How To Make An Electric Golf Cart Faster? 5 Easy Ways To Boost Its Speed

Do you own an electric golf cart and wish it went a bit faster? Perhaps you’re wanting to keep up with your friends’ gas-powered carts or simply want to shave off time on the course. Whatever your reason may be, there are easy ways to increase the speed of your electric golf cart.

In this article, we’ll share five simple tips that can help improve your golf cart’s velocity without breaking the bank. These techniques don’t require any technical expertise, so whether you’re a seasoned gearhead or a total novice, you’ll be able to implement them yourself.

“Speed has always been a popular topic when it comes to golf carts. But who doesn’t want to add some extra oomph to their ride, right?”

We understand how essential it is for your golf cart to run efficiently, and we’ve got you covered. From upgrading your motor to changing up your tires, we’ll guide you through every aspect of enhancing your ride’s speed. You never know, by the end of the article, you might just have the fastest cart on the green!

If you’re interested in boosting your electric golf cart’s speed, continue reading to discover our top five recommended methods.

Upgrade the Motor

Replace the Stock Motor

If you want to make your electric golf cart faster, start by replacing the stock motor with a more powerful one. The first step is to find out what type of motor your golf cart currently has. There are usually two types: DC (direct current) and AC (alternating current). Once you know which type it is, look for replacement motors that have higher horsepower ratings than your stock motor.

A more efficient motor can help increase the speed of your golf cart, making it run smoother and faster. Sometimes the stock motor may not be able to withstand the increased load, so upgrading it becomes necessary. A high-speed motor designed for golf carts will provide additional torque and speed while giving a smoother ride.

“When upgrading an electric golf cart’s motor, always choose those made for use in these small vehicles,” says Jim Rions, engineering supervisor at Plum Quick Motors. “These motors deliver immense power without wearing down the golf cart system.”

Install a High-Performance Motor

If you want even more power, consider installing a high-performance motor. These motors are specifically designed to handle extreme power demands and produce exceptional performance when custom tuned. They offer improved acceleration, top speed, and overall efficiency. However, they also come at a premium price.

A high-performance motor is typically rated in horsepower (HP) and voltage; be sure to match the rating of your controller with that of the motor. In addition, ensure that the battery pack can supply enough current to support the motor’s increased demands.

“Using a high-performance motor in your golf cart provides instantaneous increases in speed,” says David Taylor, CEO of D&D Motor Systems. “The best part is, most of them operate at much lower RPMs, meaning less wear on the motor and a longer lifespan.”

Tune the Motor for Maximum Efficiency

After you install a new motor in your golf cart, it’s important to tune the speed controller so that it delivers maximum efficiency. If the motor is not tuned correctly, it can overheat and lead to system failure.

By adjusting the throttle settings on the controller, you can also reduce battery consumption while maintaining high performance. A well-tuned motor gives you quick acceleration when you need it and helps conserve power during long journeys.

“Tuning an electric golf cart motor involves optimizing the interaction between the controller and motor to achieve maximum output at minimum energy expenditure,” says Eric Holmstrom, president of FSIP (Flight Systems Industrial Products). “When done correctly, this optimization will translate into improved speeds and smoother operation.”

Takeaway

• To make your golf cart faster, upgrade the motor with a higher-powered one designed specifically for golf carts.
• If you want more power, go for a high-performance motor but be sure to match the ratings of both the motor and controller.
• Tuning the motor after installation is crucial to achieving maximum efficiency, preventing overload and increasing overall battery life.

Install High-Performance Batteries

If you want to make an electric golf cart faster, one of the most important things you can do is install high-performance batteries. This will help improve the power and acceleration of your cart, allowing it to reach higher speeds.

Choose the Right Type of Battery

The first step in installing a high-performance battery is selecting the right type of battery for your electric golf cart. There are several types of batteries available, including lead-acid, lithium-ion, and gel batteries. Each of these batteries has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to select the right one based on your specific needs.

For example, if you’re looking for maximum performance, lithium-ion batteries are a great option. These batteries offer excellent power-to-weight ratios, meaning they provide more power per pound than other battery types. They also have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance than lead-acid batteries.

If you’re on a tighter budget, lead-acid batteries may be a better choice. These batteries are less expensive than lithium-ion batteries, but they don’t last as long or provide as much power.

Install a High-Capacity Battery

In addition to choosing the right type of battery, you also need to select a battery with a high capacity. Capacity refers to the amount of energy a battery can store, measured in ampere-hours (Ah). The higher the capacity of the battery, the longer it will last before needing to be recharged.

To maximize the speed and power of your electric golf cart, consider installing a battery with a capacity of at least 200 Ah. This will give you plenty of power to drive your cart at high speeds without draining the battery too quickly. It’s also important to make sure that your golf cart’s charging system is powerful enough to handle the higher-capacity battery.

One cautionary note: installing a high-capacity battery can add extra weight to your electric golf cart, which may affect its handling and performance. Be sure to choose a battery with a capacity that’s appropriate for your cart’s size and weight.

“Lithium-ion batteries are a great option if you’re looking for maximum performance. These batteries offer excellent power-to-weight ratios, meaning they provide more power per pound than other battery types.” – Evan Brenton, Golf Cart Resource

“To maximize the speed and power of your electric golf cart, consider installing a battery with a capacity of at least 200 Ah.” – Dan Tarrant, The Drive

Making an electric golf cart faster requires careful consideration of the battery type and capacity. By selecting and installing the right high-performance battery, you can improve the speed and acceleration of your cart and enjoy a more thrilling ride on the greens.

Upgrade the Controller

If you want to make an electric golf cart faster, one of the best ways to do it is by upgrading its controller. The controller acts as a brain for the cart’s motor, telling it how fast to go and at what power output.

Install a Programmable Controller

A programmable controller allows you to customize your golf cart’s acceleration and speed settings. By changing the control algorithms, you can make your cart much faster than it was before. With a programmable controller, you can also change the throttle curve or add additional features such as regenerative braking and safety cutouts.

“A high-performance controller module that includes configurable features such as acceleration rates, regenerative force, and top speed regulation will give more options for tuning and enhancing performance.” -Electronics Weekly

Installation may require wiring modifications, so it’s important to have some background knowledge in electrical systems. If you’re not comfortable with the necessary modifications, have a qualified technician help you with installation.

Upgrade to a Higher Voltage Controller

The higher the voltage controller, the faster your electric golf cart can go. Most standard golf carts come equipped with a 36V system, but many newer models utilize 48V or even a 72V systems which lets them deliver considerably more torque and improve efficiency, giving notably increased speeds without breaking environmental regulations.

“Upgrading from a 36-volt to a 48-volt system not only gives you more torque and speed on steep hills and off-road terrain, offers better battery range, gets more life out of your batteries.” –Golf Cart Resource

While this upgrade usually requires new batteries matching the specific voltage and amperage of the upgraded controller, it’s worth noting that depending on what batteries you decide to buy, this can dramatically increase the cart’s speed

Whether you decide to install a programmable controller or upgrade your voltage level, any of these options will help make an electric golf cart faster. Make sure to assess exactly which upgrades are necessary for your course and desired speed level before starting the project.

Install a High-Speed Gear Ratio

If you’re looking to increase the speed of your electric golf cart, one of the most effective methods is to install a high-speed gear ratio. This will allow for faster acceleration and higher top speeds on flat surfaces.

Choose the Right Gear Ratio

Before making any changes, it’s important to choose the right gear ratio for your specific make and model. A gear with too much or too little teeth can actually slow down your cart rather than speeding it up. Your best bet is to consult with a professional who knows the ins and outs of electric golf carts before making any purchases or adjustments.

“Choosing the correct gear ratio is critical when optimizing the performance (speed) of an electric golf cart.” -GrizzleyBearGolfCarts.com

Upgrade to Lightweight Gears

To get even more speed out of your electric golf cart, consider upgrading to lightweight gears. These are made from materials like magnesium or aluminum that are both strong and light, allowing for quicker acceleration and higher top speeds. Again, be sure to consult with a professional before making any modifications.

“Swapping standard steel gears for super-lightweight aluminum components can drastically reduce rotational mass, leading to increased acceleration and improved overall performance.” -AccelerationNation.com

Install a Limited-Slip Differential

Adding a limited-slip differential can also significantly improve the speed and handling of your electric golf cart. This mechanical device allows the wheels on each side of the axle to turn at different speeds, which can help prevent slipping and sliding on turns and slick surfaces.

“A limited slip differential distributes torque evenly between both rear wheels, providing greater control of the vehicle using less energy. With minimal modification, it can provide up to a 20% greater speed increase while handling curves significantly better.” -TopRankGolfCarts.com

Upgrading your electric golf cart’s gear ratio and components like gears and differentials can greatly improve its performance. Just be sure to consult with a professional before making any changes to ensure you’re choosing the right parts and optimizing your cart’s performance safely.

Reduce Weight and Improve Aerodynamics

If you want to make your electric golf cart faster, reducing weight and improving aerodynamics are two essential steps you should take. Here’s how:

Install Lightweight Wheels

One of the easiest ways to reduce the weight of your golf cart is by installing lightweight wheels. Golf cart wheels made of aluminum or magnesium alloys can weigh significantly less than traditional steel or chrome wheels, making them a perfect choice for weight reduction purposes.

“Reducing unsprung weight has been recognized as one of the most effective ways to enhance vehicle performance” -SEMA

Remove Unnecessary Weight

Another easy way to reduce the weight of your electric golf cart is by removing any unnecessary items from it such as bags, coolers, or clubs that you don’t use often. This will not only help to speed up your golf cart but also improve its range.

“Removing just 1 pound of excess weight can save up to 10 pounds of battery capacity” -Golf Cart Garage

Improve Airflow with Aerodynamic Modifications

To increase the speed of your electric golf cart, you need to ensure that there is minimal air resistance acting upon it. By improving the airflow over your golf cart with simple aerodynamic modifications like adding a front lip spoiler or rear wing, you’ll be able to see improvements in both speed and efficiency.

“Aerodynamics can affect electric vehicles more since they have lower horsepower than gas-powered ones” -The Chronicle Herald

Install a Lowering Kit

A lowering kit reduces the height of your electric golf cart, which lowers its center of gravity, increases stability, and offers improved handling. By doing this, you’ll be able to take sharp turns more efficiently without worrying about tipping over.

“Lowering springs also improve the handling of your golf cart for a better driving experience” -Golf Cart Tire Supply

Frequently Asked Questions