Are you in the market for a street legal golf cart but unsure where to start? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. In this article, we will explore the different types of street legal golf carts, the factors to consider when choosing one, the top models on the market, and how to make a golf cart street legal.
Introduction
A street legal golf cart is a vehicle that is allowed to operate on public roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. Street legal golf carts are a popular mode of transportation in many communities, including retirement communities, college campuses, and small towns. They are also used in commercial settings such as resorts, airports, and theme parks.
Choosing the right street legal golf cart is important to ensure that it meets legal requirements, fits your budget, and has the necessary features to meet your needs. In this article, we will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Types of Street Legal Golf Carts
There are several types of street legal golf carts to choose from. Let’s take a look at each one:
Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs)
Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs) are a type of street legal golf cart that can reach speeds of up to 25 mph. LSVs are required to have safety features such as headlights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors, and seat belts. They are typically powered by electric motors and have a range of up to 40 miles on a single charge.
Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs)
Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) are similar to LSVs but have a top speed of 35 mph. NEVs are also required to have safety features such as headlights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors, and seat belts. They are typically powered by electric motors and have a range of up to 60 miles on a single charge.
Stay tuned for the next two sections: Factors to Consider When Choosing a Street Legal Golf Cart and Top Street Legal Golf Carts on the Market.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Street Legal Golf Cart
When choosing a street legal golf cart, there are several factors to consider:
Legal requirements for street legal golf carts
Before purchasing a street legal golf cart, it is important to understand the legal requirements in your state or municipality. Requirements can vary, but typically include safety features such as headlights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors, and seat belts. Some states also require registration and insurance for street legal golf carts.
Budget
Street legal golf carts range in price from around $5,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the features and brand. Determine your budget before you start shopping to avoid overspending.
Size and seating capacity
Consider how many passengers you will need to transport in your golf cart. Street legal golf carts can range in size from two-seaters to four-seaters or more.
Range and speed
Consider how far you need to travel on a single charge and what the top speed of the golf cart is. Keep in mind that LSVs have a top speed of 25 mph while NEVs have a top speed of 35 mph.
Safety features
Make sure the street legal golf cart you choose has the necessary safety features required by law, such as headlights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors, and seat belts. Some models also include additional safety features such as roll bars and side impact protection.
Comfort and convenience features
Consider what comfort and convenience features you want in your street legal golf cart. Some models include features such as Bluetooth speakers, USB ports, and heated seats.
Maintenance requirements
Consider the maintenance requirements of the street legal golf cart you choose. Electric models require less maintenance than gas-powered models, but they may have higher upfront costs.
Top Street Legal Golf Carts on the Market
Now that you know what factors to consider, let’s take a look at some of the top street legal golf carts on the market:
Yamaha Umax Rally 2+2
The Yamaha Umax Rally 2+2 is a four-seater LSV that comes with a 48-volt electric motor and a top speed of 25 mph. It has a range of up to 30 miles on a single charge and includes safety features such as headlights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors, and seat belts. The Umax Rally 2+2 also includes features such as a rear-facing bench seat, a sun canopy, and a Bluetooth speaker.
Club Car Onward 2 Passenger
The Club Car Onward 2 Passenger is a two-seater NEV that comes with a 48-volt electric motor and a top speed of 20 mph. It has a range of up to 40 miles on a single charge and includes safety features such as headlights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors, and seat belts. The Onward 2 Passenger also includes features such as a USB port, a premium sound system, and customizable options for the seats and body.
Stay tuned for the next two sections: Comparison of Top Street Legal Golf Carts and How to Make a Golf Cart Street Legal.
Comparison of Top Street Legal Golf Carts
Now that we’ve looked at some of the top street legal golf carts on the market, let’s compare them:
| Model | Type | Top Speed | Range | Seating Capacity | Safety Features | Comfort and Convenience Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha Umax Rally 2+2 | LSV | 25 mph | 30 miles | 4 | Headlights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors, seat belts | Rear-facing bench seat, sun canopy, Bluetooth speaker |
| Club Car Onward 2 Passenger | NEV | 20 mph | 40 miles | 2 | Headlights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors, seat belts | USB port, premium sound system, customizable seats and body |
| EZGO Express S4 High Output | LSV | 25 mph | 30 miles | 4 | Headlights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors, seat belts | Brush guard, fender flares, 12-inch alloy wheels |
| Polaris GEM e2 | NEV | 25 mph | 50 miles | 2 | Headlights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors, seat belts | AM/FM radio, Bluetooth connectivity, power steering |
| Columbia Vehicle Group Journey 2+2 | LSV | 25 mph | 30 miles | 4 | Headlights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors, seat belts | 2-inch lift kit, 12-inch aluminum wheels, 23-inch tires |
How to Make a Golf Cart Street Legal
If you have a golf cart that is not street legal but want to make it street legal, here’s what you need to do:
Requirements for street legal golf carts
In order to make your golf cart street legal, it must meet the legal requirements in your state or municipality. This typically includes safety features such as headlights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors, and seat belts.
Process of making a golf cart street legal
The process of making a golf cart street legal varies depending on the state or municipality. In general, you will need to install the necessary safety features, register the golf cart with the DMV, and obtain insurance. Some states also require a license plate and a driver’s license to operate a street legal golf cart.
Cost of making a golf cart street legal
The cost of making a golf cart street legal varies depending on the features you need to install and the requirements in your state or municipality. In general, you can expect to spend anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars to make your golf cart street legal.
Stay tuned for the final section: Conclusion.
Conclusion
Choosing the best street legal golf cart for your needs can seem overwhelming, but by considering the factors outlined in this article, you can make an informed decision. When choosing a street legal golf cart, it is important to consider legal requirements, budget, size and seating capacity, range and speed, safety features, comfort and convenience features, and maintenance requirements.
There are many great street legal golf carts on the market, such as the Yamaha Umax Rally 2+2, Club Car Onward 2 Passenger, EZGO Express S4 High Output, Polaris GEM e2, and Columbia Vehicle Group Journey 2+2. By comparing these models based on their features and specifications, you can find the best one for your needs.
If you have a golf cart that is not street legal but want to make it street legal, make sure to follow the legal requirements in your state or municipality. The process of making a golf cart street legal may involve installing the necessary safety features, registering the golf cart with the DMV, obtaining insurance, and potentially obtaining a driver’s license.
In conclusion, whether you’re using a street legal golf cart for personal or commercial purposes, choosing the best one for your needs is important. By taking the time to consider the factors outlined in this article, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the convenience and benefits of a street legal golf cart.
