For fleet managers and resort operators, a slow golf cart represents lost time and reduced efficiency. While standard vehicles average just 12-14 mph, optimizing your fleet for higher performance is a practical operational goal.
This guide explores how to make a golf cart go faster, covering 9 proven methods ranging from simple low-cost maintenance to significant high-performance upgrades.
How to Speed Up a Golf Cart
The method you choose to increase speed depends largely on whether your fleet operates on electric or gas powertrains and how much budget you are willing to allocate to the upgrade. Below are 9 proven strategies to enhance performance.
Tip 1: Check Tire Pressure
Before investing in expensive parts, look at the basics. One of the most overlooked factors in vehicle speed is tire pressure. Under-inflated tires significantly increase rolling resistance, forcing the motor or engine to work harder to maintain momentum.
By ensuring your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended maximum PSI (usually found on the sidewall of the tire), you reduce the surface area friction against the pavement.
This simple adjustment allows the cart to roll more freely, potentially adding a marginal but noticeable increase in top-end speed while extending the battery life or fuel efficiency of your fleet.
Tip 2: Reduce Weight
For electric carts specifically, weight is the enemy of speed. Heavy lead-acid batteries, aftermarket accessories, and accumulated clutter add drag to the vehicle.
A highly effective upgrade is transitioning from traditional lead-acid batteries to lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries. This can shed hundreds of pounds, instantly improving the power-to-weight ratio. A lighter cart accelerates faster and puts less strain on the motor, naturally increasing top speed.
Tip 3: Routine Maintenance
How do you make a golf cart faster without buying new parts? You maintain it religiously. For electric models, this means ensuring battery terminals are free of corrosion and cables are tight to ensure optimal power delivery. For gas models, it involves changing spark plugs, air filters, and fuel filters.
Additionally, check the braking system. Dragging brakes are a common issue in older fleets; if the brake shoes are rubbing against the drum while driving, they act as a constant governor on your speed.
Tip 4: Upgrade to High-Speed Tires and Wheels
Standard golf cart tires are typically 18 inches in diameter. Upgrading to larger tires—20 to 24 inches—increases the circumference, meaning the cart covers more ground with every rotation of the axle.
This mechanical advantage creates a higher top speed. However, keep in mind that significantly larger tires may require a lift kit and can slightly reduce torque, so this upgrade is best for flat terrain applications.
Tip 5: Install a High-Speed Gear Set
Most standard carts come with a 12.44:1 gear ratio, designed for torque and climbing hills. If your operating environment is mostly flat, installing a high-speed gear set (such as 8:1 or 6:1) can dramatically alter performance.
This modification changes the final drive ratio, sacrificing some low-end torque to allow the motor to spin the wheels faster at the same RPM, effectively raising the vehicle’s speed ceiling.
Tip 6: Replace the Motor and Controller
For electric carts, the ultimate answer to how to speed up a golf cart lies in the powertrain. Upgrading to a high-performance AC motor, like the 5 kW options found in premium models, can revolutionize the ride.
However, a new motor needs a controller that can handle the increased amperage. Upgrading the speed controller allows you to adjust acceleration curves and remove factory speed caps, delivering a true performance transformation.
Tip 7: Upgrade the Batteries (Voltage Increase)
If your fleet runs on a 36V or 48V system, upgrading to a higher voltage system—such as 72V—will provide a massive boost in power.
This is a comprehensive upgrade requiring not just new batteries but likely a new motor, solenoid, and controller capable of handling the increased voltage. However, the results are undeniable, often resulting in higher speeds (may exceed 25 mph), better acceleration, and increased torque.
Tip 8: Adjust the Governor (Gas Carts)
For gas-powered carts, the governor is a mechanical device that limits the engine’s RPM to ensure safety. Adjusting the governor spring can allow the engine to rev higher, opening up the throttle for increased speed.
For electric carts, this concept applies to the digital speed limiter programmed into the controller. While adjusting these limits is effective, it must be done carefully to avoid exceeding the safe operating limits of the engine or motor.
Tip 9: High-Performance Air Intake and Exhaust
If you manage a fleet of gas carts, allowing the engine to breathe easier can result in better combustion and power. Installing a high-flow air filter and a performance exhaust system reduces backpressure.
This allows the engine to intake more air and expel exhaust gases more efficiently, resulting in a modest horsepower gain that translates to better throttle response and slightly higher top speeds.
Safety and Final Considerations
While the pursuit of speed is appealing for efficiency, safety must remain the priority for any business operator. Most golf carts are engineered with specific braking and suspension capabilities suited for speeds under 20 mph.
When you modify a cart to exceed 25 mph, you push these components beyond their design limits. High speeds increase the risk of rollovers, extend braking distances, and may violate local LSV (Low-Speed Vehicle) regulations.
If you choose to upgrade your fleet’s speed, it is mandatory to also upgrade the safety systems. This includes installing hydraulic disc brakes, heavy-duty suspension leaf springs, and seat belts to ensure compliance and passenger safety.
Nuole: Delivering Speed, Safety, and Performance
Modifying an existing fleet can be costly, time-consuming and voids manufacturer warranties. For businesses looking for speed, safety, and reliability right out of the box, the best solution is often upgrading to a purpose-built vehicle.
Nuole stands at the forefront of the electric vehicle industry, offering high-performance golf carts designed for the modern market.
· Powerhouse Engineering: Nuole golf carts often feature powerful 5KW AC motors and advanced controllers, delivering superior speed and torque right out of the box.
· Lithium Efficiency: With options for 48V and 72VLiFePO4 lithium batteries, Nuole vehicles offer the lightweight, high-voltage consistency that aftermarket upgraders strive for.
· Safety Integrated: Built with high-strength carbon steel frames and available four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, these carts are designed to handle performance safely.
Whether you need a 2-seater for the course or a 6-seater lifted cart for the resort, Nuole provides fully customizable, high-speed solutions that eliminate the need for risky DIY modifications. If you are interested, reach out to Nuole to elevate your fleet’s performance today!
