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Golf carts, a mode of transportation for small distances, have immensely evolved in terms of design, technology and application since their invention.
Due to the high cost of the carts, less popularity of the game of golf (for which they were primarily used) and fear of the carts destroying the courses, their use was limited between the 1930s and 1950s in the US.
Golf carts are small, wheeled vehicles that are used to transport golfers and their equipment around golf courses. They are also used in a variety of non-golfing applications, such as tourism, hospitality, and academia.
Electric golf carts are the most popular type of golf cart, accounting for a significant share of the global golf cart market. Electric golf carts are preferred by many golfers because they are quiet, environmentally friendly, and have lower operating costs than gasoline golf carts.
Gasoline golf carts are still popular in some regions, but they are becoming less common as the price of electric golf carts continues to decline. Gasoline golf carts are generally less expensive to purchase than electric golf carts, but they have higher operating costs due to the need to purchase fuel and oil.
Solar-powered golf carts are the least common type of golf cart, but they are becoming more popular as the technology improves and the cost of solar panels decreases. Solar-powered golf carts are environmentally friendly and have no operating costs.
However, with the invention of gasoline carts and a cheaper model after the electric model in the mid 1950s, the demand for golf carts started rising and so did the number of players in the market.
Electric Golf Carts: Compared to typical gasoline-powered carts, electric-powered golf carts were becoming increasingly popular due to their eco-friendliness and reduced noise pollution.
Battery technological advancements were resulting in increased range and performance.
Lithium-Ion Batteries: Compared to typical lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries offer better energy density, longer lifespan, and faster charging times in golf carts.
Smart Features: Smart features in golf carts included touchscreen screens, GPS navigation systems, USB charging connectors, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration. These features improve consumers’ convenience, enjoyment, and connectivity options.
Intelligent Charging Systems: In golf carts, advanced charging systems with features such as regenerative braking and energy recapture were installed.
These technologies allow carts to recharge their batteries while in operation, enhancing efficiency and range.
Enhanced Safety Features: Golf carts were equipped with safety features such as seat belts, roll bars, improved braking systems, and advanced sensors to detect obstacles and prevent collisions. These features aimed to enhance the safety of passengers and pedestrians.
Autonomous Capabilities: Efforts were ongoing to construct autonomous golf carts that could traverse golf courses without a driver.
These carts would identify and avoid obstacles using powerful sensors, computer vision, and artificial intelligence algorithms.
Lightweight Materials: The use of lightweight materials, such as aluminum and composite materials, was being explored to reduce the weight of golf carts. Lighter carts offer benefits such as increased energy efficiency and improved handling.
Demand is rising among golfers and course operators alike, innovative connected technology is changing the game of golf.
Built-in vehicle entertainment and interactive tools are enhancing the entire golf experience by offering video, streaming music and news; and revenue-generating course and fleet management information – all of which are driving growth, enjoyment and efficiencies of the game.
Technology has changed the paradigm of the golf experience from how it’s played to how a course is managed.
Connectivity has transcended the day-to-day expectations of the average consumer for immediate information availability and has become a growing demand in the golf world.
A vast portfolio of products are helping courses refine the operations, and providing real-time course information and entertainment for a connected, comfortable golfer experience.
With this trend, According to National Golf Foundation’s data; 24 million golfers are rapidly adapting to the technology.
91% of serious golfers have utilized course-provided distance devices. 64 percent of golfers are consuming instruction online, 77 percent are checking leaderboards, and 52 percent are streaming golf coverage.
For years there was concern that technology and connectivity offerings would threaten the traditional golf experience.
But in reality, it’s driving a new user experience by providing today’s golfers with their favorite digital content at their fingertips.
North America – Currently, the USA is the main market for golf carts, followed by Canada. In the coming years, the Canadian market is expected to have a higher CAGR.
North America as a whole is expected to remain the most prominent market in the years 2023-2030 due to the presence of major suppliers, high demand for the sport and development of infrastructure in the region. In 2022, it had a market share of around 43%.
Europe – There are steps that have been taken in this region to give a push to the golf industry. One of them being Vision 2020 to help the industry make better decisions for themselves and their associates.
In the past however, the industry has been through highs and lows. The U.K had the highest demand in this region. Germany, France, Italy and Spain are some countries with relatively higher demand in this region.
With the rise in sports clubs and interest of Europeans towards golf, the demand has increased over the years.
Asia- Pacific-. China is dominating the market in this region. A few reasons for this would-be implementation of stricter rules and regulations by the Government with respect to vehicular emissions and rising concern about the environment.
With further decrease in costs in this region, market size is bound to increase due to greater adoption for commercial purposes. Urbanization will also boost demand as the number of technology driven housing ventures and theme parks would increase.
LAMEA – Africa has the highest market share in this region.
E-Z-GO announced a new vehicle, the E-Z-GO Liberty, which will be its first golf cart to offer four forward-facing seats in a compact cart. The Liberty will come with a second row of seating for passengers, a shorter wheelbase and extensive storage space.
Its short wheelbase offers enhanced maneuverability and a tighter turning radius compared to competing vehicles.
Club Car has partnered with electric vehicle manufacturer AYRO, Inc. to create an electric low-speed logistics and cargo services to fit into the gap in between full-sized trucks and small utility vehicles.
The new vehicle, Club Car Current, is designed for significant agility to help logistics transportation on campus and urban environments. Current is able to reach 25 miles per hour and allows logistics providers to reach direct point-of-demand locations.
Polaris Inc. launched an entirely new line of offerings for street legal GEMs; a panoramic sky roof, 11 bold paint color options, premium upholstery options, new sport tires and rims, Rockford Fosgate audio and interior glow lighting.
These new options paired with GEM’s already sustainable, safe and stylish design offers over 10,000 configurations for customers to create their own personalized cart to enjoy their communities and stand out with their style.
Golfwurx introduced the revolutionary S6 Single-rider, three-wheel golf scooter and iCartTM course management system (CMS) Durability, Safety and Fun: No similar platform offers the combination of a 2000W motor for torque, electronic parking brake for safety, and a high capacity Li-ion battery providing 36 hole range and also has swappable batteries on the go.
Clubcar’s Carryall 502, the next generation turf (gas) vehicle, is fully equipped for productivity with more occupant space and a high visibility dashboard.
The 502 will ensure your work gets done. Built to Carryall 500 standards, the 502 has the power and reliability to tackle any task.
The Club Car Connect offerings dramatically improve pace of play, maintain fleet performance, and maximize staff efficiency while generating new revenue streams and reducing operational expenses.
Coupled with other technologies like next-generation lithium-ion batteries available in Club Car’s Tempo LI-ION golf car, the industry benefits with flexibility, control, reliability, and a connected experience – all aligned to meet the exciting evolution of the game.
The Electric Vaccine Vehicle is designed specifically for the task by a handful of partners. Ayro, Element, Club Car and Gallery Carts are all involved – Ayro and Gallery build the vehicles, Club Car supports servicing and Element handles sales.
It’s absolutely a mobile vaccine clinic with every piece of CDC-recommended gear onboard to administer a safe vaccination experience.
An ultralow-temperature freezer for vaccine storage, Bluetooth-enabled data loggers to track the vaccines’ temperature, sinks and medical-grade storage – they’re all crammed into this tiny EV to make vaccine distribution easier.
Increasing investment in research and development to make safer and environment friendly golf carts will result in long term returns for players due to emerging trends in government policies.
There is a great opportunity for manufacturers to make golf carts which have higher speed and power to overcome the current drawbacks.
Including features like durability, all terrain tyres and ruggedness will help in increasing their scope of use for adventure and outdoor activities.
Focusing on the personal service segment also seems promising. Even extreme golf carts have become extremely popular due to certain modifications.
Overall, the market is expected to grow during the period 2021-2026 with the hybrid/electric/solar segment experiencing a significant growth.
Lightweight Materials: The use of lightweight materials, such as aluminium and composite materials, was being explored to reduce the weight of golf carts. Lighter carts offer benefits such as increased energy efficiency and improved handling.
