Golf carts - gas or electric?

[ms.yt]

I'd like to get a golf cart to use around our tiny little town this summer and possibly let my almost 14 year-old son run the little ones to the library a couple of times a week. My in-laws are adamant that we should get a gas one because the batteries are so expensive on the electric ones. I'm assuming, though, that the batteries last for a good while before they don't charge anymore. Am I right?

 

[GeorgeG]

I live in what is probably the largest golf cart community in the world and the gas vs. electric debate is ongoing. Many of us prefer electric because they're quiet and don't stink. Depending on the make and model, you can get 45-80 miles on a single charge. Trust me, that's a lot of miles to sit in one of those. You do have to check the water levels on the batteries once a month or so depending on how much you use it and the batteries will need to be replaced about every 5 years. That can run $700 - $900. It costs about $5 a month on the electric bill to keep your cart charged.

The gas carts get about 50 mpg and hold about 3 gallons of gas. They need about the same maint. as any riding lawn tractor and they are noisy. We have tunnels to get from one side of the major roads and following a gas cart through one of those will gag the best of us. Depending on the price of gas and how much you use the cart, you might break even with the cost compared to charging and replacing the battieries on an electric cart.

Here in Florida, the state requires no license to drive a cart, but does require the driver to be at least 14. The standard cart is limited to 20 mph and can only be used on streets where the posted speed limit is less than 35mph. They can be and are ticketed for traffic violations and souped up carts caught going over 20 mph will bring a bunch of hefty fines. "Street Legal" carts are allowed on roads where the speed limit is 35 mph or less and require a valid drivers license and Florida plate, which involves insurance, seat belts and other items found on cars.

I must mention that driving a cart in traffic on any roads comes with some risk. In the past five years, just here in The Villages, there have been ten fatalities and countless injuries from golf cart accidents (cars, trees, immovable objects, and even curbs will usually win over the cart). You must pay attention. All things considered, the carts are a great way to get around, especially in nice weather.

 

[tvguy]

When I was involved with Little League the issue came up. In the past they had an electric golf cart. For some reason, they hated it and got rid of it. To comply with ADA we had to get a new one, they got a gas one. That was is still going after 9 years of abuse.

 

[golfgal]

On a golf course I prefer electric because they are quieter and run more smoothly. I don't have to take care of them though. I know that the charge on a battery lasts through several rounds of golf each day so buzzing around a small town wouldn't be an issue. Keep in mind that golf carts have speed governors on them so they can go a lot faster then what you see on a golf course.

Before you do anything though, make sure they are street legal in your town. Also, golf carts are not cheep. It might be a better deal to look into a moped or used scooter.

 

[ms.yt]

On a golf course I prefer electric because they are quieter and run more smoothly. I don't have to take care of them though. I know that the charge on a battery lasts through several rounds of golf each day so buzzing around a small town wouldn't be an issue. Keep in mind that golf carts have speed governors on them so they can go a lot faster then what you see on a golf course.

Before you do anything though, make sure they are street legal in your town. Also, golf carts are not cheep. It might be a better deal to look into a moped or used scooter.

I'm assuming they are legal in our town, because there are several people on my street alone who drive around in one, including the mayor. I'll have to stick with a golf cart, though, for what I have in mind. We live about a block from the school, and they are providing a free summer meal program this year. I'd like my older son to take my two younger kids there from time to time for lunch. Also, our public library is about 2 blocks away, and my older son can take the little ones to their summer reading program, too.

I do a little photography for people in the area, and a lot of times we want to go a few blocks away to the park or someplace, so I'm thinking that a golf cart will come in handy with that as well.

Thanks for the advice, everybody!

 

[mjkacmom]

I'm assuming they are legal in our town, because there are several people on my street alone who drive around in one, including the mayor. I'll have to stick with a golf cart, though, for what I have in mind. We live about a block from the school, and they are providing a free summer meal program this year. I'd like my older son to take my two younger kids there from time to time for lunch. Also, our public library is about 2 blocks away, and my older son can take the little ones to their summer reading program, too.

I do a little photography for people in the area, and a lot of times we want to go a few blocks away to the park or someplace, so I'm thinking that a golf cart will come in handy with that as well.

Thanks for the advice, everybody!

My first thought was gas, just because we are currently camping with friends who have a seasonal site, and they just bought a gas one, and the electric ones seem quite wimpy by comparison- lol. But after reading your needs, how about walking the block or two?

 

[ms.yt]

My first thought was gas, just because we are currently camping with friends who have a seasonal site, and they just bought a gas one, and the electric ones seem quite wimpy by comparison- lol. But after reading your needs, how about walking the block or two?

Well, I'm sure they will walk some before it gets super hot this summer. I'd like to have an option that doesn't have them arriving somewhere all sweaty and smelly before sitting in a room full of people for two hours.

Also, for my photography needs, most people who are made up for senior pictures or bridals wouldn't want to take off walking a few blocks in their makeup and nice clothes in 100 degree heat.