Driving a golf cart is similar to driving a car in that you have a steering wheel, gas pedal, and brake pedal.The main difference is that golf carts have a lower top speed, so you’ll need to take it easy when accelerating and braking. Another thing to keep in mind is that golf carts don’t have standard transmissions like cars do.Instead, they use what’s called an On/Off switch which allows you to choose between forward and reverse gears.Make sure you familiarize yourself with the controls of the golf cart before driving it.
Now let’s move on to some more specific tips for driving a golf cart safely.
Step 1: Press Down On The Brake Pedal
Most golf carts require that the brake pedal is pressed down before it can be started.Even if this isn’t the case, it’s still a good ideal to keep the golf cart steadily in place while you start it up!Most golf carts will also have an emergency brake which is either a pull-handle style, or is built into the brake pedal.Make sure the emergency brake is not engaged when you start driving the golf cart.
Step 2: Buckle Up
While golf carts have lower speeds than automobiles, you still have to take safety precautions for yourself and other passengers.Make sure to use a golf cart car seat if your passengers are too little to use seat belts.
Step 3: Check Your Passengers & Gear
Make sure all your passengers’ arms and legs are safely inside the vehicle and that everyone is sitting down before driving.It’s also a good time to make sure any gear you have is secure and tied down.
Step 4: Turn The Golf Cart On
You’ll start your golf cart by turning the key, just like in a car.Insert the key into the slot and turn the key clockwise to the right.If you’re driving an electric golf cart you may not hear anything except a chirp or slight hum, and it may not even feel like the golf cart is on. That’s okay!If you’re driving a gas golf cart, then you’ll hear the engine kick on.
Step 5: Make Sure The Golf Cart Is In Gear
Check out the golf cart to see if it’s in drive or reverse.This is usually designated as “D” for drive, or “F” for forward, and “R” for reverse on most golf carts.If you hear a constant beeping, that usually signals that the golf cart is set in reverse gear.
Step 6: Accelerate The Golf Cart
Press the right pedal (the “gas”or acceleration pedal) down with your foot, being careful to apply light pressure until you get used to the golf cart’s acceleration.
Step 7: Apply The Brakes
If you need to slow down or stop the golf cart, now’s the time to use the brake pedal, which is the left pedal.Apply gentle pressure rather than “slamming”on the brakes until you get a good feel for what pressure is needed.
Step 8: Go In Reverse (If Necessary)
Once the golf cart is at a full stop, you can move the gear to reverse while pressing down on the brake pedal.If the cart starts beeping, then you’ll know you’re in reverse gear.Now you can go in reverse if you need to, applying the acceleration or brake pedals just like in forward gear.Keep in mind most golf carts will go a little slower in reverse as a safety feature.
Post time: Nov-01-2022