You Need To Know This Before Buying a Golf Cart

Are you in the market for a golf cart? Perhaps you live in a community by the beach and don't want to get into a car every time you need milk or want to take the dog to the park or, just maybe, you play golf!

If you have been thinking about purchasing a golf cart, you have come to the right place.

In a previous article, Golf for Beginners offered basic knowledge of golf carts - gas vs. electric, whether you should buy a new or used cart as well as consideration of use. In this blog, we look at accessories and technology available in golf carts. Between these two articles, you should be able to make a qualified decision as to which golf cart works best for your needs.

Wheels and Lift:

If you are going over rough terrain (rocks, small hills) then you should probably purchase a lifted cart with bigger wheels. Those small wheeled carts used at courses are for use over grassy terrain and would probably bottom out or sink into muck and mire when put to the test.

Electric Golf Carts vs Gas Carts

Many people opt for gas carts over electric ones because:
- you can travel longer distances
- electric cart batteries need maintenance and must be replaced over time which costs around $700 for a complete set.

The Latest Golf Cart Technology

BATTERIES: The golf cart battery market is exploding!

The dirty, heavy and "always needing maintenance" batteries are becoming a thing of the past.  Old golf cart batteries are now being replaced with Lithium cells, the same type of power source used in appliances. Not only will golf cart energy in the future be safer (goodbye acid), the cart will be lighter (only three needed), stay charged for longer periods and make changing batteries an easy do-it-yourself project.

Although it is currently cost prohibitive for most people to switch to lithium golf cart batteries, the price will eventually fall into a reasonable range (think about the way flat screen TV's used to cost $10,000 and look at what you can pick one up for in today's market!)

GPS and other golf cart "necessities":

- As the golf cart market grows due to urbanization, the latest research shows that technology will be added to make carts more functional...like adding GPS (you could use your smartphone but an in-dash display is much cooler).

- If you are used to the old golf cart bench seat and have a bad back, Club Car now offers ergonomic seating as an option.

- Custom Kits distinguish your cart from the average one which tools along the fairways. Carbon fiber upgrades your cart's look and gives your dash pizzazz!

- Sound system: Don't just whistle a happy tune on your ride, amp up the sound in your golf cart with custom audio. Yes, you can even get a system like this Kicker with LED lights but, unless you have an extra $800+ to spend, it's better to keep your eyes on the road.


New, used, gas, electric, purpose, and technology will all determine your golf cart purchase. Although it could get costly, consider how much and where you will be using your cart; take the time to do research on brands and models before making a final decision.



Have questions? Ask me in the comments section of this Golf for Beginners blog; I bought one! Tweet me @Golf4Beginners.