In 2020 when golf cart sales rose 12% from the previous year, many linked this growth to the game’s rising popularity. However, the think tank, Small Vehicle Resources, put it down to younger buyers looking for alternate options to navigate their neighborhood. If this sounds like you, this post looks at the 4 best street legal golf carts for 2022.

What is a street legal golf cart? You’d need a golf cart that can travel at least 20 mph and no more than 25 mph. Total weight must not exceed 3,000 pounds. You’ll also need head and tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals. Some local laws will require side mirrors, a rearview mirror, or even a windshield.

There are many options to choose from, so I have grouped these carts into electric and gas categories. I shall also focus on their maximum range, top speed, comfort, and safety features.

Those who only require a car to navigate the course should read our review on the best golf carts for 2022.

Golf carts are not the cheapest purchase you will make, especially if it is street legal. However, if you wish to acquire one, you likely have the capital. Using EZ GO as a base, we see that a 2-seater starts at $7,699 and reaches beyond $15,000 for a 4-seater luxury model.

A more affordable option is to hunt for second-hand deals in your area. Ask local golf cart retailers and around your community to see if anyone is selling.

The risk of purchasing second-hand golf carts is that you are unaware of how well the batteries or vehicle were maintained.

The second decision is whether you want a gas or electric transmission. Electric cars are better from an environmental standpoint. However, they typically offer a shorter range than gas vehicles.

Over shorter distances, electric carts are more powerful and faster. That changes as the battery drains. The less charged your batteries are, the less powerful it becomes until the battery requires a charge.

Golf carts are sold with different seating arrangements. A 2-seater is the smallest option, and then it goes up to 4, 6, and even 8. Think about your family and how many seats you need to accommodate all of them.

Street legal golf carts are built to operate on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph. However, the top speed of these vehicles ranges from 19 to 25 mph.

Contrary to the stories on the internet, electric golf carts possess a higher maximum velocity than gas carts. But electric carts tend to slow as the battery drains, while gas carts maintain their speed and power for longer. Therefore a gas cart is faster over longer distances than an electric model.

Your cart requires hazards, brake lights, and turning signals to be fully street legal. Although most street-legal cars include these features, you can always acquire kits to modify them for your preference.

Street legal golf cars need a windshield, and I recommend using the climate in your area as a guideline. If you live in a warm and dry climate, a fold-down or roll-up shield is a suitable choice.

Contrarily, a winged or one-piece shield will shelter you from the elements in high rains and winds.

My home club is blessed with gorgeous sunny days for most of the year. I often rent one of their Club Car carts and have found the foldable tinted windshield a pleasant choice. If you own a different model, you can look at your manufacturer’s website to see what options are compatible.

The Polaris GEM E2 tops the list of best golf carts for street use for 2022 because of its comfort, safety, top speed, and range. It is priced at a premium. It has a starting MSRP of more than $12,000, but you get to customize the cart to your preferences.

The seats are positioned high and forward-facing, which clears the way for 43-inches of legroom. In addition, 3-point seatbelts protect your upper and lower body in the event of a collision.

An automotive glass windshield protects you from the elements and shrapnel on the open roads. The E2 boasts a top speed of 25 mph, the fastest on this list. Plus, they offer a range of 15 to 95-miles depending on the type of battery.

For example, a flooded electrolyte battery maxes out 20 to 28 miles. On the other hand, a lithium-ion 12.4 kw/h battery extends the cart’s range to 95 miles.

Granted, the Gem E2 is not the most affordable golf cart around. However, it provides optimal luxury, safety, and comfort. As a result, it suits young couples looking for a classy, comfortable vehicle to adventure through the neighborhood.

As its name suggests, the Villager presents an effective vehicle to drive you and your friends around your community. The cart contains 2-forward and back-facing seats to accommodate four passengers comfortably.

Constructed with a durable rust-proof aluminum frame, a safety windshield, and wipers, it is reliable and tough. A top speed of 20 to 23 mph and a 48-volt DC battery setup gives it a maximum range of 30-miles.

Moreover, it is fitted with 3-point seat belts, keeping you and your passengers secure. The backbench has side rails and a barrier in the center to secure those riding in the dog box.

Club Car sells its carts through a network of authorized retailers and does not offer an MSRP. In that case, contact your nearest retailer for a quote.

This 4-seater electric golf cart is ideal for families seeking an alternative personal vehicle to cruise around the village.

The Yamaha Drive 2 Quietech EFI tops the charts as the best overall gas street-legal car for 2022. It provides exceptional range in-between refuels, reaching 261-miles. Plus, Yamaha engineered this single-cylinder vehicle to be as quiet as an electric golf cart.

Added to its impressive range and silent demeanor, this 357 cc golf car offers an optimal speed of 19 mph.

Furthermore, it is set up to accommodate two passengers and is equipped with two USB ports, a Climaguard Sun top, and LED headlights. It also includes two cup holders to store your beverages or mobile devices while cruising.

Like Club Car, Yamaha sells their vehicles through various distribution channels. As a result, there is no MSRP listed for this cart.

Overall, the Drive 2 Quietech EFI is a relatively quiet 2-seater with an optimal range. Therefore, it is an ideal option for a young couple without kids or retirees.

Those with large families might need to think about a 6-seater cart. If this describes your position, the EZ S6 is worth learning about. Besides the added seating arrangements, it provides added legroom, a USB port, and cup holders for improved comfort.

In addition, the 401cc S6 has a top speed of 17 mph and a maximum range that exceeds 200-miles. The price tag of this golf cart is no joke, with a starting MSRP above $13,000. However, it is what you can expect to cough up for a six-seater.

This golf car is suited to a family who does not need a super-fast vehicle. Instead, they demand comfort and space.

The fastest street-legal golf cart in 2022 is the Polaris GEM e2. It reaches a top speed of 25 mph. Contrarily, if you ask about the fastest golf cart, that honor goes to Plum Quick Golf Cart racing, which traveled 118.76 mph to smash the world record.

Yes, 30 mph is fast for a golf cart, as street legal golf carts can reach speeds of around 25 mph. However, rented golf carts may only travel 12 to 14 mph as clubs control the speed to reduce the risk of severe injuries should their patrons crash.

Street legal golf cars must tick all the safety feature boxes before you can take them out on the road. It must possess sufficient speed to travel in a 35 mph zone and provide regulated safety equipment and lights to protect you.

If you have your heart set on a gas-powered golf cart, the Yamaha Drive 2 Quietech EFI is worth testing. Those looking to transport their enlarged family around are best positioned to go for the E-Z-Go Express S6.

Conversely, should a gas golf cart deter you, think about our electric options. If you travel around the neighborhood with friends, you might consider the Club Car Villager 2+2.

However, those seeking a premium car turn to the Polaris GEM e2. Although it is not priced to meet the needs of all customers, it is the most luxurious and comfortable option. Plus, it is also the fastest of the best street legal golf carts.

If golf carts are a new subject for you, you could learn more by reading our guide on the five best golf cart brands.

Matt is a seasoned golf equipment writer and sports fanatic. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for over 28 years.