THE HISTORY OF GOLF CARTS
Today’s golf carts are an evolution of their predecessors, developing in efficiency, capability, and even functionality. It’s a far leap from where they originated. We all can agree on that, but how much do you really know about the history of golf carts? Gator Golf Cars did a little research to find out when, where, and how this glorious invention got started.
WHERE THE HISTORY OF GOLF CARTS BEGAN
It all started with a man named Merle Williams in Long Beach, California. During World War II, gasoline was a limited commodity. In order to ration gas, Merle began experimenting with electric cars as an alternate mode of transportation for women while running errands or shopping for groceries.
Originally called “buggies,” he produced them through his company, Marketeer, in 1951. Within 3 years, his first competitors began to challenge him in the market: LEKTRO and E-Z-Go. Club Car followed in 1958. By the 1960’s, multiple companies were getting in on the profit of this new and popular invention.
THE EVOLUTION OF THE GOLF CART
The first golf cart was powered by electric batteries and possessed 3 wheels—not 4—with tiller steering. As its popularity grew, competition and the natural inclination toward development and improvement led to an evolution of its design.
In the 1970’s, gas powered golf carts entered the scene, as well as the fourth tire and a steering wheel. This was also the time in which people began to expand its uses beyond the golf realm. Modifications made by Club Car in 1979 led to the addition of the rear cargo box that allowed golf carts to be used as utility vehicles. In 1986, Yamaha changed the game with the introduction of the first “street legal vehicle,” which at the time was called a Neighborhood Electrical Vehicle (NEV). It sparked an interest that has grown across decades.
In 1990, large corporations jumped in on the vehicle’s popularity. They began buying golf cart manufacturers. Ingersoll now owns Club Car while Textron Inc. bought E-Z-Go and Cushman. The invention also experienced a name change. Those working in the industry now refer to golf carts as “golf cars.”
A more appropriate name when you consider how advanced today’s vehicles are compared to their predecessors.
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LATEST GOLF CARTS?
Come talk to the professionals at Gator Golf Cars, the provider for new and used golf carts in Fort Myers, Estero, and Naples. You can find more information about our two locations on our contact page.