How Much Do Golf Carts Weigh? A Deep Dive into Weights

A common question is: How much do golf carts weigh? Golf carts usually weigh between 500 and 1,100 pounds. This depends on many things. These include if it runs on gas or electricity, how many people it carries, and what features it has. Knowing a cart’s weight is key for moving it, hauling it, and knowing its limits. This guide will look at all the things that change a golf cart’s weight.

Grasping Average Golf Cart Weight

The average golf cart weight falls into a range. Most standard golf carts weigh from 900 to 1,000 pounds. But this is just an average. Smaller, basic models can weigh less. Larger, custom models can weigh more. The type of cart makes a big difference.

Think about what a cart is made of. Most carts use a steel frame. They have plastic bodies. They also have an engine or a battery pack. All these parts add to the total weight.

A new golf cart off the factory line is often lighter than one used for years. This is because people add things to their carts. These added parts make the cart heavier.

Here is a general look at weight ranges:

Cart Type	Low End (Pounds)	High End (Pounds)	Average (Pounds)
Basic 2-Passenger	500	700	600
Standard 4-Passenger	900	1,100	1,000
Utility Cart	1,100	1,500	1,300
Street Legal Cart	950	1,200	1,050
Heavy-Duty/Custom Cart	1,200	2,000+	1,600

This table shows a wide range. We will look at why these numbers change so much.

Influences on Golf Cart Weight

Many things change a golf cart’s weight. These factors can add hundreds of pounds. Knowing them helps you pick the right cart.

Propulsion Type: Gas vs. Electric

The biggest factor is how the cart moves. Is it an electric cart or a gas cart? This choice changes the weight a lot.

Electric Golf Cart Weight

Electric golf cart weight is usually higher than gas carts. This is because of the batteries. Batteries are very heavy. A typical electric cart has six to eight deep-cycle lead-acid batteries. Each battery can weigh 60 to 70 pounds.

Let’s do some quick math. If a cart has six batteries, that’s 360 to 420 pounds just for batteries. If it has eight, that’s 480 to 560 pounds. This battery weight is a major part of the cart’s total weight.

Electric carts also have an electric motor. This motor is often lighter than a gas engine. But the heavy batteries make electric carts heavier overall. Newer lithium-ion batteries are lighter. They can cut hundreds of pounds off the cart’s weight. But most older electric carts still use lead-acid batteries.

Gas Golf Cart Weight

Gas golf cart weight is often less than electric carts. They do not have heavy batteries. Instead, they have a small gas engine. This engine is usually lighter than a battery pack.

Gas carts have a fuel tank. A full fuel tank adds some weight. But this weight is much less than a pack of lead-acid batteries. A gas cart engine might weigh around 100-150 pounds. This is less than the 300-500 pounds for batteries.

So, for a similar sized cart, a gas model is often lighter. This is a key difference between the two types.

Passenger Capacity: 2-Seater vs. 4-Seater

The number of seats also changes the weight. More seats mean more materials. More materials mean more weight.

2 Passenger Golf Cart Weight

A 2 passenger golf cart weight is the lightest type. These carts are made for one or two people. They have a smaller frame. They have less seating material. They are simple and compact. Most 2-passenger carts weigh from 500 to 700 pounds. These are often used on golf courses. They are easy to move around.

4 Passenger Golf Cart Weight

A 4 passenger golf cart weight is much more. These carts have two rows of seats. Sometimes, the rear seat can flip down to form a cargo bed. This adds more frame, more seats, and sometimes more heavy-duty parts.

A 4-passenger cart often weighs from 900 to 1,100 pounds. This extra weight comes from:

Longer frame
Extra seat assembly
Added roof length
Stronger suspension to handle more weight

Some carts can hold 6 or even 8 passengers. These carts are even heavier. They can weigh 1,200 pounds or more. They are built for bigger loads.

Golf Cart Battery Weight

We touched on this, but let’s dive deeper into golf cart battery weight. Batteries are very important for electric carts. They are also the heaviest single component.

Most electric golf carts use lead-acid batteries. These are big, rectangular batteries. They come in 6-volt, 8-volt, or 12-volt sizes. A common setup is six 8-volt batteries. Or eight 6-volt batteries.

Each 6-volt lead-acid battery weighs around 60-70 pounds.
Each 8-volt lead-acid battery weighs around 65-75 pounds.
Each 12-volt lead-acid battery weighs around 70-85 pounds.

So, a typical 48-volt system (six 8-volt batteries) adds about 390-450 pounds. A 36-volt system (six 6-volt batteries) adds about 360-420 pounds. This is a lot of weight!

Lithium-ion batteries are a newer option. They are much lighter. A lithium battery pack for a golf cart can weigh 100-200 pounds. This is a huge drop in weight. If you switch from lead-acid to lithium, your cart can lose 200-300 pounds. This can improve speed and range. But lithium batteries cost more.

Accessories and Modifications

People love to customize their golf carts. But every added part adds weight.

Common accessories that add weight include:

Lift kits (can add 50-100 pounds with bigger tires)
Bigger tires and wheels (up to 20-30 pounds per tire)
Back seats (if added to a 2-seater)
Sound systems and speakers (10-50 pounds)
Light bars and extra lighting (5-20 pounds)
Cargo boxes or beds (20-100 pounds)
Enclosures or doors (30-80 pounds)
Winches and brush guards (20-50 pounds)
Coolers and custom storage

Each small item adds up. A fully customized cart can weigh hundreds of pounds more than a basic one.

Build Materials

Most golf carts use a steel frame. Steel is strong and heavy. Some newer carts use aluminum for the frame. Aluminum is lighter than steel. But it costs more. The body panels are usually plastic or fiberglass. These materials are light.

The choice of materials affects the base weight. A cart with an aluminum frame will be lighter. But most carts still use steel for strength and cost reasons.

Purpose of the Cart

A golf cart’s use also impacts its weight.

Street Legal Golf Cart Weight

Street legal golf cart weight is often higher than a standard golf course cart. Why? Because street legal carts have extra safety parts. These parts are needed by law.

Added parts for street legal carts include:

Headlights, tail lights, turn signals, brake lights
Seat belts
Side mirrors and a rearview mirror
Windshield with a wiper
Horn
DOT-approved tires

All these parts add weight. A standard 4-passenger cart might weigh 1,000 pounds. A street legal version could weigh 1,050 to 1,150 pounds. The added safety features make them a bit heavier.

Utility Golf Cart Weight

Utility golf cart weight is usually the heaviest. These carts are built for work, not just driving. They have bigger engines or motors. They have stronger frames. They have heavy-duty suspensions.

Utility carts often have:

Large cargo beds
Dump beds
Towing hitches
More powerful engines or motors
Bigger tires for rough terrain

These carts are made to carry heavy loads. They are built tough. They can weigh from 1,100 pounds to over 1,500 pounds. Some very heavy-duty models can even reach 2,000 pounds. They are common on farms, campuses, and big job sites.

Weight Categories Defined

When we talk about weight, different terms mean different things. It’s good to know the right terms.

Golf Cart Dry Weight

Golf cart dry weight means the weight of the cart without any fluids. This means no fuel in a gas cart. No water in the battery cells for an electric cart. No oil in the engine. It’s the bare weight of the cart as it comes from the factory.

This number is useful for comparing basic models. It tells you the weight of the cart’s main parts. Dry weight is often listed in the owner’s manual. It is a good starting point for weight.

Curb Weight (Full Operational Weight)

Curb weight is the dry weight plus all normal fluids. For a gas cart, this means a full fuel tank, oil, and coolant. For an electric cart, it means batteries fully charged and filled with water (if lead-acid). This is the weight of the cart ready to be driven.

Curb weight is more helpful than dry weight. It shows the real weight of the cart when you use it.

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the maximum weight a golf cart can safely carry. This includes the cart itself (curb weight), plus passengers, cargo, and any added accessories.

It is a safety limit. Going over the GVW can damage the cart. It can hurt the suspension, tires, and frame. It can also make the cart unsafe to drive. Always check the GVW in your owner’s manual.

Golf Cart Shipping Weight

Golf cart shipping weight is the weight of the cart plus its packing materials. If a cart is shipped in a crate, the crate’s weight is added. This weight is important for shipping companies. It helps them figure out shipping costs. It also helps them decide what kind of truck or trailer to use.

Shipping weight is often a bit higher than the cart’s curb weight. It includes the cart, fluids, and any wrapping or pallets used for transport.

Detailed Breakdown by Type

Let’s look more closely at weights for different cart types. This will help you get a clearer picture.

Electric Golf Carts: Battery Impact

Electric carts are popular. Their weight is mainly due to batteries.

2-Passenger Electric Cart:
- Base Weight: 400-500 pounds (frame, motor, body)
- Batteries (lead-acid): 300-450 pounds (6 x 6V or 6 x 8V)
- Total: 700-950 pounds
4-Passenger Electric Cart:
- Base Weight: 500-600 pounds (longer frame, more seats)
- Batteries (lead-acid): 360-560 pounds (6 x 8V or 8 x 6V)
- Total: 860-1,160 pounds

Switching to lithium batteries can cut 200-300 pounds from these totals. For example, a 4-passenger electric cart with lithium batteries might weigh 700-850 pounds. This makes them much more agile.

Gas Golf Carts: Engine and Tank

Gas carts are simple. Their weight comes from the engine and chassis.

2-Passenger Gas Cart:
- Base Weight: 450-550 pounds (frame, engine, body)
- Fuel Tank: 20-30 pounds (full)
- Total: 470-580 pounds
4-Passenger Gas Cart:
- Base Weight: 600-700 pounds (longer frame, more seats)
- Fuel Tank: 20-30 pounds (full)
- Total: 620-730 pounds

You can see gas carts are lighter on average. They offer a good power-to-weight ratio.

Specific Passenger Models

Let’s summarize.

2-Seater Carts: These are the lightest. They usually weigh 500-700 pounds. They are good for small jobs or just golf.
4-Seater Carts: These are much heavier. They weigh 900-1,100 pounds. They are popular for families or moving small groups.
6-Seater Carts: These are even larger. They can weigh 1,200 pounds or more. They have a very long frame. They are used in resorts or on big properties.

Utility Carts: Built for Work

Utility carts are built for heavy tasks. Their weight shows their strength.

Standard Utility Cart:
- Base Weight: 800-1,000 pounds (stronger frame, bigger motor/engine)
- Cargo Bed: 100-200 pounds (heavy-duty steel)
- Total: 900-1,200 pounds
Heavy-Duty Utility Cart (e.g., with dump bed):
- Base Weight: 1,000-1,300 pounds
- Specialized Equipment: 200-500 pounds (dump mechanism, heavier suspension)
- Total: 1,200-1,800+ pounds

These carts are designed for tough work. Their weight reflects their ability to haul big loads.

Street Legal Carts: Added Safety Features

Street legal carts must meet road safety rules. This means more parts and more weight.

A standard golf cart might weigh 950 pounds.
Adding lights, mirrors, seat belts, and a windshield can add 50-150 pounds.
So, a street legal cart will often weigh 1,000 to 1,100 pounds.

The weight increase for street legal carts is usually moderate. It is about the safety items.

Why Knowing Your Cart’s Weight Matters

Knowing a golf cart’s weight is not just a fun fact. It matters for many real-world uses.

Transport and Hauling

If you need to move your golf cart, its weight is key. You must know if your trailer can handle it. You must know if your vehicle can tow it. Overloading a trailer or tow vehicle is dangerous. It can lead to accidents.

Performance (Speed, Range)

Weight affects how a cart performs.

Speed: Lighter carts are often faster. The engine or motor has less weight to push.
Range (Electric Carts): Lighter electric carts go farther on a single charge. Heavy carts use more battery power. They run out of charge faster.
Fuel Efficiency (Gas Carts): Lighter gas carts use less fuel. They are more efficient.

Tire Wear and Suspension

A heavy cart puts more stress on its tires. This can make tires wear out faster. It also affects the suspension system. If a cart is too heavy, the suspension can wear down. This means a rougher ride. It can also lead to costly repairs.

Safety

Heavier carts take longer to stop. This is a simple rule of physics. More mass means more stopping distance. This is important for safety. Also, an overloaded cart is unstable. It is more likely to tip over. Always stay within the cart’s weight limits.

Trailering and Towing Capacity

If you plan to tow your golf cart, check your vehicle’s towing limit. You also need to know the trailer’s capacity. Make sure the trailer can hold the cart’s weight. Add the weight of any gear inside the cart. This is very important for safe travel.

How to Find Your Cart’s Weight

There are a few ways to find your specific golf cart’s weight.

Check Manufacturer Specifications

The best way is to look at the owner’s manual. Or check the manufacturer’s website. They usually list the dry weight or curb weight. This gives you a good starting point.

Use a Weigh Station

For the most accurate weight, take your cart to a public weigh station. Many truck stops have them. Call ahead to check if they weigh smaller vehicles. Drive your cart onto the scale. This will give you the exact current weight. Make sure to have a full tank or charged batteries for curb weight.

Estimate Based on Type and Add-ons

If you cannot weigh it, you can estimate.
1. Start with the average weight for your cart type (e.g., 2-seater electric).
2. Add the weight of your batteries (if electric).
3. Add the estimated weight of any accessories you have put on. (e.g., “My lift kit added 70 pounds, my new tires added 50 pounds total, and the sound system is 20 pounds.”)

This will give you a good idea. It might not be perfect, but it’s close.

Reducing Cart Weight (If Needed)

Sometimes, you might want to make your cart lighter. This is often done for racing or better range.

Ways to reduce weight:

Switch to Lithium Batteries: This is the biggest weight saver for electric carts. It can cut hundreds of pounds.
Remove Unnecessary Accessories: Take off things you do not need. This could be a back seat, extra lights, or heavy cargo boxes.
Lighter Wheels and Tires: Some aftermarket wheels are lighter than stock.
Swap Heavy Parts: If you are serious, you could replace steel parts with aluminum. This is a big job, though.

For most people, reducing weight is not a main goal. But it’s an option.

Accessories and Their Weight Contribution

Let’s list some common accessories and their likely weight:

Accessory	Estimated Weight (Pounds)
Rear Flip Seat Kit	70 – 150
Lift Kit (with bigger tires)	50 – 150
Heavy Duty Tires (set of 4)	20 – 50
Light Bar	5 – 15
Full Enclosure	30 – 80
Radio/Sound System	10 – 30
Cargo Box/Bed (added)	20 – 100
Winch/Brush Guard	20 – 50
Windshield (full)	10 – 20
Cooler	5 – 15 (empty)

These numbers are just estimates. But they show how quickly weight can add up.

The Future of Golf Cart Weights

Golf cart design is always changing. New materials and tech will affect weight.

Lighter Materials: More carts might use aluminum frames. This would cut down on weight. Stronger, lighter plastics could also be used.
Battery Tech: Lithium-ion batteries are getting cheaper and better. As more carts use them, the average electric golf cart weight will drop. Solid-state batteries might come next. They promise even more energy in a smaller, lighter package.
Modular Designs: Carts might be built with parts that are easy to add or remove. This would let people change their cart’s weight for different tasks.

These changes could lead to carts that are lighter, more efficient, and easier to handle.

Conclusion

The weight of a golf cart changes a lot. It depends on many things. The average golf cart weight is between 500 and 1,100 pounds. Electric golf cart weight is often more due to heavy batteries. Gas golf cart weight is typically less. A 2 passenger golf cart weight is the lightest. A 4 passenger golf cart weight is much heavier. The golf cart battery weight is a major part of an electric cart’s total.

We looked at golf cart dry weight, which is the cart without fluids. We also talked about street legal golf cart weight and utility golf cart weight. Both are often heavier due to added features. And golf cart shipping weight includes packing.

Knowing your cart’s weight is important for many reasons. It affects how you transport it. It changes how it performs. It also impacts safety and how long parts last. Always find out your cart’s weight. This helps you use it safely and well for a long time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the heaviest part of an electric golf cart?

A: The batteries are the heaviest part of an electric golf cart. Lead-acid batteries alone can weigh 300 to 500 pounds.

Q: Do street legal golf carts weigh more than standard carts?

A: Yes, street legal golf carts usually weigh more. They have added safety features like lights, seat belts, and mirrors. These parts add to the overall weight.

Q: Can I make my golf cart lighter?

A: Yes, you can make your cart lighter. The biggest way is to switch from lead-acid batteries to lighter lithium-ion batteries. You can also remove unneeded accessories.

Q: Why do gas golf carts often weigh less than electric ones?

A: Gas golf carts weigh less because they do not have heavy battery packs. Their engine is lighter than a set of lead-acid batteries.

Q: What is the difference between dry weight and curb weight?

A: Dry weight is the cart’s weight with no fluids (no gas, no battery water). Curb weight is the cart’s weight with all normal fluids, ready to drive.

Q: How much does a utility golf cart typically weigh?

A: Utility golf carts are usually the heaviest type. They can weigh from 1,100 pounds up to 1,500 pounds or more. They are built for heavy work and carrying loads.

Q: How much does a golf cart battery weigh?

A: A single lead-acid golf cart battery weighs 60 to 85 pounds. A full set of 6 to 8 batteries can weigh 360 to 560 pounds. Lithium batteries weigh much less, about 100 to 200 pounds for a full pack.