LSV Frequently Asked Questions

The term LSV refers to a street-legal vehicle that can travel up to but no more than 25mph and meets specific federal, state, and sometimes local requirements allowing it to be driven on some public roads under prescribed rules.  It’s usually not lawful to do so with a golf cart, and a golf cart is not required to meet the same safety and feature requirements.

Yes— on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, depending on your local and state laws. They must be registered and insured like a car and have the locally required DOT-approved safety features. and usually a VIN.

Most LSVs are required to include:

  • Seat belts
  • DOT-approved windshield
  • Mirrors (side and rear)
  • Turn signals, brake lights, horn
  • Headlights and taillights
  • Speed governor (max 25 mph)

Many will also include convenience features like rearview cameras, infotainment, and upgraded wheels, suspension and accessories.

Yes—if it has proper lighting (headlights, taillights, turn signals), which all LSVs are required to have to be street legal, so long as there is no local rule limiting or prohibiting it.

Probably yes—if is common for states to require LSVs to be titled, registered, and insured. Check with your local DMV or dealership for exact requirements in your state and locality.

Absolutely. Many brands offer custom paint, wheels, seating, infotainment, audio systems, enclosures, tow packages, decorative LED and more. LSVs are very modifiable.

 

Modifications that alter the speed or safety of the vehicle and not only unsafe, they may void your warranty and nullify it’s LSV eligibility and insurance coverage.  Consult your warranty and local regulations before considering any such modification.

Minimal, particularly compared to gas vehicles:

  • Check and maintain batteries (especially for lead-acid)
  • Inspect brakes, tires, and suspension
  • Occasional lubrication and cleaning
  • Annual safety checks if used on public roads

Yes–while LSVs are so much more than just golf vehicles, they can still serve that purpose if your local course allows private golf vehicle use.

Golf clubs that permit use of privately owned golf vehicles may have requirements for turf safe tires, proof of insurance, and separate registration.  Check with your local club for their policies and requirements.

Yes—contemporary LSVs can handle moderate inclines and paved hills with ease. Models with higher-torque motors, upgraded suspension, or off-road tires are best to manage rougher paths, but usually LSVs are not meant for extreme off-roading.

Absolutely. LSVs are popular for very good reason in:

  • Campuses and universities
  • Resorts and hotels
  • Security patrols
  • Warehouses and distribution centers
  • Theme parks
  • Vehicle sales lots
  • Farms
  • Real estate and property management

They reduce fuel costs and increase mobility in confined or low-speed zones.

For best results:

  • Store in a dry, covered location
  • Keep the battery pack maintained and avoid full discharge
  • Use a battery tender or disconnect the battery pack if unused for long periods
  • Cover the LSV to protect from dust and UV exposure

Most LSVs use common components (AC motors, controllers, batteries) that any trained technician can service. Your local dealer can usually handle repairs, and parts are readily available for reputable brands.

Yes, in most states, you’ll need a valid driver’s license to drive an LSV on public roads, just like any other motor vehicle.  However, there are a few states and localities that have special provisions for accompanied younger drivers and other exceptions.  It’s important to know your state and local requirements.

Range depends on a number of factors including the battery type and capacity, as well as how discharged it is.  In general, at full capacity:

  • Lead-acid batteries: 15–25 miles per charge
  • Lithium-ion batteries: 30–60+ miles per charge
    Charging habits, terrain, and weight all affect range.

It’s best to keep batteries fully charged, and to not allow batteries to discharge too much before re-charging.

This too will vary with the battery model, type, capacity and current state of charge/discharge.  In general:

  • Lead-acid: 6–8 hours
  • Lithium-ion: 3–5 hours (and longer battery life overall)

Most plug into a standard 110V outlet.  (Always follow manufacturer’s instructions and avoid using extension cords.)

Higher capacity batteries may take longer to charge, but will allow greater range.

LSVs meet federal and local safety requirements, but they are lighter and smaller than traditional road vehicles, so caution should be used in high-traffic areas. They’re safest in gated communities, resorts, campuses, and low-speed roads.

Prices vary based on features, battery, motor and controller type, and seating:

  • Entry-level: $8,000–$12,000
  • Mid-range (with lithium and accessories): $12,000–$16,000
  • Premium luxury LSVs: $17,000+

They’re sometimes used interchangeably, but:

  • NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle) is a category that includes LSVs.
  • All LSVs are NEVs, but not all NEVs meet federal, state, and/or local requirements as LSVs.

In most places, LSVs can be driven:

  • On public roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or under
  • In golf communities, resort areas, downtowns, and campuses
  • On private property or in planned communities
  • On approved trails

Always check your state and municipal laws, as some areas restrict or expand LSV access.

This is possibly the most frequently asked question me get.

 

While your vehicle (technically) most likely could be modified to remove it’s speed governor and add a few more mph, there are several reasons that may not be a good idea.

  • Doing so would render it out of compliance with LSV requirements and render it no longer an LSV.  If registered as an LSV and caught you could be subject to penalties.
  • If your vehicle is registered and insured as an LSV, an alteration that enables operation at a speed above 25mph may void insurance coverage.
  • Any modifications to the vehicle that alter it’s speed capabilities in any will void most if not all warranties.
  • LSVs are not engineered with handling at out of specification speeds in mind, and operating at those speeds can exceed engineering tolerances and safe handling capabilities.
  • There is often only a small margin of additional safe rpm operation before damage to your motor can result.
  • A collision, even at 25mph in an LSV can cause serious damage and injury, increase speed only increases the possibility of damage and injury.

Yes, today’s lithium golf cart batteries are generally safe–in many ways, they are safer than traditional lead-acid batteries when properly installed and maintained.  For more, see our complete blog post on the subject here.

For most buyers, yes. Lithium batteries are:

  • Lighter (improves speed and efficiency)
  • Faster charging
  • Longer lasting (up to 8–10 years)
  • Maintenance-free

While they increase upfront cost, they lower long-term total ownership cost.

Some LSVs are rated for light towing (like garden carts or small trailers), especially models with stronger motors and frame construction. Always check the manufacturer’s towing capacity and use properly installed appropriate hitches.

Yes, but with considerations:

  • Lithium batteries perform better in cold than lead-acid but for extreme cold use consider installing a battery warming system

  • Use an enclosure or heater kit for passenger comfort

  • Reduce speed and follow local laws in snow or ice

  • Tire upgrades may be needed for appropriate traction

Learn more
luxurylsv.com
Award-winning, family owned dealership of new and pre-owned LSVs located in Gwinnett County and serving north Georgia and beyond. Superb quality at reasonable prices and the best customer service guaranteed.
(470) 952-0556
sales@luxurylsv.com
1001 Commerce Park Drive Dacula, GA 30019
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