
To start the golf cart you have to use the good old fashion key. Insert the key and turn it right to start the cart. There may also be a reverse setting and you want to set the key for forward-drive.
Full Answer
How do you drive a golf cart?
You'll need a license to drive on public roads. Use the key. Like the golf cart’s older cousin, the automobile, you will need a key to start it. Insert the key in the key slot and turn it to the right. You probably won’t hear a loud startup like you would for a car. Most golf carts run on electricity and the key merely turns the battery on.
How to use a golf cart handle?
Use your foot to press down on the thin, right pedal. The pedal is sensitive to the amount of pressure you use. Start with mild pressure using your foot to get a feeling for the handle of the golf cart. Once you understand how the cart operates, add more pressure to the pedal.
How fast can a golf cart go off the course?
Despite the vehicle's name, golf carts are used off golf courses for a variety of reasons. Golf carts fall between 15-35 mph top speed by regulation standards. You must be 14 years of age or older to drive a golf cart.
Do you need a key to start a golf cart?
Like the golf cart’s older cousin, the automobile, you will need a key to start it. Insert the key in the key slot and turn it to the right. You probably won’t hear a loud startup like you would for a car. Most golf carts run on electricity and the key merely turns the battery on.

How do you operate a golf cart?
3:3112:05Golf Cart Training Video - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPosition. When you are ready to go you simply step on the accelerator to release the brake and toMorePosition. When you are ready to go you simply step on the accelerator to release the brake and to start the engine. It's not unusual for the car to jump when the brake is activated.
How do you turn on a golf cart?
0:112:14How To Start a Golf Cart - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe have a shifter here that. Says. Forward neutral and reverse okay so what we do is we take the keyMoreWe have a shifter here that. Says. Forward neutral and reverse okay so what we do is we take the key. We move it to on we don't go anywhere we're actually on a slight hill.
How do you put a golf cart in reverse?
Golf carts have a button or lever that allows you to switch between forward and reverse gears. The reverse switch is found below the driver's seat, and can be activated by pulling the handle left or right. Once pulled, the golf cart will start moving in reverse.
How do you put an electric golf cart in reverse?
If the golf cart starts beeping the minute you turn the key to the right, it's in reverse. To switch between forward and reverse, you need to locate the switch which is generally down the front side of the seat between the driver's and the passenger's lower legs.
What do you do if your golf cart won't go?
Press the button and put your cart back together before hooking it up to charge. In many cases, this will solve the problem. If it doesn't, try removing the motor and testing it with a separate, fully charged battery. If nothing happens, the motor is probably burned out.
Why does my golf cart not start?
As the main source of power to your electric golf cart, the batteries are commonly the cause for why your electric golf cart won't start. Acid-based batteries are typically used for electric golf carts and must be recharged in order to work properly.
Why won't my golf cart go forward or reverse?
The problem could be with either the Run/Tow switch or Forward/Reverse switch or both. Check the switches to ensure that they aren't stuck midway. If they are, getting them released should help. However, if they show signs of wear and tear, you must get them replaced.
Why does my golf cart not go in reverse?
The simplest and most likely cause of reverse problems in a golf cart is a malfunctioning F&R switch. This switch – which stands for forward and reverse – is common on most golf carts and makes it easier for you to go forward and in reverse without requiring a lot of complex machinery or levers.
Why is my golf cart not going forward?
When there is a disruption in the flow of the electrical current, your cart will not operate. A common reason for current disruption is solenoid wear. Each time the solenoid activates as you press down on the gas pedal, the solenoid compounds down onto a thin metal contact plate.
How does a golf cart forward reverse switch work?
0:139:43Golf Cart Forward and Reverse Switch Direction Selector Tutorial - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat is brand new it simply cables connect to the bright copper colored contacts. And the switchMoreThat is brand new it simply cables connect to the bright copper colored contacts. And the switch rotates through a hand action and that changes the polarity.
Is a golf cart easy to drive?
Although it is quite easy to operate, a golf cart is still a vehicle that, when participating in traffic, could be a potential threat for public safety if not used properly. Before you start driving it, it is best to first understand what the golf cart is and how it works.
How does a forward reverse switch work?
If the forward pushbutton is pressed, as long as the reverse coil is not engaged, current will find a path through the normally closed reverse contact and energize the forward coil, causing all contacts associated with that coil to change their state.
How many pedals does a golf cart have?
The golf cart, in general, has only two pedals. One for acceleration the gas pedal and the other one is the brake. There is also an option for parking brake (generally multi-lock). These are the least of specifications that will suffice for you to drive the cart.
How to slow down a golf cart?
Simply releasing pressure from the accelerator will start slowing down your golf cart. If you need to decelerate more you can use the brake. The brake is also sensitive to the amount of pressure being applied. So, use the brake accordingly, decelerate, and stop.
What is the maximum speed of a golf cart?
Golf carts are generally classified under LSV which stands for “Low-Speed Vehicles” when the maximum speed ranges between 15 to 25 mph. If the top speed exceeds 25 mph and up to 35 mph then they are under Neighborhood Electric Vehicles or NEV for short.
How to push a cart forward?
When it comes to pushing forward the cart using the accelerator, you want to start with gentle pressure. As the accelerator is pressure-sensitive a full press may lead to a sudden push forward. One more thing you want to keep in mind is just using a single foot for both the accelerator and the brake.
Why do people use golf carts?
Nowadays a golf cart can be used in or out of the golf course conveniently to make short trips for various reasons. It provides comparatively low-cost and energy-efficient mobility. Operating or driving one of those is also less than complicated and easy.
How to start a golf cart?
Step 1: Get the cart started. To start the golf cart you have to use the good old fashion key. Insert the key and turn it right to start the cart. There may also be a reverse setting and you want to set the key for forward-drive.
Do you need a seat belt on a golf cart?
Once you got the golf cart started now you should put the seat belt on. If you’re in such a cart that is listed under LSV then most probably it doesn’t have a seat belt. Then don’t worry about it but you may still want to be extra careful especially if you have a child on board.
How to get a golf cart to stop?
Next, take your foot off the acceleration pedal and press down gently on the left pedal to bring the golf cart to a stop.
How to drive a golf cart backwards?
Drive backwards. To go backwards, pull or turn the switch on your cart and use the acceleration pedal. Most golf carts will not go as fast using the backwards setting. Turn your body by putting your right arm around the back of the passenger seat. This position will allow you to see everything behind you.
What to do if you don't have a golf cart at night?
Drive at night. It is important to take extra precautions when driving at night. Before driving at night, make sure your golf cart is equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reflective devices. If you don’t have these safety measures on your vehicle, reconsider driving at night or consider investing into your cart.
How fast can a golf cart go?
Despite the vehicle's name, golf carts are used off golf courses for a variety of reasons. Golf carts fall between 15-35 mph top speed by regulation standards. You must be 14 years of age or older to drive a golf cart.
What to do if you own a golf cart?
Consider insurance. There is never a guarantee you won’t injure someone if you own a golf cart. Many insurance agencies will offer a wide insurance plan that covers vehicles like segways, golf carts and snowmobiles. Insurance will help you pay for medical bills and damage to your vehicle.
How fast can you turn a golf cart?
Just like with automobiles, you need to slow down when turning your cart. Even turning at a speed of 11 mph can project a passenger from the golf cart. Golf carts don’t have doors and some don’t even have seatbelts. Keep your passengers and yourself safe by slowing down significantly before turning.
How to accelerate a golf cart?
Accelerate. Once everyone is seated, you’re ready to accelerate in the golf cart. Use your foot to press down on the thin, right pedal. The pedal is sensitive to the amount of pressure you use. Start with mild pressure using your foot to get a feeling for the handle of the golf cart.
How fast can you turn a golf cart?
Just like with automobiles, you need to slow down when turning your cart. Even turning at a speed of 11 mph can project a passenger from the golf cart. Golf carts don’t have doors and some don’t even have seatbelts. Keep your passengers and yourself safe by slowing down significantly before turning.
How to drive a golf cart backwards?
Drive backwards. To go backwards, pull or turn the switch on your cart and use the acceleration pedal. Most golf carts will not go as fast using the backwards setting. Turn your body by putting your right arm around the back of the passenger seat. This position will allow you to see everything behind you.
How to accelerate a golf cart?
Once everyone is seated, you’re ready to accelerate in the golf cart. Use your foot to press down on the thin, right pedal. The pedal is sensitive to the amount of pressure you use. Start with mild pressure using your foot to get a feeling for the handle of the golf cart. Once you understand how the cart operates, add more pressure to the pedal.
What to do if you own a golf cart?
Consider insurance. There is never a guarantee you won’t injure someone if you own a golf cart. Many insurance agencies will offer a wide insurance plan that covers vehicles like segways, golf carts and snowmobiles. Insurance will help you pay for medical bills and damage to your vehicle.
How fast can a golf cart go?
Despite the vehicle’s name, golf carts are used off golf courses for a variety of reasons. Golf carts fall between 15-35 mph top speed by regulation standards. You must be 14 years of age or older to drive a golf cart.
What to do if you don't have a golf cart at night?
Drive at night. It is important to take extra precautions when driving at night. Before driving at night, make sure your golf cart is equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reflective devices. If you don’t have these safety measures on your vehicle, reconsider driving at night or consider investing into your cart.
When did golf carts become popular?
The golf cart became a widespread vehicle for golf courses in the 1950s. Since their development and popularity within the golfing community, they’ve branched out to be used by a variety of events and organizations. While the golf cart is a simple vehicle to operate, it must be used in consideration for the safety of others.
What is the legal definition of a golf cart?
The definition of a golf cart is relative to each state laws. The delineation as a golf cart or vehicle is based on overall weight, seat capacity and maximum speed. If any golf cart is faster or heavier than what the state law prescribes, it is classified as a motor vehicle.
Why is a golf cart necessary?
Without a doubt, there are different options to transport our golf clubs such as lightweight shoulder and tripod bags, trolley bags, electric carts and even buggies for those who prefer to save energy to hit.
What are the state age requirements?
Before we get started, it should be noted that most age requirements and other rules and regulations guiding driving a golf cart mainly applies to a public property, these rules do not apply to a private property i.e. driving on a private property is not subject to state age-restrictions, and all other state rules and regulations do not apply.
Driving a golf cart: rules and regulations
Other than age requirements, there are other rules and regulations guiding the driving of a cart. It is important to note that though rules and regulations are set and enforced by the government. The responsibility lies on the individual to put prioritize the safety of the individual driving the cart.
Driving a golf cart: useful tips
Rules notwithstanding, the onus lies on the golf driver to ensure that they prioritize their own safety while driving, this will require that the driver keeps to safety tips such as:
Final Thoughts
In this article, we have provided information on what a golf cart is, what state requirements for driving it are in different states, how to drive these carts on a golf course. We also gave you some useful tips on maintaining your golf cart.
