For golfers who live on or near a golf course, in a golf community or on a large property, a personal golf cart can be one of the most useful purchases they ever make. Carts carry golfers and their bags around the course, but they are also used for neighbourhood trips, holiday parks, farms, campsites and large estates.
Buying a cart is a significant investment, and there are many choices: electric or gas, new or used, two seats or six, standard or lifted. This guide explains the options, what to check before you buy and the hidden costs to consider.
Do you need a personal golf cart?
A personal cart makes sense if:
- you live on or next to a golf course and play often;
- your club allows private carts (many charge a trail or cart fee);
- you live in a golf or retirement community where carts are a common way of getting around;
- you have mobility needs that make walking 18 holes difficult;
- you have a large property, farm or holiday home where a cart is useful.
If you play only occasionally at different courses, renting a cart at each round is usually more economical.
Electric vs gas (petrol) golf carts
| Factor | Electric | Gas (petrol) |
|---|---|---|
| Noise | Very quiet | Louder engine noise |
| Maintenance | Low — few moving parts | Higher — oil, filters, belts, plugs |
| Running costs | Low (electricity) | Higher (fuel and servicing) |
| Range | Limited by battery; typically enough for one or more rounds | Longer range; refuel quickly |
| Power on hills | Good, especially with modern motors | Strong, consistent power |
| Emissions | None at point of use | Exhaust fumes |
| Course acceptance | Widely accepted | Some courses and communities restrict them |
Electric carts are the most popular choice for golf use today, especially with modern lithium batteries. Gas carts suit owners who need long range, frequent use on hilly or rough ground, or who cannot charge easily.
Understanding electric cart batteries
The battery pack is the heart of an electric cart — and often the most expensive part to replace.
Lead-acid batteries
- Traditional and cheaper to buy.
- Heavy, which affects performance and handling.
- Require maintenance — topping up with distilled water and cleaning terminals.
- Shorter lifespan — often several years, depending on care and use.
- Performance drops as the battery discharges.
Lithium batteries
- More expensive up front.
- Much lighter, improving acceleration, hill climbing and range.
- Maintenance-free — no watering.
- Longer lifespan — often many years and many more charge cycles.
- Consistent performance throughout the charge.
- Faster charging.
| Battery type | Up-front cost | Weight | Maintenance | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead-acid | Lower | Heavy | Regular watering and cleaning | Shorter |
| Lithium | Higher | Light | Minimal | Longer |
Battery tips
- Ask for the age of the batteries when buying used — battery replacement can be a large cost.
- Check that the charger matches the battery type and voltage.
- Charge after each use and store the cart with charged batteries.
- Avoid fully discharging batteries regularly.
- In winter, follow the manufacturer's storage advice.
New vs used golf carts
New carts
Pros: latest features, full warranty, choice of colours and options, known history. Cons: highest cost and steeper depreciation in the first years.
Used and refurbished carts
Pros: much lower price; many carts have plenty of life left. Refurbished carts from reputable dealers may come with new batteries, upholstery and a short warranty. Cons: unknown history, possible battery or mechanical problems, potentially outdated features.
Ex-fleet carts
Courses replace their rental fleets periodically, selling the old carts. Fleet carts are usually maintained regularly but may have high usage. They can be good value if inspected carefully — and if the batteries have been replaced.
Used golf cart inspection checklist
Take your time — and if possible, take someone with mechanical knowledge.
Batteries and electrics (electric carts)
- Battery age and type; any swelling, corrosion or leaks.
- Whether the batteries hold a charge — ask for a test drive after a full charge.
- Charger included and working.
- Lights, horn, gauges and battery meter working.
Engine (gas carts)
- Starts easily, idles smoothly, no excessive smoke.
- No oil leaks; service history available.
- Belts and clutch in good condition.
Drive and handling
- Test drive on flat ground and a hill.
- Smooth acceleration with no jerking or unusual noise.
- Brakes stop the cart smoothly and the parking brake holds on a slope.
- Steering is responsive with no excessive play.
- Suspension absorbs bumps without clunking.
Body and frame
- Look underneath for rust or corrosion, especially on the frame and battery tray.
- Check the body for cracks and damage.
- Check seats and upholstery.
- Check the roof, windscreen and mirrors.
Tyres and wheels
- Even tread wear with no cracking.
- Wheels straight with no damage.
Paperwork
- Serial number and proof of ownership.
- Service and battery replacement records.
- Any remaining warranty.
Choosing the right size and features
Seating
- Two-seat carts are standard for golf.
- Four-seat and six-seat carts suit families and communities; rear-facing seats often fold into a cargo bed.
Standard vs lifted
- Standard height carts are best for golf courses and smooth paths.
- Lifted carts with larger tyres suit rough terrain, farms and off-road use, but may not be allowed on all courses.
Speed
Golf carts are designed for low speeds. Some can be modified for higher speeds, but this may affect safety, warranties and whether the cart is permitted on courses or roads.
Useful accessories
- Weather enclosure — keeps you dry in rain and warm in winter.
- Windscreen — folding windscreens are practical.
- Sand-and-seed bottle — for repairing divots.
- Cooler and drinks holder.
- Ball and club washer.
- Lights and indicators — essential if you drive at dusk or on community roads.
- Rear seat or cargo box.
- Golf bag covers for rain.
- Personalisation — custom paint, seat covers, wheels and decals to make your cart your own.
Is a golf cart legal on the road?
Rules on driving golf carts on public roads vary widely by country, state and local area.
- In many places, standard golf carts are not permitted on public roads, or only on specific community roads and crossings.
- Some areas allow carts that meet specific requirements — such as lights, mirrors, seat belts, indicators, registration and insurance — often classified as low-speed vehicles.
- Golf and retirement communities may have their own rules for carts.
Always check local regulations before driving a cart anywhere other than private property or the golf course.
Costs of owning a golf cart
Beyond the purchase price, budget for:
| Cost | Notes |
|---|---|
| Insurance | Liability and theft cover; often required by courses and communities |
| Storage | Garage or covered space; protection from weather |
| Course trail fees | Many courses charge to use a private cart |
| Maintenance | Tyres, brakes, servicing; oil and filters for gas carts |
| Battery replacement | The largest periodic cost for electric carts |
| Electricity or fuel | Generally modest |
| Accessories | Enclosures, lights and upgrades |
Golf cart safety
- Follow course cart rules — paths only, 90-degree rule and keeping away from greens and tees.
- Drive slowly on slopes and never turn sharply across a hill.
- Keep arms and legs inside the cart while moving.
- Set the parking brake whenever you stop.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol.
- Supervise children and follow any age rules for drivers.
- Avoid wet grass on slopes, where carts can slide.
See our golf etiquette guide for on-course cart etiquette.
Questions to ask the seller
- How old is the cart, and how old are the batteries?
- Have the batteries ever been replaced? Do you have receipts?
- How has the cart been stored — indoors or outdoors?
- Has it been used on a golf course, community roads or rough terrain?
- Are there service records?
- Has it been modified (speed, lift kit, electrical changes)?
- Is the charger included and original?
- Are there any known faults?
- Is there any remaining warranty, and is it transferable?
- Can I take it for a test drive on a hill?
A simple maintenance schedule
| Frequency | Task |
|---|---|
| After each use | Charge (electric); clean off grass and mud |
| Monthly | Check tyre pressure; inspect battery terminals; check water levels (lead-acid) |
| Every few months | Check brakes, steering and suspension; lubricate moving parts |
| Annually | Professional service; for gas carts, oil, filters and spark plug |
| As needed | Replace tyres, brake components and batteries |
Regular maintenance extends the life of your cart and protects its resale value.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a golf cart last?
A well-maintained cart can last many years. The frame and body often outlast several sets of batteries. Gas carts depend on engine maintenance.
How far can an electric golf cart go on one charge?
It depends on battery type, condition, terrain and load. Most carts in good condition comfortably cover one or two rounds of golf; lithium batteries usually offer more range than lead-acid.
Should I buy a used golf cart?
Used carts can be excellent value if you inspect them carefully, especially the batteries. Buying refurbished from a reputable dealer reduces the risk.
Can I convert a lead-acid golf cart to lithium?
Many carts can be converted with a lithium conversion kit, which typically includes the battery pack, a compatible charger and sometimes a battery meter. Conversion reduces weight and maintenance and usually increases range, but the up-front cost is significant. Use a reputable installer and make sure the controller and charger are compatible with the new battery.
What size golf cart do I need?
A two-seater is ideal for golf alone. If you plan to carry family members or use the cart in a residential community, a four-seat model with a rear-facing seat that folds into a cargo bed offers more flexibility. Consider storage space, too — larger carts need larger garages.
Are golf carts expensive to insure?
Costs vary by location, value and use. Insurance is often modest compared with a car, but carts used on community roads may require broader cover. Ask your insurer about liability, theft and damage cover.
The bottom line
A personal golf cart is a great investment if you play often, live on or near a course, or need help getting around. Choose electric for quiet, low-maintenance use or gas for long range and power; pay close attention to battery type and age; inspect used carts thoroughly; and budget for insurance, storage, trail fees and maintenance. Check your course rules and local laws, drive safely — and enjoy the convenience. If you prefer to walk, see our guide to push carts and electric trolleys.