Golf Cart Glossary: 32 Terms Explained
Golf cart terms explained: LSV, DOT, GVW, payload, turning radius, LiFePO4, BMS, UN38.3, FOB and more.
32 terms · Updated 2026-11-03
AC motor
An alternating-current electric motor. AC motors are common in modern golf carts because they are efficient, quiet and need less maintenance than brushed DC motors.
BMS
Battery management system. It monitors and protects a lithium pack against over-charge, over-discharge, short circuit and, in good designs, low-temperature charging.
Braking distance
The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brake is applied to a full stop. It increases with load, speed and wet or loose surfaces.
Curb weight
The weight of the vehicle with standard equipment and fluids, excluding the battery in this catalogue. It is not the same as the loaded weight.
CIF
Cost, Insurance and Freight. An Incoterm where the seller pays freight and insurance to the destination port; the buyer handles import clearance and duties.
Controller
The electronic unit that regulates power from the battery to the motor. It must be matched to the motor, voltage and battery.
DAP
Delivered at Place. An Incoterm where the seller delivers to an agreed destination; the buyer handles import clearance and duties.
DDP
Delivered Duty Paid. An Incoterm where the seller handles delivery, import clearance and duties. It requires the seller to understand the destination’s customs and tax rules.
DOT
The United States Department of Transportation. In golf cart discussions, “DOT” often refers to road-equipment or tyre standards; it is not a general street-legal certification.
Flatbed
An open cargo bed on a utility cart. It may have drop sides, tie-down points and removable racks.
FOB
Free On Board. An Incoterm where the seller delivers the goods on board the vessel at the named port; the buyer arranges the main carriage and insurance.
Gradeability
The steepest grade a vehicle can climb under specified load conditions, usually expressed as a percentage. It must be checked against the loaded weight.
Ground clearance
The distance between the lowest point of the chassis and the ground. Higher clearance helps on gravel, kerbs and uneven ground.
GVW
Gross Vehicle Weight. The maximum total weight of the vehicle, passengers and cargo. Payload is part of GVW.
Incoterm
A standard trade term that defines who arranges freight, insurance, customs and delivery. Common terms for golf carts are FOB, CIF, DAP and DDP.
Lead time
The time from order confirmation to dispatch. It depends on the model, configuration and quantity and is confirmed on the order.
LiFePO4
Lithium iron phosphate, a lithium battery chemistry. It is lighter than lead-acid for the same usable energy, charges faster and tolerates partial charging.
LSV
Low-speed vehicle. A road-vehicle category used in some markets, with defined speed and equipment requirements. It is not the same as an unregistered golf cart.
MOQ
Minimum order quantity. It depends on the model, configuration and destination and is confirmed on the quotation.
MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheet. A document describing the hazards, handling and transport requirements of a battery or other material.
Payload
The maximum weight a vehicle can carry, including passengers and cargo. It is stated for the exact configuration on the order sheet.
Rated range
The distance a vehicle can travel on one charge under specified test conditions. Real range falls with load, gradient, temperature and stop-start duty.
Traction battery
The main battery pack that powers the vehicle’s motor, as distinct from a small 12 V accessory battery.
Track width
The distance between the centre lines of the left and right wheels on the same axle. It affects stability and the width needed on a path.
Turning radius
The radius of the smallest circle a vehicle can make at low speed. A smaller radius helps on narrow paths and in tight parking bays.
UN38.3
A United Nations test standard for lithium batteries in transport. A UN38.3 test summary is commonly required for export shipments.
Utility cart
A cart designed around a flatbed, locker or cargo body rather than passenger seating. Used for maintenance, housekeeping, landscaping and events.
2+2
A four-seat layout with two forward-facing seats and a rear-facing bench for two passengers.
4+2
A six-seat layout with four forward-facing seats in two rows and a rear-facing bench for two passengers.
6+2
An eight-seat layout with six forward-facing seats and a rear-facing bench for two passengers. Available on request for selected platforms.
Golf car
An industry term for a small electric vehicle used on golf courses and resorts. In practice it describes the same class as a golf cart.
Golf buggy
A term used in the UK, Australia and New Zealand for a small electric vehicle used on golf courses, resorts and estates.
The questions that decide the order.
What does LSV mean?
Low-speed vehicle, a road-vehicle category used in some markets with defined speed and equipment requirements.
What is LiFePO4?
A lithium battery chemistry that is lighter than lead-acid, charges faster and tolerates partial charging.
What is payload?
The maximum weight a vehicle can carry, including passengers and cargo. It is stated on the order sheet.
What is an Incoterm?
A standard trade term defining who arranges freight, insurance, customs and delivery, such as FOB or CIF.
Tell us the terrain, the seats and the port.
A useful quotation needs three things: where the golf cart will run, how many people it carries, and where it ships. Send those and we will come back with a configuration sheet.
Request a quote
Tell us the model, seating and destination. We will reply with a configuration sheet and quotation.