.

The perfect ride for your morning coffee runs

In fact, unless it bears the Canadian National Safety Mark (NSM) and an approved Compliance Label, it’s not road legal in Canada at all—no matter how many lights, belts, or mirrors it has.

That’s where Simolo Customs stands alone. We’re proud to be the only manufacturer in Canada approved by Transport Canada to apply the National Safety Mark to our LSVs. It’s not just a sticker—it’s a symbol of rigorous engineering, detailed documentation, and full compliance with federal vehicle safety standards. When you buy an LSV from Simolo Customs, you’re not just getting a stylish, functional vehicle. You’re getting one that is certified safe and legal, nationwide.

A Street-Legal NXT R4 LSV cruising the streets of Vernon, BC

Unfortunately, that’s not always the case across the industry.

We’re seeing a growing number of imported or resold vehicles—often labeled as “street-legal” or “LSV” by well-meaning dealers—that simply don’t meet Transport Canada’s standards. These vehicles might be road-legal somewhere, but if they haven’t been through Canada’s approval process, they can’t legally be operated here. This creates confusion for customers, frustration for local authorities, and in some cases, can even lead to enforcement crackdowns or new bylaws restricting LSV use entirely.

And that’s the real tragedy. When non-compliant vehicles are sold under the guise of legitimacy, they risk ruining the reputation of the entire category. Law enforcement and municipal leaders don’t always have time to dig into the details—they just see an influx of problem vehicles and react accordingly.

At Simolo Customs, we believe in a different approach. We want LSVs to thrive in Canada—not just as a novelty, but as a practical, sustainable, street-legal solution for communities across the country. That’s why we’ve done the hard work to get our vehicles fully approved, fully compliant, and fully ready to drive.

So the next time someone tells you their cart is “street-legal,” ask them to show you the National Safety Mark. If it’s not there, it’s not a Canadian LSV.