Boost Speed: How To Make Golf Cart Go Faster

Can you make a golf cart go faster? Yes, absolutely! Many people want their golf carts to go faster, whether for cruising, property use, or just having more fun. There are several ways to increase a golf cart’s speed, especially for electric models, by changing parts like the motor or controller or upgrading the battery system.

Golf carts are handy vehicles. People use them for golf, yes, but also around neighborhoods, farms, and large properties. Standard carts usually go about 12 to 15 miles per hour (mph). Some owners want more speed. Maybe they need to cover more ground faster, keep up with traffic in golf cart communities, or just want better performance. Getting more speed involves changing some key parts or settings. It depends on if your cart runs on electricity or gas. Electric carts offer more ways to boost speed with performance parts.

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Why People Want More Speed

Golf carts are built for low speeds. They are safe that way. But sometimes, low speed is not enough.

• Move Faster: You may need to get from one place to another quicker.
• Keep Up: If you live in a community where carts share roads, going faster helps you match the speed of others.
• Go Uphill Better: More power often comes with speed upgrades. This helps on hills.
• More Fun: A faster cart is just more exciting to drive for some people.

Electric vs. Gas Golf Carts

How you make a cart faster depends on what kind it is.

Electric Golf Carts

These are the most common carts today. They run on batteries and an electric motor. Making them faster often means giving the motor more power or letting it spin faster. This is usually done with electronic parts. Upgrading electric carts for speed is often easier than with gas ones. You can change things like the speed controller, motor, and batteries.

Gas Golf Carts

These carts have a small engine, like a car engine but smaller. Making them faster means working on the engine itself. This can involve changing engine parts, adjusting fuel or air, or changing how the engine connects to the wheels. Gas cart upgrades can be more complex and sometimes cost more.

Most speed upgrades focus on electric carts because they are popular and have many performance parts available. Let’s look at electric carts first.

Making Electric Golf Carts Go Faster

Electric golf carts work by sending power from the batteries to a motor, controlled by a device called a speed controller. The motor turns the wheels through a system of gears. You can make the cart faster by changing any of these parts.

Getting to Know Your Golf Cart System

Before you change anything, know your cart. What brand is it (like Club Car, EZ-GO, or Yamaha)? What year was it made? What is the battery voltage (36V, 48V, 72V)? What kind of motor does it have (series or separately excited, also called shunt)? This info helps you pick the right upgrade parts. Look for labels on the cart, motor, and controller. The year and model are usually on a plate near the cup holders or under the seat.

Boost Speed with Key Upgrades

Several main parts can be changed to make an electric golf cart faster.

Speed Controller Upgrade

The speed controller is like the cart’s brain for power. It takes power from the batteries and sends it to the motor. It decides how much power goes and how fast the motor spins. Standard controllers limit speed to save battery power and for safety.

• What It Does: Limits or allows more power to the motor.
• How It Adds Speed: An upgraded controller can send more power to the motor, letting it spin faster and giving you more speed. It can also often be set up to give you more power low down (torque) as well as top speed.
• Types:
  • Programmable Controllers: These are popular performance parts. You can connect them to a computer or handheld tool to set things like top speed, how fast it gets there (acceleration), and how the brakes work when you lift off the pedal (regen braking). This gives you fine control.
  • Non-Programmable Controllers: These are simpler. They might just have a higher speed setting than your old one. You just swap them out.
• Benefits:
  • Higher top speed.
  • Better acceleration (gets up to speed faster).
  • Can improve hill climbing.
  • Often more energy-efficient than stock controllers when set up right.
• Choosing the Right One: Make sure the controller matches your cart’s voltage (36V, 48V, etc.) and motor type (series or separately excited). It should also handle enough amps (electrical current) for your motor and how you drive. More amps usually mean more power.
• Installation: Replacing a controller can be tricky. You deal with high voltage. It’s best to follow the maker’s steps exactly or have someone who knows how to do it. You need to connect wires correctly.

High-Speed Golf Cart Motor

The motor is what makes the wheels turn. The standard motor is made for general use, not speed. Installing a high-speed golf cart motor is a direct way to get more miles per hour.

• What It Does: Converts electrical energy into motion.
• How It Adds Speed: A motor designed for high speed can spin faster than a standard motor when given enough power. It might have different internal parts or winding designs.
• Types (for electric carts):
  • Series Motors: These are simple and strong. They are good for getting a lot of power (torque) for things like climbing hills or hauling heavy loads. They can also go fast, especially with the right controller, but their speed is tied more directly to how much power they get.
  • Separately Excited Motors (often called Shunt or DC SepEx): These motors have more wiring connections. Their speed and torque can be controlled more independently by the speed controller. This makes them very flexible. You can often get good speed and good torque with these using a programmable controller. Many modern carts use this type.
• Benefits:
  • Significant increase in top speed.
  • Often pairs well with an upgraded controller for maximum performance.
  • Motors built for speed are usually stronger overall.
• Trade-offs: High-speed motors might use more battery power, which means shorter range. Some high-speed motors give up some low-end power (torque) to gain speed. You need to decide what is most important for you.
• Choosing the Right One: Make sure the motor is for your cart’s voltage and motor type. Check reviews or ask experts. Look at the motor’s power rating (often in horsepower or watts) and speed rating (RPM or miles per hour it can achieve).
• Installation: Replacing a motor is a bigger job than a controller. It involves lifting the cart safely, removing the old motor, and putting in the new one. You need tools and some mechanical skill. It’s important to connect wires correctly and safely.

Upgrade Golf Cart Batteries for Speed and Power

Batteries are the fuel tank for electric carts. While batteries themselves don’t directly make the motor spin faster, having a better battery system is needed for other speed upgrades to work well.

• What They Do: Store and provide electrical energy.
• How They Help Speed: Speed and power upgrades (like a better controller or motor) need more current (amps) and sometimes higher voltage. If your batteries cannot supply this needed power, the upgrades will not work right, or the batteries might get damaged. Better batteries or more batteries can provide the power needed for faster speeds.
• Increasing Voltage: This is a common way to add speed. Many 36V carts can be changed to 48V by adding two batteries or replacing the whole pack with a 48V system. A higher voltage system pushes more power to the motor, making it go faster. (Caution: This requires compatible controllers and motors or upgrading them too).
• Choosing the Right Batteries:
  • Lead-Acid Batteries: These are the most common. They are heavy and need water added sometimes. Get deep-cycle batteries made for golf carts. Choose batteries with a high Amp-Hour (Ah) rating; this means they can store more energy and supply power for longer, which is good for upgrades that use more power.
  • Lithium Batteries: These are newer and more expensive. They are much lighter, last longer, charge faster, and don’t need water. They also hold their voltage better when power is pulled, which can mean more consistent power for speed upgrades. A fast golf cart conversion often uses lithium batteries because they handle high power demands well.
• Benefits:
  • Supports other speed upgrades by providing needed power.
  • Higher voltage increases potential speed and torque.
  • Better batteries (like lithium) offer longer range and more stable power.
• Installation: Adding batteries or changing voltage requires rewiring the battery pack. This involves high voltage and must be done carefully. Replacing old batteries with new ones of the same type is simpler but still involves heavy lifting and careful connections.

Reprogram Golf Cart Speed (Electronic Control)

For some newer electric carts, especially Club Car and EZ-GO models with certain types of controllers, you might be able to increase the speed limit by changing settings in the controller.

• What It Does: Changes the built-in speed limits set by the maker.
• How It Adds Speed: Many carts have controllers that are set to limit top speed in the factory. Sometimes, you can use a special tool or connect to the controller to change this setting to a higher limit.
• Specific Brands:
  • Club Car Speed Increase: Newer Club Car carts often use controllers (like Curtis controllers) that can be reprogrammed. You might need a handheld programmer or a dealer to do this. There are often speed “codes” or settings that a technician can change.
  • EZ-GO Speed Upgrade: EZ-GO also uses controllers that can be reprogrammed. For some models, like those with Curtis controllers, you might be able to change settings with a programmer. Older EZ-GO carts might need a simple chip or plug change (sometimes called a “speed chip”).
• Benefits:
  • Can be a relatively simple and cheaper way to get a few more mph if your controller allows it.
  • No need to change big parts like the motor or controller itself if it’s already a capable unit.
• Limitations:
  • Not all controllers can be reprogrammed for higher speed. Older or basic controllers might not have this feature.
  • Reprogramming often has limits. You can only go as fast as the motor and controller can handle safely.
  • You might need special tools or dealer help. Some manufacturers require authorized service for reprogramming.

Golf Cart Gear Ratio Change

The gear system connects the motor (or engine) to the wheels. It’s like the transmission in a car. The gear ratio affects how many times the motor turns for one turn of the wheels.

• What It Does: Translates motor spinning into wheel spinning.
• How It Adds Speed: Changing the gear ratio to a “higher” ratio means the wheels will turn more times for each turn of the motor. This makes the cart go faster at the same motor speed. For golf carts, this usually means changing the gears inside the rear axle.
• Types of Changes: You replace the main gear set in the rear axle. A common change is from a ratio around 12.5:1 (motor turns 12.5 times for 1 wheel turn) to something like 8:1 or 6:1. A lower number here means a higher speed ratio.
• Benefits:
  • Can provide a noticeable increase in top speed.
  • Works for both electric and gas carts.
• Trade-offs: Changing the gear ratio for more speed means you lose power low down (torque). The cart will be slower to get started and might struggle more on hills. It’s a trade-off between speed and hill-climbing/hauling power.
• Installation: Changing the rear axle gears is a complex mechanical job. It requires taking apart the rear end of the cart, dealing with grease and seals, and setting up the new gears correctly. This is not a job for beginners.

Other Performance Golf Cart Parts

While the controller, motor, batteries, and gears are the main parts for speed, other parts help the system work better or are needed for safety when going faster.

• Heavy-Duty Solenoid: The solenoid is a large switch that connects the batteries to the controller/motor when you press the pedal. Speed and power upgrades use more current (amps). A standard solenoid might overheat or fail. A heavy-duty solenoid can handle the higher current.
• Thicker Cables: The wires connecting the batteries, controller, motor, and solenoid carry high current. Stock cables might be too thin for higher power setups. Thicker cables (like 4 gauge or 2 gauge) reduce resistance, allowing more power to flow cleanly and preventing heat buildup. This improves performance and safety.
• High-Speed Tires: Some tires are rated for higher speeds than standard golf cart tires. Using these is important for safety if you plan to go significantly faster than the cart’s original design speed. Make sure any new wheels and tires are balanced correctly.

Making Gas Golf Carts Go Faster

Gas golf carts are less common now, but many are still around. Making them faster involves tuning or changing engine parts.

• Engine Tuning: Adjusting the carburetor (controls fuel/air mix) and governor (limits engine speed) can give a little more speed. The governor is a key part that limits how fast the engine spins; adjusting it or removing it can increase top speed, but be careful not to over-rev the engine.
• Air Intake and Exhaust: Letting the engine breathe better can help. A high-flow air filter or a modified exhaust system can improve engine performance and speed slightly.
• Clutch Adjustment/Upgrade: Gas carts use clutches like a motorcycle or scooter. The clutch helps the engine connect to the wheels smoothly. Adjusting the clutch or upgrading to a performance clutch can change how the cart gets up to speed and its top end, though this is less common than electric cart upgrades.
• Engine Swap: The most extreme option is replacing the small golf cart engine with a larger, more powerful engine (like from a motorcycle or small car). This is a big, complex, and expensive project that changes the cart a lot. It’s basically a fast golf cart conversion into something much more powerful.

Combining Upgrades: Fast Golf Cart Conversion

Getting really high speeds (say, over 25-30 mph) on an electric cart usually requires more than just one upgrade. A fast golf cart conversion often involves a mix of these changes:

• High-Amp Programmable Controller: Lets you control power delivery.
• High-Speed Motor: Designed to spin faster.
• Higher Voltage Battery System (like 48V or 72V): Provides the power needed by the controller and motor. Lithium batteries are often used here.
• Heavy-Duty Solenoid and Cables: To handle the higher current.
• Potentially a Golf Cart Gear Ratio Change: To push top speed even higher if needed, often trading off some initial power.

Putting these parts together needs careful planning. The parts must work well with each other. For example, a high-speed motor needs a controller that can give it enough power. A higher voltage battery system requires a controller and motor rated for that voltage.

Important Considerations When Increasing Speed

Making a golf cart go faster is exciting, but it’s very important to think about safety and other effects.

Safety First: Brakes, Suspension, and Tires

A cart going faster needs to stop faster and handle better.

• Brakes: Standard golf cart brakes are made for low speeds. At higher speeds, they might not stop you quickly enough. Upgrading to better brakes, like disc brakes on the front, is strongly recommended for carts going over 20 mph.
• Suspension: Standard suspension is soft and not made for speed or rough ground at speed. An upgraded or heavy-duty suspension kit improves stability, handling, and ride comfort at higher speeds. It helps keep the wheels on the ground and gives you better control.
• Tires: As mentioned, use tires rated for the speed you plan to reach. Make sure they are in good condition and inflated properly.

Stability and Handling

Higher speed makes a cart less stable, especially when turning.

• Lift Kits and Tires: While popular for looks, lift kits and large, aggressive tires can make a cart less stable at speed. If you lift the cart, consider widening the wheel base or using parts that improve stability.
• Driving: Drive carefully! A golf cart is not a car. Slow down for turns. Be aware that they can tip over more easily than cars.

Battery Range

Speed and power use more energy. Upgrading for speed will almost always reduce how far you can go on a single charge compared to a standard cart. This is especially true if you use the extra speed often. Better batteries or a higher voltage system can help, but range will likely still be less than a stock cart driven slowly.

Legal Rules

Know the rules where you plan to drive your faster cart.

• Speed Limits: Many places have speed limits for golf carts, often around 15-20 mph. Driving faster than allowed can lead to tickets or problems.
• Where You Can Drive: Some areas only allow golf carts on certain roads or paths. Speed limits on roads can affect if a cart is allowed.
• Registration and Insurance: If you make big changes to a cart and drive it on roads, you might need to register it or get special insurance. Rules vary a lot by location.

Cost

Upgrading a golf cart for speed costs money.

• Parts: Controllers, motors, batteries, and gear kits can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the performance level and brand.
• Installation: If you cannot do the work yourself, paying a shop to install parts adds to the cost. Complex jobs like motor or gear swaps cost more for labor.
• Extra Costs: Don’t forget costs for safety upgrades (brakes, suspension, tires) and possibly tools or shop supplies.

Step-by-Step Plan (General Idea)

1. Figure Out Your Goal: How fast do you want to go? How important is hill climbing? What is your budget?
2. Know Your Cart: Brand, year, voltage, motor type (series or sep-ex).
3. Choose Your Upgrade Path: Based on goals, cart type, and budget (e.g., controller only, controller + motor, voltage increase, full conversion).
4. Pick Parts: Research specific Golf cart speed controller upgrade, high-speed golf cart motor, upgrade golf cart batteries for speed, golf cart gear ratio change kits, performance golf cart parts. Make sure parts match your cart and work together.
5. Plan Safety Upgrades: Decide what safety parts you need (brakes, suspension, tires) based on the speed increase.
6. Install: Install the parts carefully. Follow instructions. Consider getting help for complex jobs.
7. Test Slowly: Test the cart in a safe, open area. Get used to the new speed and handling.
8. Add Safety Parts: Install brake, suspension, and tire upgrades.
9. Learn the Rules: Understand local speed limits and where you can drive.

Comparing Common Electric Speed Upgrades

Here is a simple look at how different electric upgrades change speed and other things.

Upgrade Type	Main Effect on Speed	Other Effects	Difficulty to Install	Cost (Rough Idea)
Reprogram Controller (if possible)	Small to Medium	Can change how it drives, maybe less range	Easy (if you have tool)	Low to Medium
Speed Controller Upgrade	Medium to Large	Better acceleration, can improve hills, less range	Medium	Medium
High-Speed Motor	Large	Can lose some low-end power, less range	Hard	Medium to High
Higher Voltage Battery System	Large	Better performance overall, needs other parts too	Hard	High
Golf Cart Gear Ratio Change	Large	Loses low-end power (torque), harder on hills	Very Hard	Medium
Full Fast Golf Cart Conversion	Very Large	Needs all parts to match, high cost, less range	Very Hard	Very High

This table is a general guide. The actual results depend on your specific cart and the parts you use.

Looking at Club Car and EZ-GO Upgrades

These are the two biggest names in golf carts. They have been making carts for a long time, and many parts are available for them. Club Car speed increase and EZ-GO speed upgrade projects are very common.

• Club Car: Many newer Club Car carts use AC drive systems or advanced DC systems that rely heavily on the controller. Reprogramming the controller or replacing it with an aftermarket one is very popular. Motor upgrades are also common.
• EZ-GO: EZ-GO also uses different systems depending on the model and year. Older DC carts might use a simple “speed chip” or plug. Newer carts with controllers (like the Curtis or others) can often be reprogrammed or have the controller replaced. Motor and battery upgrades are standard ways to increase electric EZ-GO speed.

For both brands, it is key to know your specific model. Parts are made to fit certain carts. A part for a 2010 Club Car Precedent might not fit a 2020 Club Car Onward.

Keeping It Safe

Let’s say it again: Safety is not optional. If you make your cart go faster, you must make sure it can handle the speed. Better brakes are critical. Imagine trying to stop a 1200-pound cart going 25 mph with brakes made for 12 mph. It will take much longer and be more dangerous. Improved suspension helps keep control, especially if you hit bumps or turn quickly. And good tires that can handle the speed are a must. Don’t skip the safety parts to save money.

Final Thoughts on Boosting Speed

Making your golf cart faster is definitely possible and can make it more fun or useful. Electric carts offer the most common paths through upgrades like a Golf cart speed controller upgrade, adding a high-speed golf cart motor, or doing an upgrade golf cart batteries for speed. Changing the golf cart gear ratio is another way. For some, reprogramming golf cart speed might be an option. Putting several of these together can lead to a fast golf cart conversion.

Just remember to do your homework, pick parts that work together, and always, always think about safety. Adding better brakes and suspension is just as important as adding speed. Also, be aware of the rules where you plan to drive. With the right parts and care, you can safely boost your cart’s speed and enjoy the ride.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How much faster can I make my golf cart?

A: It depends on the cart and the upgrades. Simple changes might add 3-5 mph. Major upgrades like a new controller and motor or a voltage increase can double the stock speed, reaching 25-30 mph or even more with extensive work (like a fast golf cart conversion).

Q: Is it hard to install speed upgrade parts?

A: It varies. Reprogramming might be easy if you have the tool. Swapping a controller is medium difficulty. Changing a motor or installing a gear kit is harder and requires mechanical skill. Working with batteries and high voltage is always risky and needs care.

Q: Will making my cart faster use more battery power?

A: Yes, usually. Going faster requires more energy from the batteries. This means your cart will not go as far on a charge as it did before the speed upgrades, especially if you use the extra speed often.

Q: Do I need to upgrade my brakes if I make my cart faster?

A: Yes! This is very important. Standard brakes are not made for higher speeds. Upgrading your brakes (like adding front disc brakes) is strongly recommended for safety if you significantly increase your cart’s speed.

Q: Can I just change the gear ratio for more speed?

A: Yes, you can change the golf cart gear ratio. This will increase top speed but will make the cart slower to start and weaker on hills. It’s a trade-off, and it’s also a complex installation job.

Q: Are speed chips real, or do they work?

A: For some older EZ-GO carts with certain types of controllers, there was a simple plug or “chip” that could be changed to unlock a higher speed setting. This is a form of reprogramming golf cart speed. Not all carts use this method today.

Q: What is the best way to increase electric golf cart speed?

A: There is no single “best” way; it depends on your goals and budget. Often, a combination of a Golf cart speed controller upgrade and a high-speed golf cart motor provides a good balance of speed and power. Upgrading batteries for speed is also important to support these changes.

Q: Will upgrading my motor hurt my batteries?

A: A more powerful or faster motor will draw more current from the batteries, especially during acceleration and at high speed. If your batteries are old, small, or not made for high current, they could be damaged or wear out faster. Upgrading golf cart batteries for speed (getting newer, higher-capacity, or possibly lithium batteries) is often needed to support a motor upgrade.