Are you interested in learning more about a street legal golf cart? Traditional golf carts aren’t legal on the road unless they’ve been modified to meet all low and medium-speed vehicle regulations. Because golf carts are four-wheeled electric-powered vehicles with a top speed of greater than 20 mph but less than 25 mph, they are designated low-speed vehicles.
A four-wheeled electric or gas-powered vehicle with a top speed of greater than 30 mph but less than 35 mph is referred to as a medium-speed vehicle. Owners of golf carts must submit a low-speed affidavit form certifying that the cart has been appropriately adjusted and meets all low (or medium) speed vehicle standards to make it street legal.
The carts can subsequently be labeled and registered as low (or medium) speed vehicles by the clerks. The carts must be registered with a local county clerk’s office using a copy of the vehicle’s manufacturer’s statement of origin. This article will learn about the top-5 and what makes them legal.
- Cars Vs. Street Legal Golf Cart
- Is It Worth It?
- 5 Street Legal Golf Cart
- Factors To Determine It?
- Final Verdict
Cars Vs. Street Legal Golf Cart
Street legal golf cart usage on public highways has exploded in the last 20 years, and with good reason. The following are some of the advantages of using a street legal golf cart rather than a car for your transportation:
1. More Effective:
They are substantially more fuel-efficient than cars due to their tiny size. This efficiency is much more apparent if you opt for an electric golf cart. It’s not much of a difference between charging your phone and charging an electric golf cart.
2. Environmentally Friendly:
Do you want to cut down on your carbon output? You’ll be able to get rid of them all with a street-legal golf cart.
3. More Cost-Effective:
A brand new electric golf cart costs roughly $6,000 on average. On the low end, a brand new car will cost you 300% more.
4. Maintenance Is Reduced:
Street legal golf carts are nearly maintenance-free because of advancements in technologies such as lithium-ion batteries. While maintenance is still required, you can rest confident that you will not be required to pay for repairs regularly as you would with standard gasoline-powered vehicles.
5. Enjoyment:
Riding about in a quiet, electric golf cart is a lot of fun. A lot of this can be attributed to the rise of a street-legal golf cart.
6. Adaptable:
Street legal golf carts are more versatile than cars in that they can go wherever they choose. Indeed, some towns have forbidden automobiles entirely. Its adaptability, which can take its owners on the golf course, across town, and everywhere in between, is a big selling factor.
The Value Of Street Legal Golf Cart
Street legal golf carts, which some people wrongly refer to as “neighborhood electric cars,” have grown in popularity over the years. They’ve achieved recognition since they’re more economical, energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and enjoyable to drive than traditional automobiles.
Some people have turned to these carts as their primary mode of transportation. Whether they need to get to a doctor’s appointment, the gym, go shopping or reconnect with a long-lost acquaintance.
Something simpler than that is required under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs). It includes parking brakes, rearview mirrors, windshields, seat belts, vehicle identification numbers, and reflex reflectors, among other things.
5 Best Street Legal Golf Cart
So, what are some of the best options available? Below is a list to assist you in making the best decision possible, taking into account price, pleasure, and longevity.
1. Villager 2+2 Street Legal Golf Cart
This is similar to the Villager 2, but the updated Villager 2+2 has additional seating, making it ideal for a crowded family trip through the streets, golf course, or park. However, the capability of this LSV allows it to provide more than just convenience and entertainment. Villager 2+2 does not require petrol to operate, making it a very cost-effective vehicle. It’s built to meet the requirements of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, making it perfect for suburban or in-town outings.
Villager 2+2 has a sturdy, rust-proof aluminum chassis, can travel up to 30 miles on a single charge, has 3-point seat belts, safety-glass windshields, and an easy-to-use smart onboard diagnostics system, just like the rest of the Villager carts.
It runs on a 48-volt DC with a reduced reverse speed and has a constant motor horsepower of 5 hp (3.6 kW) and a peak motor horsepower of 14 hp (10.3 kW). It has a 10:3:1 direct-drive axle with a double reduction helical gear as the drive unit. Like the Villager 2 LSV, the Villager 2+2 features a 350 amp DC controller and 20 to 23 mph speed range.
2. Star SS 48 Street Legal Golf Cart
The Star SS 48 is a supplement to the lesser Star Classic 48. Considering its features, it is easy to deduce that it is reasonably priced. A 48-volt system with 8-6-volt batteries powers this ride. When compared to other 48-volt street legal golf carts, this delivers significantly more range. For someone who is also concerned with appearances. The Star SS 48 is far more appealing than most other street-legal golf carts.
This golf cart has a 400 Amp controller and a 5.5 HP motor. Both of which are superior to what most other street legal golf carts have to offer in terms of performance. Because of its 10:1 differential ratio, it gives the user a strong sense of speed. It can reach a top speed of 19.5 miles per hour. The seats on the golf cart are far comfier than those seen on a normal street legal golf cart.
3. Bintelli 6PF Street Legal Golf Cart
Bintelli’s 6PF is a six-passenger street legal golf cart. Its six seats are all in the front row. A golf bag strap is located behind the back seats, and it may be converted to a rear locking trunk for added security. The Bintelli 6PF street legal golf cart is a popular model that many people utilize for modest transportation needs around congested areas or commercial premises.
It has a maximum of 20-25 mph speed and a 4kW motor (5.5HP). It can travel up to 50 miles on a single charge, thanks to eight Trojan 105 batteries. 4-wheel hydraulic hand brakes, a Curtis Sepex 1268 controller, a DOT windscreen with wiper, and an Eagle On-Board charger are all included. It’s reasonably priced and easy to maintain.
4. E-MERGE Ghosthawk Street Legal Golf Cart
The E-MERGE Ghosthawk is a raised golf cart among its sisters within the E-MERGE Series of a street legal golf cart. It is equipped with 14-inch aluminum wheels and 4-wheel hydraulic brakes with a front disc and rear drum. It boasts LED headlights, self-canceling turn signals, a glass windshield, and a windshield wiper, among other amenities, making it ideal for both the road and the golf course.
This street legal golf cart has electric power steering, a 5kW (17hp) AC drive motor, a Sevcon 450 AMP AC controller, and a 48v power system that allows it to travel over 40 miles on a single charge. It has a sturdy structure and a rust-resistant roofing system.
5. ACG E Wagon Street Legal Golf Cart
ACG’s E Wagon is a wonderful alternative if you like a simple and economical street legal golf cart. This ride has a top speed of 25 mph. While it is not uniformly licensed for street use, it is permitted in most states in the United States and is restricted to roads with 35 miles per hour speed restrictions.
It comes with a removable golf bag, so you can quickly convert it to a golf course bag at any moment. It has an aluminum I-beam frame, a 48-volt system, and Traction batteries monitored by a computerized system. Its 4.5kW AC high-output motor is powerful enough for most applications. An on-board 12-volt converter powers the dashboard. It has headlights, turn signals, brake lights, and a tested 4-wheel braking mechanism, which is uncommon in golf carts.
Factors For Determining A Street Legal Golf Cart:
If you want to convert your golf cart into a road vehicle, you’ll need to make a few changes to guarantee that it’s safe. These upgrades may cost several hundred dollars to install, but they can safeguard you and others while driving your cart on a public road.
Importantly, these changes will ensure that your cart is legal to drive on the road and will help you avoid any legal problems. For example, if you try to drive a golf cart on the road without executing these easy changes. You’ll very certainly be pulled over. Most legal professionals can detect carts that aren’t ready for the road and will hold you accountable for your lack of preparation.
1. Lights In Use
Before you take a golf cart out on the road, check to see if it has enough lights to keep you safe while driving at night. Headlights, brake lights, rear taillights, and turn signals are examples of these lights. In short, you’re converting your cart into a little conventional vehicle, which necessitates the addition of all of these lights.
While you don’t need your headlights on throughout the day, as you would in a normal car, daytime running lights are a smart idea because they ensure that people see you before they see the vehicle.
This is a common safety precaution in other sorts of vehicles, and it can help protect you from drivers who may not notice your cart immediately away but see your lights. Fog lights may also be a smart choice for drivers who plan to use their street legal golf cart frequently. Additionally, you must ensure that all of your lights are connected correctly for them to function effectively.
You’ll need a switch for your headlights, as well as a power gauge to verify that you can adjust from low to bright. You must also attach your turn signals to the steering wheel of your cart for them to activate at the appropriate time. And brake lights must be connected to your brakes and illuminate when even the tiniest amount of pressure is applied to the braking surface.
2. Appropriate Top Speed
A street-legal golf cart isn’t usually powerful enough to compete with other types of traffic on the road. As a result, you’ll need to update your engine so that it can travel at least 20 to 25 miles per hour. Because street legal golf carts often move substantially slower after an upgrade and can be dangerous if you don’t take the time to boost their speed, this should be your minimum speed.
The top speed of most is around 45 miles per hour. Which is just fast enough to ride on most roads. Once again, you should consult with your state officials to determine what further you should do in this scenario. The majority of them will recommend various engine upgrades that you can use to increase the speed of your street legal golf cart.
To ensure that your cart is faster and safer on the road, you may wish to modify numerous features. Such as adding larger tires and lighter stuff. However, don’t go faster than 45 mph, or you’ll have problems. While making a street-legal golf cart travel quicker than this is certainly possible, doing so poses a risk.
Even if you have seatbelts, a crash at 60 miles per hour in a golf cart is going to be very bad for you. Your street legal golf cart is likely to fall apart, and you may wind up flying through the air and suffering from a wide range of injuries when you land.
3. Items Approved By The DOT
According to the Department of Transportation, all street vehicles must contain specific allowed equipment. A street legal golf cart, for example, must have certified tires, windshields, windscreen wipers, and seat belts to function on the road. Before you put anything on your street legal golf cart. You must either have it made by the DOT for this purpose or have it approved by them.
Your cart is not street legal without these elements, and if you don’t change it right now, you could face a hefty fine. Consult your local DMV or DOT offices to determine how you should upgrade these goods in your street legal golf cart. They may be able to refer you to a vendor who offers these things, or they may even have some in stock.
Equally important, you must ensure that these gadgets are appropriately mounted on your street legal golf cart for it to function correctly. If you’re worried about installing these components on a street legal golf cart. You should consult an expert to guarantee that you don’t make any mistakes.
4. VIN
A VIN (vehicle identification number) is a 17-digit number that helps identify your cart.
Only street legal golf carts require a VIN, but all carts will have a serial number. To obtain a VIN for your cart, speak with your local DOT officials. This number is used for various things, including tracking your car and determining how you and others use it.
Once you’ve assigned a VIN to your street legal golf cart, it’ll stay that way for the rest of its life.
As a result, you’ll be able to keep track of your cart more efficiently, and you’ll be able to learn more about other carts if you decide to purchase one.
For example, if you discover one on the used market and want to buy it. You can have your state’s DOT test the VIN to learn more about its past. The VIN will inform you if the cart has been involved in any accidents or other concerns. So make sure your street legal golf cart is in good working order. Or you risk having accidents, and other issues brought up against you and your VIN.
5. Speedometer Reading
When you’re driving a street legal golf cart, you need to keep track of your speed at all times.
A DOT-approved speedometer is the only method to do this. These gadgets attach to your wheel axle and are mounted immediately on your dash to monitor your speed. When you’re driving your cart down the road, the speedometer can help verify that you observe all safety standards and speed limits.
While there are numerous speedometer types on the market, speak with your DOT or DMV officials to select an appropriate one for your street legal golf cart. They’ll usually have a couple of models in mind that you can employ for your golf cart. You should then purchase a speedometer and have a professional install it on your cart in a position that is visible and protected from the elements.
6. Horn
A horn is a vital safety device that allows you to inform others of your presence while driving.
Your street legal golf cart, like other road-ready vehicles, requires a high-quality horn. The horn can be mounted on the steering wheel or close to your hands.
To avoid any complications while driving, keep a nice cart horn within easy reach at all times. It should also be very easy to activate. In most traffic scenarios, the horn volume must be loud enough to be heard. As a result, you’ll need to speak with a technician about this modification to your street legal golf cart to discover one that fits.
Most automobile horns should fit in your cart with ease. When you press the appropriate button, certain horns may even fit inside the hood of your cart, producing a very powerful and resonant honk.
7. Installed Mirrors
Your street legal golf cart, like all road-ready vehicles, requires many mounted mirrors.
These reflective devices allow you to see who is driving around you and help you protect yourself and others from serious accidents while driving. For example, an inside mirror will allow you to observe who is driving right behind you.
You’ll also need outside mirrors that can tell you who’s on your side. If adequately positioned, these mirrors can help you track your blind spots. Although blind spots on golf carts aren’t as evident as they are on cars. They can be a problem if you don’t drive properly.
Mirrors also notify your insurance company that your cart is damage-free. This is a huge benefit because you’ll need to ensure your cart before hitting the road. Most types of cart insurance will give you a better deal. If you take the time to install extra safety features like mirrors and other items to their outside.
8. Reflex Reflectors
Reflex reflectors reflect headlights to traffic around you, making your cart more visible. These things are only required for slow-moving carts and are not required for other types of standard vehicles. These items are frequently used in horse-drawn carriages to keep the driver safe.
To make them easier to see, these reflectors should be placed on every corner of the street legal golf cart. In addition, you’ll need an LED license plate bracket on the rear of your cart. This mount also improves the visibility of your cart and adds additional lighting to keep you safe.
9. Registering & Licensing Requirements
When you acquire a golf cart to use on the road, you must ensure that it is legally registered and licensed. A license plate and a general driver’s permit are included in these licenses. You don’t need a specific license to operate a golf cart on the road if you already have a driver’s license.
A street legal golf cart, on the other hand, requires its own license plate. This plate is unique to the cart and must be upgraded regularly, just like a real car. Every year, for example, you must put a new license tag on your license to keep it current and legal to drive.
Facts on Best Street-Legal Golf Carts:
- Golf cart sales rose by 12% in 2020 due to younger buyers looking for an alternate way to navigate their neighborhood.
- A street-legal golf cart needs to travel between 20 and 25 mph and not exceed 3,000 pounds with required safety features such as lights and signals.
- Budget is an important consideration when purchasing a street-legal golf cart with prices ranging from $7,699 to over $15,000.
- The decision between gas and electric transmission depends on personal preferences with electric golf carts being more environmentally friendly and gas carts having longer ranges.
- Golf carts come with different seating arrangements with options of 2, 4, 6, and 8 seats to accommodate family and friends.
- Street-legal golf carts have a top speed range of 19 to 25 mph with gas carts maintaining their speed and power for longer distances.
- Windshields are a necessary accessory to shield drivers from the elements and come in fold-down or one-piece shields.
- The four best street-legal golf carts for 2023 are Yamaha Drive 2 Quietech EFI, E-Z-GO Express S6, Polaris Gem E2, and Club Car Villager 2+2.
- The Polaris Gem E2 is the best overall electric street-legal golf cart and the Yamaha Drive 2 Quietech EFI is the best overall gas street-legal golf cart.
- To make a golf cart road legal in California, it must have all the equipment and modifications necessary to meet the state’s laws.
Street Legal Golf Cart, Final Verdict:
The most appealing aspect of a street-legal golf cart is its adaptability. Golf carts were never meant to be driven alongside conventional cars on the road. You can, however, change some aspects of your golf cart to make it a street-legal vehicle. Keep in mind that to make it street legal, you’ll need to register it with your local DMV, receive a VIN, and display a license plate.
The use of a street legal golf cart as a personal vehicle, often known as a low-speed vehicle (LSV), is growing in popularity. They’re simple to operate, affordable, and more environmentally friendly than gasoline-powered vehicles. Plus, they can be driven on roads with speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less.
