Newer golf carts have an on-board computer that can be programmed by on-island businesses to reduce the maximum cart speed.  Options for this “chipping down” process are summarized below.

UCCA is not endorsing any maintenance provider; the service you receive and price you pay will vary with the on-island business that you choose based on your own negotiations. It’s always a good idea to research your options and ask neighbors for feedback on the on-island businesses that they’ve used.

Slowing down newer golf carts that have on-board computers is a relatively easy, quick and low-cost procedure for those on-island businesses that have the correct equipment to update your cart’s programming. To illustrate the setting options for his recently “chipped down” Club Car golf carts, Islander Frank Sbarro provided the following table:

There are also methods to manually control the speeds of older golf carts that don’t have on-board computers that are specific to each golf cart and manufacturer.  We recommend that you discuss the options for your older carts with the business that currently maintains your golf cart.

All of the island golf cart rental and maintenance businesses were surveyed and those that responded are below, in alphabetical order, what their charges would be to “chip down” a golf cart:

Derek’s Club Car Repair and Custom Carts (239-240-2919): Derek stated that he has the hand-held controller for newer IQ carts and some of the older PowerDrive controllers, if it has the socket. If using the programmer, it takes just a few minutes. If it is quick job, he will consider doing it for free as long as customers bring him future work. There are other ways to slow down older carts that he would be glad to evaluate and price.

Island Club at North Captiva (239-240-2919):  No response

Pieces of Eight Golf Cart (239-565-1331): Call or text to evaluate if this provider is still willing to do this service and for pricing.

Safety Harbor Club (239-472-1019):  Safety Harbor Club would be able to adjust the speed on modern carts for members and non-members. Their minimum time charge is 1/2 hour which would equate to $37 for a non-member and less for a member. Rick also stated that they would not support manually adjusting older carts.

Tortuga Property Services (239-400-4928):  Depending on the carts age and if it has a controller, they can reset the chip to as low as 7-8 MPH.  Their bill in one-hour increments and their charge would be $60.

Lukas Warrelman (239-225-5044):  No response

The goal of this FAQ is to provide as much detail as currently available and suggest that all owners, especially those owners that rent, to at least consider dramatically reducing the speed of golf carts that we make available to renters.

UPDATES OR CORRECTIONS MAY BE SUBMITTED TO info@uppercaptivacivicassociation.org