One of the essential aspects of golf is the golf cart. They shorten the time of reaching those distant balls and allow for a little break as you sit down during the ride. So, how do golf carts work?
Golf carts work by transporting two or more golf players from point A to point B. The goal is to reduce the waiting time, provide a break, and enjoy the fresh air while at it.
There are various models of golf carts, but most of them have the same mechanism. Golf carts can also be used for different events. In this article, we’ll go over some important information on golf carts as well as how to operate them.
Table of Contents
What’s a Golf Cart?
A golf cart or golf buggy is a small motorized vehicle used mainly on golf courses to transport golfers through the course.
It’s electric-powered or gasoline-powered and can carry two or more golfers and their equipment.
The main point of golf carts is to get the players to their next shots quickly. Golf courses are vast, and the games are already long. So having to walk to your ball every time you strike isn’t convenient at all.
What Are the Types of Golf Carts?
There are two main types of golf carts in terms of what power sources they use:
1. Electric-Powered Golf Carts:
Electric-powered golf carts use batteries to operate their motor.
You can easily charge these electric-powered golf carts by plugging the cart into a regular wall outlet.
If you want to understand better how the golf cart operates, you should take a look inside!
Key Components of Electric-Powered Golf Carts:
- First, there’s the battery pack that provides power to the motor. Based on the electrical setup of the cart, it ranges between 6 to 48 volts. The latest electric golf carts are 36 or 48 volts.
- Then there’s the solenoidacting as a button or switch to adjust electricity consumption. Solenoids are often made of coil-shaped steel to provide maximum efficiency and performance. A solenoid’s primary function is to regulate power usage.
- Then we have the throttle to control the passage of electricity to the solen
- Last but not least, we have the electric motor, the most critical component in an electric cart. Maintaining a steady flow of electricity is essential for it to function effectively. The more electric current the motor uses, the faster the car goes.
Today, some golf carts are powered by clean solar energy. Instead of using batteries, these carts are powered by solar panels attached to the tops of the carts.
2. Gas-Powered Golf Carts:
This type of golf cart uses gasoline to power up its engine.
Key Components of Gas-Powered Golf Carts:
- A small gasoline-powered motor operates the cart.
- A speed controller. It acts as a regulating tool to adjust electricity usage to control the cart’s speed.
- A conventional throttle to control the gasoline input to the engine.
Which Is Better, Electric or Gasoline Golf Carts?
The answer to that question is subjective, as each cart type has pros and cons.
In general, gas-powered golf carts last longer than electric ones.
Also, they save you money in the long run —you don’t need to replace your battery pack with a new one every few years. So, this makes them less expensive to maintain.
Some golfers think that another benefit of gas golf carts is that they accelerate faster than electric ones. This might have been true before, but not anymore. Electric cars have come a long way with all the new upgrades and developments over the years.
Also, electric golf carts are better for the environment and are eco-friendly. They’re also quieter than gas-powered golf carts.
So, it all comes down to preference. Gas-powered vehicles, in general, are still more dominant than electric cars and golf carts are no exception.
Most golf carts are still gas-powered, but the number of electric ones is increasing with time. So we may see a change of preference in the near future.
How Much Does a Golf Cart Cost?
The prices of gas-powered golf carts range between $4,000 to $15,000.
On the other hand, electric-powered golf carts’ prices range between $5,000 to $10,000.
It’s important to note that in electric-powered golf carts, you’ll have to replace the battery pack every 5 years or so.
How to Start a Golf Cart?
If you plan on being a frequent golfer, it’s necessary to know your way around a golf cart. The following is a step-by-step guide on how to drive a golf cart:
- Before you turn the ignition, make sure to lock the brakes into place.
- Then, use your key to start the engine. You’ll have to press a button to turn the battery on if it’s an electric golf cart.
- Move the lever into the gear you want, whether the forward or the reverse gear.
- Keep a tight grip on the steering wheel and start pressing on the gas pedal. It’s the thin pedal on the right.
Keep in mind that the weight difference between a golf cart and your average everyday car will make the throttle feel a bit different.
The cart may feel wobbly because of the reduced weight. It’s important to avoid sharp turns on steeper hills to avoid tipping the cart over.
How Fast Can Golf Carts Go?
Golf carts may have the same mechanism as regular cars. However, they differ in terms of speed. Golf carts don’t run as quickly as conventional cars.
Most golf cart models can only move forward at a maximum rate of 15 mph and backward at a maximum rate of 10 mph. This applies to electric and gas-powered golf carts.
Final Thoughts
So, how do golf carts work? Just like regular cars, only lighter and much slower.
Despite their name, people use golf carts on many more occasions than just golf games. You’ll often find them in large hotels with extensive grounds, public parks, and hospitals to quickly move people between different buildings.
They’re maneuverable, reliable, and can get into places where a regular vehicle can’t.
