I used to manage a golf car dealership in Alabama. Our rental prices were in line with the Disney prices. There is a lot of liability involved as people are more apt to allowing their kids to drive or drive while drinking. We had a few issues in that department.
True. I think it's only exacerbated by law suits too. Everyone is afraid of everyone else for fear of a law suit. The guiding force should NOT be the law suit (or fear of it) but rather a good set of morals. That's what is really lacking.
Just an FYI, I spoke with Tee Time to see if there were any reservations ending during my fort stay so that I could just pick up a golf cart from the other person and I was told absolutely they will not do that anymore. All their carts have to go off site to be picked back up and brought back in. They will still let you use their truck to haul it, but they can't do any more swaps inside the fort. This is what I was told last week for what that's worth.
If I where the company renting I would actually want that too. Gives any of them the chance of verify condition before the next renter. That avoids the issue of who damaged something and at least give them the chance to review/repair the carts as needed.
She told me the reason was because they were being very careful to play by Disney's rules so they don't mess up what they have. Your reason would make a lot of sense too though!