Buying a golf cart is a bigger decision than it might first appear — the wrong choice on battery type, seating, or street-legal equipment can mean an expensive do-over. Here are the most common mistakes buyers make, and how to avoid them.
It's easy to buy based on price rather than real seating needs. If you regularly drive with more than 4 people, a 6-passenger model like the Denago EV Rover XL or TEKO EV Trophy Plus will serve you far better than squeezing extra passengers into a 4-seat cart.
Lead-acid batteries cost less upfront but require regular watering and generally wear out faster than lithium. If you plan to keep the cart for many years, a lithium battery often pays for itself through lower maintenance and a longer usable life.
A cart built for flat community roads may struggle on hilly or uneven land. If your property or community has significant grade, look for a model with proven hauling and terrain capability, like the TEKO EV Trophy Plus with its adaptive suspension.
Not every golf cart comes equipped for public roads. If you plan to drive on streets, confirm the model includes the required low-speed vehicle (LSV) equipment — headlights, turn signals, mirrors, and seat belts — and check your state and local laws before buying.
Specs on paper don't always tell the full story. Test driving a model in person at a TIGON dealership helps confirm comfort, visibility, and handling before you commit.
Buying based on price alone without matching seating capacity and terrain capability to your actual use case is one of the most common mistakes.
It depends on your budget and how long you plan to keep the cart. Lithium costs more upfront but generally requires less maintenance and lasts longer.
Confirm the model includes required LSV equipment like headlights, turn signals, mirrors, and seat belts, and check your state and local laws before assuming it's street legal.Street-Legal Vehicles Guide