Model Comparison

GEMe4vsE-Z-GOExpress 4

Complete head-to-head comparison. Which model is right for you?

Overall Winner: Tie

Different categories of vehicle. The GEM e4 is a street-legal LSV with 106-mile range and automotive safety features — a genuine car alternative. The Express 4 is a traditional golf cart at $6,100 less with proven E-Z-GO reliability. Choose based on whether you need road access or neighborhood driving.

Quick Comparison

Key differences at a glance

GEM e4WINNER

E-Z-GO Express 4

price

$17,490 MSRP

$11,369 MSRP

seating

4 passengers

Top Speed

25 mph

19 mph

range

Up to 106 miles

Up to 50 miles (lithium)

powerType

Electric

ELiTE Lithium or Gas

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Detailed comparison across all important factors

Category	GEM e4	E-Z-GO Express 4	Winner
Performance	9/10 25 mph street-legal speed with an exceptional 106-mile range. Designed for real road use.	7/10 19 mph with up to 50 miles lithium range. Smooth and reliable for golf and neighborhood use.	GEM e4
Street Legality	9/10 Factory-built LSV meeting all FMVSS for roads with 35 mph speed limits. Windshield, mirrors, seat belts included.	4/10 Not street-legal from factory. Limited to private roads, golf courses, and neighborhoods.	GEM e4
Value for Money	5/10 At $17,490, it's a significant investment but competes with small EVs more than golf carts.	9/10 At $11,369, the Express 4 delivers excellent value with ELiTE Lithium technology from a trusted brand.	E-Z-GO Express 4
Safety	9/10 FMVSS-compliant with DOT windshield, 3-point seat belts, automotive mirrors, and regulated lighting.	6/10 Basic golf cart safety features. Can add aftermarket accessories but doesn't meet automotive standards.	GEM e4
Range & Efficiency	9/10 Up to 106 miles per charge — enough for multiple days of typical use without charging.	7/10 Up to 50 miles per charge with ELiTE Lithium. Very good for a golf cart but half the GEM's range.	GEM e4
Dealer Network	6/10 Polaris dealer network. Good coverage but fewer locations than legacy golf cart brands.	9/10 E-Z-GO's extensive consumer dealer network provides easy access to service and parts.	E-Z-GO Express 4
Neighborhood Suitability	6/10 Works but feels overbuilt and overpriced for simple neighborhood transportation.	9/10 Purpose-designed for neighborhoods, communities, and golf courses. Right-sized and right-priced.	E-Z-GO Express 4

Performance

GEM e4

GEM e49/10

25 mph street-legal speed with an exceptional 106-mile range. Designed for real road use.

E-Z-GO Express 47/10

19 mph with up to 50 miles lithium range. Smooth and reliable for golf and neighborhood use.

Street Legality

GEM e4

GEM e49/10

Factory-built LSV meeting all FMVSS for roads with 35 mph speed limits. Windshield, mirrors, seat belts included.

E-Z-GO Express 44/10

Not street-legal from factory. Limited to private roads, golf courses, and neighborhoods.

Value for Money

E-Z-GO Express 4

GEM e45/10

At $17,490, it's a significant investment but competes with small EVs more than golf carts.

E-Z-GO Express 49/10

At $11,369, the Express 4 delivers excellent value with ELiTE Lithium technology from a trusted brand.

Safety

GEM e4

GEM e49/10

FMVSS-compliant with DOT windshield, 3-point seat belts, automotive mirrors, and regulated lighting.

E-Z-GO Express 46/10

Basic golf cart safety features. Can add aftermarket accessories but doesn't meet automotive standards.

Range & Efficiency

GEM e4

GEM e49/10

Up to 106 miles per charge — enough for multiple days of typical use without charging.

E-Z-GO Express 47/10

Up to 50 miles per charge with ELiTE Lithium. Very good for a golf cart but half the GEM's range.

Dealer Network

E-Z-GO Express 4

GEM e46/10

Polaris dealer network. Good coverage but fewer locations than legacy golf cart brands.

E-Z-GO Express 49/10

E-Z-GO's extensive consumer dealer network provides easy access to service and parts.

Neighborhood Suitability

E-Z-GO Express 4

GEM e46/10

Works but feels overbuilt and overpriced for simple neighborhood transportation.

E-Z-GO Express 49/10

Purpose-designed for neighborhoods, communities, and golf courses. Right-sized and right-priced.

Which Should You Buy?

Recommendations based on your priorities

GEM

e4

Choose if you...

1Street-legal capability on roads up to 35 mph is needed
2106-mile range eliminates range anxiety
3Automotive safety standards (FMVSS) are important
4The vehicle will serve as a car alternative for local trips

View GEM models

E-Z-GO

Express 4

Choose if you...

1Golf, neighborhood, and community use is the primary need
2Budget matters (save $6,100)
3E-Z-GO's dealer network and brand trust are valued
4Gas powertrain flexibility is desired

View E-Z-GO models

Similar Models to Consider

Other models from each brand that might fit your needs

Other GEM models

GEM GEM e2

2-passenger GEM at a lower price

GEM GEM e6

6-passenger GEM for larger groups

View all GEM models

Other E-Z-GO models

E-Z-GO E-Z-GO Liberty

Premium E-Z-GO 4-seater upgrade

E-Z-GO E-Z-GO Valor

More affordable E-Z-GO entry point

View all E-Z-GO models

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e4 vs Express 4 FAQs

Common questions about these two models

Is the GEM e4 a golf cart?

No, it's classified as a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) — more like a small electric car. It meets federal automotive safety standards and can drive on public roads with speed limits up to 35 mph.

Can the Express 4 be made street-legal?

In some jurisdictions, golf carts can be modified for street use, but the Express 4 won't meet the same FMVSS standards as the factory-built GEM e4.

Which is better for daily errands?

The GEM e4's street-legal status and 106-mile range make it genuinely practical for daily errands. The Express 4 is limited to private roads and neighborhoods in most areas.