A Florida Garage Fire Is a Wake-Up Call: Charge Your Golf Cart Safely

James Cutajar • September 29, 2026

What recent battery fires teach cart owners about safe charging, smart storage, and knowing when old batteries are done


On the night of Saturday, September 19, a golf cart caught fire in Hobe Sound, Florida, and the flames spread to a nearby home. The residents and their cat made it out safely, and only one person reported minor injuries — but the garage, porch, and side of the house were damaged before firefighters got it under control. The cause is still under investigation.

This wasn't the only cart fire in the news this week. As many as 60 golf carts were destroyed in a structure fire at Teal Bend Golf Course near Sacramento, California, where the lithium-ion batteries turned the scene into a hazmat situation.

Here's the pattern worth knowing: fire officials quoted in the reporting say battery fires in golf carts and yard equipment have been steadily rising in recent years. They most often happen when batteries are overcharged or when physical damage causes electrical shorts — and officials urge extra caution around charging overnight or leaving batteries charging unattended.

So what should a cart owner actually do? These are the basics we recommend to every customer:

1. Use the right charger for your battery type. Lead-acid and lithium chargers are not interchangeable, and a mismatched or bargain-basement charger is asking for trouble.

2. Avoid charging overnight in an enclosed garage if you can help it. Charge in a ventilated spot, away from anything flammable.

3. Look at your batteries now and then. Swelling, corrosion, frayed cables, or any physical damage are warning signs — damage is what causes shorts.

4. Don't squeeze "one more season" out of dying batteries. Weak, aging batteries run hot. Replacing them on schedule is cheaper than a fire.

5. If your charger is old, upgrade to a modern smart charger with automatic shutoff.

Batteries are one of those things where a dealer visit beats a guess. Here at Allstates Golf Carts in Elkhart, Indiana, we carry batteries and service carts every day — we can test yours and tell you honestly whether they've got another season in them or whether they're becoming a risk. If anything looks, smells, or feels off, bring it by 55335 Corwin Road or call 1-833-476-1042 before it becomes a problem.

Source: Golf cart fire spreads to home in this Florida community by Tim O'Hara

Why Big Battery Brands Are Going All-In on Lithium for Golf Carts

By James Cutajar • September 29, 2026
When a household name like Interstate Batteries makes a move, it's worth paying attention. The company recently announced it's expanding its lithium battery lineup across marine, RV, golf, and powersports applications — a clear sign that lithium isn't a niche experiment anymore. It's going mainstream.
A red golf cart is parked on a sidewalk next to a golf course.

Nivel’s Launches All New XSeries Storm Golf Cart

October 16, 2023
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Nivel Parts & Manufacturing announced today that it has launched a new golf cart, the MadJax XSeries Storm, sold under Nivel’s MadJax brand. The golf cart is targeted at recreational and secondary transportation users and will be sold via Nivel’s dealer partners across the United States.
A blue and black golf cart on a white background.

7 Great Reasons To Drive Your Golf Cart

October 13, 2023
If you have the pleasure of owning a golf cart, then I’m sure most of you know how much fun they are to cruise around the neighborhood or town in. I know for myself, any chance I get to drive my golf cart, I take it – and living in Palm Springs allows me to take advantage of it quite often. Alas, in case you need more convincing even after having the experience for yourself (or you’re a first time buyer having trouble convincing “The Mrs” that you need to purchase that sweet, screaming red Club Car with a 6 inch lift kit and 650 amp curtis controller), here are 7 great reasons to drive your golf cart more often – or purchase one for those of you who identify with the latter situation.
A black golf cart with a question mark above it

Noises in Your Golf Cart.

October 12, 2023
Having fixed golf carts for 35 years, the one thing that most golf cart mechanics dislike is the Noise, or Intermittent “no go”. Let’s look at how you can help to diagnose these issues.
A golf cart is sitting on a lift in a garage.

The Hoonigan Player Special

October 10, 2023
The project started with a basic ParCar golf cart powered by electricity. Very little of that original cart survived the transition. Countless hours were spent finding or building the right parts to put the Player Special together. Hoonigan shot video of the entire process which we followed back in April of this year. When you create something for the first time, there are constant adjustments that need to be made to have everything work together and to make the cart safe to drive.
A white golf cart is next to a blue golf cart

A Comparison: Club Car Gas vs Yamaha Gas

October 9, 2023
It is commonly known that electric carts are almost totally quiet, like a Prius you can take on the course. Gas powered carts do make noise, but Yamaha indicates their new QuieTech has the lowest decibel level of any gas cart on the market (Interesting Video Demonstration Here). That’s a substantial claim, which they say results in noise comparable to an electric cart. We’ll see how that works out in reality, but it is a feature that could give them a decided advantage.
A man in a cowboy hat is swinging a golf club on a golf course

SoloRider is Getting Golfers Back In The Game

October 8, 2023
Some mobility impairments have come with age, some with disease and many from accident or injury. Individuals who have lost limbs or had their movement restricted to the use of a wheelchair or a walker face a myriad of issues to overcome. It can be frustrating to avoid activities and limit social interaction with others.
A blue golf cart with black seats and a black roof on a white background.

Battery Tips to Keep Your Golf Cart Running Strong

October 5, 2023
Perhaps the only thing worse than shanking your seven iron into the fairway bunker would be having your cart give up the ghost on number 12. You’re just starting to get your rhythm, and now nothing is happening when you depress the pedal. Carts – like swings – benefit from attention and care. We’ve narrowed it down to five critical things you can do to keep your round moving toward a good score.
A group of golf carts are lined up in a row.

Complete Guide to Purchasing a Golf Cart

October 4, 2023
Golf Cart Resource can help you make a purchasing decision by giving you a broad picture of what carts cost, with a little golf cart history thrown in for good measure. We’ll start by explaining that the term “golf cart” has evolved to mean the carts we drive around a golf course or on the street. Originally, a golf cart meant the pull carts designed to hold one bag and be moved with human effort or the aid of electric power. The original two-passenger cart we know today was called a golf car, because it was driven and powered like an automobile. Contemporary use has evolved to the point where every conveyance used to play golf is called a golf cart.
A black golf cart is parked on a lush green field.

The Mercedes star

October 3, 2023
Mercedes-Benz has long been a highly desirable automobile because of its engineering, timeless design and overall luxury. The Mercedes star is a sign of quality and personal achievement throughout the modern world. Now, Luxe Electric Car in Palm Desert, CA has made it possible to have a mini-Mercedes in the garage that you can take out onto the golf course and around the neighborhood. And, it has a wide range of luxury features that allow it to be mentioned in the same breath as the automobile.