What should I look for when buying a used golf cart? - Project Sports
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What should I look for when buying a used golf cart?

6 min read

Asked by: Nikki Clark

10 Things to Look for When You Buy Used Golf Carts

  • Is the Golf Cart New or Refurbished? …
  • How Old Is the Golf Cart? …
  • Is It a Gas or Electric Golf Cart? …
  • If Electric, Are the Batteries in Good Condition? …
  • Are the Tires in Good Shape? …
  • How Does the Golf Cart Run? …
  • Who Is the Manufacturer? …
  • Is the Cart Itself Damaged?

What is the life expectancy of a golf cart?

For example, some experts estimate that the average golf cart has a useful life range of about 5-7 years. That said, golf carts can still be used for 10 years or more depending on how well they are maintained and how much money a buyer wants to put into their vehicle.

What is better 36 volt or 48 volt golf cart?

Basically, a 48V system gives you more “pep in your step” and picks up/speeds up a bit faster than a 36V system. Energy Needed/Amps Drawn- A 48V system draws less amps and provides a little more range with all things being equal (cart/passenger payload weight, motor horsepower, etc).

What is the life expectancy of a gas golf cart?

Golf carts can last anywhere between 10-20 years, depending on many factors. Some say that a well-maintained golf cart can last up to 30 years.

How long will a 48V golf cart run?

The average drive time or range for a 36 volt DC system is about 30 miles on a full charge. The 48 volt golf cart offers many more advantages in all 2, 4 or 6 passenger models. They are designed to be used in hilly areas and they offer extended range about 40-45 miles between charges compared to the 36 volt cart.

How many hours is a lot for a golf cart?

A gas vehicle with good maintenance will provide 1,000-2,500 hours of use before a major overhaul. An electric car will provide 40,000 to 50,000 amp-hours of use before a major overhaul.

How often do you need to replace golf cart batteries?

Properly maintained golf cart batteries will last on average about 6-10 years for private owners. For properly maintained fleet golf cart batteries that get used for 2-3 rounds of golf everyday, you can expect them to last 4-6 years. Fleet golf carts are generally used for golf courses or in maintenance facilities.

What should I look for when buying an electric golf cart?

10 Things to Look for When You Buy Used Golf Carts

  • Is the Golf Cart New or Refurbished? …
  • How Old Is the Golf Cart? …
  • Is It a Gas or Electric Golf Cart? …
  • If Electric, Are the Batteries in Good Condition? …
  • Are the Tires in Good Shape? …
  • How Does the Golf Cart Run? …
  • Who Is the Manufacturer? …
  • Is the Cart Itself Damaged?

How fast will a 36V golf cart go?

between 12-14 mph

How fast is a 36 volt golf cart? Without any upgrades, you can plan on max speeds between 12-14 mph.

What is the best voltage for a golf cart?

48 Volt Golf Cart

  • They are easily converted into hunting buggies or offroad carts.
  • They use 1/3 less amperage than 36 Volt carts, so they are more efficient.
  • Parts, especially upgrades, are more readily available for 48 Volt systems.
  • Golf carts with 48 Volt systems have higher resale values.


Is a 72 volt golf cart better than a 48 volt?

48-volts are a popular option as they are more affordable to maintain, and they deliver a moderate level of power. The 72-volt options are more powerful and can deliver accelerated speeds for longer. However, they require more battery packs than a 48-volt cart, increasing the upfront and maintenance costs.

How fast can a 72 volt golf cart go?

E-Z-GO 72-Volt Express S4

Frame Welded steel with E-coat & DuraShield powder coat
Curb Weight 1439 lb (653 kg)
Vehicle Load Capacity 800 lb (360 kg)
Outside Clearance Circle 19 ft. (5.8 m)
Speed Up to 19 mph +/- 0.5 mph (Up to 30.6 kph +/- 0.8 kph)

Should I keep my golf cart plugged in all the time?

Manufacturers suggest leaving your golf cart plugged in all of the time while using an auto battery charger, as it will keep the batteries fully charged and always available. If batteries are not charged for prolonged storage, they may damage over time and deliver less capacity.

How much does a 12 volt golf cart battery cost?

Average Price of Golf Cart Batteries



The average price of a golf cart battery replacement is going to be in the $800 to $1,500 range. Depending on the type of battery, it could even be in the $2,000 ballpark because powerful golf carts like a 72V need more expensive batteries installed.

How do you know when golf cart batteries are dying?

8 Signs You Need to Replace Your Golf Cart Batteries

  • Charge Times Are Out of Hand. Just like any rechargeable battery, the repeated cycles of draining and charging your battery can take a toll on it. …
  • No “Get Up and Go” …
  • You See Visual Signs. …
  • Driving Until They Die. …
  • People Are Always Running The Radio.


Is it safe to charge a golf cart in the garage?

Batteries should never be used longer than recommended by the manufacturer. When charging a golf cart, it is preferable to do so outside, but it is acceptable to charge them in a garage as long as the windows and door are open or it is otherwise well ventilated.

Can I store my golf cart outside?

If you do want to store your cart outside, you need to remove the canopy or cover, take out the battery and put it on a trickle charge, wrap the cart body with a good tarp, tie it down to keep out any moisture or animals, and check on it periodically throughout the winter.

Why does my golf cart smell like rotten eggs?

When golf cart batteries are charging, the batteries may release sulfur gas. The sulfur gas produces a rotten egg-like smell is sulfur’s characteristic smell is of rotten eggs. When such a smell comes, it is to be considered that something is not functioning correctly.

Why do golf carts catch fire?

Golf carts tend to use lead acid batteries, like those used in cars; and typically create a very small amount of hydrogen when being charged. Hydrogen is an odorless and colorless gas that is flammable.

Are lithium batteries in golf carts safe?

Are Lithium Golf Cart Batteries Safe? Yes. LifePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) is one of the safest battery chemistry available.

How do I charge an electric golf cart?

Plug the battery charger plug into a wall socket or other equivalent power source. Then, insert the charger plug into the golf cart’s charging receptacle. Verify the amperage readout on your battery charger. This should read in the vicinity of 21 amps.

How do I know when my golf cart is fully charged?


Most will flash or blink during charging and present a solid green light when finished.

How long should it take to charge golf cart batteries?

Charge your batteries for 8 to 10 hours with the proper style of golf cart battery charger. The best practice is to charge overnight after you are done using your cart for the day. Even if you only used the cart for 5 minutes, you’ll want to give the golf cart batteries a good charge.

How long do golf cart batteries last on a charge?

Typically, an electric golf cart has between 45 and 90 minutes of full-power run time on a fully charged battery. Times depend on the age of the battery, with newer batteries having longer run times.