People in other parts of the country call them golf carts, because, as the name implies, they’re driven almost exclusively on golf courses. Here in the Lowcountry, golf carts are commonly referred to as golf cars.
For many families living in Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Beaufort, Hardeeville and even as far away as Charleston, the golf car is the main mode of transportation.
It’s common to see parents dropping off their kids in a golf car, teenagers whipping through their quiet neighborhood streets in a golf car, Sun City Hilton Head residents loading their golf cars with groceries at the Food Lion and the streets packed with golf cars for any major festival or event.
Some communities like Wexford hold annual golf car parades with golf car decorating contests.
And in exclusive remote places like Daufuskie Island that are only accessible by boat or ferry, the golf car is the only way to get around.
Simply put, golf cars are a way of life in coastal South Carolina.
Why is that?
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Resort lifestyles are best experienced with golf cars
When the weather is best described as tropical, there is no better way to get from point A to point B than an open-air golf car. They are fun and easy to drive. Who wouldn’t want to breathe in the salt air on Hilton Head Island or cruise through Old Town Bluffton taking in the beautiful vistas of live oaks and Spanish moss?
Many neighborhoods in coastal South Carolina have clubhouses with swimming pools, fitness centers, tennis courts and golf courses. Whipping around the neighborhood with your gear in the back is much easier and faster than a traditional car. From Hilton Head Island throughout the greater Bluffton area off Buckwalter Parkway, the bike paths are wide enough to cruise around on your golf car.
The variety of golf cars today — from two-seater golf buggies to 6-seater golf cars — offer something for everyone. For families with lots of children, the bigger golf cars offer plenty of space for people and gear.
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Golf cars are better for the environment
Many of today’s newest golf cars are powered by lithium batteries — which help reduce your carbon footprint. If you’re concerned that the golf car’s battery will constantly need to be charged, don’t be. Lithium battery-powered golf cars can travel 25-40 miles before it needs to be charged. They also have a long shelf life — up to 10 years — and don’t require maintenance like lead-acid batteries.
Gas-powered golf car engines, however, get decent mileage — especially when you compare it to a family-sized SUV or minivan. Lithium batteries last longer than lead-acid batteries. They also charge quickly and last more than five times longer than conventional batteries.
Golf cars save money
Golf cars also are much cheaper than traditional vehicles. Newer golf cars with extra seating, suped-up wheels and other bells and whistles can go for as much as $16,000. However, some golf cars can be priced as low as $3,000.
With unpredictable spikes in the cost of gas, battery-powered golf cars save money. In the Lowcountry, where you can drive golf cars anywhere — including the grocery store, the library, Main Street for shopping, restaurants, etc. — investing in a reliable golf car just makes sense.
What to look for in a Lowcountry golf car
When it comes to any purchase, examine your needs. How often will you be driving the golf car? Who will be driving the golf car? Where will you most likely be driving the golf car? For families with multiple children, a golf car with up to six seats and room enough for gear is ideal. For smaller families, on the other hand, a smaller golf car would be more appropriate.
Carting around precious cargo means putting your trust in a reliable brand. When it comes to the best brand for experiencing all that the Lowcountry has to offer, hands down, it’s E-Z-GO. They have a long reputation for affordability and durability. Wheelzllc.com cites E-Z-GO’s good design, steel frame construction with powder- coat protection, affordable replacement parts and upgrades and of course its “smooth ride.”
E-Z-GO has a factory direct golf car dealership — the only one in the country — backed by Textron located in Sheridan Park in Bluffton, 25 Sherington Drive Suite F & G. They operate as an independent dealership and feature an expert service department for parts, accessories, maintenance and overall golf car care.
E-Z-GO of Hilton Head Island’s service staff is trained to customize E-Z-GO cars — which gives you the opportunity to own a truly one-of-a-kind golf car tailored to your specific needs. Financing options are available on new, used and trade ins vehicles. All trade-ins are accepted regardless of the brand. They are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and by appointment on Saturdays.
For more information, call 843-212-4195 or visit ezgohhi.com.
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