Most people do not know that it is illegal for your golf cart to travel on the street at speeds over 25 MPH depending on the laws in the state. Check out our list of golf cart state laws to help determine what is and is not acceptable. Most Golf Carts that you’ll find for sale are manufactured to go a max of 19.9 MPH with an average top speed of 14-15 MPH. So, let’s say you’re an individual that owns a golf cart that goes less than 25 MPH and wants to see a little more speed. Well, then this is the perfect article for you.
1. Increase your tire and wheel size
By increasing the tire and wheel size on your golf cart, the rotational output from your motor or engine will remain the same, however, you will have gained extra surface area on those rotations resulting from a top speed being increased from as little as 1 MPH to as much as 3 MPH. To get the biggest possible wheels and speed increase on your golf cart though, you may have to install a lift kit onto the unit.
2. Visit your local Dealer
Visit your local dealer for the manufacturer of your golf cart, and they will be able to assist in the possible reprogramming of the controller or modify the governor on a gas engine if they are permitted to do so. Be aware of the dealers that do not represent a manufacturer though as it can potentially lead to an illegal modification that would not be supported by a warranty.
3. Replace the Motor/Engine
Replacing your motor or engine can help achieve higher speeds in most vehicles. Depending on the motor that is purchased, speed gains can range from 2 MPH to 7 MPH. Be careful not to exceed the state law mandated speed limit though as it can lead to a hefty fine and have a hurtful impact on your insurance.
4. Replace the controller
There are numerous performance-modified controllers to increase speed in vehicles. You need to be careful though as this will not only increase top speed, but also acceleration. Acceleration is great, however, keep in mind that you are driving a simple golf cart that was not intended for performance modification. For example, most golf carts approximately have a 300 Amp controller and performance controllers can be as high as 650 amps. That is like going from a 4 cylinder engine to a V8/V10. So be ready for an increase to your joyriding.
If doing the modification yourself, be very careful when working on electric vehicles and make sure all power is cut off to the system. It would ultimately be advised to let a dealer work on your unit. Many automotive individuals try to tackle golf cart technical tasks and find it to be difficult typically due to space restrictions of the internal system.
We hope this article has served you well!
Disclaimer: We do not condone or recommend individuals speed their golf carts past the respective manufacturers posted top speed. We also do not accept any liability for injuries resulting from people that speed up their golf car/golf cart/small electric vehicle or LSV.
