Key difference between golf carts and Low Speed Vehicles: What’s the Difference and Why LSVs Are the Smart Choice for Your Next Beach Vacation
When planning your beach vacation to Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, or Wild Dunes, one of the best decisions you can make is renting a vehicle that makes getting around the island easy, fun, and stress-free. That’s where the debate between golf carts and low speed vehicles (LSVs) comes into play.
At Just Beachy Golf Cart Rentals, we often get asked: “What’s the difference between a golf cart and a low speed vehicle?” And more importantly: “Which one is better for families on vacation?” This blog post breaks it all down so you can make the most informed—and convenient—choice for your next getaway.
What Is a Golf Cart?
A golf cart is traditionally designed for use on golf courses. While they’ve evolved beyond the fairway, standard golf carts typically:
- Travel at speeds under 15 mph
- Lack features like seat belts, headlights, and turn signals
- Are not always street legal
- Are limited to private communities or golf course paths
In some areas, certain golf carts may be modified for local use on specific roads, but that doesn’t necessarily make them safe—or legal—for broader island use.
What Is a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV)?
A Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) is a street-legal vehicle that looks similar to a golf cart but comes fully equipped for safe travel on public roads. LSVs are federally regulated and must have:
- A top speed between 20–25 mph
- Seat belts for all passengers
- Headlights, brake lights, and turn signals
- Windshields, mirrors, and reflectors
- Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs)
- Registration and insurance
Most importantly, LSVs are legal to drive on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, making them perfect for beach towns like Isle of Palms, where speed limits are low and parking is tight.
Side by Side Comparison of Golf Cart versus Low Speed Vehicle
Why LSVs Are Better for Families on Vacation
If you’re bringing your family to the beach, an LSV is not only the safer choice—it’s the smarter, more convenient one too. Here’s why:
- Street Legal = Less Hassle
Imagine being able to legally drive your rental vehicle from your vacation rental to the beach, the grocery store, a restaurant, or even an ice cream shop. With an LSV, that’s a reality. No need to worry about whether you’re allowed to drive on certain streets—LSVs are registered motor vehicles. - Safety First
For families with children, safety is a top concern. LSVs are equipped with seat belts, mirrors, and lights, offering a much higher level of safety than traditional golf carts. If your little ones are riding along, seat belts and DOT-approved features give you peace of mind. - Convenient Parking
Beach towns are known for having tight, limited parking, especially near beach access points and popular restaurants. LSVs are compact, easy to park, and often have preferred or designated parking areas in many vacation communities. - Room for Everyone
At Just Beachy Carts, our LSV rentals include 4- and 6-passenger models, meaning the whole family can ride together comfortably. Whether you’re hauling towels, coolers, beach chairs, or toys, there’s plenty of space to load up and hit the sand. - Environmentally Friendly
Most LSVs are electric, meaning they’re a greener way to travel around the island. They’re quiet, energy-efficient, and help reduce your carbon footprint while still being fun to drive.
How LSVs Elevate the Vacation Experience
Vacations are about spending more time relaxing and less time stressing. LSVs give you freedom, flexibility, and a fun way to explore everything the island has to offer. No more waiting on rideshares or worrying about how far the walk to the beach is—just hop in and go. By renting a low speed vehicle it makes any task like picking up groceries on vacation a new and exciting experience. You can quickly and easily pull up to the local grocery store and get the family there safely.
We’ve found that our customers love the experience so much, they rent from us year after year. Kids love the ride, parents love the ease, and everyone enjoys the convenience of being able to move around the island without having to pile into a traditional car.
