How Fast Do Golf Carts Go? + How To Increase Your Golf Carts Speed!

Do you ever get tired of reading about the golf swing? There are more interesting topics than creating lag or staying on plane.

What happens when your ball ends up next to an alligator? Have you heard any good golf jokes lately? How fast do golf carts go?

We are ready to tackle all of your golf questions, and today we are going to take a look at “How fast do golf carts go?”.

In this article, we will look at the following:

  • How Fast Do Golf Carts Go?
  • How Fast Do Golf Carts Go And How To Make A Golf Cart Faster?
  • Golf Cart Top Speed – Can I Drive It On The Road?
  • How Fast Do Golf Carts Go? Be Careful!

Like most golf topics, it is a bit more complicated than you think – let’s get started!

Two men driving fast in a golf cart with the words how fast do golf carts go in the foreground.

How Fast Do Golf Carts Go?

So, how fast is a golf cart?

On average, a golf cart’s top speed is 15 MPH, but there are several factors that will impact the speed of your golf cart.

The speed will be impacted by how much weight it is carrying, the age of your battery, and your tires.

If you make a tee time for this weekend and rent a golf cart from the pro shop, you can expect to spend your afternoon traveling at this speed.

How Fast Do Golf Carts Go and How To Make a golf cart faster?

Do you own a golf cart that you use around your neighborhood or at your country club? If so, we have a few ideas to make it go faster.

1. Replace or Upgrade Your Battery

Golf cart batteries can last for several years, but they do lose charge over time. This can cause your golf cart to slow down.

If you are looking for some extra “pep” in your cart, consider replacing or upgrading your battery.

It won’t make a huge difference, but you will notice your cart moves a bit quicker.

Family of five wearing red and yellow drive down a quiet lane in a golf cart.

2. Check Your Tires

How fast do golf carts go? The answer might depend on the age and air pressure of your tires.

The better the tread on your tires, the faster your golf cart can go. It is just that simple.

Flat tires can also slow you down, so always pay attention to your tires and make sure they are performing well.

3. Don’t Carry Extra Weight

Have you ever tried to run with a full backpack or while carrying weights? We bet this didn’t make you faster!

The same is true for your golf cart.

If you are looking for a little extra speed, make sure you aren’t carrying stuff you don’t need.

4. Talk To A Cart Dealer About A “Speed package”

How fast is a golf cart? It depends if you have purchased any upgrades! A golf cart dealer can help configure your cart for speed.

here are various options available to you, including an upgraded engine. Be careful making modifications yourself because it could void your warranty.

If you own a Club Car, your dealer can change the speed code; the default setting is 3.

The speed codes for a Club Car are as follows:

Speed Code 1 = 8 Mph
Speed Code 2 = 11 Mph
Speed Code 3 = 14.7 Mph
Speed Code 4 = 19.7 Mph
Speed Code 5 = 21+Mph

A long line of golf carts sit on the tarmac under a tree.

Golf Cart Top Speed – Can I drive It on the road?

This is a tricky question. Depending on where you live, the golf cart laws will be different.

You will need to do some research before you take your golf cart to Target.

At a minimum, your golf cart will need the following to be “street legal”:

  • Headlights
  • Brake lights
  • Turn Signals
  • Reflective Package (stickers that make you easy to see at night)

You may also need to register your golf cart, and you may need insurance.

Did you know that any many locations, you can get a DUI (driving under the influence) in a golf cart?

In some places, there are minimum speed requirements for you to drive your golf cart on a public road. These are typically 20-25 mph.

In this case, you would certainly need to upgrade a standard golf cart to be able to reach these speeds.

The fastest golf cart in the world hit a whopping 139.32 mph!

How Fast Do Golf Carts Go? Be Careful!

We understand the urge. You are playing golf with your buddies, and a “golf cart race” may seem like a fun idea, but it can be dangerous.

Don’t believe us? Take a look at the golf cart scene in the Jackass movie!

Golf carts are not designed for sharp turns at top speed or to “fishtail” in wet grass. In fact, they can easily flip over.

Golf carts can weigh as much as 1,000 pounds, so you don’t want one to flip and land on you.

The other common mistake made by golfers is driving too fast onto a bridge. The wood on a bridge can be slick, and you can quickly lose control of your cart.

We have seen way too many golf carts end up in hazards (creeks, lakes, rivers, etc.).

Even if you avoid injury, it will be quite embarrassing when you have to explain to the club professional what happened to the cart you rented!

A silhouette of a golf cart on a hill with the sun behind it.

Golf carts are fun to drive and can improve your golf course experience, but just remember that they are not toys.

We hope you play well, enjoy your day, and return your golf cart to the pro shop without incident!

Up Next: What Golf Gear Do You Need To Play?

Photo of author
Ray has been playing golf for 35+ years, including being part of his High School and College golf teams. While he still enjoys playing in amateur tournaments, Ray now focuses on growing the game of golf through teaching and coaching. He has two sons that both play golf competitively and loves spending time watching them compete. Ray continues to play in local amateur golf events and currently has a +2 handicap.

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