UNRIVALED DEALER PROFITS
Be a part of Bintelli’s authorized dealer network and capitalize on the strength of a premium brand built on 24 years of industry leadership.
Introducing the new Bintelli Nexus, where luxury meets innovation.
Featuring a state-of-the-art touchscreen, integrated cooling fans, a premium sound system, dynamic color-changing LED accent lights, a convenient beach chair holder, two secure locking storage areas, and more.
The Nexus raises the bar with luxury, functionality and more standard features than any other model on the market.
Get Golf Cart insurance from Progressive
Whether you’re headed to the lake or to a friend’s house, when you take your golf cart off your home’s property, you’ll want additional coverage. With Golf Cart insurance from Progressive, you’ll be protected wherever you roam.
You can get comprehensive and collision coverage to cover your belongings, accessories, and more in case of an accident. Drive on over to protect your golf cart today!
Scan to get a golf cart quote.
PROGRESSIVE.COM or 1-800-PROGRESSIVE
A New Chapter for Golf Carting Magazine
As one of the owners of Golf Carting Magazine, it has been a privilege to serve as Editor-in-Chief for the past five years. Watching this publication grow and evolve has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I’m grateful for the amazing people I’ve met along the way. The relationships I’ve built within the golf carting community have been one of the greatest bonuses of this journey.
Now, it’s time for the next chapter. I’m excited to announce that I’m handing over the editorial reins to Matt White, someone many of you already know from GolfCartingTV. As the founder of GolfCarting V, Matt has established himself as a passionate advocate for golf and electric carts, customization, and the ever-growing lifestyle that surrounds them. His journalistic approach to the industry, combined with his deep knowledge and enthusiasm, makes him the perfect fit to lead Golf Carting Magazine into the future.
I have no doubt that under Matt’s leadership, this publication will continue to grow, bringing you even
more great content, industry insights, and in-depth features on the carts and people that make this industry so exciting. I look forward to watching Golf Carting Magazine reach new heights and can’t wait to see what’s next.
Please join me in welcoming Matt White as the new Editor-in-Chief of Golf Carting Magazine! I hope you enjoy this April Edition of Golf Carting Magazine.
Trevor Rose Senior Editor Trevor@golfcarting.com
Matt White
GOLF CARTING // Issue 59 // April 2025
Publisher: GC Media Group, LLC
Senior Editor: Trevor Rose - trevor@golfcarting.com
Creative Director: Troy Merrifield - troy@golfcarting.com
Production Director: Christian Amico - chris@golfcarting.com
Staff Writer: Matt White
Staff Writer / Social Media: Tony Benjamin
Golf Carting® is published monthly by GC Media Group, LLC. Reprinting in whole or by any means- electronic, graphic or mechanical, including photocopying or information storage and retrieval systems is forbidden without written permission from the publisher.
Advertising opportunities and inquiries to: chris@golfcarting.com
Editorial contributions are welcomed, but editors recommend that contributors contact us first. Contribution must be accompanied by return postage, and we assume no responsibility for damage or loss of material. Manuscripts must be typewritten, and all photos have to have captions. Photo model releases of all people in photos must accompany manuscript. GOLF CARTING reserves the right to use material, and we reserve the right to edit material to meet publication requirements. E-mail contributions or inquiries to: trevor@golfcarting.com
WARNING: Certain action photographs depicted in this magazine are potentially dangerous. The drivers and vehicle occupants seen in our photos are experienced professionals. Do not attempt to duplicate any stunts. Wear a helmet and safety restraints while operating a Golf Cart, and never drive beyond your capabilities. Do not drink and drive while operating a Golf Cart. We also encourage you to “Tread Lightly” while respecting the outdoors and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Use your head and enjoy the ride!
©2025 GC Media Group, LLC
https://www.facebook.com/golfcarting
https://www.instagram.com/golfcartingmag/ Stay connected with Golf Carting Magazine
www.golfcarting.com
RELION® DELIVERS UNRIVALED PERFORMANCE AND EASEOF-USE WITH NEW RELION ELITE™ 48V LITHIUM BATTERY
RELiON® Battery, a global leader in the development of lithium batteries, today announced its new 48V ELiTE lithium battery, featuring a newly designed custom Battery Management System (BMS) delivering a new standard in performance, safety, and ease-of-use with unparalleled reliability and convenience.
"We are thrilled to introduce the new 48V ELiTE battery, our most advanced and user-friendly battery to date and the first of this series,” said John Bennett, VP and General Manager, Power Systems at Navico Group. “Our engineering team has leveraged decades of expertise to deliver a battery that offers unparalleled consistency in power delivery and an extended lifespan, ensuring peace of mind with unmatched reliability. The RELiON team has a rich legacy in lithium battery innovation, and the new ELiTE battery exemplifies a safe, efficient power solution. We are proud to introduce this cutting-edge addition to our portfolio."
Leveraging over 20 years of lithium-exclusive expertise, the RELiON product team at Navico Group has meticulously designed the ELiTE's advanced, safety-enhancing Battery Management System from the ground up. This customengineered BMS provides multi-layer protection for voltage, current, and temperature, ensuring optimal performance, reduced maintenance, and safe power delivery. Designed for versatility, the 48V ELiTE battery ensures users can integrate RELiON lithium technology across a wide range of power systems and applications including golf cars, utility vehicles, automated guided vehicles and more.
Engineered for peak performance, the RELiON ELiTE boasts an enhanced discharge rate, delivering rapid acceleration and seamless, consistent power. This new battery charges fast, minimizing downtime and maximizing time on the go. Additionally, the ELiTE offers an extended lifespan, lasting several times longer than lead-acid battery chemistries.
This not only ensures a more durable product but also reduces the total cost of ownership over time.
The RELiON ELiTE 48V provides a seamless drop-in installation for all golf cars, allowing users to get up and running instantly. Its GC2-sized case eliminates the need for battery compartment modifications, reducing integration costs and making the ELiTE the perfect choice for those who value quick, simple, and hassle-free setup. Once installed, LED indicators offer clear and immediate understanding into the battery's charge state. The 48V ELiTE delivers an impressive range of 26-38 miles using just two ELiTE batteries*.
Additionally, the new ELiTE battery offers OEMs the added advantage of CANopen, CZone®, and NMEA 2000® communication, guaranteeing seamless integration, outof-the-box interoperability, and enhanced communication reliability.
KEY FEATURES
• High discharge rate for fast-off-the-line power delivery
• Drop-in GC2 design for easy installation
• Advanced safety via an in-house, custom-designed BMS
• Reliable communication and easy OEM integration
* Dependent on how the golf cart is driven and the nature of the terrain.
The RELiON ELiTE 48V will be available in the coming months. For more information about the new 48V ELiTE or RELiON's portfolio of lithium batteries, visit relionbattery.com.
About RELiON® Battery
RELiON is part of Navico Group, a division of Brunswick Corporation, (NYSE: BC), and is a global leader in lithium batteries powering a range of applications including recreational vehicles, marine, solar-powered solutions, and more. The company is on a mission to power the world’s transition to lithium energy storage, ethically. RELiON helps customers challenge and overcome their limits by offering a range of high-quality battery products that continue to pave the way forward to a greener and more efficient future for energy storage. For more information about RELiON, please visit relionbattery.com.
About Navico Group
A division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), Navico Group is the world’s leading supplier of integrated systems and products to industries ranging from marine to recreational vehicle and beyond. The Navico Group portfolio is comprised of industry-leading brands in power management, digital control & monitoring, networked devices, and marine electronics. Some of the many brands that make up Navico Group include: Ancor®, Attwood®, B&G®, BEP®, Blue Sea Systems®, C-Map®, CZone®, Lenco®, Lowrance®, Marinco®, Mastervolt®, Progressive Industries®, ProMariner®, RELiON®, Simrad®, and Whale®.
THE BATTMOBILE - “I AM BATMAN”
Like many of us growing up, the fascination with superheroes and their wild, one-of-a-kind vehicles and gadgets has only grown stronger with time. Cory Osteen, one of the core founders of Golf Carts Modified, has always dreamed of owning the original Battmobile—his ultimate bucket-list car. Eco Battery partnered with Cory and Alex Spooner to bring this dream to life with a truly unique and extraordinary build.
Following the success of the Blank Check and EBronco custom cart builds, the challenge of creating a true homage to the Caped Crusader began. Built as a true-to-scale replica, this masterpiece is designed to take the Dark Knight through the streets of Gotham, The Villages, and
Peachtree City—delivering lithium power and peace to the people.
Due to the long and lean dimensions of Mr. Wayne’s original ride, a custom frame was required to support the hand crafted fiberglass body. For power, the Eco Battery 51V 60Ah lithium battery was chosen for its compact size, fitting neatly behind the Kirkey low-profile seats. Paired with the new Eco Battery EB Power 450A AC controller and 5kW motor, this powerful combination delivers impressive torque to the ground. To enhance ride quality and adjust chassis heights, an air-ride suspension was integrated into the frame.
For an aggressive stance, custom three-piece Keizer
wheels were selected, featuring 12x7 fronts and 12x10 rears to fill the wheel wells perfectly. Wilwood disc brakes and highperformance tires provide superior stopping power. Staying true to the Dark Knight’s preference for function over flash, the compact cockpit is designed with an Indy car-style steering wheel, along with easy access to the Eco Battery Remote Wakeup button, AC drive modes, air suspension controls, and handbrake.
The matte black body is packed with intricate details, including a moving front intake fan and a backlit rocket thruster cleverly concealing the Eco Battery charge port. Amber yellow front lights cut through the night, while the top canopy shields the driver from villain ambushes. The sheer presence of this build is captivating, stealing the show as the featured guest at the Annual Eco Battery PGA Show Dealer Appreciation Party.
Cory, known for his attention to detail, was thrilled with the final result. “I felt personal pressure to take on my ‘unattainable’ dream car, wanting to do it right and create something truly special. We knew we had something incredible as we built it, but hearing the feedback and seeing
people’s love for the finished product—that’s the ultimate reward.”
Alongside the Battmobile, Eco Battery also debuted its all-new Generation 3 lithium battery, as well as the final production EB Power AC controllers, motors, and installation bundles, at this year’s PGA Show in Orlando, Florida. Noah Schone, VP of Sales for Eco Battery, looks forward to this event every year. “Getting to meet our dealers and OEM partners face-to-face, seeing our batteries and drivetrain systems featured in so many booths—it’s an honor to be part of their success. Add in this wild Battmobile build and a great party
night, and it’s a perfect reminder of why we love this industry.”
ECO BATTERY – POWERING THE FUTURE
Eco Battery is dedicated to building world-class lithium batteries and supporting them with top-rated service and support, continually pushing the boundaries of product innovation and advancement. Our commitment to quality and unmatched customer service has made Eco Battery a top choice for custom builds, and we take great pride in seeing the creativity and craftsmanship that bring these incredible projects to life.
If you’re in the market for a new cart instead of updating your current one, Eco Battery can also be found in 11 different new cart brands—more than any other in the U.S. Eco Battery is a chosen partner due to its unmatched cart-specific integration, advanced CAN communication, and the cartspecific tuning our engineers create for each of these new carts. Brands like Bintelli®, ICON®, MadJax®, Venom®, Vivid®, Honor LSV®, ACTIVEV®, Voyager®, Epic®, Advanced EV®, and ZROX® choose Eco Battery as their factory installed lithium battery provider.
Eco Battery is headquartered in the Southwest, with another warehouse in South Carolina to serve the East. The company has partnered with NIVEL®, and together they distribute their products across the USA via their regional warehouses. The company employs about forty, including an in-house research/development and engineering team and a US based tech support team. There are about 1,000 independent Eco Battery dealers across the country, with international hubs around the world.
To learn more, check out www.ecobattery.com or visit your local Eco Battery dealer.
MASTERING THE ART OF GOLF CART DEALERSHIP OPEN HOUSES
HHave you ever thrown an open house event that felt more like an awkward family reunion? You know the scene - a few curious visitors wandering around your showroom, staff huddled together by the coffee pot, and that uncomfortable silence occasionally broken by someone asking, "So... how's business?"
I've been there. But open house events can become your dealership's secret weapon for generating leads, building community relationships, and moving inventory - when done right.
WHY TRADITIONAL OPEN HOUSES OFTEN FALL FLAT
Most dealership open houses lack imagination. The standard formula (unlock doors, put out some cookies, hope people show up) simply doesn't cut it anymore. Today's customers expect experiences, not just opportunities to browse inventory while eating free snacks.
Traditional events often fail because they focus on what the dealership wants (to sell carts) rather than what potential customers want (to solve problems and have enjoyable experiences). The most successful events flip this dynamic.
RETHINKING YOUR OPEN HOUSE
The best dealership open houses aren't primarily sales events - they're relationship-building opportunities. When you shift your thinking from "How many carts can we sell today?" to "How can we create meaningful connections with our community?" everything changes.
Your open house should showcase your expertise, demonstrate your commitment to customer education, build relationships, position your dealership as a community resource, and generate qualified leads that eventually become sales.
PLANNING YOUR NEXT-LEVEL EVENT
Choose a Compelling Theme
Generic "Spring Sale" themes won't generate excitement. Instead, consider:
"Golf Cart Customization Showcase" - Feature dramatically customized carts and the owners who love them, with parts and service staff available to discuss personalization options.
"Neighborhood Transportation Expo" - Perfect for dealerships in planned communities. Focus on how golf carts enhance neighborhood living with maps of cart-friendly routes and lifestyle benefits.
"Electric Revolution Open House" - Highlight the latest in electric technology, battery advancements, and eco-friendly transportation options.
CREATE INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES
People remember what they do far more than what they see:
dealereducation
Test Drive Courses - Create a fun, challenging course that showcases your carts' capabilities, including tight turns and inclines to demonstrate maneuverability.
Maintenance Workshops - Set up a service bay with a golf cart lifted to show undercarriage components, with technicians demonstrating basic maintenance.
Customization Stations - Let visitors design their dream cart using samples of seat materials, color swatches, and accessory options.
LEVERAGE LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS
Community partnerships amplify your event:
• Partner with popular local restaurants or food trucks
• Invite complementary businesses like golf pros, custom home builders, or landscape designers
• Align with a community cause by donating a percentage of sales or collecting items for charity
THE PRE-EVENT MARKETING
PLAYBOOK
Even the best-planned event fails without proper promotion:
• Send personal invitations to existing customers
• Create a specific landing page and use email marketing and social media
• Don't overlook community bulletin boards and neighborhood association newsletters
EXECUTION DAY: MAKING IT HAPPEN
Focus on these critical elements:
• Brief your team thoroughly before doors open on their roles, key talking points, and how to collect contact information
• Create a thoughtful layout with interactive elements throughout the space
• Use music, lighting, and even scent to create an energetic atmosphere
• Capture visitor information through digital registration for prizes or valuable content offers
THE CRITICAL POST-EVENT STRATEGY
What happens after your open house determines its true success:
• Within 24 hours, send personalized thank-you emails to attendees
• Segment your follow-up: hot prospects deserve personal phone calls, while others may need educational content
• Track metrics like attendance numbers, new contacts generated, appointments scheduled, and sales attributed to the event
OPEN HOUSE SUCCESS POSSIBILITIES
Imagine transforming your quarterly open houses with a "Sunset Showcase" concept. By shifting the hours to 4-8 PM, adding local musicians, partnering with a craft brewery, and focusing on lifestyle rather than just products, you could potentially double attendance and see a significant increase in sales compared to traditional daytime events. The evening timing would attract working professionals who can't make daytime events, while the relaxed atmosphere might encourage longer, more meaningful conversations.
Or consider targeting a specific demographic with a specialized focus. If your dealership is near retirement communities, you could host an open house centered on safety features and accessibility options. Bringing in an occupational therapist to discuss mobility issues and having your service team demonstrate how various accessories can make carts more accessible would attract exactly the right audience. This kind of tailored approach could generate multiple direct sales to community residents who might otherwise not realize how well a properly equipped golf cart could meet their needs.
MAKING IT YOUR OWN
The most successful open houses reflect the unique personality of your dealership and community. Don't be afraid to try new approaches. Even ideas that don't fully succeed provide valuable lessons for your next event.
Remember, the ultimate goal isn't just a busy day at the dealership - it's creating an experience memorable enough that attendees become advocates for your business long after the event ends.
For more content focused on helping golf cart dealers build more efficient, profitable businesses, check out the Golf Carting Dealer Institute at www.GCDealerInsitute.com
HOW AUDIO IS TRANSFORMING THE GOLF CART EXPERIENCE THE SOUND REVOLUTION
There was a time when the peaceful whir of electric motors was the only soundtrack accompanying a golf cart ride. Those days are rapidly fading into memory as today's golf carts increasingly feature sound systems that rival those found in luxury automobiles. What's driving this audio evolution, and where is it headed? I spoke with Sloan Whitaker, Co-Owner of BA Carts in Van Wert, Ohio, a company at the forefront of the golf cart audio revolution, to get insights into this booming trend.
FROM UTILITY TO LIFESTYLE: The Changing Role of the Golf Cart
The transformation of golf cart audio parallels the
evolution of the vehicles themselves. Once purely utilitarian, golf carts have become lifestyle vehicles—used for neighborhood transportation, beach cruising, campground mobility, and social gatherings.
"Nine out of ten sales for us are not for people buying carts just to beat around the yard," explains Whitaker. "They want it to toy around in and, like any other leisure vehicle, music is a must-have."
As golf carts shifted from work vehicles to personal transportation, consumer expectations changed. People began wanting the same amenities in their golf carts that they enjoyed in their cars, with sound systems topping the list.
THE AUDIO EVOLUTION: From Cup Holder Speakers to Premium Sound
The progression of golf cart audio has followed a natural path:
STAGE 1: PORTABLE SOLUTIONS
Just a few years ago, if you wanted music in your golf cart, you'd bring a portable Bluetooth speaker and place it in a cup holder. These first attempts at mobile entertainment were functional but limited—prone to jostling, falling, and producing underwhelming sound given the open-air environment.
STAGE 2: BASIC FACTORY OPTIONS
Recognizing consumer demand, manufacturers began incorporating simple audio options directly into their vehicles. These basic systems typically featured small speakers or sound bars with minimal power, offering convenience but disappointing audio quality.
"If you're a manufacturer and you don't even have an audio option that comes built-in or something that's very feasible and easy to install...in my opinion, you're going to struggle to even sell them," notes Whitaker.
STAGE 3: SOUND BARS AND BOLT-ON SOLUTIONS
The next evolution brought purpose-built sound bars and subwoofers designed specifically for golf carts. These units could be mounted to the roof or dash and offered improved sound over portable speakers. This add-on approach allowed owners to enhance their factory carts without major modifications.
STAGE 4: INTEGRATED PREMIUM SYSTEMS
Many of today’s golf carts feature fully integrated audio systems with multiple speakers and/or sound bars strategically placed throughout the vehicle. The newest factory offerings also now include touchscreen displays with Apple CarPlay
and Android Auto connectivity, equalizer controls, and synchronized LED lighting.
THE TECHNICAL CHALLENGES OF GOLF CART AUDIO
Creating great sound in a golf cart presents unique challenges not found in traditional automotive audio:
OPEN-AIR ENVIRONMENT: Unlike cars with enclosed cabins that contain sound, golf carts are open, requiring more powerful systems to achieve satisfying volume and clarity.
LIMITED SPACE: Finding places to mount speakers, amplifiers, and subwoofers requires creative engineering given the compact dimensions of most carts.
POWER MANAGEMENT: With golf carts running on battery power, sound systems must be efficient to avoid significantly impacting range and power.
WEATHERPROOFING: Exposure to rain, humidity, and temperature fluctuations demands marine-grade components built to withstand the elements.
STRUCTURAL CONSIDERATIONS: As Whitaker points out, "Golf carts shake a lot and move a lot...if it's not done bulletproof, it's probably not going to last a long time."
THE RISE OF PLUG-AND-PLAY SOLUTIONS
One of the most significant developments in the market has been the emergence of plug-and-play audio kits designed specifically for popular golf cart models. These kits address a critical gap between basic factory audio and totally custom installations.
"We make stuff that's truly plug-and-play," Whitaker explains. "If you own a few basic tools, 99 percent of our products, you can legitimately install them on your cart without risk, without
golfcartaudio
cutting any wires."
THIS APPROACH SOLVES SEVERAL PROBLEMS SIMULTANEOUSLY:
• It preserves factory warranties by avoiding modifications to original wiring
• It reduces installation complexity, making upgrades accessible to average owners
• It ensures proper integration with the cart's electrical system
• It delivers predictable, consistent performance
For many golf cart owners, these kits represent the sweet spot between underwhelming factory audio and over-the-top custom installations that might require taking their cart to a specialty shop.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR GOLF CART AUDIO?
Looking ahead, several trends are taking shape: FACTORY-AUDIO PARTNERSHIPS
Just as automotive manufacturers partner with premium audio brands like Bose, Harman Kardon, and Bang & Olufsen, the market is starting to see golf cart manufacturers explore similar collaborations. Epic's new E40X, for example, features SoundExtreme by EcoXGear audio equipment as standard equipment.
MORE POWERFUL FACTORY SYSTEMS
The newest high-end models are pushing boundaries with integrated subwoofers and multi-speaker arrays. Evolution's new D6 model reportedly features more speakers and a subwoofer than any previous factory cart.
ENHANCED CONNECTIVITY
Touchscreens with smartphone integration, voice control, and streaming capabilities are becoming increasingly common, mirroring the connected experience consumers expect in their primary vehicles.
SYNCHRONIZED EXPERIENCES
The integration of audio with RGB lighting systems creates immersive experiences, with lights pulsing to music or changing colors based on selected themes.
PREMIUM AUDIO OPTIONS
As with cars, we're likely to see more tiered audio options directly from manufacturers. "I think there's going to be premium audio options," predicts Whitaker. "You know how it is, you're looking for a new car. And you can get the standard sound system, or you can get the premium sound system."
THE BOTTOM LINE
The market for golf cart audio upgrades shows no signs of slowing, with consumers willing to invest significant sums for quality sound. "For our most comprehensive plug-n-play sound system for the Evolution D5 Maverick and Ranger models, most of those customers didn't even bat an eye when
we told them it was $3,500 for that sound system," Whitaker observes.
As golf carts continue their evolution from purely functional vehicles to lifestyle accessories, audio capabilities will remain a crucial differentiator. Whether factory-installed or aftermarket, the days of silent rides are increasingly behind us. From simple portable speakers to sophisticated multi-component systems, the sound revolution has firmly established itself in the golf cart world—and it's playing at full volume.
with ActivEV
ActivEV is looking to award one dealership in your city exclusive rights to sell The Pulse. Boasting premium quality, top value, and a nationwide dealership program, ActiveEV is the premier golf cart company to showcase in your dealership. Backed by over 24 years of industry experience, we know what it takes to be a market leader.
Showcase this premier golf cart brand in your dealership, and receive:
Strong Dealer Profits
Turnkey, Ready-to-Sell Inventory
Low First-Time Order Requirement
Standard Cutting Edge Lithium Battery
4-Year Warranty with Stress-Free Support
Nationwide Advertising To Drive Traffic To Your Dealership
Nationwide Dealership Support Network For Your Customers
Showroom Materials Free with First Order + Premade Marketing Materials
Powered by Bintelli TM , Driven by Innovation
For more information, visit activegolfcarts.com
CART CULTURE
HOW CELEBRATION, FLORIDA BUILT COMMUNITY ON FOUR WHEELS
When Walt Disney imagined the future of community living, he dreamed of something different - a place where innovation met smalltown charm. Today, that vision lives on in Celebration, Florida, where golf carts aren't just a fun novelty; they're woven into the very fabric of daily life.
"We moved down here with two cars," recalls Celia McFadden, a Celebration resident since 2014. It wasn’t long before she told her husband, “I don't think we need two cars anymore.” So, they bought a NEV. That acronym - Neighborhood Electric Vehicle - appears on parkin signs throughout Celebration, a thoughtful detail encouraging the community to use these low-speed vehicles.
Unlike most communities that retrofit for golf cart usage, Celebration was designed from the ground up with these vehicles in mind. Wide sidewalks, dedicated paths, and streets planned for low-speed vehicles make this master-planned community near Orlando a model
for modern transportation alternatives.
LIFE IN THE CART LANE
For residents like McFadden, street-legal golf carts aren't just weekend toys - they're essential transportation. "If we never have to leave the Celebration bubble, we don't," she explains. "We can go to Publix, we can go to our doctors at Celebration Hospital, go to the library, we can cross over to 192 where the stores are."
The benefits go beyond convenience. When you're in a golf cart, encounters with neighbors become natural and frequent. "When people see each other with the NEV, it's a connection," McFadden says. The open-air design encourages waves and conversations that might never happen between neighbors sealed in traditional vehicles.
This connectedness feeds particularly well into two of Celebration's five cornerstone values - sense of community and sense of place. Families experience their
surroundings differently in a NEV than they do in a car. Children notice details, residents appreciate architecture, and the pace of life slows to something more intentional.
"My older grandchildren think it's great," McFadden shares with a laugh. "Like my ten and twelve-year-old grandchildren - you don't put them in the front seat of a car, but they think it's great that they can sit in the front seat of a NEV because there's no airbags."
And when curious visitors ask about creature comforts? "People come up when you're sitting in it and they ask, 'Does that have heat and air conditioning?' I go: 'Natural. Natural heat. Natural air conditioning."
ROLLING CELEBRATIONS
Perhaps nowhere is Celebration's cart culture more evident than in its community celebrations. What started as a small Christmas parade with eight carts has evolved into a beloved tradition.
"We decided through a couple of residents that we were going to have a Christmas parade," McFadden explains. "The sheriff led us off, escorted us through the community.”
From North Village to South Village, the procession includes "the most amazing Santa," Buddy the Elf, and street legal golf carts decorated with lights and holiday cheer. The community response has been overwhelming. By 2024, the Christmas parade had nearly tripled its original size.
The success led to an Easter parade tradition, held the Sunday before Easter. "We have an Easter Bunny, and we get a lot of community involvement," McFadden says. Along the predetermined route with designated stops, children gather to see the colorfully decorated carts and receive treats.
"People give out candy, give out all kinds of trinkets to the kids. Just seeing the community come together, the people that don't have NEVs that are the spectators, and just seeing the joy in the children's faces... It's like, wow, what a difference! That's awesome."
golfcartculture
The parades aren't limited to holidays. When Celebration High School needed transportation for their homecoming court, they knew exactly who to call. "They said, 'Hey Celia, can you get us some NEVs? We need some NEVs for the homecoming queen and her court,'" McFadden recalls. Residents answered the call, with some even having the honor of driving the school principal and his family.
Golf carts also play a meaningful role in more solemn occasions. During Fourth of July and Veterans Day parades, they provide transportation for veterans who need assistance. "We have World War II veterans in our community, and they're part of the NEV parade," McFadden notes with pride.
MORE THAN TRANSPORTATION
The golf cart community extends beyond physical events. McFadden runs the "NEV Parade Extravaganza" Facebook group, and residents connect through another group called "The Gems of Celebration" where they exchange tips, sell vehicles, and source parts.
These online communities reflect the real-world connections fostered by golf cart culture. When you remove the barriers of closed windows and hurried
schedules, neighbors become, well, neighbors again.
For visitors to Celebration, the prevalence of golf carts might seem quaint or novel. But for residents, it represents something deeper - a deliberate choice to embrace a different pace and style of community living.
With over 4,300 homes and growing, Celebration showcases how low-speed vehicles can integrate seamlessly into modern community design. The mixed architecture - from bungalows to estate homes - all share one common feature: easy golf cart accessibility.
As other communities across the country look for ways to become more walkable, sustainable, and connected, Celebration's successful integration of golf carts offers a roadmap. By putting these vehicles at the center of community planning rather than as an afterthought, they've created something that goes beyond transportation.
In a world increasingly defined by speed, efficiency, and isolation, Celebration proves that sometimes slowing down is the fastest way to build community. As McFadden puts it, "It basically brings everybody together."
That's a lesson that travels well beyond Celebration's borders - and one that fits perfectly at 25 miles per hour.
OWNER AND LOCATION
Dale Crocker of Crockers Custom Carts from Lugoff, South Carolina
WHAT YEAR, BRAND, AND MODEL IS THIS CART?
A: It’s a 2008 Club Car Precedent.
TELL US ABOUT THIS CUSTOM BUILD. WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE?
A: This cart came straight off the golf course—completely stock. I tore it down and started from scratch. I hand-built a custom lift kit that gives it a total height of 11.5 inches. The body is painted with House of Kolor Kandy Green and Purple, including a custom three-tone painted top to match.
I also fabricated custom running boards and added wheel lights inside the wheels, along with rock lights. There are 73 feet of LEDs installed underneath—so this cart really lights up! The Kandy brush guard, headlights, and front bumper are all color-matched. I built a rear speaker box with integrated lights and color-matched mid speakers. A complete stereo system is installed, plus a Kandy-painted dash and color-matched steering wheel. The custom seat covers really pull the entire look together, and it rides on 20” wheels with colormatched inserts.
DID YOU FABRICATE ANY CUSTOM PARTS FOR THIS BUILD?
A: Absolutely. I fabricated the entire suspension, the running boards, the stereo system, and the custom wheel lights—all done by me.
WHAT AFTERMARKET PARTS OR BRANDS DID YOU USE?
A: Honestly, everything on this cart is aftermarket—there’s not much left of the original cart!
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF. HOW DID YOU GET INTO BUILDING CUSTOM CARTS?
A: I’ve worked in paint and body for over 30 years. Customizing golf carts started as a hobby—something to keep me busy and let me get creative. It really took off during the pandemic. My wife and I decided to upgrade our cart for our annual campground trip. Every time we finished one upgrade, we’d find something else to build or improve. It just kept growing from there.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU AND CROCKERS CUSTOM CARTS?
A: My dream is to open a personal shop where I can dedicate more time to custom builds. This has turned into a family passion—my wife, son, and I love working on these projects together. The more custom the job, the more fun and challenging it is—and that’s what we’re all about!
askthemechanic
ASK THE MECHANIC ASK THE MECHANIC
Q: What are the benefits of switching to an AC motor/ controller?
A: Upgrading your golf cart from a DC to an AC motor system comes with several key advantages, significantly enhancing performance, efficiency, and overall driving experience.
First, AC motors deliver more power and torque, allowing for better acceleration and improved handling of inclines and heavy loads. The more efficient energy transfer of AC power results in higher top speeds and extended range, making your cart more capable and enjoyable to drive.
Another major benefit is reduced maintenance. Unlike DC motors, AC motors have no internal brushes, meaning fewer wear-and-tear issues and a longer lifespan. This translates to lower maintenance costs and less downtime.
Ultimately, converting to AC power transforms your cart into a smoother, faster, and more reliable ride— guaranteeing more smiles and more fun on every drive.
Q: Is switching to lithium batteries safe? I’ve heard about fires and I’m a bit nervous.
A: You’re not alone in your concern, but rest assured— modern lithium batteries, especially lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) variants, are much safer than older lithium-ion designs. These newer batteries come equipped with a built-in Battery Management System (BMS), which continuously monitors performance, preventing issues like thermal runaway and overheating.
Most reported fires aren’t caused by the batteries
themselves but rather by external factors like improper charging equipment. Using an old, undersized extension cord (anything less than 12-gauge) can lead to overheating. Additionally, corroded or damaged battery cables can create resistance, which generates heat and increases the risk of a fire hazard.
To ensure safety, always use high-quality power cables, a heavy-duty extension cord for charging, and consider upgrading your solenoid—one of the system’s weak points. With these precautions in place, switching to lithium is not just safe but also one of the best upgrades you can make for better performance, longer battery life, and lower maintenance.
Q: What is a CAN Bus used for in a golf cart?
A: A CAN (Controller Area Network) Bus system is a communication network that allows different electronic components in a golf cart to “talk” to each other. Many modern carts, particularly those with AC drive systems, use CAN Bus technology to optimize performance and efficiency.
With a CAN Bus system, your motor controller, Battery Management System (BMS), dashboard display, and other electronic components can communicate seamlessly, improving overall functionality. It also enables integration with digital displays, allowing for touchscreen controls to manage features like lights, speed settings, and other accessories.
In short, CAN Bus technology makes golf carts smarter, more efficient, and easier to control, enhancing both performance and convenience.
