Electric Golf Carts for Sale in South Africa: What to Look For

Electric golf carts are becoming increasingly popular in South Africa. Once limited to golf courses, they are now a practical solution for estates, resorts, farms, and retirement villages. Their appeal lies in affordable running costs, quiet operation, and environmentally friendly design that aligns with the country’s move towards sustainable living.

If you are considering an electric golf cart, it helps to know what matters most before making your purchase.

Why Electric Golf Carts Are Growing in Popularity

Several factors explain the rising demand:

• Eco-friendly transport: With zero emissions and low noise, they fit estate and lodge requirements.
• Lower running costs: Electricity is far cheaper than petrol, with less maintenance required.
• Estate regulations: Many gated communities now specify electric carts only.
• Versatile use cases: From family trips across an estate to resort guest transport or farm mobility, they are highly adaptable.

Smith Power Equipment has played a key role in this growth by distributing TARA Golf Carts, a brand trusted for quality and long-term value.

Battery Technology: The Core of Performance

The choice of battery system determines lifespan, range, and daily practicality.

Lead-acid batteries remain a cost-effective entry option. They typically last 3–5 years, require regular maintenance, and need 6–8 hours to recharge.

Lithium-ion batteries are gaining popularity in South Africa. They charge in 3–4 hours, require no maintenance, and last 8–10 years. While the initial cost is higher, their reliability and extended lifespan make them the smarter choice for buyers who use their carts daily or over long distances.

Range and Daily Usage

Range depends on battery technology:

• Lead-acid: Around 40–50 km per charge.
• Lithium-ion: Up to 70 km or more.

If you plan to use a cart on a large estate, resort, or farm, lithium-ion gives you the freedom to cover longer routes without stopping to recharge.

Charging Convenience

Most homeowners can charge their cart from a standard 220V plug. For larger fleets in resorts or estates, centralised charging stations are more efficient.

South African buyers are also exploring solar charging systems, which reduce electricity bills and provide reliable energy during load shedding. This makes electric carts even more attractive for estates focused on sustainability.

Handling South African Terrain

Performance matters when carts are used outside smooth fairways.

• Motor size: 3–5 kW motors handle golf courses and estate roads, while stronger motors are better for hills and farms.
• Suspension: Determines ride comfort on uneven ground.
• Ground clearance: Important for gravel, sand, or lodge tracks.
• Tyres: Turf tyres are designed for golf courses, while all-terrain tyres suit mixed-use environments.

For estates, comfort is key. On farms or in wildlife lodges, a tougher, utility-focused model is better suited.

Seating and Configurations

TARA Golf Carts come in multiple layouts:

• 2–seater: Compact and ideal for golfers.
• 4–seater: Popular in estates and families.
• 6–seater: Perfect for resorts or retirement villages transporting groups.
• Utility models: Designed with a rear cargo bed for tools, equipment, or farm use.

Many buyers also choose custom upgrades such as canopies, enclosures, or storage boxes to match their specific needs.

Safety Features

Even low-speed vehicles need proper safety systems. Look out for:

• Seatbelts and secure seating for all passengers.
• Regenerative braking, which improves safety on slopes and extends range.
• Lights, mirrors, and indicators for safe operation in estates.
• Speed limiters where community rules require them.

These features protect both drivers and pedestrians, particularly in residential and resort environments.

Regulations in South Africa

Golf carts are not road-legal on public roads in South Africa. They are, however, fully permitted on private estates, golf courses, farms, and resorts.

Before buying, confirm your estate or community’s rules. Many require electric models specifically to maintain quiet, safe, and sustainable environments.

Maintenance and After-Sales Support

Routine checks keep carts reliable. Lead-acid batteries require regular water top-ups and cleaning, while lithium-ion batteries need minimal attention beyond charging.

Buying from a trusted supplier such as Smith Power Equipment ensures that you have access to genuine parts, trained technicians, and nationwide service. Choosing a reputable brand like TARA also gives buyers confidence with strong warranty coverage.

Cost of Ownership

The upfront price of electric carts may be higher than petrol alternatives, but the total cost of ownership is lower.

• Charging a cart costs only a few rand.
• Maintenance is minimal compared to petrol models.
• Lithium-ion batteries extend replacement cycles up to 10 years.
• Resale values remain strong for recognised brands like TARA.
  

Over time, electric carts save money and provide more predictable operating costs.

Choosing the Right Brand

Smith Power Equipment distributes TARA Golf Carts, a brand engineered for South African conditions. Buyers can choose from several models:

TARA Spirit Pro

• Premium lithium-ion design.
• Smooth ride with ergonomic features.
• Ideal for estates and resorts.

TARA Spirit Plus

• Luxurious finishes and comfort-focused design.
• Strong hill-climbing performance.
• Optional upgrades like sound bars and leather seating.

TARA Roadster

• Compact, efficient model ideal for fleets.
• Tailored for resorts, security patrols, and lifestyle estates.
• Smart choice for businesses managing multiple units.

With nearly two decades of presence in South Africa, TARA carts are designed to meet local needs, from leisure use to commercial applications.

Making the Right Choice

The ideal electric golf cart depends on how and where it will be used. Golfers may value compact two-seaters, while estate homeowners often select four-seaters for family transport. Resorts and retirement villages rely on larger configurations, and farms benefit from utility models with cargo beds.

By focusing on battery technology, range, performance, safety, seating, and after-sales support, buyers can choose a cart that delivers real value over time.

Smith Power Equipment offers the full range of TARA Golf Carts in South Africa, supported by nationwide service and parts availability. Whether you need a cart for leisure, estate living, or commercial use, there is a model suited to your needs.