On Friday, December 13, 2019 at 10:36:54 AM UTC-6, Tom wrote:
Reaching out to query about golf carts - we use them to tow gliders (not on a flat surface, plenty of inclines) and transport people. I know there are a lot of different opinions but generally I’m curious what is the prevalent type in use out there - gas or electric?

Both have their ups and downs - I’ve seen some electric ones have problems towing stuff but I’m told that poor battery maintenance was a major factor. We’ve always used gas but because the majority of carts are electric the supply and demand issue causes the gas ones to be more expensive. This is causing me to consider electric.

The prices on these things seem outrageous to me either way (I’m famously frugal or as my friends say “cheap”). But, we use them every day and they are critical to the operation so i don’t want to be dealing with constant problems with old crappy ones.

Thanks for your input.

Regards, Tom

Hey Tom,
Our club in Western Oklahoma uses a gas club car. IMHO a gas cart is better than an electric in our situation. yours may differ.
Gasoline can be stored and added as easily as a lawnmower. Oil changes can occur during other equipment maintenance (IE, glider annual time) electric carts require commercial power and the electric bill, with charging station dedicated location. If your electric cart is 'out of juice' there is almost no chance of using it until an overnight charge cycle. a set of batteries will cost upwards of $1200, and usually last for only a few years (like 4 years I think). the batteries also require a consistent evaluation of water level and the addition of water distilled of course.
I think scale has a major effect on gas vs electric economics. if you are operating a fleet of 20+ carts, and have a dedicated employee to maintain them, electrics may be a better choice. But using just a couple or even one, gas may be the a better choice.
Good Luck, and Merry Christmas.
Scott