How Fast Does a Golf Cart Go? (Factors, Speed)
When you plan to buy a vehicle, there are a few things to consider. Speed is one of a few important features; the same goes for golf carts. Golf carts are a convenient transportation method around the golf course. You might wonder if there are different speeds of golf carts and how fast does golf cart go.
Depending on power type, there are two types of golf carts: one is electrically driven, and the others are gas-driven. Power type also affects the speed of the golf cart. Then the other factors are battery power, which might affect the golf cart’s speed.
Let’s get to the details of the fast speed of golf carts, factors that affect the speed, and the fastest golf cart models.
Golf Cart’s Speed:
Golf carts are designed compactly to accommodate 2,4,6 passengers and carry them around the golf course. Given that they are not designed for roads so; the speed factor doesn’t matter much. Golf carts have to follow a certain speed due to the presence of other people walking on the course.
1. Highest Speed of Gas Golf Carts:
Gas golf carts use gas as a fuel type to operate; they are considered to be previous technology in the world of golf carts. Their high-speed range is between 12-14 miles per hour. Overall, the speed of the gas carts remains the same throughout their drive.
Golf Cart Model | Maximum Speed (mph) |
Yamaha Drive2 Gas | 15 – 19 |
Club Car Precedent Gas | 14 – 19 |
EZGO TXT Gas | 14 – 19 |
Cushman Hauler Gas | 14 – 19 |
Bad Boy Off-Road Onslaught | 20 – 25 |
2. Highest Speed of Electric Golf Carts:
Electric golf carts are new technology and the prime selection of gold cart buyers. Electric golf carts come in different volts: 36-volt, 48-volt, and 72-volt packages. The difference in the voltage has nothing to do with the top speed of the golf cart. The highest speed of electric golf carts ranges from 19-30 mph.
Golf Cart Model | Maximum Speed (mph) |
Yamaha Drive2 PTV | 19-20 |
Club Car Onward | 19-20 |
EZGO RXV | 19-20 |
Garia Roadster | 25-35 |
ACG California Roadster | 25-35 |
Star EV Sport | 25-35 |
Factors Affecting Golf Cart Speed:
As we have talked about earlier, several factors impact the golf cart’s speed, from its power batteries, design, construction material, and motor. So, while buying a golf cart, you must check all of these factors at their best capacity to get a speedy golf cart.
1. Motor Power:
Motor power is a key element that determines the golf cart’s speed, especially in electric golf carts. High-powered motors generate more torque and pull the cart faster than low-power motors.
2. Voltage and Batteries:
Electric golf carts are operated by high-power batteries. The voltage power of these batteries generates more speed. High-voltage batteries deliver more power to the motor generating more speed, and low-voltage batteries give less power generating less speed.
3. Gearing:
Gearing is important to transfer the power of the motor to the wheels. The gear ratio of a golf cart’s transmission affects how efficiently the motor’s power is transferred. Higher ratio gears generate more torque, resulting in higher speed.
4. Tire Size and Tread:
Tire size also impacts speed; larger tires come with a low profile and provide better traction and reduced friction, allowing higher speed. On the other hand, the smaller tires have less traction level and generate lower speed.
5. Terrain and Weight:
The type of terrain and the golf cart’s weight impact the golf cart’s speed. The more the golf cart carries the weight, the slower the speed. Also, if you are using a golf cart on uphill terrain, it will slow the golf cart’s speed. On such terrains, keep weightless to reach a higher speed.
6. Governors or Limiters:
Usually, golf carts have speed limiters to regulate their maximum speed to keep them in control. The reason for designing this limiter is to maintain safety reasons because golf courses and residential areas have people walking around.
Typical Golf Cart Speed Range:
All these factors described above impact the speed of golf carts. If we look critically at the golf cart’s purpose, speed is unnecessary. They are made to use on slower terrains there are people, so you need to consider driving your golf cart at the usual speed.
The standard speed of a golf cart should be 12 to 15 miles per hour, which is suitable for the golf course. However, depending on the golf cart owner, the speed can be customized or modified above 20 mph.
Safety Considerations and Rules:
Golf carts are the only option to travel on the golf course; other than that, they are also used in recreational areas like parks and zoos. So, operating a golf cart at higher speeds is not ideal in such circumstances due to busy terrains.
In crowded areas, speeding the golf cart can cause accidents and injuries. Abide by the rules of the vicinity; golf courses have a speed limit, so if you are a golf owner, then keep in mind these rules.
Conclusion:
Ending the detailed discussion on how fast golf carts go, the average speed range of electric golf carts is 19-30 mph, and gas golf carts are between 12-18 mph. Several factors, such as motor, batteries, gearing, tires, tread pattern, terrain, and weight, impact the speed. According to the golf course rules, the recommended speed for golf carts is 12-15 mph to avoid any inconvenience on the terrain.
With higher or lower speeds, remember the rules and follow safety precautions for a better golf cart experience on the course.
FAQs:
1. Can a golf cart go 30 mph?
For a golf cart, 30 mph is quite a high speed; fewer golf cart models offer this speed. However, with a few customizations, you can enhance the speed of your golf cart up to 30mph.
2. Can a golf cart go 40 mph?
Yes, some models are designed to go higher than 40mph; they have the same features as other golf carts, but their engines are designed to be more powerful. It is perfect for golfers that want quicker transportation on the course.
3. How many mph can a golf cart go?
The average golf cart without any upgrades ranges between 12-14 mph. Golf courses also recommend this speed usually to maintain safety rules.