Methods to Speed Up an EZ-GO Electric Golf Cart
By Patrick Cameron
EZ-GO Electric Golf Carts are some of the most widely used carts in the golf industry. Their relative quiet running engines on the course and dependability make them one of the standards. If you happen to own one and you find that it doesn't quite have the horsepower you need, that can be addressed. There are some steps you can take that will allow you to speed up your EZ-GO and get you around the course with greater ease. Just keep in mind that doing some of the necessary things to make your cart go faster requires knowledge of how to get around an engine.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Clean the engine. Use a rag and some hot, soapy water to go over the entire engine. A clean engine will naturally function at a better rate then one that is grimy and clogged up.
Inspect the engine parts. If you see parts and belts that are worn or in disrepair, replace them. Standard automotive tools will work for changing out most parts. If you're not mechanically inclined, it might be best if you take the cart to an authorized repair technician and have him change out any parts that appear worn.
Replace the motor. Once again, without proper training, this task may be a little too much to take on. You can get a variety of high-performance motors for EZ-GO golf carts, both from the manufacturer and after-market. Look online to ask your local golf shop about the possibilities of replacing your motor with a higher powered model.
Switch the chip. EZ-GO carts have a chip that regulates the speed of the cart, much like a governor on gas carts. Change out the chip to a Freedom Chip. The process is fairly simple. Just use a flat head screwdriver to remove the controller cover, which is under the seat on the passenger side. Then pull out the current chip and insert the new one.
Change the gear ratio. Ideally for your cart to achieve more speed, you want a gear ratio of 6:1. Most newer EZ-GO carts feature a 10.45:1 gear ratio, which isn't bad, but if you want extra speed, changing it will make a difference. The gears are located in the transaxle under the cart, between the motor and the drive axle.
Tips & Warnings
If you're are unskilled at mechanics, changing the gear ratio and replacing the motor should be left to a qualified EZ-GO service professional. Damage could occur.
About The Author
Patrick Cameron is a freelance writer with 10 years of diverse experience in consumer goods branding, promotions and retail communications. He works out of his home in Denver, Colo. He received his Bachelor of Arts in mass communication from the University of Minnesota.
Photo Credits
Golf cart on golf course image by Jim Mills from
Fotolia.com