Over the last several years, design innovations have transformed the simple golf cart into an electric maintenance vehicle widely used on college campuses, resorts, and outdoor venues. And an increasing number of people use their street-legal golf cart, also known as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle or NEV, in place of a car.
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In this post, we'll address common questions about buying an electric maintenance vehicle or street legal golf cart. Including:
' What's the difference between a golf cart, and a NEV or LSV?
' How far can an electric maintenance vehicle or golf cart go on a single charge?
' How long do the batteries last?
' Buying a used versus new electric vehicle
' Additional factors to consider before you buy
There are two main things that distinguish a golf cart from a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV), sometimes referred to as a Low-Speed Vehicle or LSV:
' The maximum speed of a golf cart is 15mph.
' An NEV / LSV must go 25mph or more.
' An NEV has headlights, turn signals, mirrors, seat belts, and even a VIN number.
' An NEV / LSV can be operated on streets with a posted speed limit of 35mph or less.
Read the California DMV's definition of a golf cart versus an NEV or LSV.
At Total Industries we carry Polaris GEM vehicles including street-legal golf carts and budget-friendly electric alternatives to traditional utility vehicles. These quiet, low-emission vehicles are ideal for college campuses, security patrol, resorts, or any type of business where the vehicle needs to cross a public street.
Don't take the chance of using a non-street legal vehicle on a public road. If there's an accident, the consequences are very unpleasant!
On average, an electric maintenance vehicle or golf cart can go 40 miles on a single charge (this assumes a 48-volt system with eight 6v batteries). You can increase this range up to 80 miles by driving flat and level surfaces and not towing. Upgrades such as lithium ion batteries and even solar panels further extend a vehicle's range.
It takes six to eight hours to recharge a vehicle that's completely dead using a standard 110-volt outlet. The fast-charge option from Polaris GEM reduces the charging time to as little as one hour when used at public charging stations.
Batteries are the main thing to be concerned with when buying used electric equipment. They can last up to eight years if properly cared for, but only two or three years if they've been ignored. A decent set of replacement batteries will run about $1,500+.
If you choose to buy a used electric golf cart or utility vehicle, ask about the battery history and be sure to get a written warranty. Review the warranty carefully and buy from a reputable seller.
Other factors to consider:
' How many seats do you need? The street-legal Polaris GEMs can transport from two up to six passengers depending on the model.
' Do you need to move cargo? Depending on the model, an electric maintenance vehicle can handle up to 1,400 lbs.
Further reading:
Are you in the market for an electric golf cart but feeling overwhelmed by all the options? With so many brands, models, features, and customization choices available, it's difficult to know how to pick the perfect electric cart for your specific needs and preferences. We're sure you also have questions on how they work, especially if this will be your first LSV golf cart.
Below we'll walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing an electric golf cart, helping you make an informed decision and get the most value for your investment.
Consider where you'll be driving your electric golf cart most often to narrow down your options.
Wondering if a 4 or 6-seater golf cart is right for you? Check out our blog post comparing the benefits of each!
While gas golf carts have their merits, electric golf carts offer several advantages:
Some of the top electric golf cart brands known for quality and performance include:
At Backyard Escapism, we carry a range of high-quality electric golf carts to suit various needs and preferences.
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An electric golf cart can be an excellent investment if you prioritize:
Most electric golf carts have a top speed between 12-25 mph, depending on the model and upgrades. Our carts strike an ideal balance of safety, performance, and efficiency for their intended use cases.
Some potential drawbacks to consider include:
However, many of these can be mitigated by choosing a high-quality cart with advanced features and proper maintenance.
Range varies by model and battery type, but most electric golf carts can travel 15-25 miles on a single charge. Lithium battery options can extend this range up to 40-50 miles.
Charging costs are generally low, averaging around $0.50-$1.00 per full charge depending on electricity rates. This is significantly cheaper than gas for comparable mileage.
A well-maintained electric golf cart can last 20-40 years, with proper care and timely battery replacements. Our carts are built to withstand years of regular use.
Lead-acid batteries typically last 4-6 years, while lithium batteries can last 8-10+ years with proper charging habits. We offer both options to fit your budget and performance needs.
The motor itself can last the lifetime of the cart (20-40 years) with routine maintenance and responsible use. Our carts feature reliable, high-efficiency motors for long-term performance.
It's best to unplug your cart once it reaches a full charge to avoid overcharging and reduce energy waste. Our lithium batteries have built-in protections against overcharging damage however.
Electric golf carts are an investment, with costs driven by:
However, their long lifespan, low operating costs, and versatility often make them a worthwhile expense. When compared against a full size car for local trips, a lithium LSV golf cart makes for an appealing alternative even with the cost.
It's best to drive your cart at least once a month to keep the batteries conditioned and components lubricated. If storing long-term, unplug the batteries and follow manufacturer guidelines. In our case, you want to leave your charge between 30-80% in a cool, dry place, but also charge it once a month.
If you do need to leave your electric cart outside in the winter, it's a good idea to do the following:
Our carts are designed to withstand a variety of weather conditions with proper precautions.
Choosing the best electric golf cart for your needs comes down to carefully evaluating your intended use, desired features, and budget. By considering factors like seating capacity, battery type, terrain suitability, and long-term value, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect fit.
At Backyard Escapism, we offer a wide selection of high-quality electric golf carts to suit every lifestyle and budget.
Ready to start exploring our electric golf cart collection? Browse our full lineup of carts and use our handy comparison table to find the best match for your needs.
Have questions or need assistance choosing the perfect electric golf cart? Our knowledgeable team is here to help! Contact us today and let us guide you towards the electric golf cart of your dreams.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit 2 Seater Electric Golf Cart.