Reliable dealers for buying golf carts

October 23, 2010 by  
Filed under Golf Retirement Communities

Recent years have shown a steady rise in the purchase of golf cars. Earlier, most of the players used to rent them. But now the trend has changed. Even though they are expensive; it is more economic to buy them rather than renting them.

The advantages of purchasing them are as follows:

For those who would like to play a lot

For example: For more than three/four tomes a week, the rental cost is approximately $15; and for a whole week it can be $75. Here the advantage is that if a good golf cart is bought it can last up to 10 years. Therefore while calculating the total cost for the cart rental for a year verifies that it is profitable to own a new vehicle.

For those living in retirement communities:

Golf carts have other uses apart from the course. It is very useful for making petite trips; perhaps round the community. Here too it proves to be economical to own a good golf cart.

If one is not well known to the golf cart maintenance then they should approach the local well established cart dealers, as they are sure to in-corporate all the brands and have a nice collection of the carts. One more plus point is that they will have used ones which are still in good condition. Here too, you must take care to approach only the reliable dealers who are able to give more suggestions while searching. It is better to search about the dealer or the establishment before approaching them. Also take special care to see their on-site services and study about their customer service.

If you are already well known to the maintenance of the golf cart, you can choose an individual local dealer who is selling a used cart. Make sure to test drive thoroughly and get the suggestions from the mechanic before purchasing. This can prevent the wastage of money certainly.

Therefore, it can be concluded that buying a used car is not a difficult task and it should be done with utmost care. The above text gives a precision version of the facts that have to be kept in mind before purchasing a used one.

 

Some Info On Golf Carts

October 18, 2010 by  
Filed under Golf Retirement Communities

Golf carts are not just for golfers on golf courses anymore. It is not only used for the same purposes, similar to the early days of its introduction, it rode on the back of many innovations and is now made into more of a luxury item.

The average golf cart is about 5′x8′ wide and about 3.5′ high. The canopy top will have to be tied down securely when transported on open trailer. The electric powered golf cart runs on battery which will run down if the cart is not run or if lights are left on.

The popularity of Golf carts are increasing, as they are used for hunting, gardening, checking fence lines, neighborhood hopping, hauling hay, mail checking, helping the handicapped, cattle herding, grandchildren toting and apartment security. They are now used for transportation purposes at sporting events, airports, hospitals, national parks, businesses, college campuses, military bases and are even used in cases of medical emergencies. They have become the primary means of transportation in many gated and retirement communities.

If your golf cart has been inspected and is street legal, it can be operated on city owned streets. These are used in university campuses where they transport people, goods, equipment and books. Campuses that are equipped for golf cart use often allow golf cart owners whose golf carts may not ‘officially’ be ‘street legal.’ Though, they can be allowed to cross from one part of the campus to another. On such campuses, golf cart owners are encouraged to use street travel on campus owned streets where possible instead of using the campus sidewalks.

Golf carts are often included in your guest fee and are mandatory at all outings so that one’s play can proceed smoothly. The carts are limited to golf-cart paths, particularly in the golfing green environs.

Ensure to charge the electric golf carts after each use and properly plug them in after use. Check that the needle on the meter indicates a charge of plus 10. After four to six hours of charging a battery, an average cart will run for 20 to 35 miles. When compared to the increasing gas prices and air pollutions, a golf cart is the most environment friendly vehicle.

 

Golf Carts: More Than Just a Vehicle for Golfers

October 14, 2010 by  
Filed under Golf Retirement Communities

Have you ever been driving on a residential street and seen a golf cart being driven alongside the road? More and more people are starting to use golf carts on areas other than a golf course these days.  Thanks to new technology and better designs, golf carts are a new form of transportation on the streets, on school campuses and even at home.  

Electric Golf Cart Benefits

What makes golf carts even more appealing is that most of them are now electrically powered as opposed to being gas powered. Most modern-day golf courses and other facilities use electric golf carts.  There are some advantages and even disadvantages to electrically powered golf carts.  One of the most important advantages is the lack of noise from an electric cart.  Because they are so quiet, these golf carts can be used in a variety of places without disturbing others.  

Additionally, electric golf carts are less polluting to the environment which makes them a better alternative to golf carts.  The benefit here is that you can use electric golf carts in indoor facilities such as school gyms, shopping malls, and hospitals.  Most important of all, electric golf carts are less expensive to operate compared to gasoline-powered versions.  

On the down side, electric golf carts need to be charged consistently to avoid a battery outage.  Additionally, golf carts are not meant to carry heavy loads but they are ideal for transporting one or two people in short distances.  

Golf Carts Are Not Just Meant for Golf Courses

The traditional use of a golf cart is transporting golfers across a golf course.  The golf cart was invented in California during the early 1950s to allow golfers to travel more efficiently from point a to point b on a course.  A golf cart can generally carry one to two people, sometimes three.  One of the limitations of a golf cart is that it cannot go up to higher speeds past fifteen or twenty.

Golf cart manufacturers have been improving the design of golf carts and have been producing them with better parts and materials.  For example, golf carts are now made with finishes that can be used in all types of weather.  As time goes by, golf carts begin to resemble regular cars more and more, which makes them useful for other purposes.

Golf carts are efficient, convenient and easy to function.  They make traveling short distances easier and faster and are a great alternative to walking.  Golf carts can be used in a number of places including retirement communities, shopping malls, hospitals, farms, airports, school campuses, resorts and hotels, and even in your backyard.  You can even start to see golf carts being driven in residential areas, especially in locations where mainland vehicles are prohibited.  

Many people enjoy customizing their golf carts by adding chrome wheels, new seat belts and other parts.  Anyone who is looking to repair his golf cart or add new accessories can go to JustGolfCartsParts.com for a wide selection of golf cart parts and accessories.

Multiple Uses for Golf Carts

June 30, 2010 by  
Filed under Golf Retirement Communities

According to new research, more than 60% of cars in the USA North America travel less than 15 miles per day and nearly half of drivers travel less than five miles away from home. With gas prices climbing higher every day and air being polluted with gas emissions, a golf car is the most environmentally friendly vehicle out there. With all the golf cart accessories available, golf carts can become the most stylish and eco-friendly vehicle on the road.

Golf carts are widely used in university campuses where they transport people, goods and equipment, and are even used in cases of medical emergencies. They are also used in quiet neighborhoods, at large sports events by the personnel, and of course, on golf courses by golfers. Many golf carts are purchased by disabled people who appreciate the higher speed and safety of golf carts compared to those of power wheelchairs.

Driving a golf cart is extremely economic. It costs around one cent per ten miles to operate an electric golf cart. It’s also ten times cheaper to maintain and repair a golf cart than a car. However, not many automotive giants readily leap into the golf cart market, claiming that there is currently no demand for golf carts.

Still, more and more neighborhoods, especially in resort areas or those surrounded by golf courses, switch to golf carts to access malls, movie theaters, schools and restaurants without having to ride on the highway. In university campuses golf carts can be used only on designated streets and paths. Golf carts, as neighborhood electric vehicles with a proper license can travel on roads with posted speed limit of 35 mph.

Golf carts were introduced in the 1950s and later became popular thanks to golf visionaries such as Billy Dolan. With golf carts, golf greatly evolved as a game. Smaller, more efficient and nicely designed golf carts with cute stylish accessories such as custom wheels and seats, lift kits and even programmable speed controls, golf carts are becoming safer each year.

As a vehicle, golf carts can have three or four wheels. They can be powered by electric or internal combustion motors. The most famous golf carts manufacturers include Cushman, Club Car, Daihatsu, and many more.

Among the most popular golf cart accessories today are lift kits that add clearance to the golf cart which help with accessing rocky places and bumpy roads. Many lift kits include off-road tires that can be used on the golf cart making it a rough little off-road beast.

Another popular golf cart accessory that is in huge demand in colder seasons is a rain curtain. These curtains can be snapped to the car frame to sit permanently on the car body, or they can be clipped to the car with hooks and removed in warmer seasons.

Many golf cart accessories basically do nothing except add some flare. Racing-style aluminum pedal kits, graphic and even 3D camouflage, custom steering wheels will add a stylish touch to any golf cart.

Golf carts are slowly spreading beyond student campuses, golf resorts and retirement communities. Well-designed and safe golf carts may soon be as common on city streets as scooters and bikes.

Tips On How To Find And Buy Golf Carts

April 5, 2010 by  
Filed under Golf Retirement Communities

Many golfers these days are actually deciding to buy their own golf cart instead of renting them at the course where they play. Of course, this is not practical for everybody. But for those who play at a country club where they allow you to use your own golf cart, or for those who live in a retirement golf community, owning your own golf cart can be a very good decision.

In many retirement communities, golfers will buy their own golf cart not only for use on the course but also for making short small trips where a car is just unnecessary. Each city or state has its own rules and regulations that govern the use of golf carts, and so before you begin driving your cart on the street, you need to be sure that you will be well within the laws for your area.

However, for those that live in an area where golf carts can be driven on the street, all that is required is the addition of certain safety equipment including headlights, brake lights, safety belts, and other items as well. So before deciding to make a golf cart street legal, be sure to do your homework in advance, and find out the costs that are associated with it before you get started.

Another very important consideration before you buy a golf cart is its size and weight. There are several different manufacturers of golf carts, all of which turn out very high quality products. But their shape, size, and weight, can be very different from one brand to another. So think about how you intend to store your golf cart when it is not in use. Measure out the area that you have for storage, and also make sure that it can support the weight of your golf cart. If you plan on using your golf cart on a local course, it’s also a very good idea to check with the course manager and see what weight limits and recommendations they have before you buy.

When it comes down to selecting your golf cart, usually the choice comes down to either gas powered or electric. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, but for those who like to use their cart mainly for playing golf, the electric cart will probably be your best choice. This is due to the fact that gas powered golf carts generally cost more to run and operate than do their electric counterparts. This is becoming even more the case as gas prices continue to rise.

Finding a golf cart for sale is not very difficult at all. First of all, decide whether you wish to buy a new cart or whether you feel you could be happy with a used golf cart instead. Of course, the advantage to owning a new golf cart is that you can maintain it properly from the very first day on, whereas with a used golf cart, the kind of use and maintenance that it has received is not quite so clear.

Golf cart dealers are becoming much more numerous and widespread, and so there should probably be at least a few in your general area. Usually, you can find both new and used golf carts for sale at one of these dealers. If the dealer has a good, solid reputation, it may be worth paying a little extra to buy from the dealer instead of from a local owner. However, if you are somewhat familiar with golf cart maintenance, the best deals can be had by buying a golf cart that has obviously been cared for by an individual party.

Owning your own golf cart can have many convenient advantages, but before you buy, consider the tips given above to help you find the golf cart that will best fit your needs.

All You Need To Know About Street Legal Golf Carts

April 4, 2010 by  
Filed under Golf Retirement Communities

Nowadays, street legal golf carts have become very common. Gone are the days when these mini machines were restricted only to the golf course. Now these vehicles are being legalized on streets and you will find them mostly in golf course communities, retirement homes, resort areas and open ranges and sanctuaries. Today street legal golf carts which are also called as Neighborhood Electric Vehicles have grown increasingly popular.


Most of the state have laws relating to vehicles that are slow moving and electric and are classified as NEV’s. There are many advantages to using a street legal golf cart instead of a car such as saving on fuel costs and being more environmentally friendly.


1) It should have a maximum seating capacity for four

2) The vehicle should not have a driving speed of more than 35 mph.

3) Every seat must compulsorily have a seat belt.

4) It must come equipped with reflex reflectors, exterior mirrors, and an interior mirror.

5) It must come with brakes, a windshield, and a vehicle identification number or VIN.

6) The vehicle must have the manufacturer’s certificate of origin as a slow speed vehicle.

7) The vehicle’s weight must not exceed any more than 2,200 pounds.
8) The cart must come equipped with a headlight, front turn lamps, rear turn lamps, tail lamps, and stop lamps.


Is an electric golf cart beneficial?


Depending upon the voltage of electric golf cart you purchase, you can even charge it in between uses during the night A power outlet would be more than sufficient to charge you electric cart. Like mobile phones, the electric golf carts run on batteries and are easy to charge.


Street legal golf carts provide you with hours of affordable transportation and they are environmentally friendly. To ensure maximum performance and prolong the life of a golf cart, proper maintenance of the lead batteries that are used to power the electric motor is a good idea

What can be a better reason to invest in a street legal golf cart than the fact that it is at least ten times cheaper than the gas powered golf cart. Electric golf carts are much more environment friendly and are one of the best ways to save money.

Street legal golf carts are a great investment that will provide you with hours of affordable transportation indoors as well. The street legal golf carts can virtually be used anywhere, be it at the campground, the lake or in your retirement community, or anywhere else you want.


People are saving fuel, saving the planet and having a little more fun by buying the electric golf cart.

The price for a golf cart could range anywhere between $700 to $6000. It is likely that you could get better rates, should you do your homework and search around a bit.


Different types of golf carts are available in the market. If you take a little trouble and search on the internet, you can get great deals for a standard electric golf cart Make sure that you check on the battery power, suspension, seating capacity, windshield, seat belts, brake lights, rear and front mirrors, turn signals and reflectors on your prospective buy. Remember that you want to buy a specific utility vehicle so you definitely have to make sure that it complies with all the street legal vehicle laws.

Golf Carts Get Street Legal

April 3, 2010 by  
Filed under Golf Retirement Communities

Initially gaining popularity with elite golfers in the 50s and 60s, golf carts are now making their way into all sorts of unlikely places. Employees in airports, warehouses, movie sets and resorts have all gotten mobile with golf carts over the past decade. Residents of careless communities and tropical islands have been using them on the sly as a cheap way of getting from a to b for years. But perhaps one of the most surprising places to find golf carts these days is on the streets of America.

Deeply contrary to the culture of speed, golf carts and the people who drive them are demanding a piece of the road for themselves – and they’re getting it. In many ways the timing is absolutely right.

Designed to travel at a leisurely pace and run on electricity, golf carts leave a significantly smaller ecological footprint than the average vehicle. The first electric vehicle available to consumers, golf carts are compact and cheap to run, quiet, easy to drive and non-polluting. They’re also painfully slow. Most golf carts top out at speeds of 15 mph with the pedal to the metal. But if you’ve got time to get to where you’re going, what’s the problem?

Many communities have simply connected the dots between their warm weather, a preponderance of golf courses and retirees, and the sheer efficiency of these vehicles by building roads and pathways dedicated just to them. Much like bike lanes in other cities, golf cart lanes are showing up in communities all over Florida, Arizona and California.

According to a new york times article, golf cart sales to individuals have doubled over the last 10 years, a phenomenon largely due to a change in US legislation. Ever since the National Highway Traffic Safety administration allowed “low speed vehicles” such as golf carts, to travel up to 25 mph on roads with speed limits up tp 35 mph in 1998, golf carts have been slowly moving off the golf course and into people’s garages.

Of course, you have to pimp your ride before you’re legal. Road worthy carts have to be outfitted with seat belts, windshields, turn signals and brake lights before they can legally tear up the asphalt.

In 1999, Rancho Mirage CA was one of the first American cities to make Golf Carts part of the municipal scene when the city adopted a program allowing drivers to travel the streets in their carts. The city has designated golf cart lanes and paths that traverse the downtown area and skirt the entrances to some of the most exclusive designer golf courses and country clubs in America. Carrying golf clubs, groceries and purse dogs, residents cruise roads named after the icons that invented this glamorous slow-moving golf life: Bob Hope, Gerald Ford, Ginger Rogers, Dinah Shore, Frank Sinatra. With scarves streaming in the slow desert breeze, this is SoCal at it’s finest.

The city is no stranger to the ways of the golf cart. The Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage is said to be the first place to ever see a powered vehicle on the fairway. In the 1950s, the likes of Desi Arnez and Bing Crosby were wheeling around the Thunderbird greens in the first 3 wheeled electric golf carts Americans had ever seen. To have the modern cousins of these early vehicles taking over the streets of Rancho Mirage 60 years later is not really surprising. Some would wonder what took them so long.

The History of Golf Carts

April 3, 2010 by  
Filed under Golf Retirement Communities

The First
Originally made for golfers with disabilities, the first golf carts were introduced in the 1940’s. By the early 50’s they had caught on with the entire golf community as well as a few retirement communities.

Mass-Production
In 1951 the first mass-produced golf carts were made available. These early electric golf cars made history by being the first electric vehicles that private consumers could purchase. This allowed for whole communities, schools, and towns alike to embrace the efficiency of the golf cart as a whole.

Golf Cart Communities
Some small-town communities really embraced the golf cart. One of the first was a town called The Villages in Florida, which was a large retirement community with a very extensive golf cart trail system. The golf cart was especially useful in retirement communities, because it was a safe and effective way for the elderly to gain independence and get around. Another golf cart enthused town is Peach Tree City in Florida, where golf carts are a major form of transit for the old and young. The local high school even has a student golf cart parking lot.

Gas vs. Electric
While most people prefer the electric golf cart over gas, these vehicles do certain advantages. Electric golf carts are perfect for the golf course or cruising close to home, but when they run out of power you may not be near a place to re-charge. When going further from home, a gas powered golf cart makes much more sense, as you can bring additional gasoline along with you and refuel anytime you want.

Inspirational Design
The golf cart is thought to have led on to other types of small transport devices, such as indoor power scooters and NEVs (neighborhood electric vehicles). The low speed capacity, affordability, and easy maintenance of golf carts make them very popular, and who wouldn’t want to play off of that idea?

Evolution of the Golf Cart
Over the years, new technology and interest in design have offered newer and more advanced golf cart models every year. Branching out to include golf carts with 4-wheel drive and utility tires, new golf cart utility vehicles were created. They were made to drive on all sorts of terrain, from movie sets to warehouses to gardening stores.