Before you start shopping
Here are two important questions to answer before you start shopping for a golf cart.
Gas-powered or electric?
One of the first decisions you should make is whether you want an electric (battery-powered) cart or one with a gasoline engine. These days, electric carts are more popular, mainly because they're quieter and less polluting. Gas carts still have their uses, though.
Electric golf carts are powered by large battery packs. An overnight charge from a standard power outlet is usually enough for a full day's use. You could choose a vehicle with an extra battery, allowing you to charge one while using another, but the extra expense and hassle is rarely worth it.
Electric carts are zero-emission vehicles, so they can be used indoors. Most new electric golf carts are 36 volt, which is plenty for typical uses. 48 volt versions are available for hauling heavy loads or tackling steep grades.
Gas-powered carts are better for extended use in places where you can't recharge an electric cart: hunting, or out on the farm. This is mainly because you can carry an extra can of gas with you, allowing easy refueling on the fly.
Gas powered golf carts also give you more hauling capacity and horsepower, so if your application demands it, gas might be the way to go.
Where will you be using it?
There are a few different answers to this question that will change your purchasing needs. One is if you plan on using the golf cart on public streets. First, make sure you check with local police about what is and isn't allowed: some communities specifically allow golf carts on the roads, but they're not legal everywhere.
Next, make sure you get a cart that's properly outfitted to be street legal. Most golf carts don't come with turn signals, for example – but you'll need them for road use. You'll also need headlights, brake lights, windshield wipers, seatbelts, and more. All these extras will bump up your purchase price, but that's better than paying fines for being unprepared.
Another use that will change your approach is indoor use. Golf carts are popular in large warehouses, factories, convention halls, sports facilities, and other locations where getting from one end of the building to the other can take quite a while. First, you'll obviously have to get an electric cart. Second, you'll want indoor tires – smooth tires designed to provide a quiet, comfortable ride without marking up floors too much.
On the other side of that coin is use on rough terrain or off-road. While standard golf carts can handle hills and bumpy grass, they're not suited for off-roading. Upgrading the suspension, transmission, and tires can go a long way towards turning a basic golf cart into an useful off-trail vehicle for farming, hunting, or other outdoor use.