Buying guides · 9 min read
Single Seat Golf Cart: Ride-On Options, Costs and What to Check
What a single seat golf cart is, how ride-on golf buggies differ from trolleys and full carts, which models we list and what to check before you buy.
By the Buggies For Sale team · Updated
A single seat golf cart sits between a push trolley and a full two-seat golf cart. It is a small ride-on vehicle for one person, with a seat, a steering handle or wheel, a battery and a place for your golf bag. It is aimed at golfers who want to ride between shots, who find walking a full round difficult, or who simply prefer to sit, and who do not want to pay for or store a larger cart. This guide explains how single seat carts work, how they differ from other golf vehicles and what to check before you buy.
What is a single seat golf cart?
A single seat golf cart, often sold as a ride-on golf buggy, is a one-person electric vehicle designed for the golf course. Instead of walking behind a trolley, you sit on the vehicle and drive it from one shot to the next. The vehicle carries your bag, usually on a rack at the back, and it is powered by a rechargeable battery.
The general background on golf carts is covered in the golf cart article on Wikipedia. A single seat model is a smaller, lighter variation on the same idea.
How it differs from other golf vehicles
- Push and electric trolleys: you walk with them. They are lighter and cheaper, and they suit golfers who want the exercise. See our push and pull trolleys and electric golf buggies.
- Golf scooters and boards: stand-up vehicles that you ride while standing. Our golf scooters page lists them.
- Single seat ride-on buggies: you sit, they carry one person and a bag, and they are compact enough for a car boot trailer or a shed.
- Full golf carts: two or more seats, a roof, and the highest price. See our golf carts range.
Models we list
Three ride-on options to compare are the i-MotionCaddys IM4, the Parmaker Spirit and the Parmaker Explorer Ghia.
The IM4 is listed with a 1200W motor, a 36V 50Ah battery, a top speed of 19 km/h and a range of up to 50 km, and it weighs 178 kg. The Parmaker Spirit is listed with a 12V 38Ah battery. Always check the specification table on each product page, because details such as seat design, braking and bag mounting differ between models.
Who is a single seat golf cart suited to?
A single seat cart suits golfers who want to ride but do not need to carry a passenger. Typical buyers include golfers with limited mobility or stamina, regular players who want to save energy for the game, and owners of private courses, large properties or estates who want a small vehicle for personal use. Many buyers also like that a single seat cart is cheaper and easier to store than a two-seat cart.
It is not a good fit if you want to carry a friend, move cargo or share the vehicle with a family. In that case a two or four seat golf cart is the better choice.
What to check before you buy
- Course rules: many clubs have rules about which carts are allowed and when. Ask your club before you buy, because some clubs only permit certain vehicles or require a medical reason.
- Weight and transport: a ride-on buggy is much heavier than a trolley. Check how you will move it, and whether you need a trailer or ramps. Our guide to trailering a golf cart covers loading and ramps.
- Battery and range: check the battery size and the real-world range for the hilliness of your course.
- Bag mounting: confirm that the rack suits your bag type, whether a cart bag or a stand bag.
- Comfort and controls: look at seat support, steering and braking, especially if you have mobility needs.
- Warranty and servicing: ask who services the vehicle in Australia and how you get parts.
Charging and battery care
Most ride-on golf buggies use rechargeable batteries. Charge after each round, use the charger that came with the vehicle, charge in a dry and ventilated place and avoid leaving the battery completely flat for long periods. If you store the vehicle over winter, follow the manufacturer's storage guidance. Our guide to lithium versus lead-acid batteries explains why battery type affects weight, charging and long-term cost.
Price expectations
Single seat ride-on golf buggies cost far more than trolleys and less than a full golf cart. The price depends on motor power, battery size and build. Our guide to how much a golf cart costs in Australia explains what drives cost across the range, and our product pages show the current price in Australian dollars including GST.
Buying a single seat golf cart in Australia
When you buy online, check that the listing is a ride-on vehicle and not a trolley, confirm the battery and charger, ask for the freight cost to your postcode and ask what warranty applies. We deliver Australia-wide, orders over $1,000 ship free to major metro and depot corridors and we confirm freight before you pay. If you need help choosing, call 0420 128 746 or message us on WhatsApp with your course, your mobility needs and your budget.
Comfort, controls and accessibility
If you are buying a ride-on buggy because walking a full round is difficult, comfort and controls matter more than top speed. Look at how easily you can get on and off, how supportive the seat is, and whether the controls suit your hands and feet. Test the steering and braking if you can. Some golfers also want a footrest, a backrest and a stable platform, and these details differ from model to model. Take your time with the specification table, and ask us if a feature is not clear.
Carrying your clubs
Ride-on buggies carry the bag on a rack at the rear, so bag fit matters. A full cart bag with a wide base sits differently from a lightweight stand bag. Check the strap positions and whether the rack can be adjusted. A bag that sits too high can make the vehicle feel unstable on slopes, and a bag that is not strapped down can shift on rough ground. Always strap the bag firmly and keep it balanced.
Safety on the course
A ride-on golf buggy is small and light, but it still needs sensible driving. Keep to paths where your club requires it, slow down on slopes and in wet conditions, avoid sharp turns at speed and never carry passengers unless the vehicle is designed for them. Park on level ground and apply the brake before getting off. If the vehicle has a speed setting, start on the lowest one until you are used to it.
Storage, security and battery habits
A single seat buggy is compact, but it still needs a dry, secure place to live. A shed, garage or locker is ideal. Charge the battery after each round, because lithium and lead-acid packs both last longer when they are not left empty. If you leave the buggy for a few weeks, follow the manufacturer's advice about storage charge. A removable key or battery isolator is a simple security measure, and some owners add a lock or a wheel clamp.
Insurance and club rules
Before you buy, ask your club about insurance requirements, medical certificates and any rules on private carts. Some clubs require a particular type of vehicle or a certificate to use a ride-on buggy, and some ask owners to register their cart with the club. Checking these early can save a disappointing surprise after you have bought the vehicle.
Maintenance you can do yourself
Most routine care is simple. Keep the tyres at the right pressure, check the brakes and steering before each round, wipe the vehicle down after wet or muddy days and check that bolts and fittings are tight. Keep the charger lead and plug clean and dry. If anything feels different, such as a soft brake, a noise or reduced range, stop using the buggy and have it checked. Our team can point you to the right part or the right next step if you tell us the model.
A short buying plan
If you want a calm way to decide, follow a simple plan. First, confirm your club allows the type of cart you have in mind. Second, decide your budget, including a charger, any accessories and delivery. Third, list the two or three models that fit, and read their specification tables line by line. Fourth, ask the supplier about warranty, servicing and parts. Fifth, check how you will move and store the vehicle. A plan like this takes an evening and prevents most of the common regrets, such as buying a vehicle that is too heavy to transport or that your club will not allow on the course.
Finally, think about how often you will use it. A golfer who plays once a week for years will get far more value from a well-built single seat cart than someone who plays twice a year, and the answer may change which model is the right investment.
Bottom line
A single seat golf cart gives you the convenience of riding without the cost and storage of a full cart. Check your club's rules, work out how you will transport and charge it, compare battery size and range and choose a model that fits your bag and your comfort needs.
Before you commit, read the specification tables side by side, write down your priorities and consider a trial of a similar vehicle at your club if that is possible. A few minutes of comparison now usually saves a lot of frustration later, particularly around transport, charging and course rules.
