It is one of the first questions shoppers ask when they walk into our showrooms: should I get a lifted golf cart or a non-lifted one? A lifted cart has that tall, rugged stance with bigger tires that turns heads at the pool and on the lake road. A non-lifted cart sits lower, steps in easier and feels planted around the neighborhood. The right choice comes down to who rides with you and where you ride. Here is a friendly, honest look at both.
What “lifted” actually means
A lifted golf cart sits higher off the ground than a standard cart, usually paired with larger wheels and taller tires. Some carts are lifted with an aftermarket lift kit. Many of today’s new street-legal carts, though, are built with ride height in mind right from the factory:
- ICON equips its X lineup with the ICONIC LIFT SYSTEM, a dealer-adjustable ride height, so the same cart can be set up lifted or non-lifted. See our ICON golf carts page.
- EPIC builds the E40FX with suspension that a dealer can adjust to lifted or non-lifted heights. See our EPIC golf carts page.
- Bintelli offers lifted and non-lifted versions of the Beyond and Nexus, including the Beyond 6 Lifted and Nexus 6 Lifted on 23 inch tires. See our Bintelli golf carts page.
- Aries offers XL versions of its Classic models, like the Classic 4 XL, with lifted suspension, 14 inch wheels and all-terrain tires. See our Aries golf carts page.
A factory-designed lift is engineered as part of the whole cart, which is why we often steer families toward one over a heavy aftermarket lift on an older cart.
Why families love lifted carts
The look. A lifted cart on bigger tires just looks great, and for a lot of our Lake Norman and Lake Wylie customers that tall stance is half the fun.
Clearance for rougher ground. If your rides include gravel driveways, grassy lots, a sloped path down to the dock or a bumpy trail behind the house, extra clearance helps the cart get over things without scraping.
Room for upgrades. Some upgrades need the extra room, like the 4WD kits on our SilverWolf page.
Why a non-lifted cart may be the smarter fit
An easier step in and out. A lower floor is simply easier on knees and hips. If grandparents, young kids or anyone with limited mobility rides along, a non-lifted cart is often the more comfortable everyday choice.
A lower, more planted feel. Raising a cart raises its center of gravity, and a higher center of gravity makes any vehicle less resistant to tipping in sharp turns or on side slopes. Engineers who study golf cart rollovers point out that a lift kit plus larger tires can raise a cart’s center of gravity by more than the advertised lift. A non-lifted cart keeps that weight lower to the ground.
Garage, trailer and storage fit. A taller cart needs more overhead room. EPIC even notes that its adjustable E40FX heights help the cart fit a garage door or a trailer. Measure your garage opening and any covered parking before you choose.
Lifted carts, street-legal LSVs and the law
Many lifted carts are sold as street-legal low-speed vehicles (LSVs). Under federal rules, an LSV is a four-wheeled vehicle with a top speed of more than 20 mph and not more than 25 mph, and it has to meet federal safety equipment standards. In North Carolina, LSVs also need registration and insurance and may only be driven on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less. For the full picture, read our guides to street-legal golf carts in North Carolina and South Carolina golf cart and LSV laws.
Here is the part people often miss: changing an LSV after it leaves the factory can change how it performs. Larger tires can raise top speed if nothing else is adjusted, and a heavy lift changes handling. Before you add a lift kit or bigger tires to a street-legal cart, talk with our service team so the cart stays safe and set up the way it was designed. It is also smart to tell your insurance agent about major modifications, and our golf cart insurance guide explains what to ask.
Driving a lifted cart safely
A lifted cart is a blast to drive, and a few simple habits keep it that way:
- Slow down before turns, especially sharp ones, and avoid sudden steering at speed.
- Drive straight up and down slopes instead of across them when you can.
- Keep cargo low and centered, and keep everyone seated with seat belts on where the cart has them.
- Check tire pressure regularly using the manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Have suspension, steering and brakes inspected on a regular schedule. Our golf cart repair and service team handles all makes and models, and we offer mobile repair where a tech comes to you.
Which one is right for you?
A lifted cart may be the best fit if:
- You ride on gravel, grass or uneven ground, or down to a dock or lake access
- You love the tall, rugged look
- You want room for bigger tires or a 4WD kit down the road
A non-lifted cart may be the best fit if:
- Older riders or young kids ride often and need an easy step in
- Most of your riding is on paved neighborhood streets
- Garage or trailer height is tight
- You prefer the lowest, most planted feel
Still torn? Our new vs. used golf cart guide can help with the rest of the decision, and the easiest way to choose a ride height is to drive one of each back to back.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lifted golf cart less stable than a non-lifted one?
Generally, yes. Lifting a cart raises its center of gravity, which lowers its resistance to tipping in sharp turns and on side slopes. Factory-engineered lifted models and careful driving go a long way, and a non-lifted cart is the lower, more planted option.
Can a lifted golf cart be street legal?
Yes. Many lifted models from ICON, EPIC, Bintelli and Aries are sold as street-legal LSVs. In North Carolina an LSV must be registered and insured and may only be driven on roads posted at 35 mph or less. See our street-legal golf carts page.
Can I lift my current golf cart?
Often, yes, but it depends on the cart, the kit and the tires. Some newer carts have dealer-adjustable ride height. For an older cart, request service and our team will look at what makes sense and what is safe.
Do I need a lift for a 4WD kit?
For the SilverWolf Discovery 4WD kit, yes. SilverWolf says it requires a lift and wheels at least 12 inches in diameter. We confirm fitment before ordering or installing any kit.
Which ride height is better for lake living?
It depends on your property. Gravel drives, grassy lots and dock paths often favor a lifted cart, while paved neighborhoods and riders who want an easy step in often favor a non-lifted cart. Come drive both at our Lake Norman (Denver) or Lake Wylie store.
Come feel the difference for yourself
The best way to choose is to step in and out of both and take each one for a spin. Our team will happily walk you through lifted and non-lifted models side by side and help you find the cart that fits your family. It would be our pleasure.
- Book a test drive at our Mount Holly, Charlotte, Lake Norman (Denver) or Lake Wylie showroom
- Shop lifted and non-lifted carts in stock
- See your personalized payment or learn about financing options
- Questions? Call us at (704) 302-1200