Make Golf Cart Faster: Essential Upgrades & Safety Tips

Feeling like your golf cart is stuck in slow motion? Whether you’re navigating sprawling golf courses, managing large properties, or just cruising your community, a standard-speed cart can feel limiting. Many owners find themselves frustrated by the slow pace, especially when needing efficiency or simply wanting a bit more pep for recreational fun. It can seem daunting trying to figure out how to safely and effectively increase your cart’s speed without breaking the bank or running afoul of local rules.

To make your golf cart faster, key methods include upgrading the motor and controller for more power, installing higher voltage batteries (like 48V lithium-ion), adjusting gear ratios for higher top speed, fitting larger diameter tires, and potentially modifying or removing the speed limiter after checking regulations.

Ready to leave the slow lane behind? This guide dives deep into the proven strategies for how to make a golf cart fast. We’ll cover everything from simple tweaks to major performance upgrades, explore cost considerations, and crucially, highlight the essential safety and legal factors you must consider. Stick around, and you’ll learn exactly how to unlock your golf cart’s true speed potential, safely and effectively.

Key Facts:
* Standard Speed Limit: Most factory-standard electric golf carts are designed with a top speed of around 15 miles per hour to comply with general regulations and safety standards.
* Tire Size Impact: Simply installing larger diameter tires (e.g., increasing from standard 18-inch to 20-inch or more) can add 2-4 mph to your cart’s top speed without other modifications.
* Voltage Boost: Upgrading an electric cart’s system voltage (e.g., from 36V to 48V) significantly increases the power delivered to the motor, resulting in noticeable gains in both speed and acceleration.
* Handling Considerations: Increasing speed significantly alters a golf cart’s handling characteristics; upgraded brakes and suspension may be necessary to maintain safe control at higher velocities.
* Street Legal Limits: Be aware that many local jurisdictions cap the maximum speed for street-legal golf carts, often between 20 and 25 mph, regardless of modification potential.

Why Consider Making Your Golf Cart Faster?

Making a golf cart faster enhances efficiency for covering larger areas, improves recreational enjoyment, and allows for better performance on varied terrains. However, modifications require careful consideration of safety, cost, and local regulations before proceeding with upgrades.

For many, the standard 12-15 mph top speed of a typical golf cart just doesn’t cut it. If you use your cart for more than just a leisurely round of golf – perhaps for transportation around a large property, a gated community, or even for utility purposes – speed translates directly to efficiency. Covering more ground in less time can be a significant practical advantage.

Beyond practicality, there’s the simple enjoyment factor. A faster cart can be more fun to drive, adding a bit of excitement to your journeys. Furthermore, enhanced performance, including better acceleration and the ability to maintain speed on inclines, improves the overall driving experience, especially if you frequently encounter hilly terrain or need to carry passengers or cargo. Customizing your cart for speed is a popular way owners personalize their vehicles to better suit their specific needs and preferences.

How Can You Make Your Golf Cart Faster?

Increase golf cart speed by upgrading the motor and controller, installing higher voltage batteries (like lithium-ion), adjusting gear ratios for higher top-end speed, installing larger tires, and potentially adjusting or removing the speed limiter (check regulations). These modifications address the core components limiting factory speed.

Achieving significant speed gains often involves tackling the powertrain and related systems. Factory settings prioritize safety and compliance over raw speed. By strategically upgrading components like the motor, controller, and batteries, you can overcome these limitations. Let’s break down the most effective methods:

Adjust or Remove the Speed Limiter

Locate the speed limiter, often near the motor or controller. Depending on the model (like an EZGO PDS or Kandi), you might adjust a linkage, remove a spring, install a speed chip, or reprogram the controller. Always verify local laws before modifying factory speed settings, as tampering might be illegal or void warranties.

Most golf carts, both electric and gas, come with a speed limiter or governor from the factory. This device restricts the engine’s RPMs or the electric motor’s power output to keep the cart within safe and legally compliant speed ranges (typically around 15 mph). Modifying this limiter is often one of the first steps enthusiasts take.

• Gas Carts: Often involve adjusting a governor spring or cable connected to the carburetor. Tightening the spring or adjusting the cable can allow the engine to reach higher RPMs.
• Electric Carts: The method varies significantly by model. Older carts might have mechanical adjustments. Newer carts, especially those with PDS (Precision Drive System) like many EZGOs, often rely on electronic controllers. Modifying these might involve:
  • Speed Codes/Chips: Some manufacturers offer official speed upgrades via codes or plug-in chips that reprogram the controller for higher speeds (e.g., up to 19.5 mph).
  • Controller Reprogramming: Aftermarket programmers or technicians can sometimes reprogram the stock controller for higher speeds, though this often voids warranties.
  • Bypassing/Replacing: In some cases, the limiting function is part of the controller itself, requiring an aftermarket controller replacement to fully remove speed restrictions (discussed later).
• Caution: Modifying the speed limiter increases speed but doesn’t inherently improve braking or handling. Proceed with caution and consider other safety upgrades. Always check if modifications affect your cart’s street-legal status.

Upgrade to High-Performance Batteries

Upgrade from standard lead-acid to lighter lithium-ion batteries for consistent power delivery. Increasing battery voltage (e.g., converting a 36V system to 48V) delivers significantly more power to the motor, boosting top speed and acceleration. Lithium options also offer faster charging, longer lifespan, and reduced weight compared to traditional lead-acid batteries.

The battery pack is the “fuel tank” of your electric golf cart. More available power directly translates to higher potential speed and better performance, especially under load or on hills.

• Voltage Upgrade (e.g., 36V to 48V): This is a common and effective upgrade. A higher voltage system pushes more electricity to the motor, allowing it to spin faster and produce more torque. This typically requires replacing the batteries, the controller, the solenoid, and sometimes the charger and motor to handle the increased voltage safely and effectively. While a significant investment, it yields substantial performance gains. High-quality 48V carts, like the Kandi 2P, 4P, and 6P models, showcase the speed potential of advanced battery tech.
• Lithium-Ion Conversion: Replacing heavy lead-acid batteries with lighter, more energy-dense lithium-ion batteries offers several advantages. Lithium batteries maintain voltage better under load (less speed drop on hills), charge much faster, last significantly longer, and reduce the overall weight of the cart, which can slightly improve acceleration and efficiency. While often more expensive upfront, their longevity and performance can make them cost-effective long-term.

Key Takeaway: Upgrading batteries, especially increasing voltage or switching to lithium-ion, is a foundational step for serious speed enhancement in electric golf carts. Ensure all system components are rated for the new voltage/power.

Optimize the Motor and Controller

Install a high-RPM motor for greater top-end speed, or upgrade the controller to allow more current (amps) flow from the batteries to the motor. Ensure the motor and controller are compatible and properly rated for your battery voltage for optimal performance gains. An upgraded controller often unlocks the full potential of both stock and aftermarket motors.

The electric motor converts electrical energy into rotational force, while the controller regulates how much power flows from the batteries to the motor. Upgrading one or both is crucial for significant speed increases.

• Motor Upgrade: Factory motors are typically balanced for efficiency and moderate speed. Aftermarket motors come in two main types:
  • High-Speed (High RPM) Motors: Designed to spin faster, directly increasing the potential top speed. They might sacrifice some low-end torque (pulling power).
  • High-Torque Motors: Provide more pulling power, better for hills and acceleration, but may not increase top speed as dramatically as a speed motor.
  • Choosing depends on your priority: maximum speed on flats (speed motor) or better hill climbing and acceleration (torque motor). Some custom-built motors aim for a balance. As seen in DIY builds, fitting a larger, more powerful motor like those from Electrical Motor Products might be possible, but ensure physical compatibility.
• Controller Upgrade: The stock controller often limits the amperage delivered to the motor and may incorporate speed-limiting logic. An aftermarket controller (like the Alltrax DCX 500 mentioned in the video example) can:
  • Handle higher voltage and amperage, crucial for upgraded batteries and motors.
  • Remove factory speed limitations.
  • Offer programmability, allowing you to fine-tune acceleration curves, top speed, and regenerative braking via computer software.
  • Provide more power to even a stock motor, often yielding noticeable speed gains.
• Compatibility is Key: The motor, controller, and battery pack must be compatible in terms of voltage and amperage ratings. Mismatched components can lead to poor performance or component failure (like the melted motor mentioned in the video!). Using heavier gauge cables (like #2 welding leads) is also recommended for upgraded systems to handle increased current flow. A heavy-duty solenoid (e.g., 400 amp) is essential to handle the higher power switching demands.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTpqLRNB7oc

Adjust Gear Ratios

Changing to a numerically lower gear ratio (e.g., from 12.5:1 to 8:1) in the differential allows for higher top speeds, especially on flat terrain. This modification often requires professional installation and typically reduces low-end torque or hill-climbing power as a trade-off.

The gears in the rear differential determine the ratio between motor rotations and wheel rotations. Factory gears usually offer a balance between speed and torque.

• High-Speed Gears: Installing gears with a lower numerical ratio (e.g., 8:1 instead of the stock 12.5:1) means the wheels turn more times for each motor revolution. This results in a higher potential top speed.
• Torque Trade-off: The downside is reduced torque multiplication, meaning less power for acceleration and climbing hills. High-speed gears are best suited for flat terrain where maintaining speed is the priority.
• Installation: Changing differential gears is a more involved mechanical process, often best left to experienced mechanics.

Install Larger Tires

Installing larger diameter tires (e.g., 20-inch, 22-inch, or even 23-inch compared to standard 18-inch) increases the ground covered per revolution, potentially adding 2-4 mph to the top speed without other mods. Ensure proper inflation, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and negate potential speed gains.

This is one of the simplest ways to gain a bit more speed. A larger tire covers more distance with each rotation.

• How it Works: If your motor and gears spin the axle at the same speed, a larger tire effectively increases the final drive ratio, leading to a higher ground speed.
• Considerations:
  • Clearance: Ensure larger tires fit without rubbing on the body or suspension. A lift kit is often required for significantly larger tires.
  • Torque Impact: Larger tires effectively increase the gearing, which can slightly reduce acceleration and hill-climbing ability, similar to changing gear ratios.
  • Inflation: Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure. Low pressure increases rolling resistance, slowing you down.
  • ** speedometer Accuracy:** Larger tires will cause your speedometer (if equipped) to read lower than your actual speed.

What Other Factors Influence Golf Cart Speed?

Optimize golf cart speed by reducing unnecessary weight, potentially improving aerodynamics with additions like air dams, and performing regular maintenance. Ensure battery terminals are clean, tires are properly inflated to the recommended PSI, and all electrical connections are secure and free of corrosion.

Beyond major component upgrades, several other factors can subtly affect your cart’s performance and efficiency, contributing to or detracting from its top speed. Paying attention to these details can help you squeeze out every last bit of performance.

Reduce Unnecessary Weight

Removing excess weight leads to better acceleration and potentially higher top speeds by reducing the load on the motor. Simple steps include removing unnecessary accessories, cargo, or accumulated debris.

Every extra pound requires more energy to move. While you might not strip your cart down to bare bones, consider removing heavy items you don’t regularly need. This could include:

• Heavy aftermarket rear seats if rarely used.
• Excessive tools or equipment stored on board.
• Accumulated mud or debris.
• Switching from heavy lead-acid batteries to lighter lithium-ion significantly reduces weight.

Lighter carts accelerate quicker and may reach a slightly higher top speed as the motor has less mass to propel.

Enhance Aerodynamics

Improving aerodynamics reduces wind resistance, which becomes increasingly significant at higher speeds. Consider aerodynamic wheel covers, a lowered stance (if practical), or potentially adding an air dam, though aesthetic impact varies.

Golf carts aren’t known for their sleek profiles. Their boxy shape creates considerable wind resistance, especially as speeds increase beyond 15-20 mph. While major aerodynamic modifications are uncommon, some potential improvements include:

• Smoother Wheel Covers: Less turbulence than open-spoke wheels.
• Lowering: Reduces the frontal area and airflow underneath.
• Windshields: While necessary for comfort, ensure they are angled correctly and don’t create excessive drag. Raked windshields are generally more aerodynamic.
• Air Dams/Spoilers: Less common on carts, but theoretically could manage airflow.

The gains from aerodynamic tweaks are usually minor at typical golf cart speeds but become more relevant as you push towards 25 mph and beyond.

Perform Regular Maintenance

Consistent maintenance ensures all components operate efficiently, preventing speed loss due to neglect. Key tasks include cleaning battery terminals, checking tire pressure monthly, inspecting electrical connections, and ensuring brakes aren’t dragging.

A well-maintained cart runs better and faster. Neglect leads to inefficiency and speed loss. Essential checks include:

• Battery Terminals: Keep them clean and tight. Corrosion increases electrical resistance, reducing power flow.
• Tire Pressure: Check monthly and inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. Underinflated tires significantly increase rolling resistance.
• Electrical Connections: Ensure all high-current cables (battery, controller, motor, solenoid) are tight and free of corrosion. Loose connections create heat and resistance.
• Brakes: Check that brakes fully disengage and aren’t dragging, which creates resistance.
• Lubrication: Lubricate moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer.

Regular maintenance prevents small issues from robbing your cart of performance.

How Much Does It Cost to Make a Golf Cart Faster?

Costs vary widely: simple adjustments like checking tire pressure are free, while major upgrades like high-performance motors ($500+) or lithium battery conversions ($1000-$2000+) are significant investments. Controller upgrades typically range from $300-$600, and high-speed gears might cost $200-$400 plus installation. Consider DIY potential versus professional labor costs, which add substantially.

The budget for increasing golf cart speed can range from virtually nothing to several thousand dollars, depending on the methods chosen and whether you do the work yourself.

Upgrade Method	Estimated Parts Cost Range	DIY Potential	Notes
Check Tire Pressure	$0	High	Essential, simple performance boost.
Reduce Weight	$0	High	Remove unnecessary items.
Adjust Speed Limiter/Governor	$0 – $50 (for chips)	Medium	Varies greatly by cart model; check legality.
Larger Tires	$200 – $600+ (set of 4)	High	May require lift kit ($300-$800+).
High-Speed Gears	$200 – $400	Low-Medium	Professional installation often recommended.
Upgrade Controller	$300 – $600+	Medium	Crucial for leveraging other upgrades.
Upgrade Motor	$500 – $1000+	Medium	Ensure compatibility with controller/battery.
Upgrade Cables/Solenoid	$100 – $250	Medium	Necessary for high-power systems.
Voltage Upgrade (36V->48V)	$800 – $1500+ (Lead-Acid)	Medium	Requires controller, solenoid, charger change.
Lithium Battery Conversion	$1000 – $2500+	Medium	Lighter, longer life, faster charging.
Professional Labor	$75 – $150+ per hour	N/A	Adds significant cost to complex upgrades.

Note: Costs are estimates and can vary based on brand, quality, and specific golf cart model.

Budget Options: Start with free or low-cost methods like tire pressure, weight reduction, and potentially limiter adjustments (if legal and simple). Larger tires offer a noticeable boost for a moderate investment.
Significant Gains: For speeds above 20-25 mph, expect to invest in a combination of controller, motor, and potentially battery upgrades, pushing costs into the $1000-$3000+ range, especially if including professional installation.

What Safety and Legal Considerations Are Crucial?

Prioritize safety when increasing speed. Ensure brakes and suspension are adequate for higher speeds, as factory components may be insufficient. Check local and state laws, as many areas cap street-legal golf cart speeds at 20-25 mph, and modifications may void warranties or affect insurance.

Speed thrills, but safety is paramount. Modifying a golf cart designed for 15 mph to go 30 mph or more introduces significant risks if not done responsibly.

• Braking: Stock golf cart brakes are designed for low speeds. Significantly increasing speed requires ensuring your brakes can safely stop the heavier, faster vehicle. Upgraded brakes (like disc brakes) might be necessary.
• Handling and Stability: Higher speeds make carts less stable, especially during turns. Factors like tire choice, suspension condition, and center of gravity become critical. Lift kits, while allowing larger tires, raise the center of gravity, potentially reducing stability.
• Component Stress: Running components (motor, controller, differential) beyond their design limits increases wear and tear and the risk of failure.
• Legal Speed Limits: Crucially, understand your local and state regulations regarding golf cart speed, especially for use on public roads. Many jurisdictions classify carts capable of exceeding 20 or 25 mph as Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) or even motor vehicles, requiring different equipment (lights, signals, seatbelts), registration, insurance, and a driver’s license. Modifying your cart beyond legal limits can result in fines and liability issues.
• Warranty: Modifying major components like the motor, controller, or speed limiter will almost certainly void any remaining manufacturer warranty.
• Insurance: Inform your insurance provider about modifications, as they may affect your coverage.

Key Takeaway: Never sacrifice safety for speed. Always upgrade supporting components (brakes, suspension) alongside speed enhancements, and strictly adhere to all local laws and regulations regarding golf cart operation and modification.

FAQs About How to Make a Golf Cart Faster

How can I boost my golf cart speed easily?

The easiest ways are ensuring tires are properly inflated to the recommended PSI and removing unnecessary weight. For electric carts, adjusting or removing the speed limiter (check laws first!) or installing slightly larger tires can provide a noticeable boost with moderate effort.

What’s the cheapest way to make an electric golf cart faster?

Checking tire pressure and reducing weight are free. The next cheapest step is often adjusting the speed limiter, if possible and legal on your model. Beyond that, installing larger tires offers a speed gain for a few hundred dollars.

How do I remove the speed limiter on my electric golf cart?

The method depends heavily on the cart model. It might involve adjusting a sensor, installing a “speed chip,” using a handheld programmer to change controller settings, or replacing the controller entirely with an aftermarket unit that doesn’t have the limitation. Research specific procedures for your cart’s make and model (e.g., EZGO PDS vs. Club Car IQ).

How fast can a modified golf cart realistically go? Can a golf cart go 40 mph?

Yes, heavily modified golf carts can reach 40 mph or even faster, but this requires significant investment in high-performance motors, controllers, high-voltage lithium batteries, upgraded gearing, brakes, and suspension. Standard carts top out around 15 mph, while common modifications often target speeds of 20-30 mph. Reaching 40+ mph turns the vehicle into a custom build requiring expert knowledge and attention to safety.

How do I make a gas golf cart faster compared to electric?

Making a gas cart faster often involves adjusting or modifying the engine’s governor, which limits RPMs. Upgrades can also include installing a high-performance carburetor, air filter, exhaust, or even engine swaps for significantly more power and speed. The principles are similar (overcoming factory limits), but the specific components differ from electric carts.

Will upgrading to a 48V system make my golf cart faster?

Yes, upgrading from a lower voltage (like 36V) to a 48V system significantly increases potential speed and acceleration. More voltage delivers more power to the motor. This requires replacing batteries, controller, solenoid, and charger to match the higher voltage.

How do I make my 48 volt EZGO golf cart faster specifically?

For many 48V EZGO models (like those with PDS or TXT 48 systems), common methods include: using a programmer to select a higher speed profile (e.g., “Freedom Mode”), installing a speed chip, upgrading the controller to an aftermarket unit (like Alltrax), upgrading the motor, or installing high-speed gears. Check your specific model year and system type.

Does installing larger tires really make a golf cart faster?

Yes, installing larger diameter tires increases the distance covered per wheel revolution, typically adding 2-4 mph to the top speed without any other changes. However, ensure they clear the body/suspension (may need a lift kit) and be aware it slightly reduces acceleration torque.

Are there risks to making my golf cart faster?

Absolutely. Risks include reduced braking performance, decreased stability (especially in turns), increased wear on components, potentially voiding warranties, and violating local traffic laws if exceeding legal speed limits (often 20-25 mph for street use). Safety upgrades (brakes, suspension) are crucial.

Do I need a special controller to make my golf cart faster?

Often, yes, especially for significant speed gains. While adjusting a limiter might provide a small boost, an aftermarket controller allows for higher amperage, removes factory speed caps, handles higher voltages, and often offers programmability to unlock the full potential of upgraded motors and batteries.

Summary: Putting Speed Modifications into Perspective

Making your golf cart faster involves a range of options, from simple maintenance tweaks to comprehensive powertrain overhauls. Key methods include adjusting speed limiters, upgrading batteries (voltage/type), optimizing the motor and controller, changing gear ratios, and installing larger tires. Minor factors like weight reduction and proper maintenance also contribute.

Remember, the path to a faster golf cart requires balancing performance goals with budget, technical skill, and, most importantly, safety and legal compliance. Always ensure your braking and handling capabilities match your increased speed, and strictly adhere to local regulations regarding golf cart speeds, especially for on-road use. By carefully considering these factors, you can successfully and responsibly enhance your golf cart’s performance.

What are your experiences with golf cart speed modifications? Share your tips or questions in the comments below! If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with fellow golf cart enthusiasts.