How Much Does a Golf Cart Cost in 2026? New, Used and Street-Legal Prices

Buying7 min read·Updated October 21, 2026·CartPiko Editorial Team

So, how much does a golf cart cost in 2026? A basic used cart can be had for a few thousand dollars, most new carts land somewhere between about $8,000 and $15,000, and a fully equipped street-legal low-speed vehicle (LSV) can run $15,000 to $30,000 or more. Here is what drives those numbers and what else you should budget for.

How much does a golf cart cost? Quick price ranges

Prices vary a lot by brand, region, dealer and season, so treat these as ballpark figures from industry price guides, not quotes.

Type of cartTypical price range
Older used cart, basic conditionAbout $2,000 to $5,000
Dependable used cartAbout $3,500 to $7,500
Late-model or certified pre-ownedAbout $5,000 to $10,000
New standard golf cartAbout $8,000 to $15,000
New street-legal LSVAbout $15,000 to $30,000+

For a reference point from a major manufacturer, Yamaha lists its 2025 Drive2 PTV line with prices starting at $9,590 MSRP, before tax, destination, dealer options and registration. Club Car and E-Z-GO generally send shoppers to local dealers for pricing, which is why dealer quotes for similar carts can vary.

New golf cart prices: what pushes the number up

Two new carts that look alike can be thousands of dollars apart. The biggest factors:

  • Powertrain. Gas, lead-acid electric and lithium electric versions are often offered on the same body. Lithium usually costs more up front but saves on battery replacements later.
  • Seating. Four- and six-passenger carts cost more than two-seaters. See our list of best 4-seater golf carts.
  • Lift kits and wheels. Lifted carts with larger all-terrain tires are popular in beach and lake towns and add to the price.
  • Street-legal equipment. Lights, turn signals, mirrors, a DOT-compliant windshield, seat belts and a VIN are required for an LSV and add cost.
  • Accessories. Enclosures, upgraded seats, sound systems, coolers and storage add up quickly.
  • Taxes, freight and dealer setup. Advertised starting prices rarely include them. Always ask for the out-the-door price.

To see how brands stack up side by side, use our new golf cart price comparison.

Used golf cart prices

The used market is where most families and retirees find value. Price guides put a dependable used cart at roughly $3,500 to $7,500, with very old or rough carts lower and late-model carts higher.

What matters most on a used cart:

  1. Battery age and type. A cart with a fresh lithium pack is worth noticeably more than the same cart with tired lead-acid batteries.
  2. Model year and brand. Well-known brands with good parts availability tend to hold their value.
  3. Condition. Frame rust, worn tires and broken accessories all lower value.
  4. Location and season. Demand in retirement and beach communities, and in spring and summer, can push prices up.
  5. Title status. A properly titled and registered LSV is worth more than an unregistered cart with add-on lights.

Before you buy, run through our used golf cart buying checklist, and browse golf carts for sale to compare asking prices near you.

Under federal rules, a low-speed vehicle is a four-wheeled vehicle with a top speed over 20 mph but not over 25 mph and a gross vehicle weight rating under 3,000 pounds. It must come with headlamps, turn signals, tail and stop lamps, reflectors, mirrors, a parking brake, a compliant windshield, seat belts, a VIN and more.

That equipment, plus the bigger batteries and heavier-duty builds many LSVs use, is why street-ready models often cost $15,000 to $30,000 or more. Converting an existing cart is another path, but it adds parts, labor and in some states an inspection. Florida, for instance, requires a converted cart to be inspected and assigned a VIN, and charges inspection, title, plate and registration fees. Learn more in golf cart vs. LSV.

Ongoing costs to budget for

The sticker price is only part of the cost of owning a cart.

  • Battery replacement. One retailer puts a typical lead-acid set at around $1,500 and a lithium set at about $2,200 or more. Name-brand lithium kits with a charger can cost considerably more.
  • Charging or fuel. Electricity for an electric cart, or gas and oil for a gas cart.
  • Maintenance and tires. Brakes, tires, and on gas carts, engine service.
  • Insurance. Rates depend on your insurer, location and coverage. Florida requires LSV owners to carry at least $10,000 in personal injury protection and $10,000 in property damage liability.
  • Registration and title. Required for LSVs. Fees depend on your state and, in Florida, on vehicle weight.
  • Storage. A garage spot or covered parking helps the cart last longer.

If you are torn between powertrains, our electric vs. gas golf carts guide walks through running costs.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good price for a used golf cart?

Industry guides commonly put a dependable used cart somewhere around $3,500 to $7,500, with older basic carts lower and late-model or lithium carts higher. Battery age has a big effect on value, so always check it before agreeing on a price.

Why are street-legal golf carts so much more expensive?

A street-legal low-speed vehicle has to meet federal equipment rules such as lights, mirrors, a windshield, seat belts and a VIN, and it is often built with bigger batteries, upgraded suspension and more seats. Many street-ready LSVs sell for roughly $15,000 to $30,000 or more.

Do new golf cart prices include tax and fees?

Usually not. Manufacturer starting prices typically exclude sales tax, destination charges, dealer setup and registration where it applies, so ask for an out-the-door quote.

Is a gas or electric golf cart cheaper?

Purchase prices overlap a lot. Electric carts have no fuel or oil costs but need battery replacements over time, while gas carts need engine maintenance. Compare total cost over the years you plan to own the cart.

Sources

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