Yes, you absolutely can make your electric golf cart faster. Many people want more speed from their carts for various reasons, like driving longer distances or simply enjoying a quicker ride. This guide will show you the main ways to achieve faster speeds safely and effectively. We will look at small tweaks and big upgrades for golf cart speed modifications.
Deciphering Why Carts Are Slow
Most standard electric golf carts come from the factory set at a low speed. This is done for safety reasons and to maximize battery life. Cart manufacturers usually limit the speed to comply with local golf course rules. The maximum speed is often set by the cart’s electronic speed controller. To go faster, you must change these limiting factors.
Simple First Steps for More Speed
Before spending big money on new parts, try these easy fixes. These steps can give you a small boost in performance.
Checking Tire Pressure
Tires that are low on air make your cart work harder. Harder work means slower speeds. Always keep your tires at the right pressure listed on the sidewall. Properly inflated tires lower rolling resistance. This lets the motor use less energy just to move.
Lightening the Load
Every extra pound slows your cart down. Think about what you carry around. Remove heavy tools, junk, or unused accessories. Less weight means easier acceleration and higher top speed. This is a free way to gain a little speed.
Inspecting for Drag
Look closely at the cart underneath. Are any parts rubbing? Is the suspension too low, causing the frame to hit something? Fix any rubbing parts. Good airflow around the motor and batteries helps keep things cool. Heat slows down electric motors.
Major Performance Upgrades for Speed
When simple steps aren’t enough, it is time for real electric golf cart performance upgrades. These changes directly affect how much power the motor gets and how fast the wheels turn.
The Role of the Controller
The controller is the brain of your electric cart. It tells the motor how much power to send based on how far you push the pedal. Factory controllers often limit the flow of power to protect the motor and battery system.
Golf Cart Controller Upgrade
Upgrading the controller is a key step in increasing golf cart top speed. A high-performance controller allows more amperage (electrical current) to flow to the motor.
- Higher Amperage = More Torque and Speed: More amps mean the motor can push harder and faster.
- Controller Matching: Make sure the new controller matches your motor type (e.g., series or shunt) and your battery voltage (e.g., 36V, 48V). A mismatch can damage parts.
- Advanced Features: Many aftermarket controllers offer features like regenerative braking adjustments or better throttle mapping for smoother power delivery.
Boosting Power with a Better Motor
If you upgrade the controller, you often need a stronger motor to handle the extra power. A standard motor might overheat if you push too much current through it.
Golf Cart Motor Upgrade
A golf cart motor upgrade is essential for significant speed gains. Motors are rated by torque and RPM (revolutions per minute).
- High-Speed Motors: These motors are wound differently to spin faster at the same voltage. They usually sacrifice a little low-end torque for higher top speed.
- High-Torque Motors: If you plan on going up hills often while speeding, a high-torque motor is better. It might not give the absolute highest top speed on flat ground but handles heavy loads and inclines much better.
- Voltage Increase: Sometimes, to get the most out of a new motor, you also need to increase the system voltage.
The Battery System: Fueling the Speed
Batteries provide the raw energy. If you want more speed, you need a system that can deliver that energy reliably. This is where a golf cart battery upgrade for speed comes into play.
Golf Cart Battery Upgrade for Speed
The two main paths here are increasing voltage or improving battery quality.
- Increasing Voltage: Moving from a 36-volt system to a 48-volt system (or 48V to 72V if your cart allows) is the most effective way to increase speed. Higher voltage forces the motor to spin faster. Caution: Increasing voltage requires a compatible controller and motor.
- Lithium-Ion vs. Lead-Acid: Switching from heavy, older lead-acid batteries to modern Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) batteries offers huge benefits:
- Lighter Weight: Less weight equals faster acceleration.
- Consistent Power: Li-ion batteries maintain voltage better under heavy load, meaning your top speed won’t drop off quickly as the battery drains.
| Battery Upgrade Type | Typical Speed Increase Potential | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead-Acid Replacement (High Cycle) | Minor | Low | Better consistency than old batteries. |
| Voltage Increase (e.g., 36V to 48V) | Significant (20-30%) | High | Requires new controller/motor compatibility checks. |
| Lithium-Ion Conversion | Moderate to Significant | Very High | Best performance, lowest weight. |
Tuning for Maximum Performance
Once you install new hardware, you need to ensure everything works together perfectly. This process is often called tuning electric golf cart systems.
Tire Size Matters
Tires are the final link between the motor and the ground. Bigger tires mean the cart travels further with every single rotation of the axle.
- If you install tires that are taller than stock, your top speed will increase significantly because the gear ratio effectively changes.
- The Trade-off: Taller tires decrease torque. If you put on tires that are too big without upgrading the motor and controller, your cart will struggle, especially on hills, and might overheat the electronics. A good rule is to find a balance. Many builders aim for a tire size increase of about 10-15% over stock.
Gearing Adjustments
For extreme speed enthusiasts, changing the differential gearing is the final frontier.
- Changing Gear Ratios: Installing a different gear set in the differential can trade torque for speed or vice versa. A “speed gear set” uses different tooth counts to allow the wheels to spin faster than they would with the factory gears, assuming the motor can keep up. This is complex and usually requires taking apart the axle assembly.
Removing Electronic Limits
Many carts have factory settings or physical switches that limit speed. Locating and altering these settings is often the easiest way to gain a few MPH.
Golf Cart Speed Limiter Removal
How you remove the limiter depends heavily on your cart’s brand (e.g., EZ-GO, Club Car, Yamaha) and age.
- Forward/Reverse Switch Configuration: On older series carts, the speed limiter is often controlled by how the forward and reverse solenoids are wired. Sometimes, simply changing the tow/run switch setting or accessing a diagnostic port can unlock speed.
- Controller Programming: Modern controllers (especially those from Alltrax or Navitas) are programmed via a laptop or a handheld programmer. You connect to the controller and directly adjust the maximum speed setting, acceleration curves, and current limits. This is the most precise method.
- Key Switch Settings: Some high-end PTV (Personal Transportation Vehicle) models have speed settings tied to a physical key switch position (e.g., Tow/Run, or different key levels). Check your owner’s manual for access codes.
When looking for the best way to speed up electric golf cart, look for pre-packaged solutions.
Utilizing a High Speed Golf Cart Kit
For those new to modifications, purchasing a high speed golf cart kit simplifies the process. These kits usually bundle a matched controller, motor, and sometimes even wiring harnesses designed to work together flawlessly at higher voltages (like 48V or higher).
- Kits often save money compared to buying components separately.
- They ensure voltage and amperage compatibility between the motor and controller.
Safety and Legality Considerations
Increasing speed drastically changes how your cart behaves. You must address safety before hitting top speed.
Braking Power
Faster speeds require faster stopping. Stock brakes might not be enough for a cart running 25+ MPH.
- Hydraulic Brakes: If you are making major speed changes, consider upgrading to hydraulic brakes if your chassis supports it.
- Drum/Disc Inspection: Ensure your existing brakes are in perfect condition, properly adjusted, and use high-quality pads or shoes.
Suspension Stability
At higher speeds, a cart designed for slow cruising can become unstable.
- Check Shocks and Springs: Ensure your suspension components are strong enough to handle the added stresses.
- Tire Quality: Cheap, thin tires might blow out or handle poorly at high speeds. Use tires rated for the speeds you plan to achieve.
Legal Implications
Remember, most standard golf carts are legally restricted to neighborhood street use (low speed vehicles, or LSVs) that require specific equipment like lights, mirrors, and seat belts, and often have regulated top speeds (usually 25 MPH). Making your cart significantly faster than local road limits can make it illegal for street use and void insurance coverage. Always check local ordinances.
Maintenance After Speed Upgrades
Faster speeds put more stress on every component. Routine maintenance becomes even more critical.
Heat Management
The motor and controller generate significantly more heat when running at higher capacities.
- Controller Vents: Ensure the controller compartment vents are clear of debris. Some advanced users install small auxiliary fans to pull cool air across the controller heat sinks.
- Motor Temperature Checks: Occasionally feel the motor housing after a hard run (be careful, it will be hot). Excessive heat buildup indicates that the system might be overloaded or needs better ventilation.
Wiring Integrity
Higher amperage means more heat flowing through the wires.
- Wire Gauge: When upgrading the controller or motor, you must use thicker gauge wires (lower AWG number) to safely handle the increased current without resistance heating the wires. Factory wires are often too thin for serious speed mods.
- Connections: Check all connections (terminals, solenoids, fuses) regularly. Loose connections create resistance, cause heat, and reduce performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I speed up my cart just by reprogramming it without buying new parts?
A: Sometimes, yes. If your cart has a modern controller, you can often access the programming menu (using a programmer tool or specific pedal sequences) and increase the speed setting or amperage limits. This is a great first step.
Q: Will making my cart faster shorten the life of the batteries?
A: Yes, it usually will. Running the batteries at higher discharge rates (pulling more amps for speed) causes faster wear and tear on lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries handle high discharge rates much better, which is a major reason why they are preferred for high-speed builds.
Q: How much speed can I realistically expect from a full upgrade package?
A: Realistically, a stock cart running 12-15 MPH can often be safely pushed to 22-25 MPH with a good controller/motor upgrade and higher voltage (48V). Extreme builds pushing 30+ MPH require significant investment in motors, controllers, and potentially specialized axles or even custom batteries.
Q: Is it bad to install big tires without changing the motor?
A: Yes, it is generally a bad idea. Big tires act like a higher gear ratio, demanding much more torque from the motor than it was designed to deliver. This leads to the motor overheating quickly, shortening its life, and possibly tripping or damaging the stock controller.
Q: What is the simplest way to get a few extra MPH legally for golf course use?
A: Check your cart’s tow/run switch settings or diagnostic plug first, as many carts have a “high-speed” setting locked out. If that doesn’t work, ensure your tires are perfectly inflated, and clean out any debris causing drag. These methods won’t break speed limits but optimize existing performance.