Golf cart parked in front of a garage.

Gas vs electric golf cart

When buying a golf cart you'll need to decide between gas and electric. Consider use, maintenance and cost to help decide which is right for you.

Which is better — gas or electric golf cart?

It depends on how you'll use the golf cart and a few other factors. If you're thinking of adding one to your vehicle collection, read on for thoughts on how to choose between a gas vs electric golf cart to fit your needs.

How you'll use a golf cart:

  • Desired range – An electric cart's range is typically 15 to 25 miles, depending on the type of battery. With a 4 to 6 gallon fuel tank, you might average 100 to 180 miles with a gas cart.
  • 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.
  • 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 – Many golf courses are switching to electric golf carts due to overall lower costs, 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.
  • Street legal golf carts – One of your questions may beCan you drive a golf cart on public roads”? Local laws and requirements vary, so check with the local municipality of where you will be driving the cart.

Have an agent contact me with a quote

Golf cart maintenance

Electric – If one of your priorities is buying a golf cart that's easier to maintain, electric may be the way to go. Your key maintenance will consist of checking and maintaining water/electrolyte levels in the cart's batteries and keeping the batteries at the appropriate level of charge. Golf cart batteries typically last between 5 to 7 years and may cost between $800 and $2,000 to replace.

Gas – 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 talk with your local State Farm® agent to ensure you have the right coverage for off-road or recreational vehicle insurance, like the coverages offered by State Farm.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
State Farm Indemnity Company
Bloomington, IL

State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas
Richardson, TX

Start a quote

Select a product to start a quote.

Find agents near
you or contact us

There’s one ready to offer personalized service to fit your specific needs.

Related articles

What not to store in the garage

Wondering what not to store in the garage? Some items might surprise you. Learn more about what can stay and what should be stored elsewhere.

Tips for UTV or ATV winter storage

Preparing your ATV or UTV for winter storage can help protect it and make it easier to get your off-road vehicle back on the trails when you're ready.

ATV safety tips

Taking the proper ATV safety steps can help keep you and your family safe while you enjoy your riding experience.

This RV travel checklist helps you pack for your trip

Get stocked up and prepared when an old-fashioned RV road trip is in your future.