The first decision you have to make - after deciding you need a golf cart, of course - is between a gas vs electric golf cart. It’s the crossroads every buyer finds themselves at. And while we think the choice is pretty simple (spoiler alert - electric is the way to go), there are a lot of moving pieces to think about.
There’s the matter of cost - upfront, ongoing, and what you can recoup if you decide to sell it then there’s the performance side of things. Speed, range, and the types of terrain you can conquer. Noise, emissions, and practicality all come into play.
But when you really dig into the things that matter, one half of the electric vs gas golf cart debate is the obvious pick. Electric golf carts for sale are more economical, versatile, and accessible.
We make it easy to customize your own golf cart here at Backyard Escapism, whether you’re envisioning a 4-seater for the golf course, a 6-seater for the neighborhood, or an 8-seater for your business. Learn more about picking the perfect golf cart below or customize one today!
Gas vs Electric Golf Cart (Compare at a Glance)
|
Category |
Gas Golf Cart |
Electric Golf Cart |
|
Upfront Cost |
$7,000 - $14,000+ |
$5,000 - $17,500+ |
|
Cost Per Mile |
~$0.05 - $0.10 |
~$0.01 - $0.03 |
|
Annual Maintenance |
$200 - $500 |
$50 - $150 |
|
Range |
100 - 150+ miles per tank |
40 - 70+ miles per charge (lithium) |
|
Top Speed |
20 - 25 mph |
20 - 28 mph |
|
Noise Level |
Loud (engine noise) |
Near-silent |
|
Emissions |
Yes (exhaust) |
Zero |
|
Resale Value |
Moderate (depreciates with engine hours) |
Strong (lithium holds capacity) |
In-Depth Electric vs Gas Golf Cart Comparison
We’ll admit that gas golf carts have their appeal. They can go a lot further than their electric counterparts - more than double the range in some cases (150+ miles vs 70+ miles). They refuel fast, too, as you don’t have to sit around waiting for the battery to charge.
But we started with these benefits because they’re genuinely the ONLY advantages a gas golf cart has over an electric one. An electric golf cart is the more practical fit for almost everyone. Here’s an in-depth review of the gas vs electric golf cart so you can make your own decision.
Upfront Price
Obviously, budget is a factor. A big one, too. Golf carts aren’t cheap. Especially new ones. So which is the more economical side of the electric vs gas golf cart comparison?
New gas golf carts from world-renowned manufacturers like E-Z-Go, Yamaha, and Club Car can start between $7,000 and $10,000 - for a base model. Loaded gas builds with advanced features, premium seats, upgraded wheels, and lift kits can easily cost $15,000+.
On the other hand, you can find electric golf carts as low as $5,000. Keep in mind that sticker price doesn’t tell you everything. In this case, it tells you very little. Because those entry-level electric golf carts are typically powered by a lead-acid battery. Those battery packs need to be fully replaced every 4-7 years and will run you $700 to $2,000 per cycle.
That’s why we encourage you to go with a lithium battery-powered golf cart if you take the electric route. For comparison, these are warrantied for 8 years here at Backyard Escapism - and we’ve seen them last well over a decade. The upfront cost for this type of golf cart is higher (starting at $12,499), but the old adage rings true: you get what you pay for!
Ongoing Costs
The cost to drive your golf cart is just as important as the upfront price, if not more. Expect to burn through 1-2 gallons over the course of an 18-hole round of golf. Don’t even get us started on the cost of fuel these days…it’s crazy.
Anyway, not everyone uses their golf cart for a few rounds of golf a week. A daily-use golf cart on a larger property or resort can cost you around $300-$600 annually in fuel (obviously depends quite a bit).
Then there are oil changes to take into consideration. These are necessary every 100-200 engine hours, and that’s $50-$100 per service. Air filters ($10-$30), spark plugs ($5-$15), drive belt replacements ($50-$100), the occasional carburetor service - this stuff all adds up. It’s not uncommon to spend $250-$500 annually on maintenance for a gas golf cart.
Electric golf carts cost almost NOTHING to maintain. There are fewer moving parts (which in itself is a benefit, since there are fewer things to go wrong = less downtime). Charging the lithium battery will cost you $1-$3 in electricity. This is an overwhelming win for electric > gas.
Resale Value
This probably isn’t something on your mind right now - you haven’t even bought the golf cart yet. But it’s worth comparing resale values between gas vs electric golf cart models from the get-go.
Electric golf carts with lithium batteries hold their value way better than a gas golf cart, all else equal. It’s easy to see why: lithium packs hold their capacity for years without the steep degradation curve lead-acid batteries are notorious for. It’s why the industry as a whole now uses lithium batteries.
In contrast, gas golf carts depreciate as engine hours build up. It’s WAY more expensive to replace an engine than a battery. That’s why people are less likely to buy an older gas golf cart than an older electric golf cart.
Speed
Both gas and electric golf carts top out in the same range - typically 20-30 mph. That’s stock, of course. It’s easy to modify gas golf carts with aftermarket governor adjustments and exhaust upgrades to unlock a higher top speed. Similarly, you may be able to reprogram an electric controller for more top end speed. So this is more or less a wash.
One other thing to note: both sides of the gas vs electric golf cart comparison can be “street legal.” Each is able to qualify in most jurisdictions as long as it has turn signals, brake lights, mirrors, seatbelts, and a horn. Check out our breakdown of the best street-legal golf carts if you’re looking for one of these in particular.
Range
Now, this is where we have to give credit where it’s due. A gas golf cart can go a really long way. The average gas golf cart holds around 5-6 gallons of gas. That’s 100-150 miles on a full tank. Refilling the gas tank takes a couple of minutes at any gas station or on your property if you keep a container of fuel handy.
Electric golf carts aren’t capable of matching that level of range. A typical 48-volt golf cart with a standard 105Ah lithium pack has around 40 miles of range. The available 206Ah extended upgrade pushes past 70 miles per charge. So to be honest, either a gas or electric golf cart will get you where you need to go. Who really needs 70 miles of round-trip range for a golf cart?
You can compare the 36-volt vs 48-volt golf cart in our blog if you’d like, but 36-volt models are getting phased out. There are also 72-volt golf cart models here at Backyard Escapism. These use a premium LiFePO4 cell and have up to 50 miles of range.
The case for that extra range with a gas golf cart is working on a massive ranch or some other really specific application where you use the golf cart from sun up till sun down and can’t afford downtime. Other than that, it’s easy to plug an electric golf cart into the wall overnight, and it’ll be ready for you in the morning!
Versatility
You should think about what you’re actually allowed to have. An electric golf cart works in situations that a gas golf cart doesn’t. For example, the vast majority of golf courses will not allow you to own a gas golf cart as your personal cart. Unless the rest of the fleet is gas, having a single gas golf cart will really irritate the rest of the members (it’s loud!).
The same can be said for gated communities, retirement villages, and resort properties. All of these restrict or even outright ban gas-powered golf carts due to noise and exhaust emissions.
In comparison, electric golf carts meet every noise and emission regulation by default. You can use these pretty much anywhere. That includes off-road. An all-terrain golf cart is equipped to take on any trail and rough terrain that a gas model could.
Sound
We just talked about this, but it isn’t just a matter of regulations. It also impacts user experience. A lot of people are trying to choose between a gas vs electric golf cart because they want to cruise around the neighborhood and enjoy time with loved ones. Maybe crank up some music.
It’s not easy to enjoy that experience when you can’t even hear the person next to you! This is yet another reason to go with an electric golf cart instead of a gas golf cart. A gas golf cart sounds like a riding lawn mower. The tires on the road make more noise than the battery powering an electric golf cart.
So Which is Better, Gas or Electric Golf Cart?
We feel pretty strongly about the electric vs gas golf cart debate. And by now, you probably do too. You can see just how much better an electric golf cart is than a gas golf cart, for pretty much everything except range.
An electric golf cart costs less to operate, needs way less maintenance, doesn’t make any noise (or produce emissions), and can be used just about anywhere. This is typically the smarter investment for personal use at the golf course, around the neighborhood, or on your property. It’s DEFINITELY the better pick for business use at a resort or any other hospitality facility.
How Much Will a Gas vs Electric Golf Cart Cost in the Long Run?
So, which is better, gas or electric golf cart? Let’s take a closer look at the total cost of ownership to help you make the most calculated decision based on what the numbers say. This side-by-side breakdown over 5 years and 10 years tells you everything you need to know:
|
|
Gas Golf Cart |
Electric Golf Cart (Lithium) |
|
Purchase Price |
$9,000 |
$13,000 |
|
Fuel / Electricity (5 yr) |
$2,000 |
$500 |
|
Maintenance (5 yr) |
$1,750 |
$500 |
|
Battery Replacement (5 yr) |
N/A |
$0 (under warranty) |
|
5-Year Total |
$12,750 |
$14,000 |
|
Fuel / Electricity (10 yr) |
$4,000 |
$1,000 |
|
Maintenance (10 yr) |
$3,500 |
$1,000 |
|
Battery Replacement (10 yr) |
N/A |
$0 (under warranty) |
|
10-Year Total |
$16,500 |
$15,000 |
You can see that a gas golf cart makes more sense financially at the five-year mark. But be honest with yourself. How long do you plan on owning the golf cart? We’d imagine longer than 5 years. An electric golf cart is the smarter financial decision after a decade. Less maintenance, and the cost savings of electric vs gas golf cart operation really add up over that span.
But factor in the resale value and the gap becomes even wider. And for what it’s worth, the financial side of things is just one thing to weigh. You have to bring personal enjoyment and practicality into account, and those are areas where electric trumps gas, too.
See Why Electric is the Way to Go at Backyard Escapism
We make it easy to design your own custom golf cart in just a few clicks at Backyard Escapism. We specialize in electric golf carts, all of which run on premium lithium batteries.
Every golf cart features a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, four-wheel disc brakes, LED lights, and seatbelts. They’re all street-legal. You can effortlessly bring your vision to life with a myriad of colors, features, and add-ons.
No matter how you plan on enjoying your golf cart, take the next step at Backyard Escapism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a gas or electric golf cart go faster?
This is more or less a wash. Our electric golf carts top out at 28 mph. Gas golf carts can be modified to push a little higher, but you could do the same with an electric controller if you wanted to. This isn’t the main decision point between a gas vs electric golf cart.
When will I need to replace an electric golf cart battery?
It all depends on the type of battery being used. Lead-acid batteries typically last 4-7 years. Lithium batteries can last 10-15 years. That’s why we use lithium. Moreover, we back up our golf carts with an 8-year warranty on the battery. There are a few factors influencing battery longevity, of course, so take that expected lifespan with a grain of salt.
Is it easy to convert a golf cart from gas to electric (or vice versa)?
It’s possible, but it’s expensive and rarely worth it. A gas-to-electric conversion can run you between $3,000-$7,000 or more for parts and labor. The finished product is unlikely to match your expectations, either. It’s usually smarter to sell what you have and buy an electric golf cart.
How well do gas and electric golf carts perform in cold weather?
Gas engines are more consistent when it comes to cold starts and cold-temperature operation. Lithium batteries can lose a little bit of range when temperatures fall below freezing, but they recover once things warm up. Lead-acid batteries are far more affected than lithium batteries.
Should I buy an electric or gas golf cart for off-roading?
Both can handle off-road terrain with ease. It has less to do with an electric vs gas golf cart and more to do with lift, wheels, and power. We have an amazing selection of off-road golf carts for sale here at Backyard Escapism. Electric is usually better for off-roading simply because of the lack of noise and emissions, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest.
Do I have to get insurance for my golf cart?
Yes, if you’re driving on public roads. Street-legal golf carts need liability insurance at the bare minimum. It depends on your state. Check with your local DMV or municipality if you’re unsure.
Which type of golf cart is better, gas or battery?
The key takeaway is simple: most people are better off with an electric golf cart. Gas has one advantage, and it’s range. But that’s it. And that advantage is rarely going to make or break the decision, with electric models capable of providing up to 70 miles of range in some cases.