Unlocking Speed: How Fast Will A Gas Golf Cart Go?

A gas golf cart’s speed varies greatly. Most stock gas golf carts go about 12 to 15 miles per hour (mph). This is their average gas golf cart mph. For some models, the gas golf cart top speed can reach 19 mph right from the factory. So, how fast will a gas golf cart go? It depends on the model, its age, and its setup. We will look at what makes them go faster or slower.

How Fast Will A Gas Golf Cart Go
Image Source: jsgolfcarts.com

Journey into Gas Golf Cart Speed

Gas golf carts are popular. People use them for many things. They are on golf courses. They are in gated communities. They are even on farms. Their speed is important. It affects how you use them. It also affects how safe they are.

Stock Gas Golf Cart Speed

What speed does a gas golf cart have from the factory? This is its stock gas golf cart speed. It usually falls into a set range. Most major brands aim for this range.

Club Car: Often 12 to 15 mph. Some newer models might go up to 19 mph.
EZ-GO: Also 12 to 15 mph. Their faster models can hit 19 mph.
Yamaha: Similar to Club Car and EZ-GO. They typically range from 12 to 19 mph.

These speeds are set on purpose. Golf courses have rules. They want carts to be safe. They do not want them to damage the grass. Makers set speed limits. These limits are for safety. They also help the cart last longer.

You can often find the exact speed. Check the cart’s spec sheet. This sheet comes with the cart. It tells you about its engine. It tells you its top speed too.

Factors Affecting Golf Cart Speed Gas

Many things change how fast a gas golf cart goes. These are called factors affecting golf cart speed gas. Some factors are about the cart. Other factors are about the outside world.

Engine Health and Type

The engine is the heart of the cart. A healthy engine runs well. It makes good power. An old or worn engine makes less power. It will go slower. A bigger engine usually means more power. More power means higher speeds.

Engine Size: Measured in cubic centimeters (cc). A 290cc engine is common. Some carts use 350cc or more. Bigger cc means more power.
Engine RPM: This is how fast the engine spins. Higher RPMs mean more power. This can lead to more speed. We will talk more about gas golf cart engine speed later.
Engine Tune-up: Regular care helps. Air filters, spark plugs, and oil changes keep it strong. A dirty air filter can cut speed. Bad spark plugs mean less power.

Terrain and Load

Where you drive matters a lot. What you carry also matters.

Flat Ground: Carts go fastest on flat, smooth ground. This is where they hit their top speed.
Hills: Going uphill slows a cart down. The engine works harder. It needs more power to climb. Steep hills slow it down more.
Rough Ground: Bumpy trails or deep grass slow carts. The wheels struggle. The engine uses power to overcome friction.
Weight: Every extra pound slows the cart. This includes people and gear. A cart with one driver goes faster. A cart with four big people and bags goes slower. Overloading the cart can harm the engine. It also makes it unsafe.

Tire Type and Pressure

Tires are the cart’s connection to the ground. They play a big role in speed.

Tire Size: Stock golf carts have small tires. They are often 18 inches tall. Larger tires can make the cart go faster. This is because they cover more ground with each turn. But they also need more power to spin.
Tread Pattern: Street tires have smooth treads. They roll easily on pavement. Off-road tires have deep treads. They grip dirt and mud. But they create more drag on pavement. This slows the cart.
Tire Pressure: Correct tire pressure is key. Too little pressure makes the tire flat. It creates more drag. This slows the cart. It also uses more fuel. Too much pressure makes the ride bumpy. It can also make the tires wear out fast. Always check the pressure. The correct pressure is usually on the tire’s sidewall.

Drive Belt and Clutch

The drive belt connects the engine to the wheels. The clutch helps change speed.

Worn Belt: A worn belt can slip. This means the engine’s power does not fully reach the wheels. The cart will lose speed. It might also struggle to climb hills.
Clutch Issues: The clutch system changes gear ratios. It helps the cart get moving. It also helps it reach top speed. If the clutch is bad, it might not shift right. This can make the cart feel weak. It can also make it slow down.

Maintenance

Regular care keeps a cart running well. Lack of care can make it slow.

Oil Changes: Fresh oil keeps engine parts moving smoothly. Old oil can make parts stick. This causes friction. Friction wastes power.
Air Filter: A clean air filter lets the engine breathe. A dirty filter chokes the engine. It cannot get enough air. This cuts power and speed.
Spark Plugs: Spark plugs make the engine fire. Old plugs do not work well. They lead to incomplete burning of fuel. This means less power and lower speed.
Fuel System: The fuel filter can get clogged. The fuel lines can get dirty. This stops enough fuel from reaching the engine. The engine will not run well. It will lose power. It will go slower.

Maximum Speed Gasoline Golf Cart

What is the maximum speed gasoline golf cart can reach? For a stock cart, it is usually 19 mph. Some special models might go a bit faster. They are designed for speed from the start. These carts often have bigger engines. They might have different gear ratios.

Aftermarket parts can make a cart faster. We will talk about these later. But even with mods, golf carts are not meant to be super fast. They are not like cars. They are designed for low speeds. They are for safety in crowded areas. Pushing them too fast can be risky. It can also cause parts to break.

A stock cart’s maximum speed is often limited. Makers put in a speed limiter. This is a small part or setting. It stops the engine from going too fast. This keeps the cart safe. It also helps meet legal limits.

Gas Golf Cart Performance Specs

When you look at a gas golf cart, you see its performance specs. These numbers tell you a lot. They show how the cart might perform.

Engine Type: This tells you the number of cylinders. It tells you if it’s a 4-stroke engine. Most golf carts use single-cylinder, 4-stroke engines. They are simple and reliable.
Horsepower (HP): This measures engine power. More HP means more potential speed. Stock carts often have 9-13 HP.
Torque: This is twisting power. It helps the cart start moving. It also helps it climb hills. More torque means better acceleration. It helps maintain speed on inclines.
Transaxle: This is the gearbox and axle in one unit. It has gears. These gears determine the final speed. A higher gear ratio means more torque but lower top speed. A lower gear ratio means less torque but higher top speed.
Overall Gear Ratio: This is the total gear reduction. It combines the transaxle and clutch ratios. It directly impacts top speed. A lower numerical ratio (e.g., 10:1 instead of 12:1) means higher speed.
Weight: The cart’s dry weight matters. A lighter cart usually goes faster with the same engine.

Here is a simple table of common specs:

Spec Feature	Typical Range (Stock Gas Golf Cart)	Impact on Speed
Engine Size (cc)	290-350 cc	Higher cc, more potential
Horsepower (HP)	9-13 HP	More HP, more speed
Torque	15-20 lb-ft	More torque, better climb
Top Speed (mph)	12-19 mph	How fast it goes
Fuel Tank (Gallons)	5-6 gallons	Range before refueling
Dry Weight (lbs)	500-600 lbs	Lighter cart, potentially faster

These specs give you an idea. They show the cart’s built-in speed potential.

Golf Cart Speed Limits Gas

Golf carts have speed limits. These limits are for safety. They also follow local laws.

Golf Course Limits: Most golf courses set their own limits. They usually want carts to go 10-15 mph. This speed is safe for golfers. It is also safe for the course itself.
Community Limits: Many communities allow golf carts on roads. They set speed limits for these roads. These limits are often 20-25 mph. Sometimes, special street-legal kits are needed. These kits include lights and mirrors.
State Laws: Each state has its own rules. Some states treat golf carts like low-speed vehicles (LSVs). LSVs can go up to 25 mph. They need to meet certain safety standards. Other states have stricter rules. Always check your local laws.
Federal Laws: Federal laws also define LSVs. If a cart meets these standards, it can go on roads with speed limits up to 35 mph. But it must be street-legal. Stock golf carts are not LSVs. They cannot go this fast.

Ignoring speed limits is dangerous. It can lead to accidents. It can also lead to tickets. Always drive safely. Follow all local rules.

How to Make a Gas Golf Cart Faster

You might want your gas golf cart to go faster. There are ways to do this. Some are simple. Some are more complex. Here is how to make a gas golf cart faster.

Adjust the Governor

Most gas golf carts have a governor. This part limits the engine’s speed. It stops the cart from going too fast. You can adjust it.

Finding the Governor: It is near the engine. It has a cable or rod. This cable connects to the carburetor.
Adjusting: You can loosen a nut. Then, you can make the cable longer. This lets the engine spin faster. Do this slowly. A small change makes a big difference.
Caution: Adjusting the governor can harm the engine. It can make parts wear out faster. It can also void your warranty. Go slowly and test it. Do not set it too high.

Upgrade the Tires

Larger tires can increase speed.

Taller Tires: Standard tires are 18 inches. You can put on 20, 22, or even 23-inch tires. Taller tires make the cart go faster. Each rotation covers more ground.
Tire Pressure: Make sure tires are aired up correctly. This reduces rolling resistance. It helps the cart move more freely.
Considerations: Taller tires need a lift kit. This lifts the body of the cart. It makes room for the bigger tires. A lift kit costs money. Taller tires also put more stress on the engine. They might slow acceleration.

Replace the Drive Belt

A new belt can restore lost speed.

Worn Belts: Belts stretch and wear out over time. A worn belt slips. It does not send all the engine’s power to the wheels.
New Belt: A new, tight belt transfers power better. This can bring the cart back to its original speed. It might even add a bit more if the old one was very bad.

Change the Clutch

The clutch system controls how power gets to the wheels.

Primary Clutch Spring: A stiffer spring can make the clutch engage at higher RPMs. This gives more power at launch. It can also help with top speed.
Secondary Clutch Spring: Changing this spring can help with acceleration and top speed. It lets the system shift gears better.
Pulley System: Some kits change the pulleys. These can alter gear ratios. This can lead to higher top speeds.

Improve Air and Fuel Flow

The engine needs air and fuel to run.

Air Filter: Clean or replace the air filter. A clean filter means more air. More air means more power.
Carburetor Cleaning: The carburetor mixes air and fuel. A dirty carburetor works poorly. Clean it to make sure it mixes well. This helps the engine run strong.
Fuel Filter: Replace the fuel filter. A clean filter lets fuel flow freely.

Add a Performance Carburetor

A better carburetor can boost power.

Bigger Jets: These let more fuel into the engine. This can increase power.
Better Design: Performance carbs are designed for more airflow. More air and fuel equals more power.
Tuning: A new carburetor needs tuning. This means adjusting it to match the engine.

Modifying Gas Golf Cart for Speed

More advanced steps involve modifying gas golf cart for speed. These changes cost more. They also need more skill.

Upgrading the Engine

This is a big step. It gives the most speed gain.

Big Bore Kit: This kit changes the engine’s piston and cylinder. It makes the engine larger. A larger engine makes more power. More power means more speed.
Engine Swap: You can replace the whole engine. Some people put in small motorcycle engines. Or they use larger industrial engines. This can make the cart much faster. But it is complex. It needs special mounts. It also needs new wiring.
High-Performance Head: The cylinder head affects airflow. A performance head improves how air goes in and out. This makes the engine more efficient. It produces more power.

Aftermarket Exhaust System

A new exhaust can free up power.

Less Restriction: Stock exhausts can be restrictive. They limit how fast exhaust gases leave the engine.
Performance Exhaust: An aftermarket exhaust lets gases out faster. This allows the engine to breathe better. It adds a few horsepower. It also makes the cart sound louder.

High-Speed Gears

This is a very common speed mod.

Changing Transaxle Gears: Inside the rear end, there are gears. You can swap these for high-speed gears. These gears change the final drive ratio. They make the wheels spin faster for each engine rotation.
Trade-offs: High-speed gears give more top speed. But they reduce torque. This means the cart will accelerate slower. It will also struggle more on hills. It puts more strain on the engine.

Performance Ignition System

A stronger spark can improve combustion.

Coil and CDI: Upgrading the ignition coil and CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) can make the spark hotter. A hotter spark burns fuel better. This gives more power. It can also improve starting.

Weight Reduction

Less weight means more speed and better handling.

Remove Unneeded Parts: Take out back seats. Remove heavy accessories. Every pound helps.
Lighter Materials: Replace heavy parts with lighter ones. For example, some people use lighter wheels.

Modifying Gas Golf Cart for Speed Method	Speed Gain	Cost	Difficulty	Notes
Adjust Governor	Medium	Free	Easy	Can harm engine, void warranty.
Taller Tires (e.g., 23″)	Medium	Medium	Medium	Needs lift kit, slows acceleration.
High-Speed Gears	High	Medium	Hard	Reduces torque, strains engine.
Performance Clutch Kit	Medium	Medium	Medium	Improves acceleration and top speed.
Performance Exhaust	Low	Medium	Easy	Small power gain, louder.
Engine Upgrade (Big Bore/Swap)	Very High	High	Very Hard	Significant power, complex install.
Weight Reduction	Low	Low	Easy	Free speed, better handling.

Gas Golf Cart Engine Speed

Gas golf cart engine speed is measured in RPMs. RPM stands for Revolutions Per Minute. This is how many times the engine crankshaft spins each minute.

Idle RPM: When the cart is stopped, the engine idles. This is a low RPM, maybe 1000-1500 RPM.
Cruising RPM: When you drive, the engine RPM goes up. It might be 2000-3000 RPM for typical speeds.
Maximum RPM: The engine has a safe maximum RPM. This is often around 3600-4000 RPM for stock golf cart engines. The governor limits this. If the engine goes past this limit, it can break. Parts can wear out fast.
RPM and Speed: Higher engine RPM usually means more speed. But this is not always true. The gears also play a role. A cart with high-speed gears might go faster at lower RPMs. A cart with standard gears needs higher RPMs for the same speed.
Engine Noise: Higher RPMs make the engine work harder. This often means more noise. It also uses more fuel.

Monitoring engine RPMs is good. Some carts have an RPM gauge. This helps you know how hard the engine is working. It helps you avoid over-revving.

Remember that mods can change the ideal RPM range. If you change gears, the engine RPMs might be lower at top speed. This can be good for engine life. But if you make the engine rev too high, it shortens its life.

Safety First

Making a golf cart faster can be fun. But safety must come first.

Brakes: Faster carts need better brakes. Stock brakes might not be enough. Upgrade them if you increase speed a lot.
Suspension: High speeds can make the ride bumpy. They can make the cart unstable. Improve the suspension for better control.
Steering: Faster speeds make steering harder. Check your steering system. Make sure it is tight and safe.
Roll Over Risk: Golf carts are not wide. They can tip over easily at high speeds. Be extra careful on turns.
Lights and Horn: If you drive on roads, you need proper lights. You need turn signals and a horn. These are for safety.
Local Laws: Always check local laws. Faster carts might need to be street-legal. They might need safety features.

Think about how you use the cart. If it’s just for golf, stock speed is fine. If it’s for property use, a little more speed might help. If you use it on roads, you need to follow all laws.

Final Thoughts on Speed

The speed of a gas golf cart is not fixed. It depends on many things. It starts with the stock setup. Then, outside factors change it. And finally, you can modify it.

Always think about why you want more speed. Is it for fun? Is it for a specific task? Match the speed to your needs. Do not go too fast. Be safe. A well-maintained cart runs best. It also lasts longer.

The right speed makes your golf cart enjoyable. It keeps it safe. It keeps you safe. Know your cart. Know its limits. Drive smart.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the average speed of a stock gas golf cart?
A1: Most stock gas golf carts go about 12 to 15 mph. Some newer models can reach up to 19 mph from the factory.

Q2: Can I make my gas golf cart go over 20 mph?
A2: Yes, you can. You can adjust the governor. You can install high-speed gears. You can also upgrade engine parts. But be aware of safety risks. Also, check local laws.

Q3: Does putting bigger tires on a golf cart make it faster?
A3: Yes, taller tires can make a golf cart go faster. This is because each tire rotation covers more ground. But they also need more power to turn. This might slow acceleration. You may need a lift kit too.

Q4: How do I know if my golf cart’s governor is limiting its speed?
A4: If your cart slows down when the engine sounds like it’s reaching a limit, it’s likely the governor. It prevents the engine from over-revving. You can often see a cable or rod from the governor to the carburetor.

Q5: Is it safe to modify a gas golf cart for higher speeds?
A5: Modifying for higher speeds has risks. Golf carts are not built like cars. Their brakes, suspension, and stability are for lower speeds. If you increase speed, you should upgrade these safety parts too. Always drive safely.

Q6: What is the cheapest way to make my gas golf cart faster?
A6: The cheapest way is to adjust the governor. This costs nothing. But it can be risky for the engine. Another cheap way is to ensure tires are aired up properly. Also, clean or replace the air filter and spark plugs.

Q7: Will better fuel make my gas golf cart go faster?
A7: Using higher octane fuel will likely not make a stock golf cart faster. These engines are designed for regular unleaded fuel. Use the fuel type the maker suggests. A clean fuel system and filter are more important.

Q8: How does engine RPM relate to gas golf cart speed?
A8: Engine RPM is how fast the engine spins. Generally, higher RPMs mean more power and potential speed. But the actual speed also depends on the cart’s gearing. The governor limits the maximum safe RPM for the engine.