The original VW bug was air-cooled and was quieter than most golf carts. I had a 1970 250 CC AIR-COOLED Yamaha motorcycle that was quieter than most golf carts here. I had a 1965 Vespa air-cooled motorscooter that was WAY, WAY quieter than most golf carts here. The noise is NOT dependent on whether the motor is cooled by air or water. It is dependent on the size, quality, and design of the MUFFLER. A golf cart is designed to be used on a golf course pretty far away from most close-together residential homes. They are NOT designed to be quiet or have good brakes or safe bumpers or be basic transportation. You take them out of a golf course and they are not very well-designed for that use.
......The problem with gas golf cart noise, rollovers, and many accidents is the ILLEGAL tampering with the speed control in the golf cart. They are designed to do 15 MPH and people have them ILLEGALLY jacked up to as high as 30 MPH, which among the other bad things causes the motor to be MUCH LOUDER.
........Isn't it funny in today's society how many ILLEGAL things (like golf cart governor modification) are allowed to continue? We make laws and then don't bother to enforce them. I find it strange that we have 15 MPH speed zones in TV Land yet we have a range of golf cart speeds from 15 to 30 plus MPH depending on the extent of the ILLEGAL modifications. Please find a standard and enforce it.

Unless DUI or an accident, almost no enforcement.

Almost every residential community in the United States, has banned gasoline golf carts.

Almost no 1st Class Country Club in the USA uses gasoline carts.

Globally, electric golf carts represent 62% of the new cart market.

In the USA electric golf carts represent over 85% of the new cart market and dwindling.

Yet in TV, the debate goes on, like it's 1975 ... which was about the time they added steering wheels to golf carts. The last major improvement to gasoline carts.

Golf Cart Market Size & Industry Share Analysis | 2023-2032

Electric Vs. Gasoline Golf Carts: Detailed Comparison

Used the word "helps" regarding noise. Had a VW bug also.

Many here still prefer gas carts because they have seen or read about EV cart homes burning down. They take into account the cost of a new battery and the disposal. Also, the purchase price of an EV is much higher than a gas model in TV.

We are at a certain age where we consider our longevity. Is it really wise to purchase a $23,000 EV cart if you are 70 yrs old or above? We could care less what the younger generations buy. We no longer have a need to be part of the "new and improved" crowd. We are pleased to wake up and to live another day. At our age, it doesn't get much better than that.

Most other residential communities don’t have the gasoline infrastructure the Village has

Country Clubs use electric vs gas for operational reasons. It’s easier to plug in all the carts than fill one at time up with gasoline. Plus arranging delivery of gasoline would interfere with operations.

That's why everyone uses them, except some Villagers ... operational reasons.

That and most people refuse to use them, rent them own them. It's like buying a brand new, 1970 Chevy Impala. Automatic transmission & AM radio ... all the new features!

Was told by a reputable source, that 90% of Yamaha's gasoline golf cart production in the USA, goes to TV. No one else wants them.

Something else to consider is ergonomics (because we inhabit older, aging bodies!).
The steering column/wheel on the yamaha carts is off center from the center of the drivers seat.
If you use your cart a lot you are going to be putting your spine, hips, legs off-kilter while in the cart.
This was the dealbreaker for me (combined with noise and fumes from gas carts).
We bought older EZGO RXV with all the comfy bells and whistle very cheap. Husband upgraded batteries. Still way below cost of new or even recent models of electric of gas carts. We have a very good range on the cart after three years of heavy usage as transportation and on courses.
EZGO steering column is centered on drivers seat. My back, hips knees are grateful. Good luck!

Yes,
Look at gas stations.
On Top of the World (or another community) may have 10,000 homes, or maybe 5,000 to 7,000 golf carts.
Whereas Villages has 50,000/60,000/70,000 golf carts - 10x as many. There are more golf cars to support a gas station within the golf car cart paths.
This article says Villages has 65,000, and the 2nd largest in GA has 12,000

The 5 Biggest Golf Cart Communities in the U.S.! - Bright EV


It took me no time to find this business that drives students around Alabama, operating gas golf carts

About | Bama Ride

Think of a high end country club.
They get gas delivered to their maintenance facilities (for mowers, etc); but that is often hidden from members - the delivery truck can come any time.
Imagine a gas truck coming to a private club at 11:30 AM, when the members are fully utilizing the club, not going to work. Then think of the kids working in the cart barn, want them filling up 100 golf cars or plugging them in at night?

I highly question the above observation as we own two Yamahas and have driven them thousands of miles without noticing an ergonomic misalignment. That being said, adding aftermarket bucket seats, that are not a Yamaha product, could certainly cause the described issue. We have aftermarket seats, but they are bench style seats so we aren’t shoehorned into a seating position like with bucket seats. Definitely something to think about when considering aftermarket seats.

You obviously don't know much about how Country Clubs operate nor Golf Carts.

Gas carts are way more "convenient" for clubs, which is why TV uses them. In the real world, customers hate them.

Was at Harbor Hills and their fully charged cart barely made it back after 18 holes.

Thank you for ending the Golf Cart confusion
 

Although I have not arrived at TV, I am feeling the “community” through the thoughtful responses to my dilemma. Even the “you’re overthinking” replies were appreciated. Three copies are at the framers and being sent to ex-wives who often associated my thinking with “not” or “what were you”.
There was not much support for buying used privately so I am leaning towards gas, Yamaha (recent) from a dealer in TV who will warranty and service.

Thank you all for the time spent on helping me.

GB

Thats not the carts fault....Thats the courses fault..

Well, don’t make the rules. And that’s good thing. :eclipsee_gold_cup: