What's the Difference Between a Golf Cart and a NEV?

UPDATED 12/13/2007

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.

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.

Some golf cart manufacturers sell vehicles that qualify as NEVs. In order to be legally registered, the "golf cart" must have been built by the manufacturer as a NEV and must have a 17-digit VIN. The vehicle also 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.

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. 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 drive on public streets, 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 golf cart from the "others", NEVs must be sold by a licensed vehicle dealer. A licensed vehicle dealer will take care of all of the paperwork for you, and make sure your vehicle is registered properly. 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".

This article was changed from the original version in order to clarify that unless a golf cart was built by the manufacturer to NEV specifications (including a 17-digit VIN), it cannot be legally registered in the State of California.

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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.