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A Lamborghini built golf cart

A golf cart or golf buggy (officially referred to as a golf car according to ANSI standard z130.1, since "carts" are not self-propelled. ^[1]) is a small vehicle designed originally to carry two golfers and their golf clubs around a golf course with less effort than the traditional method of walking.

Golf cars come in a wide range of formats and are more generally used to convey small numbers of passengers short distances at speeds less than 15 mph per ANSI Standard z130.1 as originally manufactured. They are generally 4' x 8' x 6' high and weigh 900-1,000 pounds.

Some golf cars are powered with small gas engines and others are electrically powered. These electric golf cars were the first mass-produced electric vehicles for private consumer use. This variety is now used in many communities where their lack of pollutants, lack of noise, and safety for pedestrians and other cars (due to slow speeds) are beneficial. When purpose-built for general transportation these are called Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs), but with various operating limitations such as top speed and heavy regulation on which type of streets these types of cars are permitted to be used. These may resemble the golf cars shown above, although some are now being made with all–weather car–like bodies.

Modern golf cars may have car-like styling (despite being no bigger than a traditional golf car), and accessories such as audio entertainment systems, custom wheels with spinners, and custom body panels in a wide assortment of colors.

There is a large market for aftermarket golf cars parts from many companies. There are 3 main manufacturers of golf cars: Club Car, E-Z-GO, and Yamaha. Each have their own lines of aftermarket parts to enhance off road capabilities, such as lift kits, larger tires with aggressive tread patterns. From third parties, there are also kits available that facilitate the installation of a larger engine, such as a Honda 24 HP V-Twin engine or a Briggs & Stratton engine ranging in sizes from 16-31HP. Golf cars are capable of much higher speeds with modifications. For liability reasons, this is not sanctioned by the original manufacturers. There are also parts made to help in towing, such as hitch mounts, cargo boxes, radios, high-performance mufflers and air filters, high speed or torque gear sets, and custom paint/decal sets. There is even a "Hummer" golf car available from many dealers for around $25,000.00 US dollars.

Electric golf carts have been used since at least 1951. Merle Williams of Long Beach, California was an early innovator of the electric golf cart. He started with knowledge gained from production of electric cars due to World War II gasoline rationing. In 1951 his Marketeer Company began production of an electric golf car in Redlands, California. Two additional companies began production of electric golf carts in 1954: LEKTRO and E-Z-GO. Cushman began production in 1955, Club Car in 1958, Taylor-Dunn in 1961, and Harley-Davidson in 1963.

Peachtree City, Georgia has numerous miles of golf cart paths that link the city together. Golf cart travel is used by a great majority of the community, especially among high school students. McIntosh High School even has a student golf cart parking lot on campus.

On Hamilton Island, Queensland, Australia and also the Tropical Islands of Belize, where mainland vehicles are prohibited, golf carts are the main form of transport.

Buggies Gone Wild – a forum site where members discuss and display extreme customized golf cars.

Marketeer Information

History of Cushman Golf Carts