So, how much do golf carts weigh on average? A typical golf cart weighs between 500 and 1,100 pounds. How heavy are golf carts? They aren’t extremely heavy machines, but they are not light either. The average golf cart weight is usually around 900 pounds. This weight is often called the golf cart curb weight. Curb weight means the weight of the cart itself, with no people or extra items in it. It’s the weight when the cart is ready to go, but sitting empty.
Image Source: carts-and-parts.com
Interpreting Golf Cart Weight
When we talk about golf cart weight, we often mean the empty weight. This is the weight of the cart as it comes from the factory. Or maybe with a few basic things like a roof. But this is not the only weight that matters.
Curb Weight Explained
Curb weight is like the cart’s base weight. It includes the frame, the engine or motor, the batteries (if electric), the body, the wheels, and the seats. It’s everything that makes the cart run and look like a golf cart. This is the number most people think of first. It’s the weight you might see listed in a cart’s specs. The golf cart curb weight is a key number. It tells you the minimum weight you need to deal with.
What About Full Weight?
Golf carts can carry people and things. So, their weight goes up when in use. There is a term called Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This is the most the cart can weigh safely. It includes the cart’s curb weight plus the weight of passengers and cargo. Knowing the GVWR is very important. It stops you from overloading the cart. Overloading is not safe. It can damage the cart. It can also cause accidents. Most golf carts have a GVWR listed somewhere. It might be on a sticker. Or it might be in the owner’s manual.
Things That Change How Heavy a Golf Cart Is
Not all golf carts weigh the same. Many things make a golf cart heavier or lighter. These things include how it runs, how many people it holds, and what extra stuff is on it. The materials used also play a part. Even the brand that made the cart can change its weight.
Power Source Matters
The type of power source makes a big difference. Golf carts can run on gas or electricity.
* Electric Carts: Electric carts use heavy batteries. The battery pack is often the heaviest single part of an electric cart. More batteries mean more range. But more batteries also mean more weight. A standard set of lead-acid batteries can add hundreds of pounds. This is why the electric golf cart weight is often higher than a similar gas cart. These batteries are needed to store power. They are thick and heavy.
* Gas Carts: Gas carts have an engine, a fuel tank, and an exhaust system. These parts have weight too. But they are usually lighter than a large pack of lead-acid batteries. So, the gas golf cart weight is often less than an electric one of the same size. A gas engine system is complex. But the battery weight in electric carts adds up fast.
How Many Seats?
The number of seats changes the size and weight of the cart.
* 2-Seat Carts: These are the standard golf carts. They are designed for two people. The 2 passenger golf cart weight is the lightest type. They have a shorter frame. They need less material to build. Their engines or battery packs might be smaller too.
* 4-Seat Carts: These carts are longer. They have two rows of seats. They carry four people. The 4 passenger golf cart weight is much more than a 2-seat cart. The longer frame adds weight. The extra seats add weight. The cart needs to be stronger to hold more people. This strength comes from using more materials. So, a 4-seat cart needs a stronger frame. It needs a bigger body. All of this adds pounds.
* Even Bigger Carts: Some carts can carry six, eight, or even more people. These are much heavier. They are built on very long frames. They need powerful engines or big battery packs. They are used in places like resorts or campuses.
Extra Stuff Added
Golf carts can have many added features. These extras make the cart heavier.
* Lift Kits: These kits raise the cart higher off the ground. They are popular for off-road use. Lift kits use strong metal parts. These parts are heavy. A lift kit adds significant weight.
* Bigger Tires and Wheels: Off-road tires and custom wheels are heavier than standard golf cart tires.
* Cargo Beds: Adding a utility bed or a cargo box makes the cart more useful. But it also adds weight. These beds are usually made of metal or strong plastic.
* Enhanced Roofs or Enclosures: Some roofs are simple plastic. Others are heavier, stronger materials. Full cart enclosures (like canvas or hard sides) add weight.
* Sound Systems and Electronics: Adding speakers, stereos, or extra lights brings more wires and components. These add small amounts of weight. But it can add up.
* Heavy Duty Bumpers or Brush Guards: Metal bumpers or guards protect the cart. They are built tough. They add weight to the front or back.
* Upgraded Batteries: For electric carts, upgrading to lithium-ion batteries can sometimes reduce weight compared to lead-acid. But adding more batteries of any type increases weight.
What They Are Made Of
The stuff used to build the cart matters.
* Frame: Most frames are made of steel or aluminum. Steel is stronger but heavier. Aluminum is lighter but can cost more. The thickness and design of the frame change the weight.
* Body: Bodies are usually made of plastic, fiberglass, or metal. Thicker materials or different types of plastic can be heavier.
* Seats: The seat frame and cushioning material have weight. Plusher, more durable seats weigh more.
Who Made It?
Different brands design their carts differently. They might use different materials or build methods. This means a cart from one brand might weigh more or less than a similar cart from another brand. Club Car, Yamaha, and EZ-GO are three big names. Each has its own standard weights.
Typical Golf Cart Weight Numbers
Let’s look at some typical numbers. The weight really depends on the type and size. But we can give some ranges.
The Average Weight
As mentioned, the average golf cart weight is often around 900 pounds. This is a good middle ground. It’s a general number for a standard, 2-seat cart. This average includes both gas and electric models. But remember, many things can make a specific cart lighter or heavier than this average.
The Range You Might See
The typical golf cart weight range is quite wide.
* Small 2-seat gas carts can be as light as 500-600 pounds.
* Standard 2-seat electric carts are often between 600-900 pounds, mostly due to batteries.
* 4-seat carts (gas or electric) are usually heavier, often in the 800-1,100 pound range.
* Utility carts with cargo beds can be heavier. They might weigh 1,000 pounds or more, even with just two seats.
* Specialty carts like limos (6+ seats) can weigh well over 1,200 pounds, sometimes reaching 1,500 pounds or more empty.
So, the typical golf cart weight range is roughly from 500 pounds up to 1,100 pounds for common models. But specialized carts can go higher.
Weight Based on How It Runs
Let’s break down the weights more by how the cart is powered. This is one of the biggest factors.
Electric Carts
Electric golf cart weight is heavily shaped by the batteries.
* A standard 2-seat electric cart might weigh around 600-900 pounds. This includes the batteries. A single deep-cycle lead-acid battery can weigh 50-70 pounds or more. A cart often uses four to six of these batteries. That’s 200 to over 400 pounds just in batteries!
* If the electric cart has 4 seats, it’s longer and stronger. It might also need more batteries or bigger batteries to handle the extra weight it will carry. So, a 4 passenger electric golf cart weight could easily be 900 to 1,100 pounds.
* Lithium-ion batteries are becoming more common. They are often lighter than lead-acid batteries for the same power output. Switching to lithium can sometimes reduce the overall electric cart weight. But lithium packs are still significant in weight.
Gas Carts
Gas golf cart weight is usually lower than electric carts of the same size.
* A standard 2-seat gas cart might weigh around 500-700 pounds. They have an engine, which is metal. They have a gas tank. They have a muffler. But this whole system is often lighter than a full battery pack.
* A 4-seat gas cart will be longer and heavier. Its gas engine might be slightly larger or stronger to move more people. A 4 passenger gas golf cart weight could be in the range of 700 to 900 pounds.
* The fuel itself adds weight. A gallon of gasoline weighs about 6 pounds. A small gas tank might hold 5-6 gallons. So, a full tank adds 30-36 pounds. This is much less than the weight of batteries.
Comparing the two, you can see why electric carts tend to be heavier on average. The batteries are the key difference.
Weight Based on Size
The size of the cart, usually based on how many people it can seat, directly impacts its weight.
Small Carts (2 Seats)
These are the classic golf course carts. They are the lightest type. The 2 passenger golf cart weight range is typically from 500 pounds (for lighter gas models) up to about 900 pounds (for heavier electric models). They are built to be compact and easy to move. They need a strong frame but don’t need to be as long or as beefy as carts for more people.
Bigger Carts (4 Seats)
These carts are popular in neighborhoods and communities. They let a family or group ride together. The 4 passenger golf cart weight is higher because of the extra length and seats. These carts usually weigh between 800 and 1,100 pounds. The added length means more frame material. The second row of seats adds weight. The cart is built stronger to handle the weight of four adults.
Even Bigger Carts (6+ Seats)
Carts designed for six or eight passengers are significantly heavier. They are like small trams. They can weigh from 1,200 pounds up to 1,800 pounds or even more, depending on features and power type. These carts are not typical for a golf course. They are used for moving groups of people quickly in smaller areas.
Weight By Who Made The Cart
Major golf cart brands have their own designs and build standards. This leads to slight differences in weight between brands for similar types of carts.
Club Car Weight
Club Car is a well-known brand. They make many types of carts. The Club Car golf cart weight varies by model and type.
* Their standard 2-seat Precedent or Onward models often fall in the 600 to 900 pound range, depending on if they are gas or electric and what features they have. An electric Club Car Precedent might be around 650-700 pounds without batteries, but add batteries and it jumps to 850-950 pounds. A gas version might be 600-700 pounds total.
* 4-seat Club Car models (like the 4-passenger Onward) will be heavier. Their weight can be anywhere from 900 to 1,100 pounds or more. This depends on gas or electric power and added options.
* Club Car also makes utility carts and multi-passenger vehicles which are much heavier.
Yamaha Weight
Yamaha is another big name in the golf cart world. Yamaha golf cart weight is also similar to other major brands but can vary by model.
* A standard 2-seat Yamaha golf cart (like the Drive² model) typically weighs around 550 to 850 pounds. Their gas carts are known for being relatively light compared to some electric models from other brands. A gas Yamaha Drive² might weigh about 600-650 pounds. An electric version with batteries might be closer to 800-850 pounds.
* Yamaha’s 4-seat models are heavier. A 4 passenger Yamaha golf cart weight could be in the 850 to 1,050 pound range. Again, gas versions might be on the lighter side of this range compared to electric ones.
Other Brands
Brands like EZ-GO also have similar weight ranges. An EZ-GO golf cart weight for a standard 2-seat model is often 500-850 pounds. A 4-seat EZ-GO might weigh 800-1,050 pounds. Cushman, another brand, focuses more on utility vehicles, which are generally heavier than passenger golf carts.
Here is a simple table showing rough weight ranges by type and power source:
h5: Approximate Golf Cart Weight Ranges
| Cart Type | Power Source | Approximate Curb Weight Range (Pounds) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Passenger | Gas | 500 – 700 |
| 2 Passenger | Electric | 600 – 900 |
| 4 Passenger | Gas | 700 – 900 |
| 4 Passenger | Electric | 900 – 1,100 |
| Utility (with bed) | Gas/Electric | 800 – 1,200+ |
| 6+ Passenger | Gas/Electric | 1,200 – 1,800+ |
h5: Approximate Weight Ranges By Popular Brand (Standard 2-Seat Carts)
| Brand | Typical Curb Weight Range (Pounds) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Club Car | 600 – 950 | Varies greatly by model (Gas vs. Elec) |
| Yamaha | 550 – 850 | Gas models often on the lighter side |
| EZ-GO | 500 – 850 | Similar ranges to Yamaha and Club Car |
These tables show the typical golf cart weight range for different types. The specific golf cart curb weight for any model can be different based on its exact setup and added features.
Why Knowing The Weight Is Key
Knowing how much a golf cart weighs is more important than you might think. It affects many things.
Moving It Around
If you need to move your golf cart, you must know its weight. This is true for towing it behind a car. It is also true for putting it on a trailer. Every trailer has a weight limit. Your car also has a towing limit. You must make sure the weight of the cart plus the weight of the trailer is less than your car’s limit. If you don’t, it is dangerous. You could lose control. You could damage your car or trailer. Or you could cause an accident. A 2 passenger golf cart weight might be easy to tow. But a heavy 4 passenger electric golf cart weight might need a bigger truck and trailer. Always check your vehicle’s manual and the trailer’s capacity.
Where You Can Drive
The weight of a golf cart matters on different surfaces.
* Turf: Golf courses are careful about weight on the grass. Heavy carts, or carts with heavy loads, can damage the turf. This is why many golf courses prefer lighter carts. Or they have rules about where carts can go.
* Pavement and Bridges: Most roads and bridges can handle golf cart weight. But knowing the weight is important for places like small bridges or paved paths not designed for heavy vehicles.
* Soft Ground: A heavier cart is more likely to get stuck in mud or soft sand. A lighter cart can move more easily on these surfaces.
How Much It Can Carry
We talked about GVWR earlier. This is the maximum safe weight the cart can hold, including the cart itself. Knowing the curb weight helps figure out how much extra weight the cart can carry. This extra weight is called the payload capacity.
Payload Capacity = GVWR – Curb Weight
For example, if a cart has a GVWR of 1,200 pounds and a curb weight of 800 pounds, it can carry 400 pounds of people and cargo. This is important for safety. Carrying too much weight puts strain on the engine or motor, the brakes, the suspension, and the frame. It can lead to breakdowns or accidents. Always respect the cart’s payload limit.
Staying Safe
Weight affects how a cart handles. A heavier cart might take longer to stop. It might be harder to steer. It might feel less stable on hills or bumpy ground. If you add a lot of weight (people and cargo), the handling changes even more. Knowing the base weight and the maximum weight helps you drive safely. It helps you understand the cart’s limits.
Finding The Total Weight
To find the total weight when the cart is in use, you need to add things up simply.
Total Weight = Golf Cart Curb Weight + Weight of Passengers + Weight of Cargo
- Golf Cart Curb Weight: Find this number for your specific cart. Look at the manual or a sticker. Or check the maker’s website using the model name.
- Weight of Passengers: Add up the weight of everyone getting on the cart. Use average adult weights (like 150-200 pounds per person) or actual weights for more accuracy.
- Weight of Cargo: Add up the weight of golf bags, coolers, tools, or anything else carried on the cart.
Make sure this Total Weight is not more than the cart’s GVWR.
How To Find Your Specific Cart’s Weight
The best way to know the weight of your golf cart is to check the source.
1. Owner’s Manual: The manual that came with the cart should list the specifications. Look for “curb weight” or “vehicle weight.”
2. Data Plate or Sticker: Many carts have a sticker or plate on the frame, under a seat, or in a storage area. This plate often has the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and might list the curb weight or GVWR.
3. Manufacturer’s Website: Look up your specific make, model, and year on the manufacturer’s official website (like Club Car, Yamaha, EZ-GO). They usually have a specs section.
4. Dealer: If you bought the cart from a dealer, they can help you find the exact specs.
5. Weigh Station: For the most accurate weight, you can take your cart to a public scale or weigh station (like those used for trucks). Weigh the empty cart.
Knowing the exact golf cart curb weight for your model is the most useful number.
Putting It All Together
So, how much do golf carts weigh on average? Around 900 pounds for a standard model. But the weight really depends on the type. Electric carts are usually heavier than gas carts because of the batteries. Carts that hold more people weigh more because they are bigger and stronger. Extra features like lift kits or cargo beds add weight. Brands like Club Car and Yamaha make carts with slightly different weights.
The typical golf cart weight range goes from about 500 pounds for a small gas cart up to over 1,100 pounds for a large electric passenger cart. Specialty and utility carts can weigh much more.
Knowing the golf cart curb weight and the GVWR is very important. It helps you tow the cart safely. It helps you know how much weight the cart can carry. It affects where you can drive the cart. It also impacts how the cart handles.
Always check the specific weight for your cart. Don’t just guess. This will help you use your golf cart safely and without problems.
Questions People Often Ask
h4: Are electric golf carts heavier than gas ones?
Yes, usually they are. The main reason is the weight of the large battery pack needed to power an electric motor. Gas engines and fuel systems are typically lighter than a full set of golf cart batteries. So, the electric golf cart weight is often higher than a similar-sized gas model.
h4: What is a golf cart’s max weight capacity?
This is called the payload capacity. It is the total weight of people and cargo the cart can safely carry. You find it by subtracting the cart’s curb weight from its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR is the most the cart should ever weigh when it’s loaded. Check your cart’s manual or sticker for its GVWR.
h4: Can I tow a golf cart with my car?
It depends on the weight of the cart and trailer, and your car’s towing limit. You need to know the golf cart’s weight (curb weight), the weight of the trailer, and your car’s maximum towing capacity. Add the cart’s weight and the trailer’s weight together. This total must be less than your car’s limit. Always use a proper trailer designed for hauling vehicles.
h4: Does adding a lift kit make a golf cart heavier?
Yes, adding a lift kit will make a golf cart heavier. Lift kits are made of strong metal parts. These parts add significant weight to the cart’s frame and suspension. Bigger tires and wheels often added with lift kits also add weight.
h4: How does battery size affect electric cart weight?
For electric carts, the batteries are the heaviest part. More batteries mean more power or range, but they also mean more weight. Batteries come in different sizes and types. Larger or more numerous batteries directly increase the electric golf cart weight. Switching from standard lead-acid to lighter lithium-ion batteries of similar power can sometimes reduce the weight, but the battery pack is still a major weight factor.
h4: What is the difference between curb weight and GVWR?
Curb weight is the weight of the golf cart itself, empty, with no people or cargo. It’s the base weight. GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum total weight the cart is designed to handle safely. This includes the cart’s curb weight plus the weight of everyone and everything loaded onto it.
h4: Is the weight listed by the manufacturer the curb weight?
Yes, usually the weight listed in the specifications by the manufacturer is the curb weight. It’s the weight of the standard cart model without any aftermarket accessories or people in it. Always check the description to be sure.
h4: Why do utility golf carts weigh more than passenger carts?
Utility carts are built stronger to carry heavy loads in their cargo beds or boxes. They have more robust frames and suspension parts. These stronger, heavier parts add to the utility golf cart’s curb weight compared to a standard passenger cart.