The standard golf cart holds two to four people and their clubs. However, as more and more people purchase these vehicles for personal use – getting around a neighborhood or gated community, for example – custom golf carts with all kinds of accessories are becoming more and more popular.

Legality of custom golf carts
Basic golf carts are generally not street-legal. When outfitted with appropriate safety features, though, including turn signals, headlights, brake lights, a windshield, and seatbelts, custom golf carts can meet the requirements of some localities. There is little Federal legislation governing the use of custom golf carts that operate at less than 25 mph, so states, counties, cities and towns are mostly free to make their own regulations.

Some communities actively encourage the use of custom golf carts as the primary mode of transportation. For example, some retirement communities focus on golf: they encourage their residents to drive their golf carts from home straight onto the course. Other communities simply prefer the quiet, low-pollution golf carts and take measures to promote their use within certain boundaries. In these locations, you may even qualify for a rebate or tax write off for using an electric vehicle.

Custom golf cart options
Some two-seater golf carts can be outfitted with a rear-facing bench seat that lets them carry four people. While low-end models are open-topped, most custom golf carts are upgraded with a roof and windshield. Expect to pay $200 to $400 for a top and that much again for a windshield. A rain enclosure – usually roll-down plastic sides – can be a nice extra in wet climates.

Other popular options for custom golf carts include fancy wheels and tires, paint jobs in flashy colors, camouflage patterns, or other custom designs, power outlets, radios, and more comfortable or adjustable seats. Don’t feel compelled to purchase every accessory right off the bat: in most cases, you’ll be able to buy a fairly basic golf car at first, and customize it over time.