Slingshot motorcycles: A luxury way to travel in Myrtle Beach for tourists
The Polaris Slingshot, a three wheeled motorcycle that came out in 2015, has since risen in popularity in tourist destinations like Myrtle Beach. Why? It’s simple: its fast and fun.
Richard Pham, a manager at Carolina Slingshots, explained that these vehicles, while popular for tourists to rent, are hard to buy right now because of the rising price and low supply. The newest lineup of vehicles, the 2022 models, vary in how expensive they are.
“You can get a basic one for they say about $20,000. But by the time you put the radio in, and the windshield, and the assembly fee and everything, it comes up at $27,000 for the basic model,” Pham said.
The R model, which is considered top of the line, costs around $37,000.
However, renting is the popular, and more affordable option for tourists who want to discover the areas around the beach in style.
While the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles classifies it as a motorcycle, think of it as a motorcycle with the seating of a golf cart. It seats two people, and has no air conditioning or doors to lock it.
Why are Slingshot motorcycles so popular?
The appeal of these vehicles is speed and power. The top speed of a Slingshot is about 125 mph according to Rider Magazine. If you think that sounds pretty fast, you’re right! The top speed is limited to 125 mph for the 2020 Polaris Slingshot as well. The R trim level versions can make a 0-60 MPH sprint in just 4.9 seconds.
“They are very fun to drive, and they are very powerful,” George Djordje, owner of SC Slingshot Rentals LLC said.
Both Pham and Djordje said that their customers are all mostly tourists who travel from outside South Carolina. Pham said his customers come from places like Illinois, Georgia, and Charlotte, North Carolina.
“You’re driving around, and you want to show off,” Pham said. “It’s just a popular vehicle to have.”
What are the rules on driving a Slingshot in Myrtle Beach?
The answer is simple. You cannot drive any sort of vehicle on Horry County beaches. However, other than where you can drive them, South Carolina’s rules on driving a Slingshot are lax. As long as you are 21 years of age and have a valid drivers license, you do not need a helmet or a motorcycle license to drive a Polaris Slingshot.
In the state of South Carolina, you only need to wear a helmet if you are under the age of 21 for any motorcycle. According to South Carolina motorcycle laws, “such a helmet must be equipped with either a neck or chin strap and be reflectorized on both sides thereof.”
Polaris Slingshot recommends drivers and passengers always wear a DOT-approved, full-face helmet and fasten seat belts when operating.
Is a Polaris Slingshot considered a car or a motorcycle?
The Slingshot is federally classified as a three wheeled motorcycle. Most states classify it as an Autocycle, which means that only a valid driver’s license is needed to drive the vehicle.
