Gas vs electric golf cart

Which is better: Gas or electric golf cart?

Deciding which golf cart is better for you depends on how you plan to use it and a few other factors. If you're thinking of adding one to your vehicle collection, learn how to choose between a gas vs. electric golf cart to fit your needs.

How you'll use a golf cart

A golf cart can be used in many ways, not just on the course. Figuring out which golf cart you need is determined by how you will use one. There are many factors such as location, driving distance and speed.

• Desired range — an electric cart's range often depends on the battery type. A fully charged 36v golf cart will travel about 15 to 25 miles and a standard 48v golf cart usually can travel 25 to 40 miles. Many gas golf carts have a 4-to-6-gallon tank capacity. A single tank can average 100 to 120 miles.
• Street-legal golf carts — one of your questions may be "Can you drive a golf cart on the road?” Some street-legal golf carts are classified as low-speed vehicles (LSVs), depending on size and speed. Local laws and requirements vary, so check with the local municipality where you will be driving the cart.
• Speed — both electric and gas golf carts typically travel at speeds of 12 to 15 miles per hour. Some street-legal golf carts can travel from 20 to 25 miles per hour.
• Business or pleasure — if you're using a cart for maintenance work, you may need something more powerful. Gas carts tend to have more power, with their internal combustion engine (ICE) motors averaging 10 to 12 horsepower. Electric carts typically have 3-to 5-horsepower motors. Light hauling can be done with either electric or gas, but more rugged terrain and steep inclines may need a gas cart.
• Custom built — if you're planning to modify your golf cart, gas may be preferred since add-ons might reduce the range of an electric cart.
• On the golf course — electric golf carts offer zero emissions, a quieter ride and lower overall costs compared to gas golf carts, mainly because the cost of electricity is less than the cost of gas.
• Indoors — electric is the clear choice due to quieter noise levels and no carbon monoxide emissions.

Costs of owning a golf cart

The cost of a golf cart includes not just the purchasing price, but the total ownership including maintenance and insurance. The price of a new golf cart can vary depending on the model. For basic carts, they can cost between $4,000 to $8,000. A mid-range golf cart can cost from $8,000, all the way to $12,000 depending on features and brand. For luxury golf carts, prices can start at $12,000 and even pass $20,000, if you choose customizations and high-end features. Used golf carts can typically be less expensive, ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. Additional costs can include golf cart insurance, ranging from $100 to $300 per year, depending on the value of your cart and your chosen coverage. Maintenance can be costly too, with expenses such as battery replacements, oil changes, tire rotations and brake inspections. If you need to store your golf cart, that can cost between $50 to $200 a month, depending on location and facilities. Another option for storage is to pay for a golf cart cover.

Golf cart maintenance

Electric maintenance — if one of your priorities is buying a golf cart that's easier to maintain, electric may be the way to go. Key maintenance tasks include checking and maintaining the water and electrolyte levels in the cart's batteries, as well as ensuring the batteries are properly charged. There are different types of golf cart batteries which can affect the price and lifespan. Lead-acid batteries are the most common, costing between $250 to $1,600, and lasting 2 to 4 years. Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries can cost between $360 and $540 per battery or $1,200 to $2,000 per set and typically lasting 3 to 5 years. Lithium batteries are becoming increasingly popular despite being the most expensive, with prices ranging from $2,500 to $3,500. However, they offer significant advantages, lasting three times longer and charging up to twice as fast as other battery types.

Gas maintenance — with a gas cart, you'll need to change the oil regularly and replace spark plugs and oil filters.

Both carts will require regular maintenance on tires, suspension, steering and brakes. See that you have a place to store your golf cart, too. If you don't, you may have additional storage costs to consider.

Golf cart resale values

If you're buying new, the initial purchase price is typically similar for gas and electric golf carts. Once you're looking to resell though (or if you're buying used), gas golf carts may have a higher resale value than electric carts due to the possibility of needing to replace batteries on the electric cart.

After you've made your selection, review these golf cart safety tips and consider talking with your local State Farm® agent to see that you have the right coverage for off-road or recreational vehicle insurance, like the coverages offered by State Farm.