Gas Golf Cart Pros & Cons — Is a Gas Cart Right for You?
The honest pros and cons of gas golf carts in 2025. Who should buy gas, who should go electric, and what running a gas cart actually costs.
Gas Golf Cart Pros & Cons — Is a Gas Cart Right for You?
Gas golf carts get a lot of flak in 2025 because electric has gotten so much better. But "electric is always better" ignores real use cases where gas is the smarter call.
Gas Golf Cart: The Real Pros
Unlimited range (with a gas can). This is the killer advantage. You can drive as far as you want, top up with a jerry can, and keep going. On a 200-acre property or a hunting camp where there's no power outlet for miles, gas wins without argument.
Consistent power in all conditions. Gas engines don't care if it's 20°F or 110°F — they produce the same power. Lead acid batteries lose significant capacity in cold; even lithium degrades somewhat in extreme cold.
No charging infrastructure needed. No outlet, no transformer, no overnight wait. Fill up and go.
Cheaper purchase price at entry level. At the lower end of the market, gas carts can be cheaper than equivalent electric models by $500–$1,500.
Simpler on older carts. A 1995 EZGO gas cart can be maintained with basic mechanical skills and parts from any auto supply store. A 1995 electric cart may have compatibility issues with modern chargers.
Gas Golf Cart: The Real Cons
Operating cost over time. Gas at $3.00–$4.50/gallon vs. electricity at $0.10–$0.15/kWh means electric is 4–6x cheaper per mile to run after the first year.
Maintenance complexity and frequency. Oil changes every 50–75 hours (about once a season for active users). Air filter, spark plugs, belts, carburetor maintenance.Annual maintenance: $200–$400 vs. $75–$150 for lithium electric.
Noise. Gas engines are audible. In a retirement community or on a premium golf course, engine noise is not welcome. Many HOAs explicitly prohibit gas carts.
Emissions. Carbon monoxide and exhaust fumes. Not an issue outdoors, but in enclosed spaces (garage, barn) a gas cart requires ventilation.
Harder to resell. As electric adoption grows, used gas cart demand is softening in community and golf markets. Utility use is different — gas holds value there.
Who Should Buy Gas
✓ Property owners with no charging access
✓ Farmers and ranchers who need extended range
✓ Hunting camp / outdoor recreation use
✓ Buyers of older vintage carts (maintaining existing gas)
✓ Areas with unreliable electricity
Who Should NOT Buy Gas
✗ Retirement community / HOA residents (often prohibited, noise issues)
✗ Golf course personal cart (electric is preferred on the course)
✗ Buyers planning to use as an LSV/street cart (most LSVs are electric)
✗ Buyers who want lowest 5-year operating cost
→ Full comparison: Electric vs Gas Golf Cart | Golf Cart Battery Types