St. Louis Residents Choosing Golf Carts Instead of Cars

Residents of the neighborhood of Soulard started a trend at the beginning of the decade that has changed the face of the neighborhood, and started to catch on in other parts of the city of St. Louis as well.

1 minute read

October 30, 2019, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Neighborhood Electric Vehicle

miheco / Flickr

"In St. Louis, [golf carts are] somewhat synonymous with Soulard, where many residents use the vehicles for everyday purposes around the neighborhood — and the carts have become a common sight in some other St. Louis areas as well," according to an article by Evie Hemphill.

The trend of residents are choosing golf carts for transportation was the subject of an episode ofSt. Louis on the Air, featuring host Sarah Fenske in conversation with St. Louis transportation planner Scott Ogilvie and Midwest Golf Car manager and mechanic Kurt Hagen.

If you missed the show, see also an article on the same subject written by Mike McHugh in September 2017, who confirms, as objectively as possible, the existence of a neighborhood located nowhere near a golf course that is nonetheless filled with golf carts. Another 2010 article written by Doug Moore for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch also corroborates the trend.

As for why people are making the rare choice to downsize their automotive transportation in Soulard and beyond, Moore speaks to residents who say the vehicles are environmentally friendly and encourage social interaction.

Sunday, October 27, 2019 in St. Louis Public Radio

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Blue and white Seattle Link light rail train exiting concrete Downtown Bellevue Tunnel in Bellevue, WA.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?

Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

April 7, 2025 - Todd Litman

Two people on bikes in red painted bike lane with bus in traffic lane next to them.

Understanding Road Diets

An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.

April 17 - Momentum Magazine

Aerial view of large warehouses across from development of suburban single-family homes in Jurupa, California with desert mountains in background.

New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution

A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.

April 17 - Black Voice News

Purple Phoenix light rail train connected to overhead wires at sunset.

Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension

The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.

April 17 - Arizona Republic