A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Event Buggy

Mobility is one of the biggest considerations when planning an event. There’s gear to move, staff to coordinate, VIPs to shuttle, and tight schedules to plan it all. 

Whether you’re running a weekend music festival, a corporate event, or a major sporting event, seamless mobility can be easily achieved with the right on-site transport. Event buggies have been a reliable source of mobility for many organisers, working behind the scenes to get people and gear across event spaces. 

Because they are compact and efficient, these buggies are highly popular at events. However, it’s important to choose the right one to ensure your event runs on budget and accommodates your operational needs. 

As a rental company for event buggies, 1800BUGGIES has helped many organisers find the right buggy for their event requirements. In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know to make a smart, stress-free choice, including understanding your site requirements and comparing safety features.

Understanding Your Needs for an Event Buggy 

Defining the Purpose and Scope of Use

The first step to hiring an event buggy is understanding how your buggy will be used. Consider if your buggy is needed for moving crew members, transporting VIPs, getting gear from the stage to front-of-house, or simply zipping security around a big site. Your use case will heavily influence the type of buggy that suits you best.

Next, consider the scale of your event. For example, a smaller corporate-wide event has different demands than a multi-day music festival with 50,000 attendees. The larger the site, the more buggies you’ll need. You’ll also need to consider buggies with more range and load capacity.

Another important consideration is your event grounds. Are you working on a flat concrete stadium, a grassy park, or uneven bushland with hidden potholes? The more varied the terrain, the more maneuverable your buggy needs to be.

Assessing Passenger and Load Capacity Requirements

Once you’ve understood your buggy’s purpose, it’s time to think about people and payloads. You can get started by asking yourself the following questions: 

• How many passengers will the buggy need to carry?
• Will you be transporting equipment or merchandise regularly?
• Do you anticipate peak periods where demand spikes?

Some events only need 2-seater buggies for tight, fast movement. Others benefit from 6-seater utility buggies with added loading capacity to move large loads in one trip. If your event is disability-friendly, you may also need a buggy that’s wheelchair accessible. 

Anticipating your passengers and load can prevent bottlenecks and keep your operations flowing, especially in a busy event. 

Budget Considerations and Long-Term Value

While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, there’s more to consider than just upfront cost in buggy rentals. If you’re hiring, think about:

• How long you need the buggy
• Whether you’ll need multiple units across different days
• Any add-ons or delivery fees
  

Also consider fuel or charging costs and whether the unit includes support or maintenance. For example, all buggy rentals from 1800BUGGIES are fully maintained and serviced, so you get peace of mind for your events. 

When you choose the right buggy from the start, you save on labour time, reduce wear and tear on your staff, and avoid equipment breakdowns mid-event.

Key Features and Specifications to Consider

Power Source

The first big decision is power. Electric buggies are gaining popularity, and for a good reason. Compared to gas-powered vehicles, these buggies are more eco-friendly and perfect for noise-sensitive environments. They are also quieter and low maintenance, making them ideal people movers. 

If your event is sustainability-focused, or you’re working in closed environments like stadiums or convention centres, electric buggies are the best choice. 

Size and Maneuverability

In a busy event, your buggy needs to move smoothly through crowds, fit down narrow roads, and possibly even squeeze through backstage gates or tight tent rows. If your event has narrow spaces or pedestrian zones, check your buggy’s width and turning radius. You’ll also want to think about where the buggy will be parked or stored overnight.

Safety Features

Safety matters, especially when you’re operating vehicles in crowded, unpredictable spaces. Here are some of the important topics to discuss with your buggy providers before hiring: 

• Headlights and taillights
• Seatbelts and grab handles
• Reliable brakes
• Horns and indicators
• Windscreens, roof, or cabin enclosures for extra protection

Additional Features and Customisation Options

Need to protect staff from the weather? Looking for extensions to accommodate a wheelchair? Your buggy rental company should be able to accommodate your individual requirements at an additional cost. So speak to your buggy hire company about customisation and any extra features that they can provide to move your event along. 

Where to Rent Event Buggies

For most event organisers, renting buggies makes far more sense than buying one. Rather than worry about upfront investment and storage, you can scale your transport solutions and hire a buggy when the event needs it. 

Always choose a hire company you can trust. Partnering with an experienced supplier means getting value-added and reliable service that includes advice, support, and logistics. Look for providers with a large, up-to-date fleet and proven experience supporting major events, such as 1800BUGGIES. 

Making the Right Choice: A Summary Checklist

In summary, here’s what you need to know when hiring an event buggy: 

• Define the primary use of your event buggy
• Assess your passenger and load capacity
• Consider an electric buggy for improved sustainability
• Review safety and accessibility features according to your event needs
• Consider the rental buggy’s terms and conditions
• Chosen a trusted, experienced hire provider

Conclusion: Powering Your Event With 1800BUGGIES

Choosing the right event buggy is a big consideration that includes understanding your operations, safety, and event flow. The right buggy hire partner can help you improve your event experience significantly and ensure a smooth process overall. 

With over 25 years of experience in electric buggy hire, 1800BUGGIES has supported a variety of events across Australia. As Australia’s largest rental fleet, we offer a wide selection of electric buggies, suited to different terrains and use cases. Our buggies can also accommodate wheelchair access for events that require greater accessibility. 

At 1800BUGGIES, you have our full support with maintenance, insurance, and logistics handled for you. For more information on hiring a buggy for your event, contact our team.