When is a Golf Car… not a golf car

Single-rider golf cars fall into two distinct categories: golf cars and scooter cars.

The primary difference between golf cars and scooter cars is the technology used. In most scooter type cars, one or two fractional horsepower motors are used to drive the wheels, very similar to those used in electric wheelchairs.  While able to handle level, smooth terrain, the scooter cars lack the ground clearance and longitudinal stability of golf cars.

Scooter cars also lack sophisticated suspension systems. A comfortable ride is a critical element for most mobility-impaired individuals. Even small bumps and holes can be uncomfortable, painful, or harmful to those golfers without the ability to lift their bodies off the seat to compensate for the shock.

All major golf cars, including SoloRider, adhere to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standards for Golf Cars. The Safety and Performance Specifications have been written to be used as a guide by regulatory authorities desiring to formulate safety rules and regulations. Scooter cars rarely meet the lateral and longitudinal stability thresholds established by ANSI for golf cars.

Golf car speed is a critical element in the enjoyment of the game. Any golfer who has driven a golf car with low battery power understands the frustration of a slow car. Standard golf cars are designed to be operated at 12-15 mph. Due to safety concerns and other design limitations, scooter cars rarely go more than 8 mph. Mobility-impaired golfers playing in a scooter car are at a major disadvantage. Besides the embarrassment of being forced to play in an inferior vehicle because of a mobility-impairment, they will have a difficult time keeping pace with their playing partners. Golfing from scooter cars also reinforces the perception that mobility impaired golfers are a speed of play problem.

Range is another important factor and a difference between scooters and golf cars. Golf cars use larger batteries that will allow the vehicle to go greater distances on a hilly golf course.  Scooter cars, while covering similar distances, can usually only do so on paved surfaces.

The components of golf cars are very different from scooter cars. Golf cars usually have common parts that are familiar to superintendents and golf car mechanics. Maintenance and repair of a single-rider golf car is very similar to traditional golf cars. Scooter cars have very different chassis, drive-trains, and electronics. Components are lighter and less durable. Golf course mechanics often can not support scooter car owners.

Another difference between golf cars and scooter cars is price. Specialty single-rider golf cars are usually more expensive than scooter cars. When considering a purchase, remember the old adage – you get what you pay for. With SoloRider you get performance, speed, stability, comfort and durability. Don’t settle for less.

Dare to compare… see the SoloRider Difference