Summer sunshine, frosty beverages, and BBQs in wide open spaces are just a few things to look forward to with summer upon us. Golf cars have emerged from garages, sheds, and barns across the country and now is the time to dust the winter dust off and make some memories. Orders for parts, accessories, and new golf cars are surging and golf car related businesses are basking in the busiest time of the year. When you grab a moment to spare during the golf car summer frenzy, take a breath and learn these fun facts about the reason we are all here in the first place‐golf cars.

1. Exclusive Golf Car Parking

Many states, such as Florida and California, have ordinances in place to allow for, and in some cases, to require, golf car parking spaces in shopping centers and public buildings. Some local regulations stipulate a maximum of 25 golf car parking spots and minimum and maximum parking space dimensions. Retailers are increasingly requesting golf car only parking spots to attract more golf course community shoppers. Golf cars are moving up in the world and finally getting the parking respect they deserve!

2. Increased Rental Values

Do you have a rental property? Whether it is seasonal or yearly, including a golf car in a rental package can increase the monthly value of the rental by between $50 and $300, depending on the location of the rental. Many communities, such as Sandestin Resort in the Emerald Coast area of Florida, prohibit golf car rentals, but allow golf cars to be included in property rental packages. Many real estate agents encourage investors in golf course communities and seasonal vacation sites to include golf cars for added rental value and incentive.

3. Golf Cart Insurance

Major insurance carriers have created policies specific to golf car coverage. Whether the golf car is gas or electric, most homeowner insurance policies will not cover golf cars or related losses. A typical golf car insurance policy covers:

• Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability
• Comprehensive
• Collision
• Accessory Coverage
• Transport Trailer Coverage
• Roadside Assistance

Depending on how the golf car is used and whether speed modifications have been made, golf car policies range from $12 per month to $100 per month.
Side Note: Promoting golf car insurance to golf car customers as an affiliate is an additional stream of revenue for golf car dealers to consider.

4. Social Media and Golf Cars

It is no surprise that golfing groups are plentiful among social media platforms. After all, it is one of the world’s most popular sports. But, in recent years, golf cars have been increasingly demanding the social media spotlight. There are over 10,000 golf car related posts on Pinterest, over 50 pages of golf car groups on Facebook, and hundreds of viral golf car pictures on Instagram. Not only are those within the golf car industry turning to social media to sell golf car related products, but golf car enthusiasts are networking, sharing, and comparing golf cars online, as well.

5. Golf Car Parades

The United States boasts more golf car parades than any other country in the world. There is something about a themed golf car parade that just screams AMERICA! In fact, Guinness World Records has reported that the largest golf car parade in history was on September 4, 2005 and involved 3,321 golf cars from The Villages, Florida. The event succeeded in raising nearly $30,000 for charity. Ranging from holiday themed to politically themed, golf car parades are growing in popularity and present great marketing opportunities for those in the industry.

Bonus, Not So Fun Fact: Each year in the US, there are over 13,000 reported golf car related accidents that require emergency room visits, according to the US Consumer Products Safety Commission. About 40 percent of those accidents involve children under the age of 16. Keeping this in mind, encourage golf car customers to invest in safety equipment for their cars and continue to educate golf car owners about the importance of safety at all times.

Golf cars have come a long way since Merle Williams introduced his first electric golf car in 1951. As those of us in the industry continue to create, innovate, and stretch the limits of current golf cars, more amazing facts will emerge. But until then, be safe, enjoy the summer holiday and 4th of July golf car parades and remember to post your golf car antics on social media.

Julie Wilson, Owner of WHEELZ Custom Carts & Accessories, was one of the industry’s first online retailers of golf cart parts, when she founded her business in 2008. Julie’s eCommerce store, www.WHEELZLLC.com remains a popular online shopping experience for innovative golf car parts and accessories.