WEST BEND - Electric vehicles will be allowed on city streets with posted speed limits 35 miles per hour or less, if the state Department of Transportation gives its blessing.

The vehicles are allowed a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour and therefore are only allowed by federal law on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less, according to Bob Mair, a fleet manager for MEE Material Handling of Milwaukee.

Mair contacted city officials in the spring and talked with the mayor’s office throughout the summer months, according to Mayor Kristine Deiss. The Common Council unanimously approved a measure allowing electric vehicles on city streets this week.

"Basically, I thought it would be a good idea to allow this benefit to the citizens of West Bend who may be interested in using one," Deiss said. "I think it would appeal to a lot of people."

City staff check out an electric vehicle, know as a NEV, in the City Hall parking lot Monday. The vehicle, built by Columbia Par Car of Reedsburg, costs $13,255 and can carry 650 pounds. Another model, which looks like a small pickup truck, can carry up to 975 pounds, Mair said.