Yes, you can absolutely make your golf cart faster. Many people look for ways to boost their golf cart’s speed, whether for fun, getting around a large property quicker, or keeping up with traffic in planned communities. Making a golf cart faster involves changing key parts. We will look at the best golf cart performance upgrades to help you reach higher speeds safely.
Why Speed Up Your Golf Cart?
Golf carts come set from the factory for low-speed use. They are not made for highway driving. Most stock carts top out around 12 to 15 mph. This is fine for a short trip on a golf course. But if you use your cart to run errands or explore a large area, 15 mph can feel very slow. Increasing golf cart top speed is a common goal for many owners.
The Basics: What Limits Golf Cart Speed?
To know how to go faster, we must first know what slows the cart down. A golf cart’s speed is set by three main things:
- The motor’s power.
- The controller, which manages the power flow.
- The batteries, which supply the energy.
Changing any of these can lead to faster speeds. We will explore each area for the best golf cart speed modifications.
Upgrading the Power Source: Batteries and Wiring
Power is the starting point for speed. A stronger motor needs more juice. If your batteries are weak, new parts will not help much.
Faster Golf Cart Batteries
Your batteries are the heart of your cart’s system. Standard lead-acid batteries work, but they have limits on how fast they can push current.
- Voltage Matters: Most carts run on 36V, 48V, or sometimes 72V systems. Going from 36V to 48V is a big speed boost. If your cart is already 48V, you might be able to push it to 52V or higher, but this requires careful system checks. Higher voltage generally means higher potential speed.
- Type of Battery: Lithium-ion batteries are lighter and hold a charge better than old lead-acid types. They also deliver steady power right to the end, which helps maintain top speed for longer. They are more expensive upfront but offer better long-term performance.
Upgrading Wiring and Cables
Think of the wiring as the road for electricity. If the road is too narrow, the power gets stuck.
- Thicker Cables: Replacing standard, thinner cables with thicker, high-gauge cables reduces resistance. Less resistance means more power gets to the motor quickly. This small change can noticeably improve acceleration and overall power delivery, supporting golf cart performance upgrades.
Modifying the Brain: The Controller
The motor controller is the “brain” of your electric cart. It tells the motor how much power to use based on how far you push the pedal. This is a critical area for speed increases.
Golf Cart Controller Upgrade
Stock controllers are often limited by the factory to keep speeds down and protect the motor.
- Higher Amperage: A new controller can handle more amperage (current flow). More amperage equals more torque and speed from the motor, assuming the motor can handle it. Look for controllers rated for higher amperage (e.g., moving from a 250-amp controller to a 400-amp one).
- Speed Settings: Some advanced controllers allow you to program the speed limits. This lets you fine-tune how fast the cart goes before it hits its programmed limit. This is a direct way of optimizing golf cart for speed.
Golf Cart Speed Chip
The term golf cart speed chip often refers to a programmer or an aftermarket controller that unlocks hidden performance settings. These devices work by tricking the stock controller or replacing it entirely to allow for higher voltage or amperage limits. Always verify that any “chip” is compatible with your cart’s make and model (e.g., Club Car, E-Z-GO, Yamaha).
Safety Note: When installing a high-performance controller, ensure your motor and batteries can handle the extra power. Pushing too much power through stock components can cause them to overheat and fail.
Enhancing the Engine: Motor Upgrades
If you want serious speed, you often need a more powerful motor. The motor dictates the ultimate speed ceiling of your cart.
Golf Cart Motor Upgrades
Motors are rated by power output and revolutions per minute (RPM).
- Higher RPM Motors: A motor designed for higher RPMs will naturally turn the wheels faster. This is the most direct way to increase top speed.
- AC vs. DC Motors: Many modern high-speed conversions move from older DC (Direct Current) motors to modern AC (Alternating Current) motors. AC systems are more efficient, generate less heat, and offer superior speed control and power output compared to their DC counterparts. This is a significant investment but yields the best results for golf cart performance upgrades.
| Motor Type | Typical Stock Speed | High-Performance Potential | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock DC | 12–15 mph | Up to 25 mph | Affordable to replace, lower efficiency. |
| High-Torque DC | 18–22 mph | Up to 30 mph | Better for hills; good middle ground. |
| AC Conversion | 25+ mph | 30–45+ mph | Highest efficiency and speed ceiling; costly. |
Adjusting the Drivetrain: Gearing
Even with a powerful motor, the way power reaches the wheels matters greatly. This is where gearing comes into play.
Golf Cart Gear Ratio Change
Gears are like the gears on your bicycle. A high gear ratio helps you climb hills (torque), while a lower gear ratio helps you go faster on flat ground (speed).
- Changing the Ratio: To increase top speed, you usually need to install a set of lower gears (meaning the driven gear is smaller or the driving gear is larger, resulting in a numerically lower ratio). For example, changing from a 12.41:1 ratio to a 10.86:1 ratio will make the cart faster on flat ground.
- The Trade-Off: This is a crucial point: changing the golf cart gear ratio change for speed always reduces torque. Your cart will have a harder time climbing steep hills or accelerating quickly from a stop, especially with larger tires.
Wheels and Tires: Reducing Rolling Resistance
The tires you use affect how easily your cart moves and how fast it can actually go.
Tire Size and Type
- Larger Tires: Installing larger diameter tires effectively changes the gear ratio in your favor. Since the tire travels farther with each rotation, the cart goes faster for the same motor RPM. If you install a 23-inch tire instead of a stock 18-inch tire, you see an immediate speed boost (though acceleration slows down).
- Tread Matters: Turf tires or smooth street tires have less rolling resistance than aggressive off-road knobby tires. Less rolling resistance means the motor doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain speed.
The Impact of Lift Kits on Speed
A common question is about the golf cart lift kit speed impact. A lift kit itself does not add speed. However, lift kits are often installed to allow for the use of larger tires. It is the larger tires, not the lift kit itself, that affects speed.
- Aerodynamics: A tall lift kit with large, wide tires can increase drag. This means your motor has to fight more air resistance to reach and maintain higher speeds, potentially negating some of the gains made by tire size.
Advanced Aerodynamics and Weight
While less common for basic speed mods, serious tuners look at reducing drag and weight.
Weight Reduction
Electric golf carts are heavy due to batteries and steel frames. Removing unnecessary weight helps acceleration and might slightly improve top speed because the motor needs less energy just to push the cart’s mass.
Aerodynamics
Golf carts are not aerodynamic by nature. They are essentially boxes on wheels. For speeds over 25 mph, wind resistance becomes a major factor.
- Fairings and Windshields: A low-profile or no windshield can slightly reduce drag. Smooth body panels also help. Optimizing golf cart for speed beyond 30 mph requires significant aerodynamic streamlining, which often means modifying the cart’s body structure.
Putting It All Together: A Phased Approach to Speed
Most people find the best results by following a layered approach. Start small and work your way up.
Phase 1: Simple Adjustments (Easy & Affordable)
- Ensure batteries are fully charged and in good condition.
- Check tire pressure (higher pressure reduces rolling resistance).
- Inspect and clean all electrical connections.
Phase 2: Bolt-On Upgrades (Moderate Cost & Effort)
- Install a high-amp golf cart controller upgrade. This often gives the biggest immediate speed boost without replacing the motor.
- Upgrade battery cables to heavy-gauge wiring.
Phase 3: Major Overhaul (High Cost & Effort)
- Install a high-speed motor designed for your voltage system.
- Change the golf cart gear ratio change if you want maximum top speed on flat ground.
- Switch to high-quality lithium batteries for consistent, high-power delivery.
Legal and Safety Considerations
Making your golf cart significantly faster brings up important legal and safety issues.
Road Legality
Local laws dictate where and how fast a golf cart can travel.
- Street Legal Carts: If you plan to drive on public roads, you must research local ordinances. Some areas allow carts up to 25 mph with specific safety equipment (mirrors, turn signals, seatbelts).
- Off-Road Use: If you are only using the cart on private property, speed limits are generally up to you, but safety remains paramount.
Braking and Suspension
Faster speed means you need better stopping power. Stock brakes are designed for 15 mph. If you plan on increasing golf cart top speed above 20 mph, you must upgrade your brakes.
- Hydraulic Brakes: Converting to hydraulic disc brakes offers vastly superior stopping power compared to standard drum brakes.
- Suspension: If you install a lift kit and large tires, the suspension needs attention. A stiff, properly tuned suspension handles the higher speeds and stresses better than a stock setup.
The Math of Speed: Voltage vs. Motor
To help visualize the speed potential, here is a rough guide based on common modifications for a 48V system cart (like many Club Cars or E-Z-GOs).
| Modification Set | Expected Top Speed (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Setup | 12–15 mph | Safe, lowest cost. |
| Controller + Cables Only | 18–22 mph | Good bump, utilizes existing motor better. |
| Controller + High-RPM Motor (48V) | 25–30 mph | Requires careful monitoring of heat. |
| High Voltage Conversion (52V or 72V) + Motor + Gears | 30–40+ mph | Requires total system overhaul; maximum performance. |
Crucial Insight: Simply installing a golf cart speed chip on a stock system might give you 2–3 mph, but it often stresses the controller without solving the underlying power limits. Real speed requires matching the controller, motor, and battery voltage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will a lift kit make my golf cart faster?
No, a lift kit does not directly increase speed. It raises the body clearance. However, lift kits allow you to install larger tires, and the larger tires are what actually increase the speed by traveling farther per wheel rotation.
How fast can I safely go with a golf cart speed chip?
A speed chip alone usually adds only a few miles per hour, maybe 2 to 5 mph over the stock limit, by overriding the software governor. If you want speeds much higher than 20 mph, you need full golf cart performance upgrades like a new motor and controller.
What is the best upgrade for acceleration instead of top speed?
If you prioritize quick take-offs and hill climbing over maximum speed, focus on golf cart motor upgrades that offer high torque (often indicated by a higher “series” rating or specific RPM ratings) and installing a lower golf cart gear ratio change (numerically higher ratio).
Can I put car tires on my golf cart to go faster?
Using true automotive tires is generally unsafe and not recommended. They are much heavier, have higher rolling resistance than specialized low-resistance golf cart tires, and their load ratings might not be ideal for the cart’s frame. Stick to specialized tires designed for carts or light utility vehicles.
Is upgrading to lithium batteries worth the cost for speed?
Yes, for high-performance applications, lithium is highly beneficial. They offer lighter weight, consistent voltage output under heavy load, and faster charging capabilities, all of which support sustained high speeds better than lead-acid batteries. They are key to achieving consistent golf cart performance upgrades.