Golf Carts are compact and high utility vehicles. Traditionally used for carrying two golfers and their clubs, they are now used to move around in small communities, college campuses, retirement communities, military bases, and hospitals, as well.
However, buying a golf cart is a substantial investment. According to Golf Cart Report, the average price of a new golf cart is anywhere between $4000 to $15,000.
For the naive, the thought of having a golf cart stolen might seem like a far-fetched idea, but the numbers might surprise you.
It is estimated that more than 25000 golf carts are stolen each year. This amounts to anywhere between $100 million to $375 million worth of stolen golf carts each year.
Thus, the security of your golf cart is no joke, be it at your home or the golf range. There are a number of ways you can secure your cart using anti-theft golf cart devices and golf cart locks. Let’s take a look at six of them here.
Table Of Contents
- Best Anti-Theft Golf Cart Devices & Locks
- Locks & Anti Theft Device Combination For Best Golf Cart Security
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Best Anti Theft Golf Cart Devices & Locks
1. Golf Cart Kill Switch
The anti-theft switch is a manual disconnect switch that disables the flow of power from the battery to the vehicle, thus rendering it practically inoperable, even if hotwired. That is until you turn the switch back on.
Recommended Device: E-Kylin DC 12 V Terminal Master Kill System
At less than two pounds (1.76), the E-Kylin Master Kill Switch is a well-built and compact system (3.94 x 3.94 x 3.94 inches).
Even if you forget to engage the kill switch, you can use the remote control from up to a distance of 160 feet away, so you are always in control. The kill switch will prevent not only theft but also battery drainage. At under $60, the kill switch works well and does not put a hole in your wallet.
Pros
- Remote Controlled up to 160 feet
- Saves battery along with theft prevention
- Lightweight and easily concealed
Cons
- Not easy to install if you don’t know what you’re doing.
2. Gps Tracker
Though a GPS tracker won’t prevent the theft itself, it is a great recovery tool and can help you locate your vehicle instantly.
You can install a GPS unit to your golf cart and hook up the system to your smartphone, thus enabling you to track its whereabouts all the time. You are always in the loop with push notifications, email alerts, and texts.
Recommended Device: Amcrest GPS GL300 GPS Tracker
A GPS tracker needs to have is concealability, which depends on the size of the product. This is where the Amcrest GPS tracker stands out. With dimensions of 3 x 1.5 x 1 inch (L X W X H), the compact tracker can be easily concealed within a golf cart.
With 4g internet connectivity, the device offers real-time updates on the whereabouts of your vehicle-either to your smartphone or computer.
You can also create a virtual boundary (geofence) where the system alerts you when your vehicle leaves or enters a specific area.
Even if your vehicle is not stolen, a GPS tracker is a great way to be aware of the wellbeing of your family, with alerts for harsh braking, speeds limits, start/stop proximity, Etc.
For the asking price, the Amcrest GPS tracker will give you peace of mind, knowing that your golf cart is safe at all times. Also, the device comes with a magnetic waterproof case to keep it operational under all sorts of weather conditions. The monthly fee is pretty low considering the value it offers; however, battery life may be an issue, depending on the frequency of your alerts or notifications.
Pros
- Notifications as often as every 5 seconds
- Small and discrete
- Compatible with android and apple
Cons
- It does not prevent theft
3. Golf Cart Pedal Lock
A pedal lock is essentially a box with three sides that attaches to the acceleration pedal of your golf cart and is secured with a padlock, thereby restricting the movement of the pedal.
Since the pedal is not functional, the cart will not run even if hotwired. It is one of the most economical and simple ways to prevent golf cart theft and ensure your kids do not drive away with the cart, risking their safety.
Recommended Product: DNZ Lock-A-Cart
With a product as simple and effective as Lock-A-Cart, you cannot ask for a better deal. It can fit on pretty much any golf cart pedal at 8 x 6 x 4 inches (LWH).
However, it won’t deter determined thieves, and with a few tools, it may be easily removed. You should use it more to protect your gold cart from kids or joy riders who take your cart out for a ride and leave it there.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Easy to attach
Cons
- Need to buy a separate padlock
- Better security alternatives are available
4. Wheel Lock For Golf Cart
A wheel lock attaches to the tires of your golf cart, locking it into position rendering it immobile. Your golf cart won’t move forward as long as the wheel lock secures it.
Recommended product: Kaycentop Wheel Clamp Lock
The wheel clamp lock by Kaycentop is a one-size-fits-all for locking golf cart tires. This wheel lock fits up to 15.5 inches tire width, which is more than you need as an average golf cart tire is 8-9 inches wide.
Its full welded alloy-steel construction makes it very strong. The bright yellow and black paint job helps it stand out, and the arms are powder-coated, making them resistant to wear and tear and highly durable.
You can also use it for heavier vehicles with wider tires—an excellent value for money product.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Easy to put on and off
Cons
- Not very portable
5. Golf Cart Steering Lock
A steering wheel lock renders your steering useless; therefore, your cart cannot be steered, even if the thief has access to its keys or has hotwired the cart.
Typically, the lock attaches to the steering wheel and around the front windshield metal brace/roof support/ and sometimes even wheels of a golf cart, and a key is used to unlock it when not in use.
Recommended product: Club UTL800 Utility Lock
The Club UTL800 Utility Lock is one of the best security features you can add to your golf cart. With vinyl/alloy steel construction, the lock can withstand a pressure of up to 1500 pounds.
The lock features a simple design with bright yellow and black color, visible from far off, acting as a visual deterrent for criminals.
With an adjustable length of 13 to 20 inches, no golf cart is too big for the lock, and it can withstand all kinds of weather conditions
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Easy to use
Cons
- Nothing as such
6. Security Alarm System For Golf Cart
The security alarm system on a golf cart works pretty much the same way as a car alarm does. The alarm system uses motion detection, an alarm speaker, and remote control.
Once you have installed the device onto your golf cart, you arm it through the remote control. You can adjust sensitivity and loudness. When a thief tries to lay their hands on your vehicle, the alarm will go off, alerting you of a possible threat-a great way to ensure your vehicle’s safety and catch thieves red-handed.
Recommend product: Rupse Wireless Alarm
If there is a product in golf cart security that best describes value for money, then this is it. Forget spending hundreds of dollars on sophisticated alarm systems; the Rupse wireless alarm has five-speed adjustable sensitivity. So even the slightest of touch can set off the alarm. The 125 Decibels speaker will not go unheard for sure.
All you need is to hook it up to your cart’s battery by simply connecting positive and negative wires to the battery terminals.
The wireless remote is used to arm or disarm the alarm and rings loudly if it detects motion, i.e., possible theft.
You can even use it in a busy parking lot to find where your cart is parked within a 150 meters range.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Highly Sensitivity
- Easy to install
Cons
- You need to be within earshot to hear the alarm go off
Locks & Anti Theft Device Combination For Best Golf Cart Security
| Combination | Estimated Cost |
| Anti-Theft switch + GPS Tracker (wheel or steering lock optional) | $95 to $140 |
| Pedal Lock + Alarm (GPS recommended) | $85 to $125 |
| Wheel lock + Steering lock (Alarm/GPS recommended) | $75 to $115 |
Note: Using an alarm system with an anti-theft switch will not work as the alarm requires the battery to work while the kill switch disengages the battery.
Conclusion: Which Golf Cart Anti-Theft Device Should I Use?
As discussed, there are many ways to secure your golf cart. So, which one is the best?
With the products suggested above, I recommend you choose a combination of two or three security systems to ensure complete security.
You wouldn’t be spending more than $150, but it will ensure your cart is as safe as possible.
In all cases, having a GPS tracker is advisable since there are no stopping determined thieves, but you can always recover your vehicle with a GPS tracker and have justice served.
FAQs
You can make use of golf anti-theft devices and locks to prevent golf cart theft.
Yes, a steering wheel lock does work on a golf cart.
Yes, you can put an alarm on a golf cart.
