Golf carts are a popular mode of transportation on the golf course, but have you ever wondered how fast does a golf cart go?
Whether you’re looking to zip around the green or take a leisurely ride, understanding golf cart speed is essential to enjoying your round.
Generally, the golf cart travels around 15 miles or approximately 24.1 kilometers per hour. However, factors like battery life, weight load, and age can impact the maximum speed, which typically ranges between 12 to 14 miles per hour.
In this article, I’ll explore the top speeds of golf carts, safe driving speeds, and everything else you need to know about getting the most out of your golf cart experience.
Understanding Golf Carts
Before diving into how fast golf carts can go, it’s essential to understand the types available. There are two types of golf carts: gas-powered and electric.
Gas-powered golf carts run on gasoline, while electric golf carts use batteries to power their motors.
Electric golf carts are generally considered more environmentally friendly and cost-effective, while gas-powered golf carts are more powerful and can run for extended periods.
Factors That Affect Golf Cart Speed
As mentioned earlier, the speed of a golf cart can be affected by several factors. Let’s take a closer look at some of these factors:
- Motor power: The motor’s control can affect the golf cart’s speed. Generally, golf carts with larger engines can reach higher rates.
- Battery voltage: The battery’s voltage can also impact the golf cart’s speed. Golf carts with higher voltage batteries can typically achieve higher rates.
- Terrain: The terrain on which the golf cart is being driven can impact its speed. For example, going uphill can reduce the golf cart’s speed, while driving downhill can increase it.
- Weight: The weight of the golf cart and its passengers can also affect its speed. Heavier golf carts may be able to achieve different speeds than lighter ones.
- Tire size and pressure: The size and pressure of the golf cart’s tires can also affect its speed. Tires with lower pressure or smaller size can reduce the rate cart’s speed.
- Wind resistance: Wind resistance can also affect the speed of a golf cart. Golf carts with a larger surface area or more accessories, such as a roof or windshield, may experience more wind resistance, which can reduce their speed.
- Maintenance: Proper golf cart maintenance, including regular inspections and tune-ups, can also impact its speed. Neglected golf carts may perform at a different speed.
Average Maximum Speed of a Cart
The average maximum speed of a golf cart is between 12-14 mph, which means a typical golf cart will be expected to cover a distance of 12-14 miles in 1 hour.
Many golf carts have been designed to produce incredible maximum speeds of 20-25 mph and many have been designed to produce moderate speed limits of 8-10 mph.
Maximum speed depends on how fast the manufacturer wants the cart to travel.
Here are 8 actual golf cart models and their maximum speeds:
| Golf Cart Model | Top Speed |
| Club Car Onward | 19 mph (31 km/h) |
| EZGO RXV | 19 mph (31 km/h) |
| Yamaha Drive2 PTV | 19 mph (31 km/h) |
| Tomberlin E-Merge | 25 mph (40 km/h) |
| Polaris GEM e6 | 25 mph (40 km/h) |
| Garia Via 2+2 | 25 mph (40 km/h) |
| Star EV Classic 48-2+2 | 25 mph (40 km/h) |
| Cushman Hauler 800X | 27 mph (43 km/h) |
Best Tips To Make Your Golf Cart Faster
If you’re looking to increase the speed of your golf cart, there are several tips you can take to make it faster. Here’s how:
- Upgrade the motor: Upgrading the engine is one of the most effective ways to increase the speed of your golf cart. A more powerful motor can provide more torque and allow the coach to reach higher speeds.
- Install a higher voltage battery: Installing a higher voltage battery can also increase the speed of your golf cart. Higher voltage batteries can provide more power to the motor, allowing it to run at a higher speed.
- Change the gear ratio: Changing the gear ratio of the golf cart can help it achieve higher speeds. By changing the gear ratio, you can increase the torque of the motor, which can help it achieve higher speeds.
- Install larger tires: Installing larger tires can increase the overall speed of the golf cart. Larger tires have a larger circumference, which means they cover more ground with each rotation.
- Reduce the weight: Reducing the weight of the golf cart can also help it achieve higher speeds. Removing unnecessary accessories or carrying fewer passengers can reduce the overall weight of the cart and allow it to move faster.
- Remove speed governors: Some golf carts have speed governors that limit their maximum speed. Removing these governors can allow the cart to achieve higher speeds.
- Improve aerodynamics: Improving the aerodynamics of the golf cart can also help it achieve higher speeds. Removing accessories that create wind resistance, such as roofs or windshields, can reduce drag and allow the cart to move faster.
It’s important to note that modifying your golf cart can be dangerous and may void its warranty.
Consult a professional or do thorough research before modifying your golf cart.
Additionally, it’s important to follow local laws and regulations regarding the maximum speed of golf carts
Electric Golf Cart Speed Vs. Gasoline Golf Cart Speed
Due to their underlying mechanisms, electric and gasoline golf carts have different maximum speeds.
| Golf Cart Type | Maximum Speed |
| Electric | 20-25 mph (32-40 km/h) |
| Gasoline | 20-30 mph (32-48 km/h) |
- Electric motors power golf carts and typically have a top speed of around 20-25 mph (32-40 km/h).
These carts rely on battery power to drive the motor, which means they may lose power as the battery runs down, potentially reducing their speed.
- On the other hand, gasoline golf carts are powered by internal combustion engines and can achieve higher top speeds than electric golf carts.
The top speed of a gasoline golf cart can vary depending on the size and power of its engine but typically ranges from 20-30 mph (32-48 km/h).
It’s important to note that other factors, such as terrain, weight, tire size and pressure, wind resistance, and maintenance, can also impact the speed of a golf cart.
Additionally, golf carts are typically designed for use on golf courses and are not meant to be used on public roads.
As a result, they are subject to speed limits and other regulations that vary depending on the jurisdiction.
Fastest golf cart
The fastest golf cart is manufactured by Plum Quick Golf Club Racing and its speed is recorded to be approximately 119 mph.
This record made up to the Guinness Book of Records and the company has received many awards for their fine build. This cart can outpace many cars in the world.
Upgrades
I talked about the fastest golf cart and also the highest speeds achieved by an electric and gasoline golf cart. Notice, the highest speeds of the electric cart(23 mph) and a gasoline cart(19mph) go nowhere near the speed of the fastest golf cart(119mph).
Why does this difference exist? This difference exists because of upgrades. Upgrade is the additional components installed or modifications done in the golf cart to make it run 5-6 times faster than before.
Without upgrades, the highest speed a cart can achieve is 23-25 mph, but with upgrades, it can achieve a lot higher, like the speed of the fastest cart.
Rules and Regulations for Faster Golf Carts
If you’re planning on using your golf cart to travel on public roads, it’s essential to be aware of the rules and regulations that come with it. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Most states require golf carts to be able to travel at least 20 MPH (32.2 KMH) to be legally driven on public roads. If you want your golf cart to go faster than this, you must ensure it meets the requirements.
- In addition to speed requirements, many states require seatbelts to be installed and worn for golf carts that can go over 25 MPH (40.2 KMH). This is to ensure the safety of passengers in case of an accident.
- While there is no federal mandate on allowing golf carts to be driven on public roads in the United States, each state has its laws and regulations. You must check with your local state laws to determine your options.
- Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Missouri, and Rhode Island are the only states that have banned golf carts on all public roads. However, just because you don’t live in one of these states doesn’t mean you’re automatically allowed to drive your golf cart on a public road.
- Before purchasing, upgrading, or driving your golf cart on a public road, make sure to research the laws and regulations in your area. This will help ensure you follow the proper guidelines and avoid legal issues.
Safety Considerations for Faster Golf Carts
While golf carts may not be known for their speed, it’s still essential to practice safety when operating them. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
- Always wear a seatbelt when driving a golf cart
- Obey all traffic laws and golf course rules
- Avoid driving at excessive speeds, especially when turning or going downhill
- Keep both hands on the steering wheel and both feet on the pedals at all times
(FAQs) About How Fast Does a Golf Cart Go
What is the speed of a golf cart?
Golf carts typically have a top speed of about 15 to 20 miles per hour.
What are some excellent brands of golf carts?
There are many brands of golf carts that you can purchase, but some of the best include Club Car and Yamaha.
Can I modify my golf cart to make it faster?
While it may be possible to modify your golf cart to make it faster, it’s not recommended. Doing so can compromise the safety and stability of the vehicle.
Can I drive my golf cart on public roads?
In most cases, golf carts are not allowed on public roads. However, some states and municipalities have laws that allow golf carts to be driven on specific routes.
How often should I charge the battery on my electric golf cart?
Charging the battery on your electric golf cart after each use is recommended to ensure optimal performance. However, referring to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific charging recommendations is essential.
What is the maximum weight capacity for a golf cart?
The maximum weight capacity for a golf cart varies depending on the make and model. However, most golf carts can carry up to 800-1000 pounds (363-454 kilograms).
Are there any age restrictions for operating a golf cart?
Age restrictions for operating a golf cart vary by state and golf course. Some states may have age restrictions for driving a golf cart on public roads. You must check with your local golf course or state DMV for specific regulations.
Final Opinion
You may argue that electric golf carts are a better option than gasoline golf carts, but everyone’s priorities are different. As a result, your decision should be based on your priorities.
A golf cart with a top speed of above 25 miles per hour is unlikely to be offered from the manufacturer. Many golf carts will never reach this top speed.
Regardless of their speed capabilities, it’s important to practice safety when operating a golf cart.
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