FAQs - Golf Cart Buyers Guide - Everything You Need to Know Before Purchasing!

Street Legal Neighborhood LSVs – Tradition, FL

Cruise Tradition in comfort, style, and confidence with our Street Legal Neighborhood Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs)—designed for residents who expect more than a basic golf cart. Our LSVs are fully street legal in Florida, professionally equipped to meet all state and local requirements for use on roads posted 35 MPH or less, making them ideal for the Tradition community lifestyle.

Unlike low-quality imported carts sold by some local dealers, our LSVs feature higher-grade components, smoother ride quality, advanced safety features, and superior fit and finish. Each vehicle includes required safety equipment such as headlights, brake lights, turn signals, mirrors, seat belts, windshield, VIN, and registration support—handled correctly from day one.

Perfect for getting around Tradition Square, Riverland, shopping, dining, fitness centers, and neighborhood streets, our Street Legal LSVs offer quiet electric performance, luxury seating, and customization options that match the upscale Tradition lifestyle.

✔ Florida street-legal setup & licensing assistance
✔ Higher-quality brands (not disposable imports)
✔ Quiet, smooth, and comfortable ride
✔ Local parts, service, and long-term support
✔ Trusted dealer serving Port St. Lucie for over a decade

What are the differences between golf cart and LSV brands?

While many carts may look similar at first glance, the real differences between brands come down to build quality, ride comfort, safety, long-term reliability, and service support.

Here are the key areas that truly matter:

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1. Build Quality & Materials

Higher-quality brands use:

• Stronger frames and suspension components

• Better fit and finish

• Higher-grade wiring, switches, and electronics

This results in quieter rides, fewer rattles, and longer life, especially important for daily use in communities like Tradition and Riverland.

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2. Ride Comfort & Luxury

Premium carts are designed for neighborhood driving, not just golf courses. Differences include:

• Smoother suspension and better handling

• More supportive seating and upgraded interiors

• Quieter motors and refined throttle response

Luxury-focused carts feel more like a small vehicle and less like a utility cart.

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3. Safety & Street-Legal Engineering

Not all carts are engineered for street use.
Higher-end brands offer:

• Factory-designed street-legal (LSV) platforms

• Proper braking systems

• Automotive-style lighting, seat belts, and safety components

Purpose-built LSVs are safer, more stable, and easier to insure and register.

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4. Parts Availability & Service Support

This is one of the biggest differences long-term.
Quality brands offer:

• Readily available replacement parts

• Established dealer networks

• Long-term manufacturer support

This means faster repairs, lower downtime, and better resale value.

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Why We Chose These Brands

How do the brands you carry compare for Street Legal use?

E-Z-GO
A long-established brand known for durability and nationwide support. E-Z-GO now offers the Liberty Elite, a factory-built Street Legal LSV with integrated safety features and a VIN from the factory. In addition, many traditional E-Z-GO models can be professionally converted to Florida LSV standards, with more factory LSV models expected in the future.

Atlas Carts
A modern, luxury-focused brand with strong performance. Several Atlas models are LSV-ready or easily upgraded, featuring advanced lithium power and a smooth, comfortable ride for neighborhood streets.

Tomberlin
Purpose-built factory Street Legal LSVs designed specifically for road use. Tomberlin vehicles come equipped with VIN numbers, seat belts, and automotive-grade lighting and safety systems.

WilDar Customs
Specialists in Florida-compliant Street Legal conversions and custom builds. Many WilDar Customs vehicles are already sold as Street Legal, featuring upgraded suspension, braking, lighting, and safety systems tailored for local roads.

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Why does Street Legal experience matter?

Florida LSV laws are specific, and true compliance goes beyond adding lights or mirrors. A properly built Street Legal cart should be safe, compliant, and supported for long-term ownership.

At WilDar Golf Carts and Trailers, Street Legal vehicles are a core specialty. We regularly build and convert carts for Tradition and Port St. Lucie communities, ensuring they meet Florida requirements and perform the way they should.

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Bottom Line

The difference between brands isn’t just price — it’s how the cart rides, how long it lasts, how easy it is to service, and how confident you feel driving it.

In communities like Tradition and Riverland, where comfort, appearance, and reliability matter, choosing a quality brand with strong dealer support makes all the difference.

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In Port St. Lucie, Tradition, and Riverland, whether you need a street-legal Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) depends on where and how you plan to drive your cart.

When a Street-Legal LSV is required

You will need a properly registered LSV if you plan to:

• Drive on public roads (even for short distances)

• Cross or travel along roads with a posted speed limit of 35 MPH or less

• Use your vehicle for neighborhood errands, shopping, dining, or community travel

• Operate outside of private community roads or golf courses

Florida law requires LSVs to meet specific safety standards, including:

• Headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and reflectors

• Windshield, mirrors, seat belts, and horn

• VIN assignment, registration, tag, and insurance

Without these, a standard golf cart is not legal on public roads.

When a standard golf cart may be enough

A non-street-legal golf cart may be acceptable if you:

• Only drive on private roads

• Stay within gated communities that allow golf carts

• Use the cart exclusively on golf courses or private property

However, many areas in Tradition and Riverland connect neighborhoods with public roads, which often makes an LSV the safer and more practical option.

Why many Tradition & Riverland residents choose LSVs

• Greater freedom of travel within the community

• Improved safety features for family and guests

• Avoid fines, citations, or insurance issues

• Higher resale value and long-term usability

WilDar expertise matters

At WilDar Golf Carts & Trailers, we specialize in Florida-compliant LSVs and perform professional street-legal conversions every week. Many of the WilDar Customs we sell are already LSV-ready or fully street-legal, saving time and guesswork.

LSV conversions start at $399 for carts that already meet Florida requirements. Any needed upgrades, transportation, and registration costs are clearly estimated upfront.

If you’re unsure whether your community requires an LSV, our team can help you verify local rules and recommend the right solution for how you actually drive in Port St. Lucie and Tradition.

Bottom line:
If you plan to drive on public roads—or want maximum flexibility and peace of mind—a street-legal LSV is strongly recommended in Port St. Lucie and Tradition.

Every Day (All Battery Types):

• PLUG the CHARGER IN EVERYTIME IT'S DRIVEN! Today's chargers are fully automatic and shut themselves off. Fully discharged batteries should take all night to charge. Lithium batteries typically charge much faster. 
• The biggest mistake we see is not charging enough and interruption of the charge cycle before full charge is achieved.
• Don't let any battery get low on charge as deep discharge is the #1 cause of premature battery failure.
• If your batteries are ever fully drained, they may never come back!
• Make sure you have a high-quality automatic charger.  Plug it in and let it do it's automatic thing.
• DO NOT intentionally run your batteries down before charging it back up.

Monthly (Lead-Acid Only):

• CHECK WATER LEVEL! only when the batteries are fully charged and at least once per month. The lead plates should always be covered with water even when the batteries are discharged. The proper water level is about 1/4" below the plastic neck of the fill holes. NOTE: If you add water when discharged or adding too much will cause battery acid to leak out the vent caps. In this case corrosion will be seen on cables and terminals and battery life will be shortened. Battery acid that leaks on pavement are brown in color and often mistaken for rust stains.
• WIGGLE! each battery cable to check the connections and tighten if loose.

Annually (Lead-Acid Only):

• CLEAN the batteries and compartment: Sprinkle baking soda on top of batteries to neutralize acid. Let it sit for a few minutes then gently hose out the compartment (not on your concrete to avoid brown acid staining). Clean or replace any corroded connections.

If you have a battery watering system, these require maintenance as well. Carefully remove the watering system and soak it in a bucket of soapy water. Visually inspect and manually work the float valves to make sure they work freely. Let the system dry in the sun for a while to reinflate the gaskets and then reinstall.

Yes — if the cart meets Florida LSV requirements, and it’s done correctly.

Florida law allows golf carts to be converted into street-legal Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs) when they meet all state and federal safety standards. This includes proper lighting, seat belts, mirrors, windshield, VIN assignment, and the ability to safely operate at 20–25 mph on roads posted 35 mph or less.

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Why Choose WilDar for LSV Conversion in Tradition & Port St. Lucie?

At WilDar Golf Carts and Trailers, street-legal LSVs are not an afterthought — they are a specialty.

• Years of hands-on experience with Florida LSV laws and DMV requirements

• Extensive knowledge of Port St. Lucie, Tradition, and Riverland street-legal regulations

• We regularly perform LSV conversions, including the majority of WilDar Customs offered for sale

• Focus on safety, compliance, ride quality, and long-term reliability

Our team understands the difference between a cart that looks street legal and one that is properly titled, insured, and compliant under Florida law.

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LSV Conversion Cost & Process

• LSV-ready carts: conversions start at $399

• Additional costs may apply for:

  • Vehicle transportation

  • Required upgrades to meet Florida LSV standards

  • Title, registration, and tag fees

Every conversion begins with an expert evaluation, and all costs are clearly outlined before work begins.

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Built for the Tradition Lifestyle

Residents of Tradition and Riverland value comfort, appearance, and peace of mind. A properly converted street-legal LSV allows you to:

• Drive legally within your community

• Access nearby streets and amenities

• Enjoy a smoother, safer, and more refined ride

With WilDar, you’re not guessing — you’re working with a trusted local LSV authority.

GAS - Gas power can be an excellent choice where electricity for charging is not readily available and for long-distance driving because there's no need to recharge batteries. E-Z-GO has two gas engines available including the 401CC 13.5HP Kawasaki and the new super quiet, smooth, and efficient EX1 gas engine. Initial purchase cost is about the same for cars with either lead acid batteries. Expect the 5-year cost to be about the same as lead acid:

• Lead acid batteries cost about $1500 or so to replace every 3-5 years on average depending on proper care.
• Gas power requires annual gas, PM services including oil, and filters, tune ups, and more. Energy always costs something...
• Gas powered used carts usually carry a premium price due to rareness of availability. This makes NEW EZGO EX1 Electronic Fuel Injected gas engines particularly a Great value!

Yes — and it’s one of the best upgrades you can make when it’s done correctly. At WilDar Golf Carts & Trailers, we are experts in professional lithium battery conversions and handle the entire process safely and properly from start to finish.

Why upgrade to a lithium battery?

A high-quality lithium battery offers major advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries, including:

• Significantly longer lifespan

• Lighter weight for better performance and ride quality

• Faster charging

• Consistent power with no voltage drop

• Zero maintenance (no watering or corrosion)

Safety matters — not all lithium batteries are equal

Lithium battery conversions must be done correctly. We often see problems caused by homeowners attempting DIY conversions or using cheap, inferior lithium batteries purchased online. These can create serious issues, including:

• Electrical system damage

• Charger incompatibility

• Fire risk from poor battery management systems (BMS)

• Voided warranties and insurance concerns

At WilDar, we only install tested, proven, high-quality lithium batteries designed specifically for golf carts and Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs). The lithium systems we use include advanced safety features such as built-in battery management systems, thermal protection, and proper certifications.

What’s included in a professional lithium conversion?

Our lithium upgrade process typically includes:

• Removal and proper disposal of old lead-acid batteries

• Installation of a premium lithium battery system

• Correct lithium-compatible charger

• System programming and voltage verification

• Cable inspection and upgrades if needed

• Full safety check and performance testing

Every conversion is tailored to your specific golf cart to ensure reliability, longevity, and safe operation.

Why choose WilDar for lithium upgrades?

WilDar has years of hands-on experience upgrading golf carts and street-legal LSVs with lithium power. We understand the electrical systems, charging requirements, and safety standards that many shops overlook. Our expertise ensures your cart performs better, lasts longer, and remains safe for daily use.

Bottom line: Lithium is an excellent upgrade — but only when quality components and expert installation are used. Trust WilDar Golf Carts & Trailers to do it right the first time.

If you have read our FAQ's so far, then you already know many of the right questions to ask, but here is a list of our recommended questions to be sure of what you are considering investing your hard-earned money into.  Don't neglect to ask questions regarding the repairability of the car.  A $10,000 golf cart should not be disposable!  Buy one that can be repaired and can be expected to have a long life.

1. Where is it made?  Do they put it together or truly manufacture the car? 
2. Do you have the diagnostic computer and software to diagnose and program the car? Is the controller a commonly accepted brand name that can be repaired easily?  Are your technicians trained and experienced in repairing this car with this computer system? What country is the computer from and what language is the software programmed in? Is it translated (translations can be a bit hard to decipher because of different use of technical terms in different countries).
3. Do you have repair parts in stock? Have you had any problems getting parts? What about technical support?
4. How is this company regarding honoring the warranty process? Does your company honor the warranty and are you capable of making necessary repairs?

Because everyone at Wildar cares about you! Call our experts today!

• Lead Acid batteries have been the standard of the industry forever. Lead acid batteries offer excellent performance for a reasonable price over the life of ownership. Think of a battery as 3-5 years of power.  Power costs money just like gas that you fill your car with.  They require monthly water checks and must be kept charged for maximum life and performance. For our seasonal residents though, lead acid batteries are not usually the best choice. When lead acid batteries are stored for extended periods of time, this type of battery self-discharges - sometimes to the point of requiring professional equipment to properly get them charged back up. To make matters worse, the lead plates are damaged by the trauma of not being charged properly during storage which shortens battery life about 25% in my experience and observation. Lead acid batteries cost about $1200 to $1500 and should be replaced every 3-5 years depending on how well they are taken care of. That is not too bad when you consider how much you spent on gasoline during that same time period for your car, truck, or SUV.  Seasonal Residents using best maintenance practices can still typically expect one year less battery life in my experience than if they were able to charge fully and check water levels every month.
• Lithium batteries have quickly become the battery of choice for many of these vehicles. We have thoroughly tested many brands of lithium batteries and they are not all the same!  Lithium batteries are maintenance free, and they don't lose much charge when stored for extended periods (as long as there is no electrical draw taking power out of the batteries!). Lithium batteries have a BMS (Battery Management System) that usually is programmed to shut the battery down before it can go completely dead if not totally neglected. The BMS also protects against overcharging which can cause a fire hazard.  When a quality battery and BMS is combined with a quality charger designed to work with the system then you have a very reliable source of power for your car.  Some of the cheaper Lithium batteries have cheap BMS computers without the proper and reliable protection features and shut off systems that you should have.  Our advice is to buy a high-quality Lithium battery and charger combination that are matched and built/programmed to work together with matching profiles.  Products like these are available from the knowledgeable experts at WilDar who can help you determine which brands build the best products and have earned our trust...  
• Lithium batteries typically last 2-3 times as long as a lead acid pack, but they cost a lot more as well.  High speed cars with performance controllers and AC Drive motors require big enough packs to handle the additional power draw requirements, AMP hour ratings on these packs are important with more amp hour ratings equal to longer run time on a charge.   E-Z-GO Elite Lithium single, double, and triple packs have been leading the industry in problem free and safe performance since 2016.  With an industry leading 8-year warranty plus a 3 year to next 2nd owner warranty available from authorized dealers.  The Tomberlin 210AH Evolve lithium battery is among the largest and most advanced in the industry and has been tested in the Villages with a documented 65 miles range loaded with full passengers and traveling at top speed! Call our experts for the best information and prices on lithium batteries!  Atlas Carts offers a high-quality Lithium battery in neighborhood friendly 105 AH rating and also extended performance rating of 210 AH.  Visit our experts on Lithium batteries today at WilDar Golf Carts and Trailers.
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