Are you planning to buy a golf cart for your property? Making the right decision can be challenging when choosing between different brands, seating capacities, and battery options. Understanding your requirements clearly will help you make the best choice.
1) Decide Where You Want to Use It
Although it may sound obvious, it is important to determine whether the golf cart will be used in a plain area or a hilly terrain. Also, consider whether you are buying it for personal use within your property or for commercial purposes.
In India, it is illegal to drive golf carts on public roads. Therefore, if you plan to buy a golf cart for road use, it is not a suitable option.
In India, carts are widely used in hotels, airports, residential societies, industrial areas, resorts, and campuses.
2) What Is Your Budget?
Setting a budget helps you identify the right golf cart and prevents you from wasting valuable time. A defined budget also helps filter your options so you can focus only on carts that best meet your requirements.
In India, golf cart prices typically start from ₹3 lakh and can go up to ₹10 lakh. Prices vary depending on GST, transportation charges, battery type, and customisation (if any).
3) Consider the Range or Daily Running
Estimate how much distance your golf cart will cover daily. Consider the number of passengers, frequency of usage, and load requirements. This will help you decide whether you need a heavy-duty golf cart or a light-duty model.
Heavy-duty golf carts are equipped with high-capacity AC motors and powerful batteries, which provide better performance and load-handling capacity.
If the passenger load and usage are limited, a light-duty golf cart with a DC motor or lead-acid battery can be a cost-effective choice.
4) Which Battery Option Is Best?
There are two main battery options available: Lead Acid and Lithium-ion batteries. Both have their own advantages and suitable use cases.
| Feature | Lithium-ion Battery | Lead Acid Battery |
| Life Cycles | ~3000 cycles | ~500 cycles |
| Charging Time | 4–5 hours | 8–9 hours |
| Maintenance | No maintenance | Requires maintenance (water topping, etc.) |
| Best For | Heavy-duty usage | Light-duty usage |
5) Test Drive
Before purchasing, always ask for a test drive. Get your hands dirty to truly understand how it performs, handles, and responds in real conditions.
Most manufacturers will happily provide a test drive. However, if a manufacturer refuses, it could indicate a lack of confidence in the product, and such suppliers should be avoided.
6) Warranty and Service Options
Always ask about the warranty and after-sales service. Typically, manufacturers offer one year of warranty on the vehicle and up to three years of warranty on lithium-ion batteries. Reliable service support ensures peace of mind and long-term performance.
7) Customisation and Extra Accessories
Many golf cart manufacturers offer customisation options based on your needs. You can choose your preferred colour scheme, branding, and logo placement. Additional accessories such as covers, seat belts, rain curtains, headlights, and indicators can also be added.
Making right decision requires careful evaluation of usage, terrain, budget, battery type, and service support. By understanding your exact requirements and comparing available options, you can invest in a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective golf cart that delivers long-term performance, safety, and operational convenience