What is a Golf Cart ?

A golf cart is a small vehicle designed originally to carry two golfers and their golf clubs around a golf course faster and with less effort than walking.

Golf cars now come in a wide range of formats and are more generally used to convey small numbers of passengers short distances at relatively medium speeds (about 25 mph per ANSI Standard z130.1). They are generally 4' x 8' x 6' high and weigh 900-1,000 pounds.

Some golf cars are powered with small gas engines and others are electrically powered. These electric golf cars were the first mass-produced electric vehicles for private consumer use. This variety is now used in many communities where their lack of pollutants, lack of noise, and safety for pedestrians and other cars (due to slow speeds, although capable of much higher speeds with modifications not sanctioned by the original manufacturers for liability reasons) are beneficial. When purpose-built for general transportation these are called Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs), but with various operating limitations such as top speed and heavy regulation on which type of streets these types of cars are permitted to be used. These may resemble the golf cars shown above, although some are now being made with all–weather car–like bodies.

At press time, the leading manufacturer of golf cars in the United States is Ingersoll Rand Corporation's Club Car division.

Modern golf cars may have car-like styling (despite being no bigger than a traditional golf car), and accessories such as audio entertainment systems, custom wheels with spinners, and custom body panels in a wide assortment of colors.

There is a very large market for aftermarket parts on golf cars from many companies. There are 3 main maufacturers of golf cars: Club Car, EZ Go, and Yamaha. Each have their own lines of aftermarket parts to enhance off road capabilities (such as lift kits, larger tires with aggressive tread patterns, etc.). From third parties, there are also kits available that facilitate the installation of a larger engine (such as a Honda 24 HP V-Twin engine or a Briggs & Stratton engine ranging in sizes from 16-31HP). There are also parts made to help in towing, such as hitch mounts, cargo boxes, radios, high-performance mufflers and air filters, high speed or torque gear sets, and custom paint/decal sets. There is even a "Hummer" golf car available from many dealers for around $25,000.00 US dollars. Buggiesgonewild is one site dedicated to the ever expanding golf cart community.

Peachtree City, Georgia has numerous miles of golf cart paths that link the city together. Golf cart travel is used by a great majoriy of the community, especially among high school students. McIntosh High School even has a student golf cart parking lot on campus.