If you’ve ever felt that the speed of golf carts at your local course was lacking then you’re not alone. Golf cart manufacturers typically install controllers into their vehicles which limit the top speed anywhere from 14 to 19.9 miles per hour depending on the state. However, there exist golf carts that can travel over 100 miles per hour!
Rules and Regulations
The rules and regulations pertaining to golf carts vary state by state. Hence, we will discuss the rules for California as that is where we are located. Here, golf carts may not exceed 15 mph, carry more than two people, nor way more than 1,300 pounds.
These rules sound very limiting but luckily the law has a caveat. The law says” If you modify your golf cart to go faster than 15 mph or seat more than two persons, the vehicle is considered a regular motor vehicle and must comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) for regular passenger vehicles. These standards include additional vehicle equipment, appropriate FMVSS labels, applicable emission standards, and a 17-digit conforming VIN. Failure to comply with all necessary regulations may result in a citation. Equipment requirements for on road use. Your golf cart must comply with certain equipment standards established by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to be registered for on road use.“
This law and other likes it in other states allow for “speed fiends” to build some truly ridiculous vehicles
World Record Holder
One group of “speed fiends” currently leading the industry in fast golf cart builds is Plum Quick Golf Cart Racing. The company currently holds two Guinness World Records and numerous other awards. One of these records is the world record for fastest golf cart. Traveling at 118.76 mph this cart can outrun most cars.
How Did They Do It?
There are a few ways to get golf carts to go faster. First, you can over-volt an electric motor. While this harms the motor itself it can make it produce much more power. Obviously, Plum Quick Motors can’t make the stock golf cart motor move the cart at almost 119 mph even by overvolting it. Therefore, Plum Quick replaces the stock motor with a larger aftermarket one. Thirdly, make sure to bypass any speed regulator in the stock controller. Fourth, regear the axles and/or add larger tires. Both of these will allow the electric motor to better use its torque. Next, be sure to upgrade the brakes. If you’re gonna make your cart go faster be sure you can make it stop. Finally, be sure to add any necessary safety equipment required by law. California and most other states require safety modifications in conjunction with any significant performance upgrades.
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[…] more like a car than a cart!Wondering how they did it? The entire procedure is very well explained here. From replacing the stock motor, to adding larger tyres, to finally upgrading the brakes, they did […]