The History of Golf Carts and Why They're Still Relevant Today

Hey there, golf cart enthusiasts! Have you ever stopped to wonder about the history of these little vehicles that we love to zip around in? Well, today we're diving into the fascinating past of golf carts and why they're still such a relevant mode of transportation today.
Golf Cart history
Believe it or not, golf carts have been around since the 1930s! They were originally designed to help golfers get around the course more easily, and were powered by large, bulky batteries. Over time, golf carts evolved and became more efficient, with gas-powered and even solar-powered options appearing on the market.

But golf carts aren't just for golfing anymore. They're used in a variety of settings, from college campuses to retirement communities to large industrial facilities. And it's not hard to see why - golf carts are compact, easy to maneuver, and often more affordable than traditional vehicles. Plus, they're just plain fun to drive!

So why are golf carts still so relevant today? Well, for starters, they're a great way to get around without having to deal with the hassle of parking a car. They're also eco-friendly, emitting far less pollution than traditional vehicles. And with the rise of electric golf carts, they're becoming even more sustainable and cost-effective.

But perhaps the biggest reason golf carts are still going strong is their versatility. They can be used for everything from running errands to transporting goods to just cruising around town. And in a world where people are increasingly looking for convenient and flexible transportation options, golf carts fit the bill perfectly.

Golf Cart Commercial Manufacturing History
The commercial manufacturing of golf carts started in the 1950s. EZ-GO and LEKTRO both began building golf carts in 1954, while Cushman started a year later in 1955. Club Car began producing golf carts in 1958, and Taylor-Dunn and Harley-Davidson followed suit in the early 1960s. The first golf carts were powered by electrically charged batteries, and the earliest models were single passenger vehicles such as the “Canary”, which was produced in only one color - Canary yellow.

The first golf cart manufacturer was Marketeer Company, which began production of an electric golf cart in Redlands, California in 1951. The oldest still-existing golf cart manufacturer is EZ-GO, which started producing carts in 1954. Other notable companies that have produced golf carts include LEKTRO, Cushman, Club Car, Taylor-Dunn, Harley-Davidson, Melex, Yamaha Golf Car, and CT&T.

Current Golf Cart Manufacturers
Golf carts and the versatile UTV (side-by-side) have exploded in popularity. Below is a current list of the top golf cart manufacturers and what they specialize in. Please Note that this is not an exhaustive list, as there are many smaller manufacturers and regional brands as well.

1. Club Car: Club Car is one of the most well-known golf cart manufacturers in the world. They specialize in producing high-quality carts for use on golf courses, as well as for personal use.
   
2. EZGO: EZGO is another popular golf cart manufacturer that produces carts for both personal and commercial use. They are known for their durability and reliability.
   
3. Yamaha Golf Cars: Yamaha is a trusted brand that produces golf cars for both personal and commercial use. They are known for their performance and advanced technology.
   
4. Cushman: Cushman is a brand that produces industrial and commercial vehicles, including golf carts. They are designed for use on a variety of terrains and in a range of industries.
   
5. Garia: Garia produces luxury golf carts that are designed for high-end residential communities and resorts. They are known for their stylish design and advanced features.
   
6. Star EV: Star EV produces a range of electric vehicles, including golf carts. They are known for their eco-friendly design and high-performance capabilities.
   
7. Tomberlin: Tomberlin is a brand that produces electric golf carts for both personal and commercial use. They are known for their high-quality design and advanced technology.
   
8. Columbia: Columbia is a brand that produces a range of electric vehicles, including golf carts. They are known for their reliability and durability.
   
9. Polaris GEM: Polaris GEM produces a range of electric vehicles, including golf carts. They are known for their advanced technology and eco-friendly design.
   
10. Bad Boy Buggies/Artic Cat: Bad Boy Buggies produces a range of off-road vehicles, including golf carts. They are designed for use on rugged terrain and are known for their durability and versatility. Bad Boy Buggies was acquired by Textron in 2010 and was rebranded as Artic Cat. Textron eliminated a number of golf cart models and now focus on the UTV (side by side) vehicles.
    

So there you have it - a brief history of golf carts and why they're still relevant today. We hope this post has given you a newfound appreciation for these nifty little vehicles. And who knows - maybe it's time for you to rent a golf cart or side-by-side on Fenderly and see what all the fuss is about!