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Golf Cart Speed: How Fast Do Electric Golf Carts Go
How fast do electric golf carts go? Most electric golf carts go about 15 to 20 miles per hour. This is their normal speed. The average speed of electric golf cart is usually in this range. This speed is good for playing golf or driving around a quiet neighborhood.
What’s the Usual Speed?
Electric golf carts have different speeds. The speed often depends on what they are used for. A cart on a golf course usually goes between 10 and 15 golf cart speed in mph. This speed is slow enough for the golf game. It is also safe for walking players.
Carts used off the golf course, like in planned communities or parks, might go a little faster. They often go between 15 and 20 golf cart speed in mph. This speed is good for getting from one place to another nearby.
The maximum speed electric golf cart can reach might be a bit higher than the normal speed. Some carts might go up to 25 mph right out of the factory. But this is not common for carts made just for golf.
Factors That Change Speed
Many things can change how fast an electric golf cart goes. These are like different parts and conditions that affect the speed. Knowing these factors affecting golf cart speed helps you understand why some carts are faster than others.
The Motor
The motor is like the cart’s engine. It makes the wheels turn. A stronger motor can make the cart go faster. Motors have different power levels. More power means the cart can reach a higher speed or get to its top speed faster.
The Controller
The controller is the brain of the electric cart. It tells the motor how much power to use. The controller gets power from the batteries. It sends that power to the motor. A basic controller might limit the speed. A more advanced controller can allow the motor to use more power. This can make the cart faster. A golf cart controller upgrade is one way people try to increase speed. It can manage power better and often lets the cart go faster than with the old controller.
The Batteries
Electric carts use batteries for power. The health and power of the batteries are very important for speed.
* Battery Charge: Full batteries give more power. Low batteries give less power. So, a cart with full batteries will go faster than one with low batteries.
* Battery Type and Age: Newer, well-kept batteries work better. Old or weak batteries might not give enough power for good speed. The type of battery matters too. Some battery setups give more power than others.
The Weight
How much weight is in the cart changes its speed. More weight means the motor has to work harder. This makes the cart go slower. This includes the weight of people, golf clubs, or anything else you carry. A cart with one person will go faster than a cart with four people and lots of gear.
The Ground (Terrain)
The type of ground you drive on matters a lot.
* Flat ground: Carts go fastest on flat, smooth ground.
* Hills: Going up a hill slows a cart down a lot. The motor has to work very hard against gravity.
* Rough ground: Driving on grass, dirt, or uneven ground is harder for the cart. It makes the cart go slower than on a smooth path.
The Tires
The tires affect speed in a few ways.
* Tire Pressure: Tires need the right amount of air. Tires with too little air make the motor work harder. This slows the cart down.
* Tire Size: Bigger tires can make the cart go faster without changing anything else in the motor or controller. This is because the wheels cover more ground with each turn. But bigger tires can also make the motor work harder to start moving.
* Tire Type: Tires meant for roads roll easier than tires meant for off-road. This can affect speed.
Maintenance
Keeping the cart in good shape helps it go its best speed.
* Clean Parts: Dirty or rusty parts can create drag. This slows the cart.
* Good Connections: Battery cables need to be clean and tight. Loose or dirty connections mean less power gets to the motor. Less power means less speed.
* Proper Lubrication: Moving parts need grease or oil. This helps them move easily and stops things from rubbing too much.
The Speed Limiter
Many golf carts have a part called a golf cart speed limiter. This is put in the cart by the factory. Its job is to stop the cart from going faster than a certain speed. This speed is often set for safety on a golf course. The limiter might be part of the controller or a separate piece. It cuts power to the motor when the cart reaches the set speed.
How to Increase Golf Cart Speed
Many people want their golf cart to go faster. Maybe they use it more off the golf course. There are ways to try and make a cart go faster. But it is important to know the risks and rules.
Changing the Controller
One common way is a golf cart controller upgrade. The controller tells the motor what to do. The factory controller might limit speed. A new, higher-power controller can send more power to the motor. It can also be set up to allow a higher top speed. Getting a better controller can make a big difference in speed and how fast the cart gets going.
Getting a High Speed Motor
The motor makes the cart move. Putting in a high speed golf cart motor is another way to go faster. These motors are made to spin faster or produce more power at higher speeds than a standard motor. A new motor often works best when paired with a matching controller upgrade. They work together to give the cart more zip.
Changing Gears
The gears in the cart’s rear end affect how fast the wheels turn compared to the motor. Changing the gears can be like changing gears on a bike. You can swap the standard gears for “high speed gears.” This makes the wheels turn faster for the same motor speed. This can increase top speed. But it might make the cart slower when going up hills or from a stop.
Using Different Tires
As noted before, tire size matters. Putting on bigger tires (with larger outside diameter) can make the cart go faster. For every turn of the wheel, the cart travels a greater distance. But you must make sure the tires fit. Also, bigger tires can make steering and stopping different. They also make the motor work harder, which can use up battery power faster.
Improving Batteries
Making sure your batteries are healthy is the first step. Getting new, strong batteries helps the cart run its best. Some people might upgrade to different types of batteries, like lithium batteries. These can be lighter and give power differently, which can help performance.
Taking Off the Speed Limiter
Some older carts or certain models have a physical golf cart speed limiter. It might be a small part that can be changed or taken off. For example, on some carts, it’s a governor rod or a small chip. Removing or changing this part can unlock more speed. But this is often meant to keep the cart safe and legal for golf courses. Removing it can be unsafe and might not be allowed where you drive. It is important to know what kind of limiter your cart has.
Table: Common Speed Ranges and Factors
Here is a simple look at how speed can change:
| Type of Cart / Situation | Typical Speed Range (mph) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Golf Course Cart | 10 – 15 | Limited for safety on the course. |
| Normal Neighborhood Cart | 15 – 20 | Good for general use, slightly faster. |
| Street Legal Cart (NEV) | Up to 25 | Built to meet road rules, speed limited by law. |
| Modified Cart | 25 – 35+ | Has upgrades like controllers, motors, gears. Speed depends on upgrades. |
| Going Uphill | Much Slower | Motor works harder against gravity. |
| Carrying Heavy Load | Slower | Motor works harder with more weight. |
| Driving on Grass/Rough | Slower | More resistance than pavement. |
Legal Speed Limits
Not all golf carts can be driven on public roads. The rules are different in different places.
Street Legal Golf Carts (NEVs)
Some carts are made to be driven on streets. These are often called street legal golf cart speed vehicles or Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs). These carts meet special rules. These rules are set by the government. They include things like headlights, taillights, turn signals, seat belts, and often a top speed limit.
The neighborhood electric vehicle speed limit is usually set by law. In many places, NEVs are limited to a top speed of 25 mph. They can only be driven on roads with speed limits up to a certain speed, like 35 mph. These carts are different from regular golf carts. They are built stronger and have more safety features.
Regular Golf Carts on Roads
Most golf carts are not street legal. They are made for golf courses or private property. Driving a regular golf cart on public roads is often against the law. If it is allowed, there are usually strict rules. These might include speed limits, hours you can drive, and where you can drive. Their speed is usually too low for regular traffic. This can be unsafe.
Why Speed Limits Keep Us Safe
Speed limits on golf carts are there for good reasons. Golf carts are not like cars. They are smaller, lighter, and do not have the same safety features.
- They Can Tip Over: Golf carts have a higher center of gravity than cars. They can tip more easily, especially when turning fast or on hills. Going too fast makes tipping more likely.
- No Safety Gear: Most golf carts do not have seat belts, airbags, or strong frames like cars. If you crash or tip, there is little to protect you.
- Stopping Takes Longer: Golf carts often have simple brakes. Going faster means you need more distance to stop. This is true for both electric and gas carts.
- Not Seen By Cars: Golf carts are small and quiet. Drivers in cars might not see them easily, especially if the cart is going faster than expected.
Trying to make a golf cart go very fast can make it dangerous. It might not handle well at high speeds. The brakes might not be strong enough. The tires might not be right for faster speeds. Always think about safety first.
Choosing the Right Cart
When you buy a golf cart, think about how you will use it.
* If you only play golf, a standard speed cart is fine. It meets the course rules and is safe there.
* If you drive around a large community or need to travel short distances, a cart with a bit more speed might be better. Look for one that naturally goes 18-20 mph.
* If you plan to drive on roads where allowed, you need a street legal NEV. These are designed for that use and meet the safety rules. They will go up to the legal neighborhood electric vehicle speed.
Do not buy a golf cart meant for golf and then try to make it go 40 mph for street use. It is not built for that speed. It will not be safe or legal.
Keeping Your Cart Working Well
Taking good care of your electric golf cart helps it run its best speed.
* Keep the batteries charged and clean.
* Check tire pressure often.
* Keep the motor and other parts clean.
* Have the cart checked by a professional sometimes.
* Make sure all connections are tight.
Good care helps the motor and controller work right. This lets the cart reach its normal speed. Poor care can make a cart slower over time.
Comprehending Speed Limits on Golf Carts
Understanding why speed limits exist on golf carts is important. They are not just random rules. They are put in place to match the cart’s design and where it is used.
- On a golf course, speeds are kept low (10-15 mph) to be safe around walkers and the game.
- In neighborhoods, speeds might be a bit higher (15-20 mph), but still lower than cars. This is for safety on paths or slow streets.
- Street legal NEVs have a set street legal golf cart speed (usually 25 mph). This speed is picked because it is safe for slower roads (like 35 mph zones). The vehicles are also built with more safety items.
Ignoring these limits or making a cart go much faster than it was designed for adds risk. It is key to use your golf cart in the way it was meant to be used.
FAQ
Here are some common questions about how fast electric golf carts go.
How fast is a typical electric golf cart?
A typical electric golf cart goes about 15 to 20 miles per hour. This is the average speed of electric golf cart models used in many places outside of golf courses.
What is the fastest an electric golf cart can go?
The maximum speed electric golf cart models can reach from the factory is usually around 20-25 mph. Some higher-end or special models might go slightly faster. Carts that have been changed with upgrades like a high speed golf cart motor or better controller can go much faster, maybe 30 mph or more, but this is not standard.
Can I make my electric golf cart go faster?
Yes, you can often make an electric golf cart go faster. Ways include upgrading the controller, changing the motor, adding high speed gears, or sometimes changing or removing a golf cart speed limiter. But always think about safety and if it is legal where you drive.
How fast are street legal golf carts?
Street legal golf cart speed is usually limited to 25 mph. These vehicles are called NEVs (Neighborhood Electric Vehicles). This neighborhood electric vehicle speed is set by law so they can be used safely on certain public roads.
What is a golf cart speed limiter?
A golf cart speed limiter is a part or setting that stops the cart from going above a certain speed. Factories put these in carts for safety or to meet rules. It might be a mechanical part or a setting in the controller.
Are there special parts to make a golf cart faster?
Yes, people use special parts to increase speed. A common part is a golf cart controller upgrade, which manages power to the motor better. Another part is a high speed golf cart motor, designed to spin faster and give more power at higher speeds. High speed gears can also be added to the rear end.