Why Do Electric Golf Carts Come with Growlers?

Ever Wonder Why Your Electric Golf Cart Makes Noise Now?

If you’ve recently bought or seen a newer electric golf cart, you may have noticed something unexpected: a soft humming or growling sound when the cart is in motion. That’s not a defect—it’s called a growler, and it’s now being added to many electric golf carts by regulation.

But why?

Let’s break it down.

What Is a Growler on a Golf Cart?

A growler is a sound-emitting device installed on electric vehicles (including golf carts) to make them more audible to blind and visually impaired pedestrians. These devices typically produce a low, consistent sound when the cart is moving, especially at low speeds.

Unlike gas-powered carts, electric carts are nearly silent—which can make them dangerously difficult to detect by sound alone, especially in pedestrian areas.

A growler is a small sound generator installed in electric golf carts to help blind or visually impaired pedestrians hear the vehicle approaching. Unlike gas-powered carts, electric models are nearly silent—creating a risk in shared spaces like:

• Residential neighborhoods

• Campuses

• Retirement communities

• Parks and resorts

The growler produces a consistent, low-level noise—often described as a hum or soft growl—that’s audible to people nearby without disturbing the peace.

The Reason Behind the Regulation

The growler requirement stems from new safety standards based on pedestrian accessibility laws and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) recommendations. Electric vehicles (not just cars, but also carts and utility vehicles) must now emit a noise at low speeds to:

• ✅ Alert visually impaired pedestrians

• ✅ Prevent accidents in residential areas, campuses, resorts, and city streets

• ✅ Make sidewalks and shared-use roads safer

In short, it’s about making quiet vehicles more detectable—and saving lives.

Who Is Affected by the New Growler Requirement?

This regulation primarily impacts:

• 🛺 Manufacturers of electric golf carts

• 🛒 Buyers of new electric carts (2024 models and newer)

• 🏘️ Communities or HOAs with electric-only vehicle rules

• 🏨 Resorts, campuses, and retirement communities that use golf carts in public/shared spaces

If you’re buying or operating a new electric golf cart, chances are it will come with a growler already installed—or you’ll be required to add one.

Can I Turn the Growler Off?

In most cases, no—especially if you’re using the cart in public or community-access areas. Disabling a growler could result in:

• ⚠️ Non-compliance with local ordinances

• ⚠️ Fines or liability in the event of an accident

• ⚠️ Voiding of manufacturer warranties

However, some carts allow the volume to adjust or use sound that’s less intrusive but still detectable.

What Does a Growler Sound Like?

It’s typically:

• Low-volume and consistent

• Not loud or annoying

• Noticeable to pedestrians within close proximity

• Often described as a “hum,” “whirr,” or “soft growl”

It’s designed to alert, not annoy—and it blends into the ambient environment while still doing its job.

Electric Golf Carts Aren’t Silent Anymore—Here’s Why

Starting in 2024, many electric golf carts now come with growlers—sound-emitting devices that create a soft hum or growl when the vehicle is moving. This isn’t a manufacturer quirk—it’s a safety feature required under new accessibility regulations.

Why Is This Required?

This change is based on federal safety recommendations aligned with ADA standards, which aim to:

• Reduce pedestrian accidents

• Improve accessibility for blind individuals

• Make quiet vehicles safer in public settings

In short, it’s about making electric vehicles inclusive and safe for everyone.

Is It Optional?

In many areas, no. Disabling or removing the growler may violate local ordinances and can put pedestrians at risk. It could also:

• Void manufacturer warranties

• Affect insurance coverage

• Lead to fines if non-compliant

How Loud Is a Growler?

• Volume: Low but detectable

• Range: Audible within a few yards

• Purpose: Alert nearby pedestrians, not distract drivers

Shop ADA-Compliant Electric Golf Carts

At Tigon Golf Carts, we offer a full range of compliant, safe, and street-legal electric golf carts with built-in growlers and optional sound customizations.

Final Thoughts: A Quiet Cart Doesn’t Mean a Silent Danger

Electric golf carts are convenient, eco-friendly, and increasingly common in everyday life. But silence, in this case, isn’t golden—it’s a potential hazard. That’s why growlers are now standard on many new models.

By including a sound-emitting device, manufacturers and owners are helping create safer, more inclusive environments for everyone, including those who rely on their sense of hearing to navigate the world.

Need Help Choosing the Right Electric Golf Cart?

At Tigon Golf Carts, we carry a full selection of ADA-compliant, street-safe electric carts—all designed with safety, comfort, and compliance in mind.