Yes, you can often remove or adjust the speed limiter on an electric golf cart. Many modern golf carts come with a speed setting pre-programmed by the factory. Golf cart speed limiter removal is a common desire for owners wanting more performance. This guide will walk you through the common methods for increasing golf cart top speed.
Why Carts Have Speed Limits
Golf carts come with limits for several reasons. First, safety is a big factor. Higher speeds mean more risk. Second, local laws often set speed limits for neighborhood roads. Third, battery life is a concern. Driving faster uses battery power much quicker. Cart manufacturers set these limits based on the motor, controller, and intended use. For example, a standard cart might be set to 12 mph. Many owners wish to go faster, especially if they use the cart outside of just putting greens.
Safety First: Before You Start Any Work
Before you touch any wires or settings, STOP. Safety is the most important step.
- Disconnect the Power: Always disconnect the main battery pack. Pull the main solenoid connection or the main negative battery cable. This stops any accidental starts or shocks.
- Wear Safety Gear: Use safety glasses. Gloves are also a good idea when working with electrical connections.
- Know Your Cart: Every cart is different. Club Car, EZ-GO, and Yamaha use different systems. Find your cart’s model and year. This helps you find the right manual or guide.
Locating the Speed Control System
The speed of your electric golf cart is managed by its Electronic Speed Controller (ESC). This controller is the “brain” of the cart. It takes input from the throttle pedal and tells the motor how fast to spin. To change the speed, you usually need to talk to this controller.
Finding the Controller
The controller is often located under the seat or sometimes under the front cowl, near the batteries. It looks like a metal box with many wires coming out of it.
Key Components Involved
- The Controller: Manages power flow.
- The Solenoid: Acts as the main switch for the high-power circuit.
- The Throttle Assembly: Tells the controller how much power you want.
Method 1: Adjusting the Controller Settings (The Standard Approach)
The most common and manufacturer-approved way to change speed involves accessing the controller’s programming mode. This is often referred to as reprogramming golf cart speed controller settings.
Accessing Programming Mode
Many modern controllers (like those from Curtis or Alltrax) require a specific sequence of actions to enter programming mode. This often involves key switches or special hand-held devices.
Key Switch Method (Common for Newer Carts)
If your cart has a forward/reverse switch or a Tow/Run switch, this might be the key.
- Turn the key switch to the OFF position.
- Set the direction switch (Forward/Reverse) to REVERSE.
- Turn the key switch to the ON position.
- Wait five seconds.
- Turn the key switch OFF.
- Turn the key switch ON again.
If done correctly, the cart might beep differently or the display might change. This signals you are now in programming mode.
Using a Programmer Device
For advanced controllers, you might need a handheld programmer tool specific to your brand (like an IQ Programmer for EZ-GO).
- Connect the programmer device to the diagnostic port on the controller.
- Follow the device’s instructions to navigate the menus.
- Look for settings like “Maximum Speed,” “Speed Setting,” or “Controller Limits.”
- Increase the value. Remember the limitations of your motor and batteries.
The Speed Adjustment Process
Once in the programming menu, you are essentially override electric golf cart speed setting. You will see different parameters you can change.
| Setting Name | Typical Range | What It Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed % | 50% – 100% | Limits the top speed the controller will allow. |
| Acceleration Rate | Low, Medium, High | How quickly the cart reaches the set speed. |
| Tire Size Input | Inches or MM | Crucial for accurate speed reading. Change this if you install larger tires. |
If you are looking to simply override electric golf cart speed setting, increasing the “Max Speed %” is usually the direct path. Set this to 100%. Exit programming mode by turning the key off and then back on, or following the device prompts.
Method 2: Disabling Electric Golf Cart Governor (Older Carts)
Older carts, especially those with simpler speed controllers or tow-car style setups, might have a physical or simple electrical governor. Disabling electric golf cart governor often means finding a specific wire or jumper plug.
EZ-GO Clays/Workhorse Models
Some older EZ-GO models use a speed sensor or a specific wire loop that dictates the maximum speed.
- Locate the speed sensor, usually near the differential or motor.
- Look for a small jumper wire or plug connected near the controller or speed sensor harness.
- Consult a wiring diagram for your specific model. Sometimes cutting or disconnecting a specific wire (often labeled ‘Speed’ or ‘Governor’) will unlock golf cart maximum speed.
- Caution: Cutting the wrong wire can disable the cart completely or cause unpredictable behavior.
Club Car DS Models (Series Carts)
Older Club Car DS carts often used a resistor system. To increase speed, you might replace the existing speed resistor with one that has a lower resistance value. This is more complex and requires specific resistor kits designed for golf cart speed control adjustment.
Method 3: Installing a Golf Cart Speed Chip Installation or Bypass Module
For carts where software programming is locked down or difficult to access, third-party electronic solutions exist. These are often called speed chips or performance modules.
What a Speed Chip Does
A golf cart speed chip installation works by intercepting the signal between the throttle pedal and the controller. It modifies the signal to make the controller think the driver is pressing the pedal harder than they actually are. This effectively fools the controller into delivering more power, thereby modifying golf cart speed limiter.
Installation Process
- Purchase a module specifically made for your cart’s brand and controller type.
- Disconnect the main power (batteries).
- Identify the main harness plug going into the controller.
- The chip module usually plugs in line between the pedal sensor wires and the main controller harness. You might have to splice in a few small wires for power or ground if it’s a full bypass unit.
- A common alternative is using a golf cart speed chip bypass plate that plugs directly into the controller port, often sold for competition use.
This method is popular because it often allows you to switch between a limited “street mode” and a high-speed “off-road mode” easily.
Method 4: The Motor and Tire Upgrade Route
Sometimes, simply changing the programming won’t give you the speed you want because the hardware itself is the bottleneck. If you have already maximized your controller settings, the next step is hardware modification.
Motor Swap
If your cart has a standard 36-volt or 48-volt system with a series motor, it is designed for torque and economy, not top speed.
- To achieve significantly higher speeds (over 20 mph), you will likely need an upgrade motor. Look for motors rated for higher RPMs.
- Keep in mind that a higher RPM motor requires a more robust controller capable of handling the increased current draw, especially if you want to maintain acceleration.
Tire Size Matters
Tires are a critical factor in determining actual speed versus controller output.
- If your controller thinks you have 18-inch tires, but you install 23-inch tires, your cart will actually travel faster than the controller intends for that setting. This is an easy way to achieve a small speed bump.
- Conversely, installing smaller tires without golf cart speed control adjustment will make the cart feel sluggish, even if the controller limit is high.
| Current Tire Diameter (Inches) | Target Speed Change | Required Controller Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| 18 inches | Base Speed | No change needed |
| 21 inches | ~15% Increase | Program controller to expect 21-inch tires |
| 23 inches | ~28% Increase | Program controller to expect 23-inch tires |
Advanced Golf Cart Speed Control Adjustment: Controller Replacement
If your current controller is old, limited, or damaged, replacing it entirely is the best path to superior speed control.
Choosing the Right Controller
When selecting a new controller, look for brands known for high performance, such as Navitas, Alltrax, or Curtis.
- Voltage Match: Ensure the new controller matches your cart’s voltage (36V or 48V).
- Amperage Rating: A higher amperage rating (e.g., moving from a 250A to a 350A controller) allows the system to deliver more power to the motor, resulting in better acceleration and higher potential top speed. This is the key to unlocking golf cart maximum speed potential.
- Programmability: Ensure the new unit is easily programmable via an app or handheld device.
Installation of a New Controller
- Document every wire connection on the old controller before removal. Take photos!
- Remove the old controller connections.
- Mount the new controller securely.
- Connect all wires precisely as they were on the old unit (main positive, negative, solenoid wire, throttle input, forward/reverse switch wires).
- Reconnect the main battery power.
- Immediately enter the programming mode (refer to Method 1) to set the correct tire size and desired maximum speed percentage.
Legal and Practical Limitations
While golf cart speed limiter removal is technically possible, you must consider real-world factors.
Battery System Limits
Electric motors draw significant current when working hard. If you increase the speed dramatically (e.g., from 12 mph to 25 mph):
- Range Reduction: Your driving range will drop significantly, sometimes by half or more.
- Heat Buildup: Pushing the system too hard can cause the motor and controller to overheat, leading to premature failure. Ensure your components can handle the increased workload.
Tire and Suspension Strain
Standard golf cart tires and suspension are designed for low speeds (under 15 mph).
- At 20+ mph, tire wear increases dramatically.
- Braking distances increase. Ensure your brakes are in excellent working order before attempting high speeds. If you plan on going over 20 mph, consider upgrading to DOT-approved tires and possibly even adding front disc brakes if your model allows.
Local Regulations
This is crucial. In many states and municipalities, driving a golf cart faster than 20 mph legally classifies it as a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) or Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV).
- LSVs require seatbelts, mirrors, windshields, VIN numbers, and insurance.
- Operating a modified cart illegally on public roads can result in fines and confiscation. Always check local ordinances before modifying golf cart speed limiter settings.
Troubleshooting Common Speed Adjustment Issues
Even with perfect instructions, things can go wrong. Here are common issues encountered after attempting golf cart speed control adjustment.
Issue 1: Cart is Slow or Won’t Move After Changes
Possible Cause: The controller reset itself or the throttle calibration failed.
Fix: Re-enter programming mode. Verify that the “Max Speed” setting is set high. If it still won’t move, check the throttle input voltage using a multimeter. If the controller isn’t “seeing” the pedal signal, it defaults to safety mode (very slow speed).
Issue 2: Cart is Faster, but Acceleration is Terrible
Possible Cause: You increased the Max Speed percentage but did not increase the acceleration ramp rate.
Fix: Go back into the programming menu and find the acceleration setting. Increase this setting. This tells the controller to apply power more aggressively rather than gradually when you press the pedal.
Issue 3: Speed Jumps Around or Oscillates
Possible Cause: Faulty speed sensor or incorrect tire size input.
Fix: If you didn’t upgrade tires, ensure the controller is programmed for your actual tire size. If the speed sensor is magnetic and dirty, clean it. If the problem persists, the sensor might need replacement.
Issue 4: Controller Error Codes Appear
Possible Cause: System overload or incorrect component communication.
Fix: Look up the error code displayed (often flashed via beeps or an LED light on the controller). Common codes relate to low voltage (bad batteries) or high current draw (motor/controller mismatch).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will removing the speed limiter void my golf cart warranty?
A: Yes, almost certainly. Most manufacturers consider altering programmed speed settings or installing third-party speed chips a modification that voids the electrical warranty on the controller and motor assembly.
Q: Can I increase the speed on a golf cart that only has a tow/run switch and no key switch?
A: It is much harder. These carts often lack the programming port or key sequence required for easy override electric golf cart speed setting. You will likely need to install a new controller that accepts a key switch input or use a speed chip module.
Q: How fast is too fast for a stock electric golf cart motor?
A: Most stock motors are designed to run efficiently up to about 15-18 mph. Pushing them past 20-22 mph, especially with stock wiring and controllers, significantly increases heat and wear, shortening the life of the motor and batteries.
Q: What is the difference between a speed chip and a controller upgrade for increasing golf cart top speed?
A: A speed chip (or bypass module) tricks the existing controller into going faster. A controller upgrade replaces the brain entirely, offering more precise settings, higher amperage limits, and usually better overall performance management than a simple chip modification.
Q: Is it easier to increase the speed on an AC motor cart versus a DC series cart?
A: Generally, yes. AC motor systems (like those made by Navitas) are inherently designed to be user-programmable via Bluetooth apps, making reprogramming golf cart speed controller settings very straightforward compared to older DC series carts that might require physical jumper changes.