Electric golf carts have become quite popular beyond just golf courses. Many places like hospitals, resorts, schools and universities, housing construction sites, and airports now use electric golf carts for transportation purposes. Electric golf carts are preferred for their clean and quiet operation, low maintenance, and ability to maneuver in tight spaces. If you are considering to buy a golf cart for your hospital, resort, educational institute, housing project, or airport, here are some useful buying tips.
- Determine Your Usage Needs
Before deciding on which golf cart to buy, carefully consider how you will use it. Will it be used all day or just for a few hours daily? Will it operate on smooth pavement or rough terrain? Will it need to transport heavy cargo or just people? Determining your usage needs will help narrow down the type of golf cart you should purchase. The number of people or the payload weight the cart needs to carry is also an important factor. Golf carts come with different 6 seater golf cart for sale capacities and load capacities. Make sure to pick one that aligns with your needs.
- Select the Right Performance Level
Electric golf carts come with different motor power and battery specifications. Entry-level carts go up to 10 mph while high-powered ones can reach 25 mph speeds. Faster speed usually comes at a higher cost. Consider what speed you need – higher speeds are good for large premises like airports and universities while slower carts may work fine for smaller spaces. Also, look at driving range – higher battery voltage provides more operating range before recharging is needed. Select performance specs based on your requirements.
- Check Additional Features
Today’s electric golf carts offer much more than just basic transportation. They come loaded with intelligent features for safety, productivity and comfort. For instance, airport carts may need headlights and turn signals for apron driving while university carts should have reverse cameras and occupancy sensors for student safety. Similarly a resort may want Bluetooth speakers, cup holders and weather protection canopies for guest comfort. Carefully evaluate which features will add best value for your application and budget. Prioritize must-have over good-to-have add-ons.
- Pick the Right Chassis/Body Type
Electric golf cart manufacturers offer multiple chassis or body configurations to suit different needs:
- Standard carts have bench seats to carry 2 or 4 passengers. They work well for short point-to-point commute.
- Utility carts have standing cargo beds with or without rear seats. These are ideal for carrying equipment and tools around large premises.
- Shuttle carts have forward facing seats in multiple rows for passenger transport. These best serve destinations with many stopping points.
Before deciding on the cart’s chassis, figure out whether carrying people, goods or both is the priority. This will ensure you get a body type designed for your purpose.
- Check Golf Cart Regulations
Regulations regarding golf cart operation, registration and driver age vary widely across states, cities and jurisdictions. Make sure to check what rules apply for the location where you plan to use the cart. Some common regulations include minimum driver age limits, allowable transport routes or geo-fenced areas, speed limits, required safety accessories etc. Also see if cart insurance is mandated. Reviewing relevant golf cart policies will ensure smooth compliance and incident-free operation.
- Buy from an Authorized Dealer
Shopping golf carts from an authorized dealer is highly recommended even if it costs a bit more. Unlike independent sellers, authorized dealers:
- Offer full factory warranty and guarantee genuine parts/service
- Provide extensive test drives to assess cart suitability
- Customize carts based on your requirements
- Handle documentation for registration/permits
- Offer loaner carts during servicing or repair work
As you trust the dealer to support the long term operation, investing in an authorized dealership provides complete peace of mind.
- Compare Multiple Models
Instead of limiting your search to just one golf cart brand or model, explore multiple options from leading manufacturers. Comparing features and pricing across models will help identify the best value-for-money option. Test drive different carts to see comfort, visibility, ease of charging and other practical aspects. While renowned brands provide reliability, looking beyond the conventional can sometimes reveal a hidden gem.
- Buy or Lease
Purchasing outright is the most flexible ownership option and often cheaper in the long term. However the large upfront investment may not align with your budget or usage plans. Leasing electric golf carts is an affordable alternative with minimal down payment. Monthly rentals also allow upgrading carts more frequently. Weigh the pros and cons of buying vs leasing based on your finances, time horizon and facility growth roadmap. See if lease terms restrict customization options during or after the rental period. Identify all hidden fees and penalties before committing.
- Factor in Operating Costs
The purchase price is just one part of the total golf cart costs. Depending on usage intensity, you could end up spending more over time on:
- Battery charging or replacement
- Periodic servicing and repairs
- Extra accessories or customization
- Insurance premiums
- Registration and permit renewals
While exact operating costs vary, typical industry benchmarks can provide a rough estimate. Accurately projecting ongoing expenses will reveal the long term cost impact of selecting cheaper carts that cost more to run.
- Check Warranties and Service Plans
Reputable golf cart manufacturers provide a standard factory warranty up to 4 years. Extended warranties and preventive maintenance plans can protect you from high repair bills down the road. Such service contracts cover regular parts replacement and servicing based on mileage or elapsed time. Carefully check warranty scope, exclusions and network garages before purchasing as they greatly impact costs if something goes wrong. Also see where the nearest authorized dealer is located in case on-site attendance is needed.
Conclusion
With Saera Golf Cart adoption across various industries, a whole new range of specialized carts are now available beyond standard golf course vehicles. For premises as large and diverse as airports, universities, resorts, housing projects etc. electric golf carts provide green, quiet and inexpensive people and goods movement. Whether buying or leasing, make sure to evaluate your usage, performance needs and operating budget. Seek authorized dealers to identify the most suitable models and get professional assistance with acquisition, customization and continuing maintenance. By following the tips above, you can find just the right electric golf cart to meet your needs and also plan for safe, productive and cost-effective operation.