To make a golf cart go faster, you can improve several key areas: increase the voltage to the system, upgrade the motor, replace the controller, change the tires, and remove or bypass the speed governor. These steps are the main ways to achieve a significant golf cart speed upgrade.
Golf carts are fun, reliable vehicles. But sometimes, you need more speed. Maybe your course has long stretches. Perhaps you just want a zippier ride around your community. Getting more speed often involves replacing parts. This guide will show you the best ways to get your cart moving quicker. We will focus on safe and effective high speed golf cart modifications.
Fathoming the Basics of Golf Cart Speed
A golf cart’s speed depends on a few simple things. Think of it like a simple machine. More power plus better movement equals more speed. The main limits are the battery voltage, the power of the motor, and how the cart controls that power.
Voltage: The Fuel for Speed
Voltage is like the water pressure in a hose. Higher voltage means more push. Most standard golf carts run on 36 volts or 48 volts.
Moving from 36V to 48V
This is a common first step for a golf cart speed upgrade. If your cart is a 36V system, switching to 48V provides a big boost. You will need new, higher-voltage batteries. You may also need a new charger that matches the higher voltage.
Why More Voltage Helps
More voltage lets the existing motor turn faster. It forces more electricity through the system. This creates more energy and speed. Be careful, though. Pushing too much voltage into an old motor can burn it out. Always check your existing motor’s limits before upgrading voltage.
Amperage: The Flow of Power
Amperage (amps) is the amount of electrical flow. Think of it as how wide the hose is. A higher amp flow gives the motor more torque (pulling power) and speed potential.
The Role of the Controller
The golf cart controller upgrade directly affects how many amps flow to the motor. The stock controller limits the amps to protect the motor and batteries. A high-performance controller allows more amps to flow. This is a critical part of any golf cart performance parts installation.
Essential Performance Upgrades for Speed
If you want to truly increase golf cart top speed, you need to look beyond just batteries. The real magic happens when you swap out the core components.
The Heart of the Speed: The Motor
The motor dictates the ultimate potential of your cart’s speed. Stock motors are built for efficiency, not racing.
Choosing a New Motor
For a major speed increase, you will need a new motor. Look for motors rated for higher RPMs (revolutions per minute). These motors are often called “high-speed” or “performance” motors.
| Motor Type | Typical Voltage | Speed Increase Potential | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Replacement | 36V or 48V | Low (5-10 mph) | Maintaining stock feel |
| High Speed (AC/DC) | 48V or Higher | Medium to High (10-20+ mph) | Community cruising, light towing |
| High Torque/Speed Combo | 72V Systems | Very High (Custom builds) | Off-road, racing applications |
Installing golf cart motor upgrades is one of the most effective ways to boost speed. Keep in mind that installing a powerful motor often requires upgrading the controller and batteries too.
Improving Power Management: The Controller
The controller is the brain of your cart. It manages the power flow from the batteries to the motor based on how far you press the pedal.
Why Upgrade the Controller?
A stock controller often caps the speed and torque. A performance controller is designed to handle higher voltages and amps safely. This is where the power comes from for a genuine golf cart speed upgrade.
When shopping for a new one, look for controllers rated for 100 amps or more, especially if you have a 48V system. A good golf cart controller upgrade works hand-in-hand with a powerful motor.
Considering High Speed Golf Cart Modifications
Some advanced controllers allow for programming. You can often tune parameters like acceleration, regenerative braking, and top speed limits. This level of control lets you tailor the performance exactly how you want it.
Do I Need a Golf Cart Performance Chip?
The term golf cart performance chips is often used to describe small, aftermarket modules that claim to alter the controller’s programming.
In many modern, sophisticated systems, a chip might not offer a massive benefit compared to replacing the entire controller with a programmable unit. However, for some older or simpler systems, a chip might successfully trick the existing controller into allowing a slight increase in amperage flow, leading to minor speed gains. Proceed with caution, as these are less reliable than full component replacements.
Mechanical Adjustments for Faster Movement
Power is only half the battle. How efficiently that power moves the cart matters just as much. These mechanical changes affect how the cart interacts with the ground.
Changing the Tire Size for Speed
Tires are a highly effective tool for a simple golf cart speed upgrade.
The Relationship Between Tire Size and Speed
Think about a bicycle. If you put a bigger tire on the wheel, you travel further with every single rotation of the pedals (or in this case, the motor).
If you increase the golf cart tire size for speed, the motor has to work harder to turn the larger tire initially (this reduces low-end torque). However, once moving, the cart will reach a higher top speed for the same motor RPM.
- Larger Tires: Increase top speed. Decrease acceleration and hill-climbing ability.
- Smaller Tires: Increase acceleration and torque. Decrease top speed.
For most people seeking more speed, moving up one or two sizes from the stock tire (e.g., from 18-inch to 20-inch or 22-inch) offers a noticeable top-end boost without totally sacrificing driveability. Always ensure the new tires fit within the wheel well without rubbing when turning or hitting bumps.
Gearing Adjustments
Gearing is another key mechanical factor. Gear sets determine the ratio between how fast the motor spins and how fast the wheels spin.
Installing Different Gears
To gain top speed, you need “taller” gearing. Taller gears mean the motor spins fewer times for each wheel rotation. This reduces torque but increases top speed potential, similar to choosing larger tires.
This is a high speed golf cart modification often done alongside major motor and controller upgrades. It requires opening up the differential housing, which is more complex than swapping a controller.
Bypassing Limits: The Governor Removal
Many manufacturers put electronic limiters, called governors, on their carts. These are designed to keep the cart within safe limits for street use or to comply with neighborhood regulations.
What is Golf Cart Speed Governor Removal?
The governor is a setting within the controller that electronically tells the motor to stop accelerating past a certain point (often around 12-15 mph). Golf cart speed governor removal involves accessing the controller’s programming or wiring harness to disable this limiting function.
How to Remove the Governor
The process varies significantly by brand (Club Car, Yamaha, E-Z-GO) and the age of the controller.
- Key Switch Programming (Newer Carts): Some modern carts allow you to enter a specific sequence using the key switch (e.g., turn key on, off, on, press pedal halfway, etc.) to unlock “performance mode.” Check your specific model manual for these codes.
- Controller Access (Older Carts): Older carts often require physically accessing the controller and switching a wire or setting a jumper clip. This can be confusing and sometimes requires specialized tools or diagnostic cartridges.
- Reprogramming: The safest modern method is hooking the controller up to a laptop using manufacturer software and changing the speed limit parameter directly.
Removing the governor allows the cart to utilize its full potential, especially when combined with other golf cart performance parts.
Advanced Systems: Going Electric with Higher Voltage
If your goal is serious, reliable speed (25+ mph), you must move beyond simple 48V systems. This involves a full system overhaul.
Stepping Up to 72 Volts
The 72-volt system is the standard for serious high-speed modifications. This requires replacing almost everything:
- Batteries: Switching from six 8V batteries (48V) to six 12V batteries or eight 9V batteries to reach 72V.
- Controller: A 72V system requires a controller rated to handle that voltage. Using a 48V controller on 72V will destroy it instantly.
- Motor: While some high-end 48V motors can handle a slight over-voltage boost, a dedicated 72V motor is best for maximum performance and longevity at high speeds.
This level of modification turns a standard golf cart into a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) capable machine. These are the best golf cart speed kits for enthusiasts.
The Benefits of AC Systems
Many modern, high-performance carts use AC (Alternating Current) motors instead of traditional DC (Direct Current) motors.
- Efficiency: AC motors are generally more efficient.
- Power: They provide more consistent power across the speed range.
- Control: They work perfectly with sophisticated programmable controllers.
If you are purchasing golf cart performance parts for maximum speed, an AC system is often the superior, albeit more expensive, choice.
Safety and Legal Considerations
Speed costs money and carries risk. When you increase golf cart top speed, you change how the vehicle handles, stops, and behaves in traffic.
Brakes Are Crucial
A cart going 15 mph stops much faster than one going 25 mph. If you significantly increase speed, you must upgrade your braking system.
Brake Upgrades:
- Hydraulic Brakes: Replacing drum brakes with hydraulic disc brakes provides vastly superior stopping power.
- Tire Traction: Ensure your tires have good tread. Faster speeds require better grip.
Suspension and Steering
At higher speeds, worn-out suspension components can lead to dangerous wobbling or loss of control. Inspect all bushings, tie rods, and shocks. Upgrading to a heavy-duty suspension kit provides stability when moving quickly.
Legal Compliance
Check your local laws. Many jurisdictions have laws governing the maximum speed a golf cart can travel on public roads. If you modify your cart beyond these limits (often 20 mph), you may be creating an unregistered, illegal vehicle. In some areas, achieving speeds over 25 mph might require transforming it into a low-speed vehicle (LSV), which needs lights, seatbelts, and insurance.
Summary of Top Speed Strategies
Here is a quick guide on which upgrade path suits your goal:
| Desired Speed Increase | Primary Focus Areas | Estimated Cost Level | Key Component |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Boost (1-3 mph) | Tire size adjustment, governor check | Low | Larger Tires |
| Moderate Boost (3-8 mph) | Battery voltage increase, controller limits | Medium | Performance Controller |
| Significant Boost (8-15 mph) | Full motor and controller swap | High | Performance Motor |
| Extreme Speed (15+ mph) | System overhaul | Very High | 72V System Conversion |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make my electric golf cart faster just by adjusting the air pressure in the tires?
Yes, slightly increasing the tire pressure toward the maximum safe limit listed on the tire wall can reduce rolling resistance. This small change can give you a minor speed gain and slightly improve battery range, but it will not provide a major speed boost like component upgrades.
Will upgrading my golf cart batteries make it go faster immediately?
New, fully charged batteries with higher Amp-Hour (Ah) ratings will certainly give you more available power and help maintain speed longer, especially under load. However, if your stock controller is limiting the flow of amps or the motor is designed only for 36V, simply having better batteries won’t unlock significant top-end speed until you upgrade those limiting factors.
Are performance chips the same as a controller upgrade?
No. A performance chip is usually a small add-on intended to trick the existing system. A golf cart controller upgrade involves replacing the entire electronic brain with a unit specifically engineered to handle higher voltage and amperage, offering much greater, safer, and more consistent performance gains.
What is the easiest way to increase golf cart speed?
The easiest way, if your cart is not already at its electronic limit, is checking if the golf cart speed governor removal is simple for your model. If the governor is already off, the next easiest step is usually swapping to slightly taller tires.
Does a lift kit slow down my golf cart?
Yes, lift kits usually slow a golf cart down. Lifting the cart almost always requires larger tires to fill the new wheel wells. These larger tires necessitate more torque to turn, effectively reducing acceleration and sometimes top speed if the motor and controller are not upgraded to compensate.