Golf carts are an essential part of most large golf courses, and they are also increasingly being used as a convenient mode of transportation for short distances in residential areas, parks, and other public spaces. The weight of a golf cart affects its performance, safety, and maintenance, and it can also impact its legal status depending on the location and intended use.
Most golf cart weights average between 500 pounds and 1000 pounds, or 227 kg and 454 kg. Golf carts can weigh more or less than these averages, depending on the cart’s propulsion mechanism, construction, and any accessories included in the configuration. Tires can also affect the weight.
Given the wide variety in the weight of golf carts, it is important to consider this aspect when choosing a golf cart. Understanding the factors contributing to a golf cart’s weight is important for selecting the right model for your needs.
What Is The Weight Of A Golf Cart
Understanding its weight is crucial when it comes to buying, renting, or operating a golf cart. We will explore how much a golf cart weighs on average, what factors affect its weight, how to determine its weight, and what weight limits and regulations apply to golf carts in different contexts.
Whether you are a golfer, a homeowner, a facility manager, or a golf cart enthusiast, this information will help you make informed decisions about golf cart choice, use, and care.
Certain facilities, including golf courses, may put weight restrictions on the golf carts that can be operated within the grounds, which is another aspect of importance when choosing a golf cart.
If you transport your golf cart on a trailer or the back of your pickup truck, knowing the golf cart’s weight is important so that the correct trailer is used and to ensure you do not overload your truck!
It’s important to consider your needs and usage when selecting a golf cart, as a heavier cart may be more durable and better suited for off-road use. In comparison, a lighter cart may be more maneuverable and easier to transport.
Average Weight Of Golf Carts
Golf carts can vary in weight depending on their type, size, and construction, among other factors, which we will discuss shortly in a separate section.
These averages will give you a good idea of what to expect from the weight point of view of most golf cart types.
We have listed some average weights for different types of golf carts to give a ballpark idea to work from, but you will need the specific weights of the golf cart you are interested in for accurate information.
The Average Weight Of Standard Golf Carts
Standard golf carts typically weigh between 500 and 1,000 pounds or 277 kg and 454 kg. This average weight range includes gas-powered and electric golf carts with two or four seats.
There are weight averages more specific to the type of golf cart, whether electric or gas-powered.
Average Weight Of Electric Golf Carts
Electric golf carts tend to be lighter than gas-powered ones, with an average weight of around 600 pounds or 272 kg.
The weight difference is largely due to electric motors being more lightweight than gas-powered carts, but there can be some variance in electric golf cart weights depending on their configuration.
Some electric golf carts with larger batteries, more batteries, or more features can weigh up to 1,200 pounds or 544 kg.
Average Weight of Gas Golf Carts
Gas-powered golf carts are generally heavier than electric golf carts due to the engine’s weight and the fuel carried in the gas tank.
The average weight of gas-powered golf carts is about 800 pounds or 363 kg. However, some gas golf carts with larger engines or enhanced features, such as a higher carrying capacity, can weigh up to 1,500 pounds or 680 kg.
It’s important to be aware that these are just average weights, and the weight of a specific golf cart may vary depending on its make, model, and configuration. The next section will explore factors affecting a golf cart’s weight.
Factors That Affect Golf Cart Weight
Golf carts come in various sizes and weights, with variations based on several factors, including carrying capacity.
Standard golf cart models will be within the average weight ranges that we have already discussed, but changing any of the following key factors can affect the overall weight of the golf cart.
Golf Cart Battery Size And Type
Electric golf carts are powered by batteries, and the size and type of battery can significantly impact the cart’s weight.
Larger batteries typically weigh more than smaller ones, and different types of batteries can also vary in weight. For example, lithium batteries are lighter and more powerful than traditional lead-acid batteries.
Golf card lead-acid batteries are generally 6-volt, 8-volt, or 12-volt, but in some cases, 6-volt batteries can weigh more than 12-volt versions. Some 6-volt batteries can weigh as much as 10 pounds, or 47 kg, compared to 12-volt batteries, which typically weigh 63 pounds or 28.5 kg.
As you can see, the battery choice can contribute significantly to the golf cart’s weight, making them a crucial consideration when choosing a golf cart.
Golf Cart Chassis Material
The material used to construct the golf cart chassis can also impact its weight. Steel is a common material for golf cart frames, as it provides strength and durability but can also add significant weight. Aluminum is a lighter alternative to steel but may not be as strong or durable.
Number of Seats On The Golf Cart
Golf carts can range from two-seaters to six-seaters, and the number of seating spaces included on the golf cart can affect the weight of the cart.
More seats typically mean a heavier cart, as the frame and chassis need to be larger and stronger to accommodate the additional passengers.
Golf Cart Accessories
Many golf carts come with a range of accessories, such as windshields, storage compartments, and audio systems. While these accessories can add to the comfort and convenience of the cart, they can also add weight.
Golf Cart Tires Can Affect Weight
The size and type of tires can also impact the weight of the golf cart. Larger tires may be heavier but can provide better traction and stability on rough terrain.
The safest option is to select the best tires for the terrain where you will typically use the golf cart rather than compromise on the tires to reduce weight. But you must be aware that your tire choice can affect the overall weight of the golf cart.
Weight Limits And Regulations For Golf Carts
Golf carts are subject to weight limits and regulations depending on their intended use and the location where they will be used.
Understanding the restrictions on golf carts will prevent falling foul of the law or the regulations at your golf course, which may result in fines or your golf cart being banned if it does not comply with regulations.
Weight Limits For Golf Carts On Golf Courses
Most golf courses have weight limits for golf carts to protect the turf and prevent damage to the infrastructure around the golf course.
These weight limits can range from 800 to 1,200 pounds, depending on the state of the turf at the golf course and the type of golf cart you use.
Exceeding the golf cart weight limit can result in fines or damage fees, which the course management may impose. These fines or fees may be substantial, depending on the damage caused.
Weight Limits For Golf Carts On Public Roads
In some states in the US, golf carts are allowed on public roads under certain conditions, such as low-speed zones or designated routes.
However, these golf carts may be subject to weight limits and other regulations to ensure safety and compliance.
For example, golf carts used on public roads in Florida must not exceed 1,800 pounds, including passengers and cargo.
Each state has its own regulations regarding golf cart weight and use. Some states require that golf carts be registered, licensed, or insured if used on public roads or beyond the golf course.
Other states may restrict the use of golf carts to private property or specific areas. It’s important to check and comply with your local regulations to avoid penalties or legal issues.
How To Determine The Weight Of A Golf Cart
Determining the weight of a golf cart can be difficult, depending on the age of the golf cart and the information you have available on the model.
New golf cart weights are easier to establish since the information on the specifications is more readily available. If you have bought your golf cart secondhand, establishing its weight may be a little more complicated!
If the golf cart is secondhand, you may not be sure what additional extras were fitted to the standard model, which can affect the overall weight of the golf cart. Finding out the standard weight of your golf cart model is a good place to start.
To determine the weight of your golf cart, you can follow these steps.
Check the Manufacturer’s Specifications
The manufacturer’s specifications can provide information about the weight of a golf cart. Most golf carts will have a specification plate near the engine, giving standard information about the golf cart, such as the model number, weight, and carrying capacity.
If your golf cart spec plate is missing but you have the manual, you can look this information up in the documentation. The manufacturer’s website may list your golf cart model details if you don’t have the manual.
You may see two weight indications on the golf cart; the wet and curb weights, which will differ.
- Wet weight. This is usually the standard weight of the golf cart without any optional extras or modifications made to the standard factory spec of the golf cart.
- Curb Weight. This is the weight of the golf cart with any factory optional extras added when the cart was ordered.
If your golf cart is old, it may have been modified with different batteries or other configurations changed, which could affect its weight. Consequently, this method of establishing the golf cart’s weight will generally apply to newer models.
Weigh The Golf Cart On An A Scale
You can weigh the golf cart on a scale if you don’t have access to the manufacturer’s specifications. The best way to weigh your golf cart is to check at your local automotive repair shops to find out if they have a scale you can use.
Panelbeaters or wheel alignment service centers are your best options for finding this type of equipment. A fee is generally associated with getting your golf cart weighed at one of these locations, so you may be interested in a DIY method.
You can use a bathroom scale or two to get a good, relatively accurate weight for your golf cart. Depending on the golf cart size, you may need more than one bathroom scale for each golf cart wheel.
You can weigh each wheel separately to get an accurate measurement and then add the weight measurements from each wheel together, or your can weigh all the wheels simultaneously if you have enough bathroom scales.
Add The Weight Of Passengers And Cargo
Some locations place limitations on the fully loaded weight of the golf cart. If you want to know the total weight of the golf cart with passengers and cargo, you’ll need to add their weight to the weight of the golf cart.
Remember that exceeding a golf cart’s weight limit can affect its performance and safety, so make sure to stay within the limit. Don’t forget to add in the weight of your golf bags, as these can significantly add to the golf cart’s overall weight.
Consider the Weight Distribution
When using your golf cart, consider the weight distribution of people and cargo in the golf cart. Uneven weight distribution can affect the stability and handling of the golf cart, especially when driving on uneven ground especially when going up or down hills.
Make sure to distribute the weight evenly and follow any recommendations from the golf cart manufacturer or restrictions imposed by the golf course management.
How Much Weight Can You Tow With A Golf Cart?
Golf carts have evolved to be used for more tasks than transporting golfers and their gear around the golf course. Golf carts are used on farms, in warehouses, and even for campus security patrols in schools and universities.
Golf carts can be useful for towing goods and equipment for short distances. The weight your golf cart can tow will depend on the size and horsepower of the motor. Typically, gas-powered golf carts will be better for towing than electric carts due to the higher torque and power of these engines.
An average golf cart should be able to tow a load of about 1000 pounds or 454 kg, but the higher the motor’s horsepower, the larger the load it can tow.
Golf carts are often used to tow jet skis, small boats, small trailers with limited loads, or even other golf carts. Never tow a load too great for your golf cart, as the motor can be damaged, and the golf cart may become unstable with the additional load.
Conclusion
A golf cart’s weight can vary depending on various factors, such as the type, size, and construction of the golf cart. Standard golf carts typically weigh between 500 and 1,000 pounds, with electric golf carts tending to be lighter than gas-powered golf carts.
However, weight limits and regulations apply to golf carts in different contexts, such as golf courses and public roads, and it’s important to comply with them to ensure safety and legality. By understanding the weight of a golf cart and the regulations that apply, you can enjoy using your cart safely and responsibly.
References
https://stitchgolf.com/blogs/a/how-much-does-golf-cart-weigh
