[rubicon]

My wife and I moved here August 2006 and in that time there have been many changes.

One of the most dramatic in my mind is that the majority of golf carts purchased today are gas carts. Back in 2006 electric motors dominated the the pathways.

Observations welcome

[dbussone]

Is it because you can travel further in a gas cart?

[JoMar]

There was a time when all golf courses had electric carts and then switched to gas so they could get more rounds per cart. Can't tell you how many times I had to call a pro shop to bring a new cart because I ran out of power. Today, golf courses are switching back to electric as the technology has improved including range....Plus it's quiet. Today's carts have ranges that can be 50 - 80 miles depending on size and quantity of batteries (marketing hype included), electric has less moving parts, is quiet, keeps the gas odors out of your garage and provides a pleasant ride. I suspect the traveling farther isn't an issue....not sure anyone wants to ride a cart for 50 miles regardless how comfortable the seats are. If you go from Brownwood to SS and back, that's probably a 35 mile trip (who does that), add 4 miles for a round of golf and you still have range left. Pull into your garage, plug it in and go the bed. Technology moves forward but sometimes it takes perception a while to catch up. Oh yeah, we have two electrics...a ParCar and a StarEV on order so I am a tad biased.

[pooh]

I've noticed the same thing....appears there are more gas carts around since we arrived, also in 2006. During our years here, we've had three carts. Our present one is gas. Some friends have also switched to gasoline power. For us, we got more range and the cart was always ready to go.

[kaydee]

We still have our original electric cart that we bought in 2001.. last yr we invested in a gas cart. Naturally I love the new cart because it is new but I still very much enjoy the electric ..do like how quite & smooth it is.

[Polar Bear]

I know I would like a electric cart...quiet, etc. If I ever have a second cart, I will likely buy electric. But I bought a gas cart earlier this year and have no regrets. I put a few gallons in about once a month and drive it quite a bit.

[JGVillages]

I live on the far north side and originally had a Par Car 80 mile charge version. When the batteries are new this range was fine. After 1 1/2 years my range started to decrease. At first I could go to Havana, play golf, and return home with just undr 1/2 charge. After 1 1/2 years the same trip would put me under 1/4 in the "red" zone. Now, do I continue to travel and not be sure I can get home or just drive my car, or replace the batteries again. I replaced the cart with gas. No more worries as I get 200+ miles on a tank and with my bluetooth headset on the noise is minimal. It is all personal preferance.

[Hacker1]

Originally Posted by JGVillages

I live on the far north side and originally had a Par Car 80 mile charge version. When the batteries are new this range was fine. After 1 1/2 years my range started to decrease. At first I could go to Havana, play golf, and return home with just undr 1/2 charge. After 1 1/2 years the same trip would put me under 1/4 in the "red" zone. Now, do I continue to travel and not be sure I can get home or just drive my car, or replace the batteries again. I replaced the cart with gas. No more worries as I get 200+ miles on a tank and with my bluetooth headset on the noise is minimal. It is all personal preferance.

My personal preference would be for the majority to switch back to electric in order to alleviate the gas fumes, especially those that linger in the tunnels, because not only do they smell awful, but I think they are also a serious health hazard. Since using a battery minder, my 4-year-old batteries have plenty of range, about the same as when they were new.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by Hacker1

My personal preference would be for the majority to switch back to electric in order to alleviate the gas fumes, especially those that linger in the tunnels, because not only do they smell awful, but I think they are also a serious health hazard...

I've yet to notice gas fumes, either in tunnels or in my garage or anywhere else.

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by Hacker1

My personal preference would be for the majority to switch back to electric in order to alleviate the gas fumes, especially those that linger in the tunnels, because not only do they smell awful, but I think they are also a serious health hazard. Since using a battery minder, my 4-year-old batteries have plenty of range, about the same as when they were new.

I always try to hold my breath when going through a tunnel, due to the gas fumes. I don't want to breath, that junk in.

I have only been here for a year and a half but it seems that with TV getting physically bigger, gas seems to be the preference. I guess the golf cart store tries to say that the new models, don't emit, many fumes. Electric seems to be getting to be the exception, rather than the rule.

Having a sensitive nose and never having smoked, I find the type of fumes to be unpleasant, to be around. If I am behind a gas cart, I will slow down to an appropriate distance, to start breathing fresh air. I make it my business to avoid cigarette smoke and GOD forbid, cigar smoke. ARRRRRGGGGGGG!!!!!!

[graciegirl]

We have one of each.

Calls for assistance because it stopped.

Gas 0
Electric 2

[Walter123]

Originally Posted by JGVillages

I replaced the cart with gas. No more worries as I get 200+ miles on a tank and with my bluetooth headset on the noise is minimal. It is all personal preferance.

It is very dangerous and illegal to use headphones or ear buds while operating a motor vehicle. Please drive safely and be aware of your surroundings.

[Walter123]

Originally Posted by Polar Bear

I've yet to notice gas fumes, either in tunnels or in my garage or anywhere else.

Really? Unless you have a nose problem or stay inside I can't imagine not smelling the emissions from gas carts.

[Walter123]

Originally Posted by 2BNTV

I always try to hold my breath when going through a tunnel, due to the gas fumes. I don't want to breath, that junk in.

I have only been here for a year and a half but it seems that with TV getting physically bigger, gas seems to be the preference. I guess the golf cart store tries to say that the new models, don't emit, many fumes. Electric seems to be getting to be the exception, rather than the rule.

Having a sensitive nose and never having smoked, I find the type of fumes to be unpleasant, to be around. If I am behind a gas cart, I will slow down to an appropriate distance, to start breathing fresh air. I make it my business to avoid cigarette smoke and GOD forbid, cigar smoke. ARRRRRGGGGGGG!!!!!!

Ditto.

[graciegirl]

The high season seems to have begun earlier this year and streets and cart paths are congested. Please all of you, drive very carefully and defensively as there are those who are new to our paths and to golf cart driving. Keep in mind that there have been 13 deaths due to golf cart accidents in the last four years. While visiting a friend in rehab yesterday, we learned his roommate had been in rehab three months due to a tipped over golfcart on an incline.

Gas or Electric, they aren't toys. Don't let young grands drive them without your presence.

I want to have you all here come the end of March.