How to Compare Street-Legal Golf Carts

Street-legal electric golf carts, or neighborhood electric vehicles as they are officially known, range from customized golf buggies to fully equipped purpose-built electric cars. In addition to costing less than traditional vehicles, they also are better for the environment and cut down our dependency on foreign oil. Street-legal carts are used in retirement communities, holiday resorts, camp sites, and of course golf courses. Compare the various types of street-legal electric carts to find the right one for you.

Instructions

1

List five must-have features in order of importance to help you select the most suitable street-legal golf cart. One of the most important factors when you compare street-legal golf carts is the battery range. For example, the Kurrent street-legal golf cart manufactured by The American Electric Vehicle Company can travel up to 40 miles on one charge. Battery recharge time is another consideration. If you use your cart for frequent short trips, you will want a vehicle that doesn't require regular top ups. Zenn Motor Company's vehicle also requires eight hours for full charge, but can achieve 80% charge in half that time compared to the six hours required by the Kurrent. A top-of-the-range, solar-powered street-legal golf cart will cost approximately $7,000. To purchase the solar panel on its own to convert a regular electric cart to solar power will cost $1,500.

2

Set a budget and stick to it. Your budget will influence the type and style of street-legal cart you will be looking at. Once you have established your budget, you can eliminate any vehicles that are too expensive. You can expect to pay between $7,295 and $8,995 for a street-legal golf cart. Prices for purpose-built neighborhood electric vehicles begin at approximately $9,800 and can reach upwards of $25,000 for a luxury model.

3

Disregard any vehicles that don't meet your top three must-have criteria as well as the legal requirements for use as an electric neighborhood vehicle.

4

Rank the remaining vehicles in order of how they meet your needs. Award a higher score for vehicles with longer battery life, lower charge time and more interior space. Total your scores to find the most suitable street-legal golf cart.

5

Consider other benefits, such as roll cages, air conditioning and trunk space too. If you have a deadlock between two vehicles after you've ranked them, use these criteria to separate them.