LSVDA Newsletter January 2026
Market That’s Moving Forward
Executive Director’s Message
“Momentum, Credibility, and a
Market That’s Moving Forward”
Fellow LSVDA Members – As we open 2026, one word best describes where our industry and our association stands today: momentum.
LSVDA has quickly grown into a highly engaged, credibility-driven community of dealers, suppliers, OEMs, and partners committed to elevating this market the right way. The quality and commitment of our members and sponsors speak volumes. They are helping shape the future of low-speed mobility through professionalism, safety leadership, and collaboration.
That momentum is translating into opportunity. In cooperation with RX Global, LSVDA’s participation as an exhibitor at the PGA Show reflects the continued integration of low-speed vehicles within the broader golf, community, and mobility ecosystem and our role in representing dealer interests with focus clarity and confidence.
Market fundamentals continue to support that confidence. While adjacent categories face headwinds, golf car, PTV, and LSV markets remain resilient and are growing driven by lifestyle adoption, broader commercial use, and expanding community access.
Growth also brings responsibility. Policymakers and municipalities are paying closer attention, creating opportunities for dealers to lead on safety, education, and responsible expansion. LSVDA exists to help you engage early, stay informed, and grow with confidence.
What energizes me most is dealer mindset. The interest in improving performance through better operations, stronger margins, and professional development is real and accelerating.
This issue reflects that momentum and ambition. Thank you for being part of it.
Driving Forward., Mike
Public Policy & Safety
Overview
Activity remained steady in December, with limited year-end legislation but clear signals about where regulation and enforcement are headed in 2026. Across states and local communities, the focus continues to shift toward clearer rules, safer roadway interactions, and more consistent expectations for dealers and vehicle owners. LSVDA’s role remains early visibility, engagement with policy makers, translating emerging policy and incident trends into practical guidance that supports compliance, safety, and sustainable growth.
Regulation & Policy Watch
At the state level, lawmakers continue shifting golf cart regulation from fragmented local rules to clear statewide frameworks, then refining them as real-world issues emerge. In South Carolina, a follow-on bill was prefiled to adjust the new seat belt law, focusing on passengers under age 12, an example of lawmakers responding to child-safety and enforcement realities after implementation.
In Florida, legislation addressing golf cart roadway crossings remains active. The proposal would allow carts to cross certain multi-lane highways at approved, signalized intersections, reflecting a push for safer, engineered solutions where informal crossings already exist.
Federal activity was limited but included a narrowly focused trade bill affecting golf cart tire imports, with potential downstream impacts on pricing and dealer margins.
For LSVDA members, the takeaway is clear: early visibility matters. LSVDA will continue monitoring legislation and translating it into practical guidance that supports safe, sustainable industry growth.
Local Ordinances
December brought a noticeable rise in local golf cart ordinance activity across several states. Communities are moving beyond simple approvals and now focusing on nighttime operation, permits and fees, inspections, zoning, parking, and right-of-way rules.
What’s driving it? Growing neighborhood use, safety concerns, and enforcement costs. While this adds complexity, it also creates opportunity. Clear ordinances often unlock demand for compliant vehicles, safety upgrades, inspections, and permit services—areas where dealers and suppliers can lead.
For LSVDA members, local ordinances are often the earliest signal of broader policy momentum. Tracking them early helps dealers stay compliant, educate customers, and shape outcomes before rules harden.
What You Should Do Now
- Dealers: Prepare a local compliance checklist and “street-ready” upgrade packages.
- Sponsors: Support dealers with safety, lighting, inspection, and permit-workflow solutions.
- LSVDA Members: Watch for the upcoming model ordinance toolkit and ongoing ordinance updates.
Product & User Safety Snapshot
December reporting reflected ongoing safety considerations across golf cart, PTV, and LSV use, particularly in mixed-traffic and residential settings. Recent incidents continue to highlight recurring factors such as interactions with higher-speed vehicles, unrestrained passengers, and roadway crossings. In many cases, outcomes appear more closely tied to operating environment and usage behavior than to vehicle design or product performance.
For dealers and suppliers, these patterns reinforce the value of clear customer education, visible and well-understood safety features, and alignment with local operating rules. As municipalities and regulators review incident data, consistent safety messaging and responsible-use guidance can help set expectations, support safer operation, and strengthen community confidence. Download “Practices and Rules” at https://lsvda.com/safety/
LSVDA will continue monitoring national incident trends and translating insights into practical, dealer-friendly guidance for members, sponsors, and local stakeholders.
New Laws: The CARS Act CA (SB 766)
This Act makes significant changes to how motor vehicle dealers sell, advertise and document vehicle sales in California including:
- Prohibits dealers making misleading statements on various topics regarding the sale or lease of vehicles.
- Requires clear and conspicuously disclosed prices in advertisements and customer inquiries.
- Limits the sale of add-on products and services that provide no real benefit to consumers.
- Provides for a 3-day right to cancel a used vehicle purchase or lease.
- Imposes two-year recordkeeping requirement for advertisements, communications, contracts, cancellation requests and written complaints.
The CARS Act takes effect on October 1, 2026.
As a California state law, the CARS Act only applies to dealers in California. Multi-state operators should consider whether they adjust their practices, as needed, only in California or commonize across their footprint around these new requirements.
Recall & Liability Watch
While major brand-level recalls in the LSV segment remain low, with no new alerts, educating customers about proper maintenance, safe installation of accessories and registration/insurance compliance should remain a priority.
Dealer Growth and Profitability
Best Practices: Are You Ready for the Great Dealership Flip?
By George Keen, Founding Education Member
The traditional model of “sell it and hope it comes back for service” is becoming a relic. A new white paper, “The Great Dealership Flip,” explores two revolutionary paths for golf car and LSV dealerships to transform their businesses, increase revenue, and build lasting customer loyalty.
Path 1: The Asset-Light “Uptime-as-a-Service” Model
Imagine selling guaranteed fleet availability instead of just carts. This model leverages AI and telematics to predict maintenance needs before they happen, transforming your service department from a reactive repair shop into a proactive uptime guardian. You’re no longer just selling a vehicle; you’re selling predictable, recurring revenue and peace of mind. By focusing on data and efficiency, you can deliver guaranteed outcomes—such as reduced operational costs or increased usage—turning a simple transaction into a high-value consulting relationship.
Path 2: The “Equipment-as-a-Service” (EaaS) Revolution
Ready to go all-in? The EaaS model flips the script entirely. Instead of selling carts, you own the fleet, and customers subscribe to an all-inclusive service. This creates a predictable, recurring revenue stream that Wall Street loves and builds a powerful competitive moat. Your business becomes a full-stack, asset-management powerhouse, offering customers ultimate flexibility and a maintenance-free experience. You’re no longer just a dealer; you’re a partner in your customer’s success, with your revenue tied directly to their satisfaction and retention.
The future belongs to dealerships that embrace technology and reimagine their role. Which path will you take?
You can contact George at 508-579-4131 get books at www.WiseWolfConsulting.com
New Products and Technology Roundup: The Changing Pattern of Golf Car Imports
Over the past two years, the golf car and low-speed vehicle market has experienced a notable shift in import patterns. Following an elevated level of inbound volume during 2022 through 2024, import activity has moderated and, in several cases, fallen below recent norms. This reflects a market recalibration rather than a contraction in long-term demand.
One of the most visible outcomes has been a redistribution of sourcing. While China had historically represented the dominant import origin, recent data indicates that other countries, most notably Vietnam, have increased their share of total imports. This shift highlights a diversification of global supply chains across the small-vehicle category, a trend consistent with what is being observed in adjacent consumer-durables sectors.
The elevated import volumes seen in 2024 also had predictable downstream effects. Higher inbound levels contributed to increased inventory availability across certain segments, particularly for late-model vehicles. As the market works through this inventory, competitive dynamics have intensified, with dealers and manufacturers emphasizing retail alignment, promotional activity, and disciplined inventory management to better balance supply with demand.
From a planning perspective, current and forward inventory levels can be directionally assessed by comparing recent import volumes against longer-term historical averages. These comparisons suggest that near-term normalization is underway, setting the stage for more stable ordering patterns as the industry looks ahead to the 2026 model year.
At the same time, the market continues to evolve, with new brands and sourcing strategies emerging as manufacturers evaluate how best to serve dealer networks and end users. These developments underscore the importance of flexibility, operational awareness, and strong dealer-manufacturer communication. There are 29 brands at the PGA show this year.
LSVDA’s role is to monitor these market signals and share objective, data-driven insights that help dealers, suppliers, and OEM partners navigate change with confidence. As global sourcing, inventory cycles, and consumer demand continue to evolve, we will provide ongoing updates to support informed decision-making across the industry.
This is an evolving environment, and LSVDA will continue to track developments and report on their implications for the dealer community.
LSVDA provides objective, data-driven market intelligence for informational purposes only and does not advocate for specific pricing, sourcing, or trade, or regulatory positions.
Source material for this article provided by Small Vehicle Resource (SVR), a market research firm focused on the golf car and small-vehicle industries. You can get more information by contacting smetzger@smallrehicleresource.com
Poling: We are interested in your perspectives!
What’s the #1 factor shaping your LSV/golf car business outlook for the next 6 months?
Please take this 30 second ANONYMOUS LSVDA Micro Poll. Click HERE or scan the QR code.
And, let me know what other polling questions you would like to see and the frequency.
Market Growth
A Market with Room to Grow and
Dealers Positioned to Lead
Prepared by Founding Education Member Sea Anchor Group.
As the industry moves into 2026, dealer confidence is rising, not as a leap of faith, but as a reflection of improving market fundamentals across the low-speed vehicle ecosystem.
Recent LSVDA polling shows dealers increasingly expect revenue growth in both 2025 and 2026, signaling that the market is finding steadier footing and offering clearer paths to sustainable growth.
That confidence is grounded in performance across key segments. Consumer markets continue to grow at a high-single-digit pace, supported by strong price-to-utility economics and the growing role of golf cars and LSVs as everyday transportation within communities. Commercial and on-road cargo applications are expanding at mid-single-digit rates, driven by campuses, municipalities, hospitality, and mixed-use developments seeking practical, low-impact mobility solutions. Fleet Golf, while stable, is moving through a measured cycle as courses evaluate replacement timing in a higher-cost environment due to lower used car values, higher interest rates and tariffs.
For dealers, this market mix is creating healthier balance across price points and stronger opportunities beyond new vehicle sales alone. Movement in used and refurbished vehicles has improved, while parts, service, accessories, rentals and battery upgrades are playing a more meaningful role in overall profitability. Many dealers are operating with greater discipline, prioritizing serviceability, parts availability, and long-term brand support. Decisions that are strengthening customer relationships and improving margins.
Suppliers are seeing similar tailwinds. A growing installed base, improving used-vehicle velocity, and advantageous lithium-ion battery costs are expanding opportunities across the aftermarket and refurbishment ecosystem. These dynamics are helping stabilize performance across the value chain and reducing reliance on any single segment.
Dealer confidence today reflects a market with room to grow and a channel that is better positioned to capture it. As fundamentals continue to improve, dealers and suppliers alike are entering 2026 with clearer visibility, greater discipline, and renewed momentum.
LSVDA Note: If you didn’t attend the joint LSVDA / National Powersport Auctions Webinar, it’s simply a MUST watch. Over 100 people attended and nearly everyone stayed for the entire hour. Beyond the data provided by Tony Altieri, our moderator and executive director asked dealer generated questions to our Platinum Members Brian Rott and Ben King. Search the NPA YouTube channel for “Trends, Values and Dealer Strategies for 2026” or click HERE. You’ll be glad you did.
TRACTION: Starting 2026 with Purpose, Clarity, and Community Momentum
Powered by Sea Anchor Group
January is where planning meets purpose — and where dealerships set the tone for the year ahead. After a full month of reflection in December, the first four TRACTION themes offer a powerful framework for launching 2026 with direction and confidence.
We begin by reconnecting with your “why.” Every dealer enters the community mobility space for a reason like safety, sustainability, new revenue opportunity, or simply because you recognize that neighborhood EV transportation is the next major shift in consumer behavior. Start the year by revisiting that purpose and letting it guide your choices.
Next is the creation of your 2026 Community Goal Map. The most successful dealers map their markets early and deliberately. The communities most ready for on-road EV mobility nearly always share the same profile: HOA-led, 300–500 homes, 25 mph public roads, a clubhouse, access to a shopping center or school, and homes with two to three-car garages.
Identify the first five communities you’ll engage this year. Then, acknowledge the people who helped you get here. Nominate a Community Mobility Champion, someone who shaped safety conversations, supported approvals, or helped move your market forward. Recognition strengthens relationships.
Finally, bring your partners and customers together. A simple Coffee & Carts recap event builds connection and sets a collaborative tone for the year.
TRACTION is about consistency, clarity, and community. And January is the month to accelerate all three.
LSVDA Note: Follow our LinkedIn and Facebook Pages for weekly Pro Tips on how to grow your local markets. We anticipate producing a “how to” book at the end of the series. If a Founding Member would like to sponsor this co-branded book reach out to our executive director at michael@lsvda.com .
Membership and Communications
Sponsor Spotlight:
American Cart Care Raises the Bar for Golf Car Extended Warranties
As golf car technology evolves and ownership expectations rise, American Cart Care is redefining aftermarket protection with extended warranties designed specifically for today’s golf cars, LSVs, and NEVs.
Founded by George Montemayor, American Cart Care delivers purpose-built Extended Service Contracts that go beyond generic power-sports coverage. Their exclusionary extended warranties are tailored exclusively for low-speed vehicles, covering mechanical, electrical, and electronic components with parts and labor protection.
American Cart Care is the only provider offering fully insured, golf-car-specific extended warranties, giving dealers confidence in claims administration and customers peace of mind throughout ownership.
American Cart Care protection programs include:
• Comprehensive Extended Service Contracts with zero deductible at the selling dealer
• Lifetime Battery & Key Replacement programs that enhance resale value and service lane engagement
• Theft Benefit programs that protect against unexpected loss
• Tire & Wheel coverage for common road hazards
Designed with both dealers and consumers in mind, American Cart Care helps golf car retailers increase profitability, improve customer satisfaction, and elevate their overall value proposition.
For additional information, visit www.americancartcare.com.
Platinum Dealer Spotlight – Colorado Golf and Turf
For more than 40 years, Colorado Golf & Turf has been a trusted partner to golf courses, families, resorts, and communities across Colorado and the surrounding region. Long known for operational excellence and deep product expertise, the company continues to evolve alongside a market that is redefining how golf cars, PTVs, and LSVs are used in everyday life.
That evolution is a key reason Colorado Golf & Turf recently joined the Low Speed Vehicle Dealer Association (LSVDA) as a Platinum Dealer Member. According to Vice President of Operations Abbie Randel, the decision was driven less by marketing and more by credibility and timing.
“I kept seeing LSVDA show up in places that mattered; events, LinkedIn, conversations with people I trust,” Abbie shared. “It didn’t feel like noise. It felt real.”
Trust in leadership also played an important role. Seeing respected industry veterans publicly support the association gave Abbie confidence that LSVDA was being built by people who understand the dealer business from the inside out.
“When you see people you respect putting their name behind something early, that matters,” she said. “It told me this was worth leaning into.”
Choosing the Platinum level was intentional. Operating in Colorado, an emerging LSV market compared to more mature regions, Abbie places high value on education, clarity, and access to best practices.
“Platinum gave us the fastest path to learning,” she explained. “Regulations, DMV interpretations, customer education; it’s more complex here. Having direct access to insights from other dealers helps us avoid mistakes and move faster.”
For Abbie, Platinum membership also signals a mindset of participation rather than observation.
“I didn’t want to sit back and wait,” she said. “I wanted to be part of something that’s shaping where this industry is headed.”
With its Platinum commitment, Colorado Golf & Turf reinforces its role as a professional, forward-looking leader that is focused on education, credibility, and long-term growth in the expanding LSV marketplace.
Platinum Sponsor Spotlight:
100 Years of Power: Charging Into the Future with Innovation and Impact
For over 100 years, Trojan Battery Company has led the charge in the LSEV battery industry. From an unmatched history of reliability in lead-acid batteries to innovative, standard-setting lithium-ion products, Trojan is committed to making its next 100 years as impactful as its last.
Trojan was founded in 1925. A seminal moment in the company’s history came 27 years later in 1952, when Trojan debuted the first ever electric golf cart battery for the Autoette. Famous for its maroon color and Pegasus insignia, Trojan has consistently driven innovation with its market-leading portfolio of technologies, including lead-acid, AGM and Lithium batteries.
“From pioneering the first lead-acid deep-cycle golf cart battery in the 1950s to launching the lithium-ion Trojan Lithium OnePack™ in 2024, we’ve always been at the forefront of innovation,” said Laurie Oswald, Chief Commercial Officer of Trojan Battery Company.
Trojan’s growing portfolio is built to enable golf cart customization and upgrades in addition to supporting fleet managers and commercial applications. It recently launched the Trojan Lithium OnePack™ High Performance, which offers more continuous power than many lithium competitors in addition to the reliable efficiency and safety features of the entire OnePack™ family.
Renowned for its history, consistent quality, and next-level commitment to its dealers and partners, Trojan Battery continues its commitment to elevate the golf cart industry.
To learn more about Trojan Battery’s full portfolio, visit trojanbattery.com.
Sponsor Spotlight:
Red Hawk: Built on Great Parts, Backed by Even Better People
Twenty-five years ago, Red Hawk was BUILT on one simple principle: great golf car parts, backed by good people, make all the difference. From the beginning, that principle applied not only to the products we sell, but to how we serve—being responsive, accessible, and committed to real relationships. We founded Red Hawk on the belief that this is a people business as much as it is a parts business. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary in 2026, that approach remains unchanged.
We began when we saw an opportunity to be a better supplier of repair and replacement parts for golf cars. By focusing on dependable fit, consistent performance, and reliable availability—supported by knowledgeable, responsive service—we built a strong foundation that continues to support dealers today. Our Red Hawk® line of repair and replacement parts remains central to what we do.
Over time, we expanded our product lineup to support a broader range of dealer and customer needs. This included RHOX® (Red Hawk Off-Road eXtreme), our proprietary line of rugged accessories designed for durability, function, and ease of installation across utility, recreational, and street-legal golf car applications.
We also offer DoubleTake® body sets and coordinating accessories, giving dealers premium styling and customization options. With automotive-inspired designs and color-coordinating components, DoubleTake enables high-impact visual upgrades that are practical to sell and install.
Today, we support dealers across North America through a centralized distribution system and a service-first, people-driven culture. As a founding member of the Low Speed Vehicle Dealers Association (LSVDA), we are actively involved in advancing standards that elevate safety, professionalism, and long-term growth within the low-speed vehicle space—helping shape expectations for what these vehicles can be today and into the future.
How LSVDA is Working for You
We work every day to strengthen dealer success and elevate supplier-sponsor visibility by delivering measurable, high-value benefits across the entire ecosystem. For dealers, LSVDA provides thousands of dollars in annual savings through training, compliance tools, recall and policy alerts, promotional opportunities, best-practice programs, and market-growth insights.
For supplier sponsors, LSVDA delivers targeted access to an active and growing dealer community through warm introductions, webinars, content co-branding, advertising discounts, and strategic visibility,
Events & Education Opportunities
LSVDA at the PGA Show — Visit Us at Booth 3697
LSVDA will be exhibiting at the PGA Show in Booth 3697, and we invite our dealer and supplier members—as well as prospective members—to stop by if you’re attending. Our presence reflects LSVDA’s focus on Policy & Safety Leadership, Dealer Performance & Profitability, and Market Growth & Industry Alignment.
With low-speed vehicles scaling rapidly across consumer and commercial markets, LSVDA provides a clear, informed voice supporting responsible, sustainable growth. The PGA Show is an important opportunity to connect in person, strengthen relationships, and share where the association is headed.
If you’re planning to attend, we encourage you to visit us at Booth 3697. If you’re not yet registered, learn more about the show here: https://www.pgashow.com/en-us.html#/
Members interested in volunteering to help staff the LSVDA booth are welcome and encouraged to reach out directly to michael@lsvda.com.
Compelling Reasons Dealers Should Join Now. Here’s the LINK.
- Real, Documented Financial Value — Dealer members receive Thousands in annual savings through trainings, discounts, tools, and marketing programs.
- Policy, Safety & Recall Protection — LSVDA monitors federal, state, and local regulations plus all industry recalls, helping dealers stay compliant, avoid liability, and educate customers with confidence.
- Market Growth Intelligence — Dealers gain access to timely market data, demand trends, and best-practice insights not available anywhere else in the industry.
- Stronger Supplier Relationships — LSVDA creates direct pathways to vetted OEMs and suppliers through warm introductions, webinars, and co-branded opportunities that improve margins and expand product access.
- Professional Development, Best Practices & Operational Excellence — Members receive training, tools, and frameworks to elevate sales, service, financial performance, and team effectiveness.
- A Trusted Voice Representing Dealers — LSVDA advocates for dealer interests in safety standards, mobility policy, and public awareness—ensuring the industry grows responsibly and profitably.
Closing Thoughts – Looking Ahead
As this January issue makes clear, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year—not because the market is easy, but because it is maturing.
We are seeing a healthier balance across consumer, commercial, and fleet segments. We are seeing stronger dealer discipline. We are seeing suppliers and sponsors lean in with tools, technology, and programs designed to support long-term success—not just short-term volume. And we are seeing growing interest from policymakers who want these vehicles integrated safely and responsibly into their communities.
That combination creates leverage for dealers who are prepared to educate customers; to engage locally; to professionalize operations and to lead, not just sell.
LSVDA’s role is to support YOUR readiness by delivering early visibility into policy and safety trends, objective market intelligence, practical best practices, and meaningful connections across the industry. We don’t exist to generate noise. We exist to help you move faster, smarter, and with greater confidence.
Thank you to our members, sponsors, contributors, and volunteers who continue to invest their time, expertise, and credibility into this association. Your participation is what makes LSVDA relevant—and what ensures this market grows in a way that benefits dealers, communities, and customers alike.
We look forward to seeing many of you at the PGA Show and working alongside you throughout the year ahead.
Warm regards, The LSVDA Leadership Team