If you’ve ever shopped for a golf vehicle, you’ve likely seen the terms golf cart and golf car used interchangeably. However, while they may seem similar, there is a key distinction between them—especially when it comes to street legality, features, and intended use.
At Glenn’s Golf Car Central, we offer both golf carts and street-legal golf cars, featuring top brands like EZGO, Club Car, MadJax X-Series, Denago, MadJax E-Series, and Atlas. If you're wondering whether a golf cart or a golf car is the right choice for you, this guide breaks down the differences, benefits, and how you can upgrade a golf cart into a street-legal golf car.
What’s the Difference Between a Golf Cart and a Golf Car?
What is a Golf Cart?
A golf cart is a low-speed vehicle primarily designed for use on golf courses and private property. Golf carts are not street-legal unless modified to meet certain requirements.
Key Features of a Golf Cart:
- Top speed of 15 mph or less
- No standard safety features (seat belts, mirrors, lights, etc.)
- Typically used on golf courses, resorts, and private land
- Gas or electric-powered
- Not classified as a motor vehicle by law
Golf carts, such as the EZGO RXV, Club Car Tempo, and Denago Rover XL, are perfect for recreational driving on private property but require upgrades to become street-legal golf cars.
What is a Golf Car? (Street-Legal LSV or NEV)
A golf car, also called a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) or Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV), is a street-legal golf cart that has been modified to meet DOT (Department of Transportation) requirements.
Key Features of a Golf Car:
- Top speed between 20-25 mph
- Equipped with street-legal safety features, including:
- Headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals
- Seat belts
- Rearview and side mirrors
- Horn
- Windshield
- Registered, insured, and legally driven on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less
- Available in luxury models like the MadJax X-Series, Atlas Golf Car, and Club Car Onward
At Glenn’s Golf Car Central, we offer both factory-built street-legal golf cars and golf cart upgrade packages to make your cart road-ready.
Key Benefits of Golf Cars vs. Golf Carts
If you're trying to decide whether a golf cart or a street-legal golf car is right for you, here are some key advantages of each:
Benefits of a Golf Cart (Non-Street-Legal)
✔ Affordable Option – Costs less than a street-legal golf car
✔ Lightweight and Compact – Easy to transport and store
✔ No Insurance or Registration Required – Ideal for private property use
✔ Perfect for Golf Courses and Large Properties
Best Golf Cart Models:
- EZGO RXV – A classic electric golf cart with smooth handling.
- Club Car Tempo – Great for golf course and gated community use.
Benefits of a Street-Legal Golf Car (LSV/NEV)
✔ Legal for Road Use – Can be driven in communities, towns, and city streets (where permitted).
✔ Eco-Friendly Transportation – Fully electric, reducing fuel costs.
✔ Higher Resale Value – Street-legal models retain value longer.
✔ Customizable & Comfortable – More seating, storage, and tech features.
Best Street-Legal Golf Cars:
- MadJax X-Series – A high-tech, luxury street-legal golf car.
- Atlas Golf Car – Features hydraulic disc brakes, Bluetooth, and premium seats.
- Club Car Onward – A versatile and reliable LSV perfect for neighborhoods.
How to Upgrade a Golf Cart into a Street-Legal Golf Car
If you already own a golf cart but want to make it street-legal, Glenn’s Golf Car Central can help you upgrade your vehicle into a DOT-compliant golf car.
Required Upgrades for a Street-Legal Golf Car
✅ Speed Enhancement – Must reach at least 20 mph
✅ Lighting System – Install headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals
✅ Seat Belts – Must be 3-point seat belts for all passengers
✅ Mirrors – Rearview and side mirrors are required
✅ Windshield & Wipers – DOT-approved windshields must be installed
✅ Horn – Required for public road use
✅ VIN Registration & Insurance – Your vehicle must be registered as an LSV/NEV
At Glenn’s Golf Car Central, we offer street-legal conversion packages for brands like EZGO, Club Car, Denago, and MadJax. Contact us at (440) 834-5800 to learn more!
Common Challenges and Solutions for Golf Cars vs. Golf Carts
Challenge: Limited Speed on Golf Cars
Solution: While golf carts max out at 15 mph, street-legal golf cars can reach 25 mph with upgraded controllers and motors.
Challenge: Street-Legal Golf Cars Require Registration
Solution: Glenn’s Golf Car Central provides registration assistance to ensure your golf car is legally certified for road use.
Challenge: Golf Carts Aren’t Always Safe for Roads
Solution: Investing in seat belts, mirrors, and turn signals makes your cart safer and compliant with local street laws.
Best Practices for Owning a Golf Cart or Golf Car
✔ Check Your Local Laws – Each state, city, and HOA has different golf car regulations.
✔ Maintain Your Battery – Lithium batteries (MadJax E-Series, Atlas Golf Car) require less maintenance and last longer than lead-acid.
✔ Upgrade for Safety – Even if your cart isn’t street-legal, upgrading lights, brakes, and mirrors adds safety.
✔ Customize for Comfort – Add custom seats, wheels, and Bluetooth speakers to enhance your ride.
Find the Best Golf Carts and Golf Cars in Northeast Ohio
Whether you need a golf cart for your property or a street-legal golf car for your neighborhood, Glenn’s Golf Car Central has you covered. We carry:
- EZGO, Club Car, MadJax X-Series, Denago, MadJax E-Series, and Atlas Golf Cars
- Golf cart accessories and street-legal upgrades
- On-site repairs, financing, and customization
📍 Visit us at: 1721 Mentor Avenue, Painesville Township, OH 44077
📞 Call us at: (440) 834-5800
📧 Email us at: glenngolfcar@gmail.com
⏰ Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
🚘 Looking for a street-legal golf car near Cleveland? Stop by Glenn’s Golf Car Central today to test drive the latest models!