The Ultimate Personal Golf Cart Buyer’s Guide for Your Favorite Course in 2026
Why owning beats renting, and exactly which cart you should buy for mountain courses in Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Nevada & Montana
At Intermountain Golf Cars, we sell more personal carts to everyday golfers than any dealer in the Intermountain West. The reason is simple: in 2026, owning your own cart is now cheaper than renting after just one or two seasons — especially on the hilly, high-elevation courses we all love.
Why 2026 Is the Year to Finally Buy Your Own Golf Cart
| Expense (average 18-hole course in Utah/Idaho/Colorado) | Renting (50 rounds/yr) | Owning (5-yr lithium) |
|---|---|---|
| Cart fee per round | $35–$60 | $0 |
| Annual trail fee (most courses) | N/A | $600–$1,200 |
| Total 5-year cost | $8,750–$15,000 | $11,900–$15,500 (cart + trail) |
| You break even in | — | 18–28 rounds |
Add in the fact that you never wait for a cart again, you can customize it exactly how you want, and you roll up in style — it’s a no-brainer.
Know Your Home Course Rules Before You Buy
(We keep this list updated weekly — call us if your course isn’t here)
| State | Course Example | Personal Carts Allowed? | Min Speed | Lifted/AT Tires OK? | Insurance Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | Thanksgiving Point, Soldier Hollow | Yes | 15 mph | Yes | Yes ($300k liability) |
| Utah | Sand Hollow, Coral Canyon | Yes | 20 mph | Yes | Yes |
| Idaho | Coeur d’Alene Resort, Circling Raven | Yes | 20 mph | Yes | Yes |
| Colorado | Red Sky Ranch, Arrowhead | Yes | 20 mph | Yes (6″ max lift) | Yes |
| Wyoming | Teton Pines, Jackson Hole G&TC | Yes | 20 mph | Yes | Yes |
| Nevada | Wolf Creek, Conestoga | Yes | 25 mph | Yes | Yes |
Gas vs Lithium on Mountain Courses – The Real 2026 Numbers
| Powertrain | Hill-Climbing Torque | Range at 6,000–8,000 ft elevation | Maintenance (5 yrs) | Noise on the course |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas (EFI) | Good | 36–40 holes | $1,800–$2,500 | Loud |
| Lead-Acid Electric | Weak | Dies on back 9 | $3,000+ (batteries) | Quiet |
| Lithium 105Ah+ | Best | 60–80 holes | Almost zero | Silent |
Real-world test (Sand Hollow #15–#18 climb):
- Gas Yamaha: 11 mph uphill
- Club Car Onward HP Lithium: 19–21 mph uphill
- Evolution Forester Lithium: 18–20 mph
The Top 8 Personal Golf Carts for Mountain Golfers in 2026
(All in stock and ready for delivery at Intermountain Golf Cars)
| Rank | Model | Best For | Top Speed | Street-Legal? | Price Range (fully loaded) | 2026 Model Updates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Club Car Onward HP Lithium | Serious mountain golfers who want the best | 28–30 mph | Yes | $12,900–$16,800 | Redesigned 7″ LCD dashboard with glove boxes, upper storage, and wireless phone charging; new Brilliant Blue Onyx color; enhanced Club Car Connect for fleet tracking; auto-brake system for safety on hills. |
| 2 | Evolution Forester 4 Plus Lithium | Best value lifted cart that still crushes hills | 25 mph | Yes | $10,900–$13,800 | Upgraded 105Ah lithium battery for 17-hour range; 9″ touchscreen with backup camera and Bluetooth stereo; extended top and folding rear seat with cooler; lifetime chassis warranty on acid-dipped steel frame. |
| 3 | Garia Via / Monaco | Luxury resort players (think Coral Canyon, Wolf Creek) | 25–30 mph | Yes | $18,500–$29,900 | OFF-X Lifted model with elevated suspension and rugged tires for better ground clearance; new +2 seating option for up to 6 passengers; integrated ice box and soft-touch dashboard; max speed now 31 mph on Monaco EU variant. |
| 4 | Bintelli Beyond 4L Lithium | Modern looks + killer performance | 25 mph | Yes | $11,500–$14,900 | Fully loaded with aluminum frame, 23″ tires, reverse camera, and hydraulic disc brakes; two-tone premium seats and Bluetooth sound system; 4-year limited warranty; new 2026 color options like Ocean Blue. |
| 5 | EPIC E40L / E60L Lithium | Budget-conscious but still lithium | 25 mph | Yes | $9,900–$12,800 | FX Series launch with modern design and luxury mobility focus; lighted in-dash controls and 7″ speedometer display; AGM batteries for extended range; 5kW AC motor upgrade for smoother hill performance. |
| 6 | Denago Nomad XL Lithium | Hot new 2026 model – turning heads everywhere | 25 mph | Yes | $11,800–$14,900 | 5kW AC motor with 8-year lithium battery warranty; 9″ touchscreen, backup camera, and LED deluxe light package; folding rear seat with storage; new Lava and Verdant color options for personalization. |
| 7 | Club Car Tempo Lithium (non-lifted) | Flatter courses or gated communities | 19–25 mph | Optional | $10,500–$13,200 | Redesigned dashboard with relocated FNR control, phone holders, and 4 cupholders; auto-brake and two-tone styling; Visage Fleet Management integration for personal tracking apps. |
| 8 | Yamaha Drive2 EFI Gas | Only if you absolutely refuse to plug in | 19 mph | No | $9,500–$12,500 | QuieTech EFI upgrade for lowest noise and 45 MPG efficiency; independent rear suspension standard; new bold colors like Onyx Metallic and Coral Red; over 200 miles per tank. |
Must-Have Options for Mountain & High-Desert Courses
- 6″ lift kit + 23–25″ all-terrain tires
- 105Ah or larger lithium battery (60–80 hole range)
- Premium seats with headrests
- Rear flip seat (so grandkids or buddies can ride)
- USB ports, cooler, sand/seed bottles
- LED light kit + turn signals/brake lights (street-legal package)
Financing That Makes Ownership Stupid-Easy
- 60 months as low as $179–$259 per month (OAC)
- 84-month terms available
- Zero down options for qualified buyers
- We handle all DMV and street-legal registration
Ready to Own the Course in 2026?
Stop renting and start rolling up in your own custom cart.
Visit any of our 7 locations or build yours online right now: → https://intermountaingolfcars.com/personal-golf-carts
Or text the name of your home course to (801) 566-5500 and we’ll tell you exactly what you need and send you a custom quote in minutes.
Intermountain Golf Cars — Utah’s #1 Golf Cart Dealer for 40 years Sandy | St. George | Glendale AZ | Idaho Falls | Henderson| Las Vegas | Prescott AZ +
See you on the first tee — in YOUR cart! ⛳