How Often Do You Recharge Golf Cart Batteries?

Electric golf carts are the most common and energy-efficient mode of transporting golfers and their equipment around a golf course. Nearly all golf carts used for recreational purposes are designed to carry two people on the course or around the neighborhood.  

Battery configurations are typically 42 volt systems, which consists of seven 6-volt batteries, or 48 volt systems, which consists of six 8-volt batteries. Some newer carts house 12-volt batteries. Golf cart manufacturers usually provide a two-year or limited four-year warrantee on new sealed lead-acid cart batteries, which are meant to output approximately 20,000 energy units--about 1,000 rounds of golf--when properly maintained. 

Recharging Batteries
Golf course maintenance personnel recharge institutionally owned golf carts after every 18-hole round of golf, which lasts approximately four to five hours, and measures approximately 6,000 yards (3.5 miles). Individuals who own personal recreational golf carts should also recharge batteries after every round of golf. Depending on the slope of the terrain and the weight of the load, golf carts can travel up to 6 miles on one full charge. 

Street legal
When licensed, golf carts are also used for short-distance street commutes, especially in retirement communities and residential golf settings. A standard twi-passenger golf cart travels at about 5 miles per hour on flat ground. Some street golf cart models feature four seats, rather than two plus an equipment rack. Still, golf cart batteries should be recharged after four hours of use. Nobody likes to be stranded. 

Prolong battery life
It takes several hours to re-charge golf cart batteries that have gone completely dead. To lengthen the lifespan of batteries, make sure they are fully charged before each use. Also check the water level in each battery cell at least once a month, refilling with pure distilled water as necessary. Fill only to the plate level. Water levels that are too high cause the acid mixture to overflow and corrode surrounding parts. A good preventative battery regimen frees golfers from worrying about transportation and enables them to focus on their game.