To the novice, a golf cart is nothing more than a fun (and some might say lazy) way to get around an 18-hole golf course. But in practice, a golf cart is much, much more than that. Golf carts now come in many shapes and sizes, and are used, yes, for golfing, but also for moving boxes and supplies, transporting luggage at airports and as a primary source of transportation in many retirement communities. 

Here are some of the main types of golf carts currently on the market, offered in both gas and electric models: 

Personal Golf Carts – Golf carts in this category include personal golf carts for getting around communities and elderly housing complexes, golf carts for shopping and markets and golf carts for actual golfing. 

Road Ready Golf Carts – These carts are equipped with safety features such as rear view mirrors and seatbelts and usually have to be registered.  

Utility Golf Carts – Utility golf carts are mechanically enhanced for transporting heavier weights or for using in more rugged areas. They may have bigger engines, better suspension and even four-wheel drive. They are also sometimes lengthened with more seats in back, along with more storage room. Hardware stores might use this type of golf cart, or factories or construction sites. 

Custom Golf Carts –  While regular golf carts are quite plain and usually have just two seats and a little room in the back for your clubs, custom golf carts go all out, modified to look like a Rolls Royce, Bentley or Porcshe. They might have leather seats, wood paneling or special paint jobs for advertisements. This type of luxury golf cart can also be quite costly, as much as $100,000.