how to prevent hotwire theft of a electric golf cart

A hidden kill switch can be used to disable your cart to prevent theft. When the kill switch is engaged, the cart won’t start, even if they’re trying to hot wire it. Additionally, there are many hidden locations on a cart that the switch can be installed.

Full Answer

How can I protect my golf cart from theft?

Plus, your cart will be even more protected from bad weather, too! Using a device such as an EZ-Go pedal lock or steering wheel lock can deter thieves because they make the hassle of stealing your cart much too high. The devices make golf cart operation essentially impossible for anyone without the key to remove the pedal or steering wheel lock.

Why should I keep my golf cart out of sight?

By keeping your golf cart out of sight, you’ll lower the chances of falling victim to golf cart theft. Plus, your cart will be even more protected from bad weather, too! Using a device such as an EZ-Go pedal lock or steering wheel lock can deter thieves because they make the hassle of stealing your cart much too high.

Do electric golf carts have start switches?

Electric golf carts are typically pre-installed with keyed start switches straight from the factory and the keys for the carts are usually generic, which gives thieves an easy access to the golf carts. One way to prevent golf car thefts is to go to retailers who often sell aftermarket switches and have your cart’s switch modified.

What is a Kill Switch on a golf cart?

A hidden kill switch can be used to disable your cart to prevent theft. When the kill switch is engaged, the cart won’t start, even if they’re trying to hot wire it. Additionally, there are many hidden locations on a cart that the switch can be installed.

How can I prevent my golf cart from being stolen?

How to Prevent Your Golf Cart from Being Stolen (10 Ways)GPS Unit. ... Steering Wheel Lock. ... Pedal Lock. ... Hidden Kill Switch. ... Unique Key. ... Golf Cart Cover for Outdoor Parking. ... Park Cart Indoors and Lock the Door. ... Park Cart Close to You at Stores/Restaurant/Beach.More items...

How do you start an electric golf cart without the key?

Quick Screwdriver Method:Insert the tip of your screwdriver in the ignition switch's slot.Move the screwdriver up and down gently but firmly until you can turn the tool around the same way you would turn a key.This should fire up the cart. ... Another method would be hot-wiring which involves working the wires.

Can a golf cart be stolen?

Believe it or not, the most common way golf carts are stolen is with a key that matches your cart. Most golf cart keys are universal with other golf carts, meaning if you have a Club Car then anyone with a master Club Car key can take your cart.

Is there a way to lock a golf cart?

Install a pedal lock. Installing a pedal lock is yet another way to lock a golf cart. There are several pedal boxes on the market which prevent the accelerator pedal from being pressed by locking it into the upright position. If you can't press the pedal down, you can't drive it off.

Can you hotwire an electric golf cart?

Hot-wiring somebody else's golf cart is illegal and should not be performed under any circumstance. If, however, you own a golf cart and have lost the key, hot-wiring is an easy process that allows you to bypass the cart's ignition.

How do you bypass the ignition on a golf cart?

This process includes these steps:Turn off the ignition switch to minimize your risk of electrocution. ... Locate the wires for your cart's ignition switch. ... Use wire snips to cut these wires away from their connectors. ... Touch the engines together carefully to bypass the ignition switch and send power to your engine.More items...

Do all golf carts have the same key?

A key will not work on all golf carts. Instead, they are limited to the vehicles manufactured by that company. For example, if you lost the keys to your E-Z-Go TXT Elite, you would not be able to use a Clubcar cart key. Therefore, in most cases, golf cart keys are universal relative to the manufacturer.

What is the best way to lock up a golf cart?

Using a device such as an EZ-Go pedal lock or steering wheel lock can deter thieves because they make the hassle of stealing your cart much too high. The devices make golf cart operation essentially impossible for anyone without the key to remove the pedal or steering wheel lock.

Do golf carts have GPS?

Many golf cart GPS systems require the installation of a GPS screen for the golf cart. While screens in the carts are important for some facilities (some resorts), they are not required for the vast majority of golf courses, and golf clubs. These golf cart GPS systems come at a high cost.

Do golf carts use keys?

Golf carts are similar to a small car, and they start by turning a key. If the key is lost or stolen, the golf cart can be started via two different methods.

How do you secure a golf cart to a trailer?

1:538:52Transporting A Golf Cart - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd lock in then I get out I put the pin. In then the golf carts on there all I have to do is tie itMoreAnd lock in then I get out I put the pin. In then the golf carts on there all I have to do is tie it down and when I tie it down.

Does the club work on golf carts?

*PLEASE NOTE: The Club does NOT fit all golf carts.

What is a hidden kill switch?

HIDDEN KILL SWITCH. A hidden kill switch can be used to disable your cart to prevent theft. When the kill switch is engaged, the cart won’t start, even if they’re trying to hot wire it. Additionally, there are many hidden locations on a cart that the switch can be installed. LOCKING MECHANISM.

Is it important to protect your golf cart from theft?

Posted on September 24, 2019. With the growing popularity and accessibility of golf carts, it is important now more than ever to protect your cart against theft.

Can you store a golf cart indoors?

If you cannot store your cart indoors, at least put a golf cart cover over top of it. INSTALL A UNIQUE KEY. Golf carts come from each manufacturer with a universal key which means that your EZ-GO key will not only work on your cart, but on your buddy’s cart too. This makes them incredibly easy to run off with.

Can a stolen cart be tracked down?

Anti-theft mechanisms are not foolproof and carts can still be stolen despite your best preparation efforts. Consider installing a GPS on your cart so that if it is stolen, local law enforcement officials can quickly track your cart down.

How to deter theft of golf cart?

Another great way to deter Grand Theft Golf Cart is to install an aftermarket unique keyed start switch. Unlike your typical on-road vehicle such as a truck, sedan, or SUV, most electric golf cart manufacturers use the same key from cart to cart.

What to do if your golf cart is stolen?

However, in the event that your golf cart is stolen, the GPS in the recovery device can pinpoint the exact location for law enforcement officials.

Why is it important to keep your golf cart out of sight?

By keeping your golf cart out of sight, you’ll lower the chances of falling victim to golf cart theft. Plus, your cart will be even more protected from bad weather, too!

How long does it take to get a golf cart back after theft?

The iTrax theft recovery device actually guarantees that if your golf cart is not recovered within 30 days following a theft, iTrax will pay a $995 benefit!

Can you share a key for a golf cart?

That means that you likely share the same key with anyone who purchased the same golf cart model from the manufacturer. If you’re concerned about not having a unique key for your golf cart, you can have an aftermarket switch installed so that you don’t have to worry about anyone else having the key to your golf cart.

Can you jump on a golf cart with the same key?

However, this line of thinking needs to change. See, golf cart manufacturers tend to use the same key for their locks. As a result, anyone with a key from the same brand can simply jump on your ride, start it, and take off with the street legal golf cart. To avoid this, ask for the locks to be changed out.

Can you park a golf cart anywhere?

Parking your luxury golf cart anywhere is not a good idea. The longer your lifted golf cart is left unattended out in the open, the higher the odds of someone swooping in and taking it for themselves. So, your best option here is to always lock up your new golf cart.

How to protect a golf cart from theft?

Protect your golf cart with these 5 easy theft prevention solutions. 1. Install a Theft Deterrent. Golf carts are fairly simple to steal for someone who is determined and many times, the crime is a crime of opportunity. Law enforcement estimate that a whopping 30,000 golf carts are stolen each year in the US.

What is remote security on golf cart?

One option is an actual remote security system that easily installs with the use of your cart's battery. Another, more affordable option, is the use of a golf cart pedal lock, manufactured by the makers of the automotive club.

How much does a golf cart cost?

Golf carts have become a status symbol and it is not uncommon for a customized golf cart to cost $8,000 or more .

Why do you need a storage cover for a golf cart?

Golf carts that are out of sight are less likely to be subject to theft. Using a golf cart storage cover when the cart is not in use is the ideal way to protect the cart from weather and dirt and also keep it out of the sight of potential golf cart thieves.

Where to store golf carts?

2. Store Golf Carts in Garages. Not only can the elements begin to damage a golf cart that is stored outdoors, especially in humid climates like Florida, but outdoor storage also allow thieves to scope out your golf cart and try to determine the best opportunity to steal your precious golf cart. Protect your golf cart from weather and criminals ...

Can you store a golf cart in a garage?

Install Security Lights. If you live in an RV park or mobile home community, it may not be possible to store the cart in a garage or shed. In this case, install motion security lights that are pointed at your golf cart.

Do golf carts come with a key?

Factory golf carts all come with a generic key that is interchangeable among other carts. Changing the factory key cylinder switch and installing a unique key switch ensures that one key does not fit your golf cart. Don't believe us? Try your Club Car key on your friend's golf cart.

Install a unique key switch

One of the most common and inexpensive methods to lock a golf cart is to install a unique key switch. Standard golf carts of the same brand use generic common keys, so everyone has basically the exact same key. Many manufacturers offer unique key switches for their brands to give you a different key option with your cart.

Install a key pad lock

Installing a key pad lock is another common method to lock a golf cart. These electronic pads wire into the electrical system and effectively disable the cart when parked. Until the proper key code sequence is entered, the cart will not move even with the normal key.

Install a manual disconnect switch

Manual disconnect switches are also available to lock a golf cart. This switch is capable of handling high current and typical disconnects your main power flow from the battery bank. They are usually installed in a hard to find location and some of the better ones actually have the capability to install a padlock as well.

Install a security system

There are many security systems commercially available to disable your golf cart via a key fob. These security systems wire into your control circuit of the ignition system. If you do not have the key fob to disable the alarm, the cart will not move despite having a key in hand.

Install a pedal lock

Installing a pedal lock is yet another way to lock a golf cart. There are several pedal boxes on the market which prevent the accelerator pedal from being pressed by locking it into the upright position. If you can’t press the pedal down, you can’t drive it off.

Install a steering wheel club

Just like in the automotive market, there are various “club” like products available to lock your steering wheel into a undesirable and un-drivable position. If you can’t steer, it is difficult to drive off.

Install a wheel lock boot

Kind of clunky and cumbersome to travel with but a wheel lock boot with definitely prevent your wheels from rolling. Better suited to lock a golf cart at home.