Golf Cart Size And Weight 9 Questions Answered

Golf carts come in a variety of sizes and weights to suit different needs. With so many options, it can be tricky to determine which size and weight capacity is right for you.

Standard golf carts are typically 4 feet wide, 8 feet long, and weigh 800-1500 lbs. Larger 4-seat or 6-seat carts can be up to 10 feet long and over 2000 lbs when fully loaded. Street-legal carts adhere to DOT regulations, while custom and heavy-duty carts may be larger and handle more weight.

To help make the decision easier, here are the answers to 9 key questions about golf cart dimensions and weight limits.

Key Takeaways Are:

• Standard cart widths are 4-5 feet, lengths around 8-10 feet, and weights 800-2200 lbs depending on seats and construction.
• Weight capacities range from 500-1500+ lbs beyond the curb weight. This determines maximum load ability.
• Legal street carts must adhere to DOT regulations like 55 inch width and 110 length maximums.
• Performance traits like speed, acceleration, and braking are impacted by overall golf cart size and weight.
• Carefully weigh needs versus golf cart dimensions and ratings to avoid unsafe overloading while maximizing utility.

Golf Cart Weight Comparison Chart

To help compare weight specs across different golf cart types, here is a handy chart showing typical curb weights and load capacities:

Cart Type	Seats	Curb Weight	Weight Capacity
Gas-powered golf cart	2	500-800 lbs	600-800 lbs
Electric golf cart	2	800-1,200 lbs	500-700 lbs
Electric golf cart	4	1,100-1,400 lbs	800-1,200 lbs
Heavy duty golf cart	6	1,600-2,000 lbs	1,200-1,500 lbs
Custom lifted golf cart	4	1,400-2,000 lbs	800-1,200 lbs
Street legal golf cart	4	1,200-1,600 lbs	800-1,500 lbs
Off-road utility golf cart	2	1,200-1,800 lbs	1,000-1,500 lbs

These weight ranges are general guidelines only based on average specs. Exact weights can vary depending on specific models, options, and customization. Always check manufacturer ratings for the actual vehicle configuration being considered.

Exceeding the gross weight capacities listed increases risks of breakdowns and accidents. Carefully load carts to stay within specifications for maximum safety, performance, and longevity.

Golf Cart Size and Weight: 9 Key Questions Answered

Learn about golf cart sizes and weights in this comprehensive guide. Explore dimensions, regulations, weight capacity, and their impact on performance and convenience.

How Wide Are Golf Carts?

The width of a typical 2-passenger golf cart ranges from 47 to 52 inches (about 4 feet). This allows two people to sit side-by-side comfortably. 

Four-seat and six-seat carts may be a few inches wider to accommodate additional rows of seats. For example, a 4-seat cart is often around 60 inches wide.

The maximum width for street-legal golf carts in most states is 55 inches by DOT regulations. So if you plan to drive your cart on local roads, be aware of the width restrictions. 

Wider heavy-duty utility carts used at airports or factories can measure up to 65 inches across.

What Is The Average Length of A Golf Cart?

In terms of length, standard golf carts range from about 90 to 108 inches (around 8 to 9 feet). 

Two-passenger carts tend to be on the shorter size, around 90-100 inches, while four-seaters stretch out to 100-108 inches long. Some six-passenger carts extend up to 120 inches (10 feet) from front to back bumper.

Again, legal street carts need to adhere to DOT maximum length regulations if driving on public roads. 

In most states this is 110 inches or less. Larger industrial or custom carts may be 240 inches (20 feet) or more in length to carry more passengers or haul heavy loads.

How Much Does A Typical Golf Cart Weigh?

The weight of a golf cart depends on its size and construction materials. Here are some average weight ranges:

• Small 2-passenger carts – 800 to 1,100 lbs
• Full-size 4-seater carts – 1,100 to 1,400 lbs
• Heavy-duty 6-seater carts – 1,600 to 2,000 lbs
• Custom oversized carts – Up to 3,000 lbs

Carts with more steel components tend to weigh more than those with aluminum or composite materials. Electric carts also weigh more than comparable gas-powered carts due to the batteries.

What Is The Weight Capacity of Golf Carts?

In addition to the gross vehicle weight, pay attention to the weight capacity or payload limit of a golf cart. This determines how much weight the cart can safely handle beyond its own curb weight.

• 2-passenger golf carts – 500 to 800 lbs capacity
• 4-seat golf carts – 800 to 1,200 lbs capacity
• Heavy duty carts – 1,500+ lbs capacity

If there will be multiple larger passengers or a lot of gear loaded on the cart, choose a higher weight capacity model. Exceeding the limit can damage the suspension and shorten the cart’s lifespan.

Do Golf Cart Sizes And Weights Affect Performance?

Yes, larger and heavier golf carts will have different performance characteristics than smaller lightweight models. Here are a few key differences:

• Speed – Heavier carts usually have lower top speeds. Lighter 2-seaters can reach 19+ mph, while big 6-seaters may top out around 13 mph.
• Acceleration – More weight takes longer to get up to speed. Larger carts accelerate slower from a standstill.
• Hill climbing – Extra mass makes climbing slopes more difficult. Lighter carts handle hills better than heavy-duty utility carts.
• Braking – More momentum makes stopping distances longer. Heavy carts need more time and distance to brake.

So keep the intended application in mind when choosing a golf cart weight and size. Speed and nimbleness are impacted.

Do Golf Carts Come In Different Frame Sizes?

You may notice terms like mid-size, full-size, and oversized used to describe golf cart frames. These general labels indicate:

• Mid-size – Seating for 2 adults, compact overall footprint.
• Full-size – Traditional 4-seat dimensions, standard footprint.
• Oversized – Extended wheelbase and frame to accommodate 4 to 6 larger passengers.

Custom carts can also be stretched, lifted, or expanded beyond stock dimensions. So if standard sizing doesn’t meet your needs, customized extended frames are available.

What Are The Size Regulations For Street-Legal Golf Carts?

Golf carts that will be driven on public roads must comply with state and local low speed vehicle (LSV) regulations. These include:

• Maximum width – Typically 55 inches.
• Maximum length – Typically 110 inches.
• Maximum height – Varies by state, typically 100-110 inches to roof.
• Maximum weight – Varies, typically under 3000 lbs total.

As well as meeting the above size limits, street-legal carts require extras like headlights, turn signals, safety glass, seat belts, mirrors, horn, and DOT tires. Always check your local municipal codes for requirements.

How Do Golf Cart Sizes Compare To Small Cars?

Golf cart dimensions are closest to micro or mini compact cars like the Smart Fortwo, Fiat 500, and Mini Cooper. For example:

• Smart Fortwo – 106 inches long, 65 inches wide, 2,150 lb curb weight.
• Fiat 500 – 142 inches long, 64 inches wide, 2,300 lb curb weight.
• Mini Cooper – 151 inches long, 68 inches wide, 2,600 lb curb weight.

So some small 4-seat golf carts are similar in size to tiny city cars. Oversized and extended frames golf carts may exceed small car dimensions in certain aspects.

Are Bigger Golf Carts Always Better?

When considering golf cart size and weight, bigger is not necessarily better across the board. The optimal dimensions and capacity depend on your intended application.

Larger oversized carts have benefits like:

• Accommodating more passengers
• Hauling heavy gear and cargo
• Providing a smoother ride

But they also have drawbacks like:

• Being harder to maneuver in tight spaces
• Requiring more storage space
• Having higher purchase and operating costs

So carefully evaluate your needs to choose the right golf cart size. Don’t assume bigger is automatically better for performance and convenience.

Key Features that Impact Golf Cart Size and Weight

When shopping for a golf cart, there are a few key features that directly impact the vehicle’s overall dimensions and weight capacity. Being aware of these differences will help you select the right model for your needs and budget.

Number of Seats

The seating configuration is one of the biggest factors determining overall size. Standard golf carts come in 2, 4, or 6 passenger models. The more seats, the larger the chassis and body need to be.

Two-seat carts are the smallest and lightest, best for basic needs. Four-seaters are ideal for families or small groups. Six-passenger carts maximize capacity but are harder to maneuver in tight spaces.

If you’ll be carrying lots of passengers, choose a cart with an adequate number of seats to avoid overloading. Make sure it aligns with your location restrictions too.

Passenger Size and Weight

Along with number of seats, consider the size and weight of passengers. If carting around mostly larger adults, go for an oversized or extended frame model.

These provide more hip, leg and shoulder room. Also check the overall weight capacity to confirm the cart can handle heavy loads without compromising ride quality or safety.

Gas vs. Electric Power

Gasoline-powered golf carts tend to be lighter than comparable electric models. That’s because gas carts don’t need heavy battery packs.

A typical gas 2-seater may weigh just 500-800 lbs, versus 900-1,200 lbs for an electric. This makes gas-powered carts quicker and easier to maneuver.

Downsides are more noise and emissions. Electric carts are quieter and better for enclosed areas, as long as there’s infrastructure for charging batteries.

Steel vs. Composite Construction

Golf cart frames built primarily from steel materials are heavier but more durable compared to aluminum or composite body panels.

All-aluminum carts provide the lightest possible weight for speed and efficiency. However durability and dent resistance suffers compared to steel.

Advanced composites like carbon fiber offer a nice middle ground. Lighter than steel but more resilient than pure aluminum.

Drive Train Configuration

Basic rear-wheel drive golf carts have simple construction and are affordable. But they may lack traction in wet conditions.

Four-wheel drive trains with front and rear axles provide extra traction and stability in mud, hills, and rough terrain. But the added components increase weight.

Consider your primary grounds and needs. For flat smooth courses, 2WD is fine. For off-roading, 4WD becomes more advantageous despite added weight.

Custom Features and Add-Ons

Every accessory you add tacks on more weight. Oversized tires, lift kits, and plow attachments all make the cart heavier.

While cool custom features improve appearance and capabilities, remember that curb weight climbs as you add parts. This needs to be balanced with your intended uses.

Prioritize needs over wants to avoid buying “big and bad” mods that exceed your golf cart’s safe gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

Factors That Determine Golf Cart Weight Limits

When evaluating golf cart specs, one of the most important metrics is the overall weight capacity or payload limit. Multiple factors go into determining safe weight limits for golf carts. Here are 5 key considerations manufacturers use when establishing weight ratings.

Axle Rating

The front and rear axles with their wheel hubs and bearings are engineered to support a maximum load. 

Exceeding this rating risks bending or breaking the axles. Most golf cart axles have a capacity between 800-1500 lbs per axle.

Tire Load Rating

The tires selected from the factory have a maximum inflation pressure and weight capacity printed on the sidewalls. Overloading tires can lead to blowouts or other failures.

Suspension Springs and Shocks

The suspension components including springs, shock absorbers and bushings allow the vehicle to safely handle its sprung weight. This must be matched to overall vehicle curb weight and payload.

Frame and Body Construction

The chassis, frame rails, and body bolted to the frame form the basic structure. Engineering and materials used must provide integrity to support expected loads without excessive flexing or fatigue.

Intended Usage

Knowing the primary application (golfing, street driving, utility) and conditions (smooth greens, hills, off-road) allows optimizing the cart’s weight distribution and limits.

Golf Cart Weight FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about golf cart weights and load capacities:

How Much Weight Can The Average 4-Seater Golf Cart Handle?

A typical 4-seat golf cart can safely handle 800-1200 pounds of combined curb weight and payload. The curb weight ranges 1100-1400 lbs, leaving capacity for about 400-700 lbs of passengers and gear.

Can I Weigh My Golf Cart At Home To Determine The Weight?

Yes, you can weigh a golf cart at home using a truck scale or large bathroom scale. Weigh each tire individually then add up the 4 weights. This will give you an approximate curb weight. Just be sure to account for any custom mods.

What’s The Easiest Way To Lower Golf Cart Weight If It’s Overweight?

Removing heavy accessories like lift kits, wheel covers, and rear seats can help lower an overloaded golf cart back closer to factory weight specs. Also, examine cargo in the rear and remove any unnecessary items.

How Much Weight Can Golf Cart Tires Support?

Properly inflated OEM golf cart tires typically have a weight capacity between 450-700 lbs per tire. Aftermarket tires may support more or less depending on tire construction and inflation pressures used.

What Are Signs My Golf Cart Is Overloaded?

Suspension bottoming out, sluggish acceleration, bent axles, and tires rubbing are all signs of an overloaded golf cart. Pay attention for any unusual noises or changes in ride quality when operating a heavily loaded cart.

Conclusion

Determining the right golf cart size and weight capacity involves careful analysis of needs versus restrictions.

While large heavy-duty carts allow hauling more passengers and gear, they may be overkill for small courses or tight parking spaces. 

Consider all requirements and conditions to select an optimally sized golf cart for your specific situation.

With the right informed selection, a properly equipped golf cart will provide many years of reliable and enjoyable transportation on the course, campus, or neighborhood streets.