PORTLAND (AP) – Some Mainers are finding relief from the rising gasoline prices with tiny electric cars that look more suited for George Jetson, the animated suburbanite of the future.

John Chenard of South Portland bought a Global Electric Motorcar last spring, and uses it for his two-mile commute to his job at a bread company near the Maine Mall. It’s not a fast trip – the GEM’s top speed is about 25 mph – but it’s comfortable and Chenard doesn’t have to worry about filling the tank.

“I really like driving it,” he said. “All the stresses of driving are gone.”

Global Electric Motorcar LLC, which is owned by DaimlerChrysler, manufactures two- and four-seaters that sell new for $7,600 to $13,000. The vehicles, which look something like futuristic golf carts, are designed primarily for communities with limited speeds.

While the vehicles may look like they belong on a golf course, they have suspension and brakes like a regular car, along with doors, seat belts, a heater, mirrors and windshield wipers. Most of those features are necessary to be registered as a low-speed vehicle in Maine and across the country.

GEM cars weren’t legal on Maine roads until 2003, when Gov. John Baldacci signed a law allowing motorists to drive what qualify as “low-speed vehicles” on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or under. Prior to that, they were allowed with golf carts on roads on Maine islands.

According to the Secretary of State’s Office, there are only seven low-speed vehicles registered in the state as of this year – but that doesn’t include the ones that are registered under the state’s special island use permits.

At Jolly John Auto City in Saco, at least 30 GEM cars have been sold since they were introduced in 2001, said general manager Peter Gordon.

Gordon said most of the interest comes from islanders, but he’s seeing more people on the mainland who are interested in finding a nontraditional second car.

“The fact of the matter is you don’t use it as your regular vehicle, you use it as your in-town vehicle,” Gordon said.

Most people, he said, use them for short commutes or trips around town. He thinks the cars would be ideal for residents of places like Portland’s Old Port or Old Orchard Beach.

Ralph Ashmore, who lives on Peaks Island, bought his four-seat GEM on eBay last year for $5,400. Eventually, he thinks the cars will find their niche.

He likes the fact that they’re quiet, have zero emissions and run on electricity, not gasoline.

“No more trips to the filling station,” he said. “You just plug it in.”