Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe PHOENIX, Nov. 30 (UPI) -- The popularity of souped-up golf carts as alternative transportation has skyrocketed in Arizona, with more than 50 dealers popping up across the state. The golf carts, which typically sell for more than $10,000, are available with features including Global Positioning Systems, DVD players, air-conditioning and car seats for children, the Arizona Republic reported Thursday. Advertisement "It's been like the popularity of the motorbike in foreign countries," said Fred Somers of the National Golf Cart Manufacturers Association. "Like you see lots of motorbikes across Europe, you see golf carts in the United States." Industry experts have said about 70 percent of golf carts sold in the United States are used for golfing, and the rest are used as alternative transportation. The carts are available from brands ranging from Harley-Davidson to Hummer, and body kits are available for consumers to make their carts look like Cadillacs, BMWs and other automobile brands. A total 33,373 golf carts were registered with the Arizona Department of Transportation in fiscal 2006, with 28,113 of those being registered in Phoenix and its suburbs.
