How Much Does a Golf Cart Weigh?

Planning to haul your golf cart on a trailer? Wondering if your deck can handle the weight? Golf cart weight varies widely by type, brand, and features. Most standard carts weigh 900 to 1,100 pounds (408-499 kg), but this can change significantly based on several factors.

Understanding Golf Cart Weight by Type

The weight of a golf cart largely depends on its power source and seating capacity. Here are typical weights by category:

Electric Golf Cart Weight

Electric carts weigh more than gas carts because of their heavy batteries. Here's what to expect:

Standard 2-Passenger Electric Cart:

• Average weight: 900-1,100 pounds (408-499 kg)
• Battery pack alone: 250-500 pounds (113-227 kg)
• Without batteries: 650-700 pounds (295-318 kg)

Club Car, E-Z-GO, and Yamaha electric carts usually fall in this range. Premium models with extra features may weigh more.

Newer batteries are lighter. Today's electric carts weigh 10-15% less than older models but still go just as far.

Gas Golf Cart Weight

Gas carts are lighter than electric carts:

Standard 2-Passenger Gas Cart:

• Average weight: 650-950 pounds (295-431 kg)
• Fuel capacity: Usually 5-6 gallons, adding about 30-40 pounds when full
• Engine weight: 80-100 pounds (36-45 kg)

Gas carts work well when weight matters, like for towing or on soft grass. But they're not as eco-friendly as electric models.

Want to know about running costs? Our article on golf cart motor power draw explains the differences.

Multi-Passenger Golf Cart Weight

As seating capacity increases, so does the weight of the golf cart:

4-Passenger Golf Carts:

• Electric: 1,200-1,500 pounds (544-680 kg)
• Gas: 1,000-1,300 pounds (454-590 kg)

6-Passenger Golf Carts:

• Electric: 1,500-1,800 pounds (680-816 kg)
• Gas: 1,300-1,600 pounds (590-726 kg)

These bigger "shuttle" carts are popular at resorts, events, and retirement communities. They weigh more because of their longer frames, extra seats, and bigger batteries.

For more information on different golf cart options and their capabilities, check out our article on how fast can a golf cart go.

Weight by Popular Golf Cart Brands

Each brand builds carts differently, so weights vary even for similar models:

Club Car tends to build some of the lightest frames in the industry, while E-Z-GO models often feature more robust construction that adds extra weight.

Factors That Impact Golf Cart Weight

Many things can change how much your cart weighs:

1. Battery Type and Size

Batteries are a big part of an electric cart's weight:

• Lead-acid batteries: The most common type, weighing 60-80 pounds each
• Lithium-ion batteries: Newer technology, 40-60% lighter than lead-acid
• Battery quantity: Most carts use 4-8 batteries (36V or 48V systems)

Six lead-acid batteries weigh around 360-420 pounds total. Switching to lithium saves 150-200 pounds and works just as well or better.

2. Materials and Construction

What the cart is made of matters a lot:

• Aluminum frames: Lighter but more expensive
• Steel frames: Heavier but more durable and affordable
• Plastic/composite bodies: Lighter than metal body panels
• Reinforced chassis: Adds weight but improves durability

High-end carts use aluminum and lightweight plastics to cut weight while staying strong.

3. Accessories and Customizations

Add-ons can make your cart much heavier:

• Lift kits: 30-100 pounds
• Custom wheels/tires: 10-40 pounds more than stock
• Roof/canopy: 25-50 pounds
• Enclosure: 20-40 pounds
• Rear seats/cargo beds: 50-150 pounds
• Coolers/storage boxes: 10-30 pounds (empty)

A fully customized golf cart with premium accessories can easily add 200-300 pounds to the base weight. For a typical example, adding a lift kit, custom wheels, extended roof, and rear flip seat can add about 175 pounds.

Why Golf Cart Weight Matters

Understanding the weight of your golf cart is important for several practical reasons:

Transporting Your Golf Cart: Weight Considerations

When moving your golf cart, its weight impacts everything from the equipment you need to the methods you can use:

Trailer Requirements

The right trailer depends on your golf cart's weight:

• Small utility trailers: Suitable for standard 2-passenger carts (1,000-1,500 lb capacity)
• Medium-duty trailers: Better for 4-passenger or heavily accessorized carts (2,000-3,000 lb capacity)
• Multi-cart trailers: For transporting multiple carts (3,500+ lb capacity)

Always add a 20% safety margin to your golf cart's weight when selecting a trailer. For example, if your cart weighs 1,000 pounds, look for a trailer rated for at least 1,200 pounds.

Vehicle Towing Capacity

Your tow vehicle must be rated to handle both the trailer and golf cart weight:

• Small SUVs/Crossovers: Typically rated for 1,500-3,500 lbs
• Mid-size SUVs/Trucks: Usually rated for 3,500-7,000 lbs
• Full-size Trucks: Often rated for 7,000-12,000+ lbs

Remember that the towing capacity includes both the trailer weight and the golf cart weight. For safe towing, never exceed 80% of your vehicle's maximum towing capacity.

If you need guidance on legal aspects of using your golf cart, check our article on do you need a license to drive a golf cart.

How to Reduce Your Golf Cart's Weight

If you need to reduce your golf cart's weight for transportation or performance reasons, consider these options:

1. Switch to lithium batteries: Save 150-200 pounds compared to lead-acid
2. Remove seats: Temporarily removing rear seats can save 50-100 pounds
3. Lightweight accessories: Choose aluminum or composite parts when possible
4. Minimize cargo: Remove unnecessary items, tools, and accessories
5. Lightweight wheels/tires: Aluminum wheels and special tires can save 20-30 pounds

Switching from lead-acid to lithium batteries is the single most effective weight reduction strategy, offering up to a 60% weight savings in the battery system.

FAQ: Common Questions About Golf Cart Weight

Conclusion: Understanding Golf Cart Weight for Better Performance

The weight of your golf cart affects everything from performance and efficiency to transportation and storage. These specifications help you make smarter decisions about purchasing, hauling, and maintaining your cart.

Electric carts generally offer environmental benefits at the cost of additional weight from their batteries, while gas carts provide weight savings but require fuel and more maintenance. For many owners, the right choice depends on their specific needs, from terrain considerations to transportation requirements.

By understanding the factors that influence golf cart weight and how to manage them, you can make informed decisions that enhance your ownership experience and ensure safe, efficient operation for years to come.

Looking for a new golf cart? Check out our best golf carts of 2026 for top-rated models across all weight classes, or compare top golf cart brands to find the right fit for your needs.