PUBLISHER: IMARC | PRODUCT CODE: 1800993
PUBLISHER: IMARC | PRODUCT CODE: 1800993
The global golf cart market size reached USD 2.2 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 3.4 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% during 2025-2033. The rising popularity of golf as a recreational activity, increasing adoption of golf carts for non-golfing applications, emphasis on eco-friendly transportation solutions, rapid technological advancements, expansion of golf tourism, usage in sports tournaments, demand for customized carts, government initiatives, and strategic collaborations among market players are some of the factors accelerating the market growth.
Rising Popularity of Golf as a Recreational Activity
One of the major factors driving the global golf cart market is the burgeoning popularity of golf as a leisure pursuit among people of all age groups around the world. The growing number of individuals having leisure fun with golf has simultaneously increased the number of golf carts demanded to ensure easy and comfortable locomotion around golf courses. According to industry reports, there are about 8,800 Golf Courses and Country Clubs businesses in the US as of 2023. This is a decrease of -1.7% compared to 2022, yet the overall tendency here is pointing upward. Additionally, this trend is most evident in regions where the sport is relaxing and affordable due to increased disposal revenue and awareness of the health advantages of playing. The golf cart is ultra-advanced and equipped with high-tech gadgets, making the journey across various fields and plains much quicker and more swath than walk-behind wheels.
Increasing Adoption of Golf Carts for Non-Golfing Applications
Apart from a traditional application at golf carts, the vehicles are actively used for transportation in many other scenarios not related to the game. For instance, residential areas, airports, shopping complexes, and various industrial areas and facilities involve golf carts in their vehicle fleets to ensure fast and safe interlocution transportation. It becomes possible due to the modern electric specimens' low size and high adaptability, which make both moving in small locations comfortable and environmentally friendly. Moreover, the current focus on sustainable development leads many organizations to substitute traditional vehicles with electric golf buggies to reduce carbon emissions, which is further accelerating the golf cart market outlook.
Shift towards Electric Golf Carts
A key trend influencing the development of the global golf cart market is the growing popularity of electric models instead of gasoline ones. This shift is driven by a range of factors, including increased environmental consciousness, stricter emission legislation, and advancements in electric transport. Unlike their gasoline counterparts, electric golf buggies allow for lower ownership and upkeep costs, produce less noise pollution, and result in zero carbon emissions. Moreover, the advancement of battery technology has allowed these vehicles to be able to travel longer distances without recharging, making them ideal for journeys around a golf course or any other use. The trend towards driving customer purchases and various regulatory mandates for sustainable and environmentally friendly products has further increased the demand for electric golf buggies. Apart from this, recently, Bintelli, a South Carolina-based manufacturer and distributor of electric golf carts, announced plans to invest more than $4 million to establish an assembly and distribution center at the Orleans Industrial Development Park. The source projects the Bintelli company to create approximately 67 jobs by 2024.
Electric golf cart accounts for the majority of the market share
The electric golf cart segment is driven by several key factors, such as the increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability is propelling the adoption of electric golf carts. As concerns about climate change and air pollution continue to escalate, consumers and businesses alike are seeking greener transportation solutions. Electric golf carts, with their zero-emission operation and reduced carbon footprint compared to gasoline-powered counterparts, align closely with these sustainability goals, making them an attractive choice for environmentally conscious buyers. Secondly, the rising cost of fuel and the desire for cost-effective transportation options are driving the demand for electric golf carts. With fluctuating gasoline prices and the long-term trend of increasing fuel costs, electric vehicles offer a more economical alternative, as they typically have lower operating expenses and require less maintenance than traditional gasoline-powered carts. This cost savings appeal to both individual golfers and golf course operators looking to reduce overhead expenses. Additionally, the advancements in battery technology and the increasing availability of charging infrastructure are boosting the viability and appeal of electric golf carts.
Golf course accounts for the majority of the market share
The golf course segment is driven by several key factors, such as the increasing demand for golf as a recreational activity among individuals of all ages is a significant driver. As more people seek leisure activities that promote outdoor engagement and socialization, the demand for well-maintained and accessible golf courses rises. This demand prompts golf course operators to invest in enhancing the quality and amenities of their facilities to attract and retain players. Additionally, the growing trend of golf tourism contributes to the expansion of the golf course segment. Golf enthusiasts travel to various destinations globally to experience different courses, landscapes, and playing conditions, driving the need for diverse and attractive golfing facilities. Golf courses situated in tourist destinations capitalize on this trend by offering unique experiences and services tailored to visitors, thereby stimulating growth in the segment. Furthermore, the increasing focus on sustainability and environmental conservation plays a crucial role in shaping the golf course segment.
The small (2-4-seater) segment is primarily propelled by the increasing demand for compact and maneuverable vehicles suitable for personal transportation within golf courses, residential communities, and recreational facilities. These smaller carts offer agility and ease of navigation in tight spaces, making them ideal for individual golfers, small families, or couples looking for convenient transportation options. Furthermore, the emphasis on eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness favors the adoption of electric-powered small golf carts, which have lower maintenance requirements and operating costs compared to traditional gasoline models.
In contrast, the medium (6-8-seater) segment is driven by the growing demand for larger capacity vehicles capable of accommodating groups of golfers, tourists, or event attendees. These medium-sized carts offer enhanced passenger capacity and cargo space, making them suitable for transporting larger groups within golf courses, resorts, theme parks, and other recreational venues. Additionally, the versatility of medium golf carts extends beyond recreational use to include applications in hospitality, tourism, and commercial settings, where they serve as efficient transportation solutions for guests, staff, and equipment.
Furthermore, the large (above 8 seats) segment is fueled by the increasing need for shuttle and transportation services in mega-resorts, airports, industrial complexes, and urban centers. These large-capacity carts are designed to accommodate sizable groups of passengers, making them indispensable for mass transit and logistics purposes. With features such as spacious seating arrangements, robust construction, and advanced safety systems, large golf carts offer reliable and comfortable transportation for passengers over extended distances. Furthermore, the shift towards electric-powered models in the large segment aligns with sustainability goals and regulatory requirements, driving the adoption of eco-friendly transportation solutions in various commercial and public sectors.
North America leads the market, accounting for the largest golf cart market share
The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America accounted for the largest market share.
The North American golf cart market is driven by several key factors, each contributing to its growth and development, such as the increasing popularity of golf as a recreational activity among individuals of all ages is a significant driver. As golf continues to be a widely enjoyed pastime in North America, there's a growing demand for golf carts to enhance the playing experience on golf courses across the region. Additionally, the rising trend of using golf carts for transportation purposes in various non-golfing applications is fueling market growth. Beyond golf courses, golf carts are increasingly utilized in residential communities, retirement villages, and resort areas for convenient and eco-friendly mobility solutions, thereby expanding the market's reach and scope. Moreover, the emphasis on environmental sustainability is driving the shift towards electric golf carts in North America. With increasing concerns about carbon emissions and environmental impact, there's a growing preference for electric-powered vehicles, including golf carts, as a greener alternative to gasoline models.
(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)