What's the Difference Between a Golf Cart and a NEV?
by David Honeywell
July 1, 2007
LINCOLN, California -- So, you've made the decision to
"go electric" and are in the market for a "Neighborhood Golf
Something-or-other". Great! Unfortunately, many consumers (and
some dealers) are still confused about the difference between a
golf cart and a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV). Before you
rush down to your local dealer, take a moment to understand
which vehicle is right for you.
Golf carts and NEVs share many similarities. In fact, you
can't always tell them apart just by looking. Both vehicles are
available in many body styles, with a wide variety of aesthetic
and mechanical upgrades available. However, state and federal
standards define key differences, and affect where you can
drive.
A Detailed Look
While motor vehicle code varies by state, in this article
we'll take a look at California's regulations, which are fairly
representative. We'll also look at the federal standards which
apply to NEVs. The chart below outlines key vehicle parameters,
and highlights some of the main differences.
| |
Golf Cart |
NEV |
| Number of wheels |
"Not less than three wheels"
C.V.C. §345 |
"Has four wheels"
C.V.C. §385.5 |
| Speed |
15 MPH maximum
C.V.C. §345 |
20 MPH minimum, 25 MPH maximum
C.V.C. §385.5 |
| Maximum weight |
"unladen weight less than 1,300 pounds"
C.V.C. §345 |
"gross vehicle weight rating of less than
3,000 pounds."
C.V.C. §385.5 |
| Maximum passengers |
2, including the driver
C.V.C. §345 |
Unspecified |
| May drive on city streets |
No. Except for roads posted 25 MPH or less
within one mile of a golf course if designated as a golf
cart route.
C.V.C. §21716,
C.V.C. §21115(a) |
Yes. Roads posted 35 MPH or less.
C.V.C. §21260 |
| May drive in "Golf Cart Lanes" |
Yes
C.V.C. §21115(a) |
Yes
C.V.C. §21115(b) |
| May drive in "NEV Lanes" |
No
C.V.C. §1963.6 (d)(2) |
Yes
C.V.C. §1963.6 (a) |
| May Drive on a golf course |
Yes |
Some golf courses prohibit NEV usage--some
require "turf mode" |
| Must meet federal safety standards |
No |
Yes
C.V.C. §21253,
C.V.C. §1963.6 (a) |
| Federal requirements |
N/A |
Headlamps, front and rear turn signal
lamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, reflex reflectors (both
sides), side/rear mirrors, parking brake, safety glass
windshield, VIN, seat belts
§571.500 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations |
More About Golf Carts
A golf cart is an excellent choice for getting around golf
courses and "golf cart communities" (such as Sun City Lincoln
Hills, a sub-division in Lincoln, California). Golf carts are
typically less expensive than NEVs, and are a very attractive
option for mobility in a planned community. However, that
mobility is limited to the immediate area. Golf carts may not be
driven on public streets outside of the area defined by the golf
cart transportation plan, and are not allowed in NEV
lanes.
If you already own a golf cart, or are interested in
purchasing one for broader travels, you may have options.
According to federal and state regulations, a golf cart may be
"speed modified" to meet the minimum speed requirements of a
NEV. Specifically, a golf cart can be modified to travel between
20 MPH and 25 MPH. However, not all golf carts can be converted
to NEV status.
In addition to the speed modification, the golf cart must
meet the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's
"Standard 500" [PDF]. This standard includes a host of
safety tests which are required for a NEV. Many newer golf carts
may already have some of these safety features, but all must be
present to qualify as a NEV.
Since golf carts don't have a VIN, in California you'll be
required to post a $100 bond during registration. You'll also
need to certify, under penalty of perjury, that your vehicle
meets the
NHTSA Standard 500 [PDF] safety criteria. Since you are
self-certifying the vehicle, you should be very familiar
with the test procedure and details of this standard. If you
claim your vehicle is fully qualified when it isn't, you may
have additional liability in the event of a collision.
If your converted golf cart is registered as a NEV, you will
be issued license plates, and will be able to travel on the same
roads and lanes as a NEV. However, if you plan to use your
vehicle to get around town, you may want to consider starting
with a NEV.
More About Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs)
If you'd prefer to purchase a vehicle designed by the
original manufacturer to meet federal safety standards, consider
purchasing a NEV. Also known as "Low Speed Vehicles" or LSVs,
these cars come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and
configurations from many different manufacturers.
Unlike golf carts, all NEVs have a VIN, which means that you
can register these vehicles as you would a normal car--with no
extra bond required. In most states, a NEV can be driven on any
road with a posted speed limit of 35 MPH or less. In Lincoln,
California, you can also drive NEVs in specially-marked lanes
and NEV routes. NEVs are also allowed to drive in the golf cart
lanes of golf cart communities.
One place you may not see many NEVs is on the golf course.
Many golf courses restrict the use of NEVs due to their higher
speeds and faster acceleration. While these features are great
for the road, they can damage turf and cause hazardous
situations for other golfers. Thankfully, most NEV manufacturers
include a "turf mode" feature which slows acceleration and
limits a vehicle's top speed. However, some golf courses frown
on NEV use--even in turf mode. Check with the club house before
driving your NEV on the course.
"Neighborhood Electric Vehicle" is an apt description for a
NEV--it's a great vehicle for getting around the neighborhood,
or city. If you plan to use your vehicle primarily in a golf
cart community or for golfing, consider a golf cart instead.
Two Kinds of Dealers
By now, hopefully you've decided whether a golf cart or NEV
is best for your driving needs. The next step is to choose a
dealer. Keep in mind that if you plan to upgrade a golf cart to
drive on-road, or plan to buy a NEV, you'll need to register
your vehicle with the DMV. Which dealer you choose is
significant, and can affect both ease of registration and future
liability.
There are two types of dealers: a licensed vehicle dealer,
and the others. While there's nothing wrong with buying a NEV
from the "others", it is more work--and more risky. A licensed
vehicle dealer can take care of all of the paperwork for you,
and make sure your vehicle is registered properly.
If you buy from the others, you'll need to register the
vehicle yourself, and will be personally responsible for
certifying that it is compliant with federal regulations. Of
course, if you are buying a golf cart and don't plan to drive it
on the street, a licensed vehicle dealer doesn't add much to the
equation.
Speed and Safety: The Bottom Line
Once you understand the differences, choosing between a golf
cart and a NEV is easy. If your vehicle will be used only
on the links or in a golf cart community, a golf cart is the
obvious choice. If you plan to drive your vehicle on the road
for errands around town, a NEV is the way to go.
The primary differences between a golf cart and NEV can be
boiled down to two points: speed and safety. A NEV is faster,
and must meet federal safety specifications. While both vehicles
can serve as a street vehicle or a golf cart, buying the vehicle
that suits your primary purpose will save both time and money.
Regardless of which vehicle you choose, the one word that
describes both is "fun".
---
Copyright (c) 2007, DRH. All Rights Reserved. David Honeywell is
the founder of LincolNEV, an online resource for NEV owners in
Northern California. For more information, visit
www.lincolnev.com.
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