The Ultimate Guide to Street Legal LSV Golf Carts for Sale
Hey there, leisure enthusiasts. Have you been hearing the acronym LSV a lot recently? They're not just your regular golf carts; they're the ticket to freedom on the streets of your neighborhood and beyond. Let's dive into why these LSV golf carts are becoming the go-to option for discerning customers who want more versatility out of their golf carts.
What is the difference between an LSV and a golf cart?
LSV stands for Low-Speed Vehicle. Unlike traditional golf carts, LSVs are street-legal and come with features that enable them to be registered just like a car and driven on roads. To be clear, an LSV and a golf cart may look identical to the untrained eye. But there's some important safety equipment that an LSV has onboard to make it a street legal low speed vehicle that a standard golf cart does not possess.
What is an LSV Golf Cart?
An LSV Golf Cart is a Low-Speed Vehicle designed to be more than just a golf cart. It's equipped with safety features like seat belts, reflectors, brake lights, rear-view mirrors, turn signals, a VIN number, and DOT approved windshield.
How Fast Is An LSV Golf Cart?
By law, LSV golf carts are only permitted on roads with posted speed limits of 35 and under (in most states). Important to note that some states and jurisdictions reduce this to 25mph as the maximum. The top speed of an LSV is typically required by law to be faster than 20 miles per hour yet not exceed 25 miles per hour.
What is a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin?
An MCO, for short, is the document from the manufacturer of your LSV that indicates the components it has, the safety features, as well as the VIN number that it was assigned in production. The certificate of origin is then signed by the dealer or retailer of the cart when it is sold to you as the customer. This document is what you will need in order to register your LSV with the DMV.
There are more and more communities requiring LSVs on their roads in the last few years. It's always important to check with your HOA and other local governing bodies to confirm what the current rules are. Ultimately the MCO is no problem to obtain, if the cart you purchase is in fact an LSV, and not just a standard golf cart.
Why Choose an LSV Golf Cart?
Versatility
From grocery store parking lots to restaurant districts and neighborhoods, these carts are multi-functional. Your new LSV will function as your second car.
Luxury Features
Think LED lights, 10" multimedia screens with Apple Carplay, bluetooth connectivity, plush seats, and even built-in coolers.
Legal Requirements for LSV Golf Carts
Before you jump into our collection of LSV golf carts, you should know the legalities.
License To Drive
Yes, you need one. Young people without drivers licenses driving LSV on roads are something of an issue in many communities. Be smart and be safe!
Speed Limits
Generally, 25 mph max. Some states allow for LSVs to travel on roads of higher speeds up to 35 mph.
Insurance
Mandatory. No shortcuts here if you plan to register as an LSV. However you shouldn't expect to spend a great deal on an annual basis with your insurance company. Usually in the range of $75-$200 / year.
What Is The Best Rated LSV Golf Cart? Top Brands to Consider
When it comes to brands, not all are created equal. Here's a quick rundown of what is generally referred to as the "Big 3" golf cart brands:
Brand |
Notable Models |
---|---|
Club Car |
Onward, Villager |
EZ-GO |
Freedom TXT, Express S4 |
Yamaha |
Drive2 PTV, Concierge 6 |
Insight: Club Car leads in market share of the "Big 3" brands. These brands are considered to have the longest track record of dependability for traditional golf carts with spare parts available.
These days, however, there are a good number of newer companies catering specifically to the street legal LSV customer whereas this historic brands have focused more on golf course fleets.
This means that now more than ever, lsv golf carts for sale are coming equipped with the latest gadgetry and features like Apple Carplay.
Can LSV Golf Carts Be Customized?
Want to make your LSV cart unique? Consider these:
- Paint and Body: Go wild or stay classy.
- Wheels and Tires: From rugged to sleek.
- Interior Upgrades: Think seat design and tech.
- Lights & Sound: App controlled soundbars and LED lighting kits.
Interested in making your own choices for all of the above?There aren't many places where you can have a lithium electric golf cart custom built from the ground up, but you can do it here with us!
Here's a Fully-Loaded 6-Seater LSV Golf Cart Pricing Comparison
Below we've taken a look at some of the offerings for 6 seater golf carts from the Big 3 brands as well as our unbranded LSVs.
Brand | Notable 6-Seater Models | Base Price | Fully-Loaded Price | Added Features |
---|---|---|---|---|
Club Car |
Villager 6 |
$14,000 - $16,000 |
$20,000 - $22,000 |
LED Lights, GPS, Leather Seats |
EZ-GO |
Express S6 |
$13,000 - $15,000 |
$18,000 - $20,000 |
Custom Paint, Alloy Wheels, Bluetooth Speakers |
Yamaha |
Concierge 6 |
$12,500 - $14,500 |
$17,500 - $19,500 |
Weather Enclosure, Upgraded Tires, Beverage Cooler |
Our LSVs |
Factory Direct |
$11,750 |
$14,000 |
10" Screen with Backup Camera & Apple Carplay, Lithium Battery, Alloy Wheels, Bluetooth, EXOXGEAR soundbar, Custom Paint, Roof, And Seats |
These fully-loaded prices include a range of luxury and convenience features that take your LSV golf cart experience to the next level. If you're looking for the ultimate in luxury combined with quality at an excellent price, check out our very own 6-seater golf cart with LED lights and Lithium Electric power.
Financing Your LSV Golf Cart
Where to Find Financing
Banks, dealers, and sometimes, the brand itself. We offer financing options through a platform called Enhancify where you can compare rates from multiple lenders. It's an option in our checkout process!
Maintenance and Repairs
Keep your LSV in tip-top shape. Standard lead-acid batteries are known to cause problems. Yes they are cheaper, but they require routine maintenance and water replenishment. Customers often think they will keep up with what's required, but it doesn't end up happening :) Common issues include battery replacement as their life expectancy is also half that of lithium, so consider models like our 72V Lithium Electric LSV with long-lasting lithium ion battery. We offer 5 years on the warranty and lithium batteries have a full lifespan expectation of 10 years.
DIY vs. Professional Service
Know your limits. Some things are better left to pros. These days many dealers and Redditors for that matter, will tell you to stick with the "Big 3" brands. This isn't exactly bad advice. That being said, if you've spent any time researching the market you'll notice so many more brands like Tomberlin, Bintelli, Garia, Madjax, and Evolution. Not to mention, there are folks like us who work directly with an extablished factory to build low speed vehicles that are unbranded.
These days there are many service providers including mobile golf cart mechanics that will work on a variety of brands beyond just the "Big 3". This trend will only increase with time. Always ask yourself what someone is interested in selling you when they give their opinions on quality, including here! The point is to educate yourself on all the options in the market rather than adopting just one point of view from a local dealer.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I drive an LSV on the road? Yes, if it meets legal requirements.
- How fast do LSV golf carts go? Usually up to 25 mph.
- What is the average price for an LSV? It varies, but luxury models can go upwards of $30,000!
Conclusion
LSV golf carts are more than just a fad; they're a lifestyle. The explosion of master planned communities where golf carts reign as a primary mode of transportation shows no signs of slowing down. No matter who you are, there's an LSV golf cart out there to change the way you move. You may end up ditching your second car in exchange! By following this guide, you're now equipped to make an informed decision. Happy carting!
Here are a few of our custom street legal golf cart builds!
Not a silly question! The golf cart has a built-in onboard charger and there is a separate cable that plugs into the cart at the front seat and on the other end, into any standard 110v outlet at your home.
Paul on
This may be a silly question but does the plug or the way you charge it come with it.. how do you charge it
Kathy on