Categories
×
Product Line
Downloads
Company
Quote Request
Links
Photo Gallery
Beginners Guide to Motors
DC vs AC Golf Carts
Tech Support
Dealer
Dealer Application
Dealer Portal Login
Monday - Friday
8 AM - 4 PM EST

315-701-0635
Club Car Controller
Popular Options
Series Controllers
Regen Controllers
Entire Product Line
Accessories
Cross Reference Tool
Part #   
Use the Search Box to find a direct replacement part
Enter OEM or Supplier Part #'s (Motors, Controllers, Solenoids)
Examples: 73445-G01, DE2-4007, A95-4001, 10122401-02
Club Car Controller
Series Controllers 
AmpsPrice
300
$499
400
$565
500
$649
600
$739
Note: Increasing to a higher amperage
Series controller, will NOT
provide anymore Speed.
Regen Controllers 
AmpsPrice
300
$525
400
$580
500
$693
 
Grave bodily injury & death can occur if motors and/or controllers are utilized in applications that have not been approved by D&D Motor Systems. To confirm your motor and/or controller is being used in approved applications, please click here or call D&D Motor Systems at (315) 701-0635. Motors and/or controllers are NOT warranteed in non-approved applications. See Warranty Info.
Programmable Controller Features
Each Controller is completely epoxy potted, which eliminates all controller failures due to vibration and water corrosion.
   
These controllers produce up to 60% less heat than many competing controllers.
   
Programmable. After plugging the controller into your computer (loaded with Windows) with a standard serial cable, you can set various performance characteristics.
All 300 & 400 Amp EZ-GO controllers fit under the EZ-GO lid!!!
Full Two (2) Year Warranty
  club car electric motor controller | club car speed controller | club car precedent controller | IQ controller
Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do D&D Motors work on 36V and 48V golf carts?

2. How do I install a D&D Motor?

3. Do I have a Series or Regen motor?

4. The speed sensor on a D&D motor doesn't connect to my golf cart speed sensor cable. What should I do?

5. What to do if I can't get my old motor off the transaxle?

6. What voltage are the batteries in my Golf Cart?

7. Is my D&D Motor for Club Car Golf Carts missing an L-bracket?

8. Why do D&D motors for GEM carts only have one connection?

9. How can I determine what mounting pattern and shaft type I need for my Golf Cart motor?

10. Why are my forward and reverse controls flipped after motor installation?

11. How do I program my controller?

12. What batteries should I buy for my golf cart?

13. My old motor had a rubber insert in the shaft, does my D&D motor need this?

14. How do I upgrade my V-Glide controller to a solid state controller?


1. Do D&D Motors work on 36V and 48V golf carts?

All D&D golf cart motors work on 36V and 48V golf carts, and performance will increase if voltage is increased. For 72V and other voltages, give us a call.

2. How do I install a D&D Motor?

Go to the Installation Videos page on our website for video tutorials on how to install your golf cart motor and controller. In addition, we recommend taking a picture of your old motor wiring before disconnecting. Your new D&D motor will be wired in the same exact way.

3. Do I have a Series or Regen motor?

You can see if a motor is Series or Regen by looking at the type of field coils in the motor. Look at the drive end side of the motor, which are visible on the open end of the motor (or the side with the shaft). If you see a flat wires then you have a Series Motor (left image), if you see round wires then you have a Regen Motor (Right Image). See example images below.

Series Motor Field Coil Image Regen Motor Field Coil Image

4. The speed sensor on a D&D motor doesn't connect to my golf cart speed sensor cable. What should I do?

You will need to cut off the speed sensor on the D&D motor and strip the 3 wires. The wires on the D&D motor are Red, Green, and Black. Your speed sensor wires will now look like the image below. Now, strip the insulation from the 3 wires on the motor further. Once this is done, twist together all wires with matching colors (ex. Red motor wire with Red golf cart wire) and cover the exposed wire with electrical tape. If there is one mismatching wire color on the motor and golf cart, connect those two together. Now your speed sensor is setup properly.

Stripped Speed Sensor Image

5. What to do if I can't get my old motor off the transaxle?

We recommend buying "PB Blaster Penetrant" to loosen up any corrosion or other issues stopping the motor from disconnecting. This can be purchased for about $10 from Home Depot. We recomend PB Blaster Penetrant over WD-40 because WD-40 does not protect against future corrosion like PB Blaster Permanent. Once purchased, spray liberally on the drive end head and mounting bolts of the old motor and wait 8 hours before attempting to remove the motor again.

6. What voltage are the batteries in my Golf Cart?

Golf cart batteries are either 6 volt, 8 volt, or 12 volt. You can tell the voltage based on how many water holes your battery has on the top.
Multiply your battery voltage by the number of batteries in your golf cart to find your golf cart voltage. If your golf cart has 0 holes, then you probably have lithium batteries. You will need to read the battery label or look online to find your battery voltage. For video help, click here for a 1-minute video tutorial on golf cart batteries.

3 holes = 6 volts
4 holes = 8 volts
6 holes = 12 volts

7. Is my D&D Motor for Club Car Golf Carts missing an L-bracket?

No. The L-bracket is required for connecting to the fourth hole on a Club Car Golf Cart mount. It is only needed for larger or higher torque motors that need additional support. Smaller D&D motors for Club Car Golf Carts do not need additional support, so the L-bracket is omitted. Image of L-Bracket below.

L Bracket Image

8. Why do D&D motors for GEM carts only have one connection?

Other GEM Cart motors sometimes have a heat sink connection in addition to the speed sensor connection on the top of the motor. D&D motors don't have a heat sink connection because it is not needed for our motors.

9. How can I determine what mounting pattern and shaft type I need for my Golf Cart motor?

The "Choose a Motor Tool" accounts for shaft type and mounting pattern when providing motor options. Mounting pattern and shaft are unique for each golf cart brand, so we recommend customers use the Choose a Motor Tool provide customers a good buying experience and correct motor options.

If you buy a golf cart motor from us without using the Choose a Motor Tool, make sure your golf cart brand (Club Car, EZGO, Yamaha, etc.) matches the brand of the motor you want to purchase and you are good to purchase.

10. Why are my forward and reverse controls flipped after motor installation?

This sometimes occurs when installing a D&D motor to replace an older motor. To fix this, swap the motor connections on the A1 and A2 terminals. Image of terminals to flip below.

Terminals To Flip Image

11. How do I program my controller?

For Alltrax controllers, click here to download the "Alltrax Toolkit" software. This software allows you to customize your controller performance. The user manual is also available at the link. If you need additional tech support, call Alltrax's tech help line for world class customer support.

For Navitas controllers, download the "Navitas" app on the app store. Click here to follow this guide on how to setup your app and customize your Golf Cart

12. What batteries should I buy for my golf cart?

You need to purchase batteries that have a maximum discharge of 500 amps. The type of battery (Lithium, Lead-Acid, etc.) is independant of Max Discharge. Navigate to our "Beginners Guide to Motors" for more details about batteries.

13. My old motor had a rubber insert in the shaft, does my D&D motor need this?

No. D&D motors use higher quality shafts made in the USA. This allows our motors to run quietly without an additional rubber insert.

14. How do I upgrade my V-Glide controller to a solid state controller?

Upgrading a V-Glide controller to a solid state controller will take a few hours and can be a bit complex, but it will increase your max controller amps from 200 to the max amps of the new controller (up to 600 amps). Your performance will increase significantly. We recommend following this youtube video walkthrough explaining exactly how to do this process (Click here for link). This video shows a customer replacing his V-Glide controller, as well as replacing an old motor with a new D&D motor.

Installation Video Links
DC Motor Installation Videos
1. Club Car Installation
Alltrax Controller Installation Videos
1. Club Car Installation
1. Club Car Installation
2. EZGO Installation
3. Yamaha Installation
Club Car Controller Quick Links
Experts
Photos
Videos

Golf Cart Photo Gallery
Click image to view details.
Close
Wheelie Poppin
club car electric motors
ez go electric motors
high speed dc motor
club car motor
high speed club car motor
buggies unlimited motors
motors golf car
Club car - High Performance Golf cart
Club Car : Precedent
Controller
Controller - FSIP
Controller - FSIP
Controller - Navitas
golf car motors | high torque golf cart motor
Club Car Golf Car
Club Car Golf Car
Club Car Golf Car
Club Car Golf Car
Club Car Golf Car
club car motor
Club Car Golf Car
Club Car Golf Car
Golf Cart - Hummer Girls
Golf Cart - Hummer Girls
Xtreme Carts
Xtreme Carts
Xtreme Carts
Xtreme Carts
Controller Cross Ref List
Controller

D&D Part Number Cross Reference

(Click Part# Headings to Sort by Part#)
Price
1204-001 1018008 300 $ 499
1204-002 1018008-01 300 $ 499
1204-004 1014749-01 300 $ 499
1204-014 300 $ 499
1204-015 300 $ 499
1204-018 300 $ 499
1204-022 300 $ 499
1204-023 300 $ 499
1204-26 300 $ 499
1204-027 300 $ 499
1204-028 300 $ 499
1204-030 300 $ 499
1204-031 300 $ 499
1204-034 300 $ 499
1204-036 300 $ 499
1204-103 300 $ 499
1204-204 300 $ 499
1204-402 300 $ 499
1204-404 300 $ 499
1204-406 300 $ 499
1204-413 300 $ 499
1204-408 1018402-01 300 $ 499
1204-410 1018402-03 300 $ 499
1510A-5250 1019565-01 300 Regen $ 525
1510AS-5350 1028062-01 300 Regen $ 525
17846 300 Regen $ 525
Please Call if you can't find what you are looking for. 315-701-0635
Club Car Controller In the News
2024-02-13 11:29:39^ Go Back to Blog Top
Driving Performance: The Crucial Role of an Effective Club Car Controller
  By: Michael Dieroff
Filed Under: Golf Cart - Club Car controller

In order to optimize the performance of your golf cart, one component stands out in its significance – the Club Car controller. This piece of technology dictates the speed, efficiency, and overall driving experience of your golf cart. We've shared some key aspects that make an effective Club Car controller a game-changer for avid golfers and recreational users alike.

1. Precision Power Delivery

An efficient Club Car controller is akin to the conductor of a symphony, orchestrating the precise delivery of power to the electric motor. The precision is vital for maintaining consistent speed and torque, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride across the greens. A controller that can finely regulate power output enhances the overall performance of your golf cart, providing a seamless driving experience.

2. Speed Control Mastery

For golfers who appreciate a leisurely pace on the fairways or those seeking a bit of thrill, speed control is paramount. It allows you to have precise control over your cart's speed, whether you're cruising through the golf course or navigating various terrains. This adds to the enjoyment of your ride and contributes to safety, especially in crowded areas.

3. Energy Efficiency for Extended Play

Nobody wants their golf cart to run out of steam halfway through the game. A high-quality Club Car speed controller optimizes energy efficiency, allowing your cart to cover more distance on a single charge. It enhances the practicality of your golf cart and reduces the frequency of recharging, letting you focus on your game without worrying about battery life.

4. Smooth Acceleration and Deceleration

Imagine a golf cart that accelerates or decelerates abruptly – not the most pleasant experience, right? A controller ensures smooth and gradual acceleration and deceleration, eliminating any jolts or jerks during your ride. 

5. Programmability for Personalized Performance

Every golfer has their preferences when it comes to the driving experience. Whether you prefer a more conservative speed setting or want to unleash the full power for certain situations, having control over the programming adds a layer of personalization to your golf cart experience.

6. Enhanced Torque for Uphill Challenges

It ensures that your cart maintains ample torque, allowing it to tackle inclines with ease. This is particularly crucial for golf courses with varying elevations, where a powerful controller can make the difference between a smooth ascent and a sluggish climb.

7. Intelligent Regenerative Braking

Efficient braking is as crucial as acceleration when it comes to a golf cart's performance. This technology incorporates regenerative braking technology, converting kinetic energy back into electrical energy during deceleration. 

8. Diagnostic Capabilities for Proactive Maintenance

To ensure your golf cart remains in peak condition, a controller with diagnostic capabilities is a valuable asset. Advanced controllers can provide insights into the system's health, allowing for proactive maintenance and timely repairs. 

Buy High-Quality Cart Controllers From D&D Motor Systems, INC!

If you're searching for a reliable platform to buy auto parts for your golf cart, then D&D Motor Systems, Inc. is here for you! We offer a range of heavy-duty and programmable series and regen controllers for golf carts and various other vehicles. If you're looking for an economical alternative, we also have a non-programmable range. Moreover, you can upgrade your cart controller to get more torque. Whether you want a 12-volt, 36-volt, 48-volt, or 72-volt cart controller, we've got you covered. Don't wait much now. Explore our range and choose the best controller for your golf cart. 


2013-03-27 12:15:27^ Go Back to Blog Top
Club Car Electric ATV maker hopes to tap farmers market
  By: Jeff Barnard, Associated Press Writer
Filed Under: Golf Cart - Club Car controller

IQ controller | IQ controllers | club car golf cart speed controller | club car speed controller

ASHLAND, Ore. — Electric all-terrain vehicles may not impress the dune- and trail-riding crowd that rides for recreation, but a few small companies expect organic farmers and vineyard growers will pay a premium to gather cattle and spray vines without the carbon footprint of a gas vehicle. (club car iq controller)

While automakers are toiling to produce electric cars that will fit the demands of American drivers, Ashland-based Barefoot Motors is on the verge of turning out heavy-duty ATVs that can go 50 miles on a charge costing about 90 cents.

"I think a lot of attention is focused on the more glamorous vehicles -- the cars," said Chief Executive Max Scheder-Bieschin. "But there are lots of other applications where the strength of the technology can be focused." Golf carts with the IQ controller are one example of this in today's markets.

Debby Zygielbaum, vineyard manager at organic Robert Sinskey Vineyards in Napa, Calif., test-drove an early Barefoot prototype last year and is eager to be an early adopter when production starts in June. She'd like to haul her spraying equipment without fogging the vines with exhaust fumes, and the ATV could get free power from the vineyard's solar panels. They also use these style solar panels on golf carts with IQ controllers.

"It's becoming feasible where it will actually become a working vehicle to use in the field," she said. Just like the golf carts with the club car iq controller installed.

Read More


2013-03-27 11:42:10^ Go Back to Blog Top
Club Car Golf Carts: Hardly Just for the Golf Course Anymore
  By: Brad Tuttle
Filed Under: Golf Cart - Club Car controller

A new golf cart costs around $5,000, and a used model runs much less. They get decent gas mileage, and sometimes require no gas at all, with an electric Club Car model with a Club Car golf cart speed controller good for around 20 miles per charge. They're also increasingly OK to operate on town roads around the country. Maybe the perfect car for you isn't a car at all, but a golf cart like the Club Car iq controller cart

Look around the country—especially in areas with sizeable retiree populations—and there's a good chance you'll find a golf cart with a club car speed controller  not far away from the links. There is a town in Minnesota that over the summer OK'd Club Car iq controller carts (ATVs too) to be driven on streets, and proposals in small cities in Texas would allow carts on popular hike and bike trails and elsewhere within town borders.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that vendors such as M&M Golf Cars (yes, it's cars, not carts) now sell a large percentage of their vehicles for non-golf course purposes. M&M, the largest Club Car golf cart dealership in Missouri, sells 40% of its inventory for usage somewhere other than the golf course. Roughly 85% of resold Club Car golf carts wind up used away from golf courses. Club Car golf carts can be seen cruising around at campgrounds, car dealerships, seminaries, retirement communities, college campuses, and more. Because they're quiet to operate, and can be customized with an IQ controller and camouflage paint, Club Car iq controller carts are now being used by hunters as well with a club car golf cart speed controller.

Florida, with its abundance of golf courses and retirement communities, may have the most Club Car golf carts with an IQ controller per capita in the nation. A Orlando Sentinel story notes the spread of Club Car golf carts with an IQ controller  not just in residential villages, but on roads throughout the state, as more and more towns allow it:

"Every community is different," said Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson Kim Montes. "It does get confusing. We typically don't get involved in the municipalities."

But troopers will stop golf-cart drivers for violations such as driving on the sidewalk or driving under the influence. Drivers must obey all state and local traffic laws, she said. Especially if they have a club car golf cart speed controller.

Montes warned that a golf cart with Club Car IQ controllers are "not toys." But that's not how many Club Car golf cart drivers view them. "This is a toy of the Baby Boomer generation," Robert Edwards, the National Club Car golf cart Association's executive director, told the Arizona Republic, which was prompted to do a story in 2011 after an 85-year-old man was killed behind the wheel of his cart when it collided with an SUV.

More often, injuries occur due to drivers turning too quickly—even 10 mph is too fast for a sharp turn—which can cause carts to flip or drivers or passengers to fly out of the vehicle. The association has posted tons of Club Car golf cart accident videos to demonstrate how not to operate their "toy" carts. The high performance gained by adding an IQ controller or club car golf cart speed controller make being careful that much more important.

"Toy" or not, driving a Club Car golf cart drunk can land you in serious trouble. In one notable incident last summer, Mick Brown, the drummer for Ted Nugent's band—and a 55-year-old member of the Boomer generation—was arrested for driving a Club Car golf cart under the influence of alcohol. Brown allegedly stole the cart after a concert and took a couple of women for a ride around the venue, speeding recklessly on a foot path past police officers. (Note: It is also illegal to steal a Club Car golf cart. IQ controller)  MSD


2013-03-27 11:31:30^ Go Back to Blog Top
City starts talking Club Car golf carts
  By: BRAD BUCK - dailycommercial.com
Filed Under: Golf Cart - Club Car controller

Dennis Smith says he'd drive his golf cart with Club Car controller to Wildwood if there was something there he needed.

 

For example, said the 67-year-old retired Villages resident, if there was a hardware store, or if passenger trains returned to the train station along U.S. Highway 301 in town, he'd go to Wildwood.

 

Another incentive to drive to Wildwood would be if there were charging stations for electric-powered Club car golf carts with IQ controllers, such as the one he drives, Smith said.

People who love to drive around in their golf carts with IQ controllers may get to do so in Wildwood.

 

But the idea is just that -- a concept that city officials are just starting to talk about.

 

The city of Wildwood recently adopted and received state approval for its 2035 Comprehensive Plan, said City Manager Robert Smith.

 

Included in that plan is a portion that says the city needs to plan for and promote lots of different ways to get around town and try to reduce motor vehicle travel.

 

At their Jan. 10 meeting, city commissioners told staff to look into ways of making Wildwood more friendly to golf carts with iq controllers, Smith said.

 

With places like The Villages and other big residential and commercial developments close by, Wildwood asked Sumter County for help on the golf cart idea, he said.

 

First thing's first, though. City staff must assess the following:

 

-- Which city roads can accommodate golf carts with a club car IQ controller?

 

-- Would the future demographics of the city support golf carts with a club car IQ controller as a means of transportation?

 

-- Safety. Dennis Smith, the retired golfer in The Villages, says this is really the key. "Everybody should be concerned about their safety," he said. If pathways are needed, how would they be constructed and how much would they cost?

 

-- How would this affect future development?

 

-- What developments would support access for carts with iq controllers?

 

-- What are the requirements for street legal carts with an IQ controller?

 

After an initial assessment, if the commission chooses, the city would look to hire a transportation engineer to do a formal study.

 

Herman Schultz, manager of Tomlin USA, a golf cart vendor on U.S. Highway 301 just outside Wildwood, said if he were a Wildwood city official, he'd mostly be concerned for the safety of the golf carts and their operators. For example, The Villages has many paths designated for golf carts with an IQ controller, and Wildwood should consider building the same types of paths, Schultz said.

 

"You have to have a designated path for all those carts with the club car iq controller," he said.

 

Wherever the city of Wildwood looks for advice on golf carts, one place to start might be the town of Lady Lake. In 1989, the notion first came up for people to get around Lady Lake's portion of The Villages using golf carts with a club car motor controller, said police Chief Ed Nathanson.

 

For years, the Lady Lake portion of The Villages has allowed golf carts with an IQ controller. A few subdivisions in Lady Lake that are not part of The Villages also allow golf cart drivers with IQ controllers, Nathanson said.

 

In Lady Lake, people can drive golf carts 24/7 with an IQ controller, but to drive at night, they need headlights and brake lights, and preferably, some sort of reflectors, Nathanson said.

 

Lady Lake has experienced very few major problems with golf cart drivers sharing roads with other motorists, the chief said. In about 20 years, Nathanson said he's worked one fatal accident involving a golf cart driver with an IQ controller.

 

The town regularly conducts courses on how golf cart operators with IQ controllers can drive safely with other motorists.

 

"As long as people make safe choices," they'll be OK, Nathanson said.


2013-03-27 10:47:33^ Go Back to Blog Top
Club Car Electric Golf Carts Becoming Car Alternative
  By: Dan Gould
Filed Under: Golf Cart - Club Car controller

Dozens of communities across the US have recently passed ordinances allowing Club Car golf carts to share the road with cars. The electric powered carts are turning into a viable transportation alternative for people feeling the strain of expensive gasoline.  A few communities around the country have even created dedicated cart lanes. With top speeds of approximately 20 mph and a very informal safety system, these tiny vehicles are only appropriate on roads with lower speed limits. New laws are going to have to be put in place to deal with safety concerns as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does not yet recognize golf carts as on-road vehicles.

USA Today: “More Golf Carts Leaving The Greens”

IQ controller | IQ controllers | club car golf cart speed controller | club car speed controller


2013-03-27 07:16:49^ Go Back to Blog Top
Club Car Golf carts no longer just for golf
  By: Steve Giegerich
Filed Under: Golf Cart - Club Car controller

IQ controller | IQ controllers | club car golf cart speed controller | club car speed controller

 

CLAYTON • An electric epiphany shot through Concordia Seminary when the Lutheran theological institute recently replaced much of its aging fleet of maintenance vehicles.

 

Dealers specializing in small, gas-powered utility trucks once could have counted on the seminary’s business. This time, Concordia headed for the Kirkwood showroom of VIP Golf Carts.

 

There, for less than the price of a single new gas-powered vehicle, the seminary purchased five used electric carts (with Club Car controllers) to transport visitors, security officers, housekeeping and maintenance workers around campus.

 

“As a seminary ... we want to be good stewards of natural resources,” explained Steve Mudd, director of facilities. “It’s not only good thing to do as a citizen, it is also is good in terms of upholding the seminary’s Lutheran beliefs.”

 

Industry officials say the golf carts whirring around Concordia epitomize the evolution from a conveyance for duffers on fairways to vehicles increasingly purchased for utilitarian and transportation purposes.

 

“Nobody thought about selling golf cars for non-golf use when I started” 25 years ago, said Neal Smith, president of Little Egypt Golf Cars in Salem, Ill. These carts use a ez go golf cart controller like a dcs electric controller or pds controllers.

 

Now, non-golf purchases to individuals and businesses that wouldn’t know a seven iron from a triple bogey account for nearly half of the business at Smith’s three dealerships in Illinois and Missouri, including Gateway Golf Cars in St. Louis.

 

“You really have a lot of people using them on their own to just pick up the trash or to use while gardening,” said Smith. “They feel safe driving them. And they want something that the dog can sit on or the grandkids can sit in or even drive.”

 

Advocates for fuel-efficient transportation don’t track golf cart sales. Nor, for that matter, does the organization representing the industry’s manufacturers, the International Light Transportation Vehicle Association. But dealers say the golf cart business is booming. Many people are upgrading to a high speed Club Car controller such as an IQ controller.

 

As recently as ten years ago, golf courses and country clubs were still the primary customers for M&M Golf Cars, the state’s largest dealership with outlets in Mexico, Lee’s Summit and O’Fallon, Mo.

 

Today, about 40 percent of the 5,000 vehicles M&M moves on an annual basis are purchased for non-golf purposes, said company president Chris Miller.

 

On the fleet side, large campgrounds, apartment complexes, car dealerships, business parks and college campuses have stepped into the breach when financially strapped golf courses and country clubs curtailed purchases of electric carts during the recession.

 

Though sales to homeowners lag behind the fleet market, dealers are seeing an uptick in purchases by outdoor enthusiasts who’ve discovered the value of a relatively quiet mode of transportation — now available with camouflage paint jobs and factory-installed pop-up tents.

 

Hunters like them because they can drive into the woods undetected by deer and other prey, said Miller.

 

VIP Golf Carts sales manager Dave Wojciechowski sees Neighborhood Electric Vehicle purchases growing exponentially in the event Missouri lawmakers enact legislation governing use of low-speed transportation on public byways.

 

Illinois has a law on the books allowing slow vehicles on roads with a posted speed limit of 30 mph. or less; Missouri has yet to adopt a definitive statewide statute guiding use of golf cars on public thoroughfares. (Some Missouri municipalities have, however, addressed the issue.)

 

But as anyone who ventures into Soulard, Lafayette Square or area retirement communities may have noticed, the absence of definitive ordinances has not slowed sales to residents in those neighborhoods.

 

“Until the state comes out and says where you can and can’t drive them, people will keep on doing it,” said Wojciechowski.

 

A versatile frame that can convert rear seats into cargo capacity and the sticker price — typically $5,000 to $12,000 for a new vehicle — is a big draw for purchasing departments seeking low-maintenance alternatives for building and grounds departments.

 

“They certainly fit the bill at half the price of a pickup truck,” said Dave Hurst, an analyst with Pike Research, a Colorado-based consultant specializing in alternative energy.

 

And switching to electric saved Concordia a carload of money. The sticker price for the gas-powered vehicles purchased in the past runs from $18,000-$22,000 new and about $15,000 used. The cost of the used electric vehicles the seminary bought off the VIP lot: $3,500 each.

 

And that doesn’t even take into account how much the seminary figures to save by using vehicles powered by electricity as opposed to a fossil fuel — a consideration the industry believes will ultimately drive most corporate or institutional decisions to move to electric or hybrid.

 

“Fleet operators love electric because they live and die on the cost of fuel per mile,” said Brian Wynne, the president of the Electric Drive Transportation Association in suburban Washington.

 

Ken Wambold, the national sales manager for Wheego Electric Cars, based in Atlanta, said the addition of public solar-powered charging stations and technology that extends the golf car battery capacity to about 100 miles would attract even more buyers to low-speed transportation.

 

“It will relieve a lot of people from what’s called ‘range anxiety,’ ” Wambold said.

 

Ultimately, though, it’s the escalating cost of oil that inserts golf carts into the category of growth industries.

 

“Every time gas spikes, we have a spike in sales of carts for non-golf use,” said Miller. “I will assume that sales will continue to climb, because I don’t see the price of gasoline coming down.”


2013-03-26 04:21:15^ Go Back to Blog Top
Getting There: County putting extra focus on Monroe Road safety
  By: Mike Prager - The Spokesman-Review
Filed Under: Golf Cart - Club Car controller

One of the deadliest roads in Spokane County is getting some needed attention.

 

The Spokane County Sheriff's Office last week announced that it will be launching an enforcement campaign on Monroe Road, which runs for 11 miles from Half Moon Prairie to the west side of Deer Park.

 

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission has made grant funding available for the extra enforcement.

 

The sheriff's office is teaming up with the county engineer's office and the Spokane County Target Zero Task Force. Target Zero is a program to end all traffic fatalities.

 

Deputy Craig Chamberlin, spokesman for the sheriff, said Monroe Road has seen five fatalities and 18 serious injury accidents in the past four years.

 

Three fatal accidents over a six-month period in 2009 claimed the lives of a motorcycle driver, a teenage girl and a 19-year-old man.

 

"Speed is the major contributing factor" in the accidents, Chamberlin said.

 

The 19-year-old was going an estimated 70 mph when he lost control of his vehicle entering a curve, according to news files.

 

The speed limit is 45 mph.

 

The grant funding will pay for extra patrols in the designated safety project corridor starting in coming days and continuing for one year.

 

In addition, the county engineer's office has finished a series of road improvements, including enhanced signage "with higher retro-reflective sheeting" at curves, Chamberlin said.

 

In addition, new outer-edge striping has been laid down. Shoulder areas were improved as a safety measure, and rocks and trees were removed alongside the roadway. New guardrails went up.

 

"Slow Down and Stay Safe" signs are being installed along the route.

 

Similar safety projects have been undertaken over the years on the region's highways, including U.S. Highway 2 through Airway Heights and cities to the west.

 

Club Car Golf cart zone proposed.

Electric golf carts (using Club Car controllers) may soon become a preferred mode of transportation in northeast Spokane.

 

The Spokane City Council tonight is considering an ordinance to establish an electric golf cart zone in that part of town. These carts use hight speed Club Car controllers.

 

A 2009 state law allows cities to designate golf cart zones on streets with speed limits of 25 mph or less.

 

The measure was developed at the request of the Greater Hillyard Neighborhood Planning Alliance.

 

"One of their strategies was improving mobility for residents," said Councilwoman Amber Waldref, who is sponsoring the measure.

 

Residents who want to drive golf carts with on city streets won't need a license, but they will have to register with the city for a $50 annual fee and provide an affidavit of insurance coverage through a homeowner's or other policy. Drivers also must be at least 16 and have driving experience or have taken a driver education class.

 

Safety equipment such as mirrors is required, as are lights for nighttime travel.

 

Hillyard proponents of the measure asked that the zone be limited to electric carts only, Waldref said. These carts would be required to use Club Car controllers.

 

The carts are allowed to cross arterials, but they cannot be driven on arterials where speeds are higher than 25 mph.

 

The fee will pay the cost of posting signs in the designated zone, which will be bounded by Francis Avenue on the north, the city limits to the east, Euclid Avenue and North Foothills Drive to the south and Nevada Street to the west.