What are the most common problems with electric golf carts?
An electric golf cart comes with a different speed control system that is different from the gas engine which needs fuel to work. The cart has a motor circuit. The electric resistance is used to produce a voltage drop with the circuit. This thing basically consumes the electric energy and you can control the golf cart’s motor’s speed.
How far does electric golf cart go on one charge?
In the most basic sense, your electric golf cart works by providing electric power from a battery pack to a motor that turns your wheels. Everything else involved is just a way of controlling when and how much of that power is being delivered. The battery pack is pretty basic.
How to charge an electric golf cart?
How do electric golf cart motors work? Every time you turn your cart on or press the pedal, a small amount of voltage passes along the wire coil and triggers the steel plunger to close. This process allows energy from the battery to directly contact your golf cart's motor so that it can run properly. About Us Trending Popular Contact
How to troubleshoot an electric golf cart?
Golf Cart Electric Motors. golf cart motors converts electrical power into mechanical energy. There are various motors designed for specific needs such as speed, torque or general use. Also motor size determines amp draw, which affects battery life. Increasing torque or speed requires larger motors capable of handling the current and heat ...
How does a golf cart motor controller work?
The controller meters out current and voltage on your battery based on user input, whether that be a gas pedal, a throttle, or even pedals on a bicycle. With the controller you are able to control your acceleration and deceleration, as well as the speed at which your vehicle moves.Jan 10, 2020
How do you troubleshoot an electric golf cart motor?
There are a few simple problems that you can fix yourself that will not necessitate professional maintenance.Test the wall socket where you charge your cart. ... Expose your golf cart batteries. ... Test the batteries for voltage. ... Replace dead batteries. ... Expose the motor for inspection. ... Reset the motor. ... Test the cart.
Do electric golf carts have solenoid?
Every golf cart, regardless of whether it is gas or electric, uses a small but powerful device called a solenoid. Solenoids are constantly working in your golf cart, and are what allows the electrical current from your battery to provide power to the rest of the vehicle.Mar 15, 2018
How long does a golf cart electric motor last?
When properly taken care of, the typical gas or electric golf cart motor can last many, many years (20 to 30+). But the fact of the matter is, many people neglect taking proper care of their golf cart motor.
How do you know if your golf cart motor is bad?
You have enough going on in your life without your golf car refusing to start when you turn the key in the ignition. If your golf car won't start, is slower than it used to be, or is experiencing other technical problems, you could have a bad motor on your hands.May 14, 2021
How do I reset my electric golf cart motor?
First, you'll want to reset your motor. It should have a small reset button (Usually it will be red) located near the main battery supply. Hit the reset button and then put the cover back on the motor. The next step would be to recharge your cart and try turning it on again.Feb 12, 2018
Where is the reset button on a golf cart motor?
The reset button acts as a mini circuit breaker for the motor, so it will correct any minor errors. Expose the motor (you'll probably need a screwdriver to remove the cover), and look for a red button. It is usually near the main power source, where most of the wires are connected.Nov 19, 2016
What happens when golf cart solenoid goes bad?
How Often Does A Golf Cart Solenoid Go Bad? Your solenoid is prone to overheating as a result of its regular use. As a result, you may notice irregular operation after a while — it may work one time, but not the next. Loose cables or dusty interiors could cause your cart's inability to start.
How do you test a golf cart motor controller?
Connect the negative probe to the controller's M terminal and positive probe to the B+ terminal. Press the accelerator and watch to see if the voltage increases. It should increase from a reading of 0 to the full voltage of the battery. If the motor is not turning, the problem may be in the directional switch or motor.
What is high mileage for a golf cart?
An average electric golf cart with a 48-volt system can go for 40 miles on a single charge up to 80 miles if driving through flat and level surfaces.Dec 26, 2017
What can go wrong with electric golf carts?
5 Common Electric Golf Cart Problems and How to Solve ThemTroubleshooting Batteries. Like any electric vehicle, the battery is often the root of the problem. ... Ignition or Motor Issues. ... Solenoid Woes. ... Faulty Direction Switch. ... No Speed Control.
Why is my electric golf cart jerking?
The most common reason for your golf cart jerking is often the battery terminal connections are loose and/or corroded. A poor connection prevents the correct amount of current from flowing through the set of batteries to your speed controller (or resistor coil), and ultimately to your electric motor.
What is a golf cart?
A golf cart is a small mechanized vehicle powered either by an electric motor or a small gasoline engine.
Which is better, a gas or electric golf cart?
Gasoline golf carts can also be fitted with more powerful motors, beefed-up suspensions and four-wheel drive, making them ideal for work in rugged...
Are golf carts street legal?
Golf carts can be used almost anywhere a car can't — and even in some places where cars can.
How much does an electric golf cart cost?
The average price for an electric golf cart is between $5,000 and $7,000.
How much is a used golf cart?
You can find used golf carts for between $2,500 and $5,000.
How does an electric golf cart work?
How Does a Golf Cart Work. In the most basic sense, your electric golf cart works by providing electric power from a battery pack to a motor that turns your wheels. Everything else involved is just a way of controlling when and how much of that power is being delivered. The battery pack is pretty basic.
How do golf cart batteries work?
Batteries work by changing chemical energy into electrical energy. Different types of batteries use different types of chemical reactions to do this, but for the most part they’re all very similar. We did a whole article on golf cart batteries ...
What is an inductive throttle sensor?
What that really means is when you push down your electric golf cart accelerator, you’re actually pushing a rod through an inductive sensor coil. The sensor coil uses this to tell the speed controller how much voltage to consume.
How many volts does a golf cart battery pack have?
The battery pack is pretty basic. It could be anywhere from 6 to 48 volts, but it’s usually 36 or 48 volts on most newer electric golf carts. The battery pack’s power is routed to the motor, but along the way, it is changed by a solenoid and a speed controller to give you only the power you’re asking for and only when you’re asking for it.
What is a DC motor?
A DC motor is the most basic, and a lot of entry level golf carts still use them. They can easily reach the speed demands of fleet golf carts, and are a lot cheaper to manufacture. A DC motor consists of three parts: a stator, rotor, and commutator.
How long have electric golf carts been around?
Electric motors have been around for a couple hundred years, and honestly after around the 1890s, not a whole lot has changed.
What happens when you charge a battery?
Over time, through wear and a process called sulfation, you’ll get less and less chemical reaction when you charge the batteries, and eventually they’ll require replacement.
How do electric golf carts work?
Electric golf carts use batteries to power an electric motor. The batteries are typically charged by plugging the cart into a wall outlet, just like the ones you have in your house. However, some golf carts are now being fitted with solar panels on their roofs to help charge the batteries.
How does a golf cart work?
Gasoline golf carts work just like little cars. A small engine, running on gasoline, powers the cart's wheels. However, one major difference between a typical car and a gasoline-powered golf cart is when the engine runs. In a car, the engine starts when you turn the key, and it keeps running until you switch the ignition off.
What is the difference between a golf cart and a golf cart?
A golf cart, on the other hand, is a small mechanized vehicle powered either by an electric motor or a small gasoline engine . On the golf course, golf carts carry two players and their bags.
Where does Gary Knight live?
Gary Knight, 48, sits in his golf cart with his mother, Joann Hall, at their home in Sweet Springs, Mo. For the last six years Knight, who has cerebral palsy, has used a golf cart as a way to get around in the small town.
What are golf carts used for?
Institutions that have a lot of ground to cover, where cars would be impractical, use golf carts to carry people and supplies where they're needed. For example, think of the courtesy cars found at most airports -- they're based on golf carts. In some communities, golf carts are the main means of transportation.
Do you need a golf cart?
When you're out on the golf course, you don't necessarily have to use a cart. But, it'll be a lot easier to focus on your game if your back isn't aching from hauling a heavy bag around. Plus, your golf cart allows you to express yourself in a way that's rare in sports.
What do you need to hit the links?
Everyone knows the basics you need to hit the links: a collared shirt, spikes, clubs -- and sunscreen is always a good idea, too. But unlike other sports, golf lets you go beyond the basics by adding accessories to your golf cart. In fact, accessories can be a great way to personalize your golf cart to suit your needs.
How do electric golf carts work?
Electric carts use golf cart batteries voltage to turn the electric motor and it begins moving on its own. The batteries for these carts are charged from a battery charger using household outlets or solar panels energy and they do not need gasoline as fuel.
What is the difference between electric and gas golf carts?
What Is The Difference Between The Gas And Electric Type Of Golf Cart? A gasoline-powered cart uses a battery to actuate a solenoid switch that causes a starter to turn the engine over until the ignition begins. Push the gas pedal and the vehicle moves on its own.
What is a golf cart?
The term “cart”, in its purest sense, refers to a vehicle that does not travel under its own power. Golf cars, however, are most commonly referred to as golf carts. A golf cart is a type of vehicle that has been used on golf courses for many years. Golf carts are not allowed to use public roads unless they are converted to comply ...
How long does a gas golf cart last?
An electric cart has an average life of 5 to 7 years for deep cycle batteries, and the deep-cycle type of battery is expensive. While gas carts have their own maintenance ...
Do electric golf carts need to be maintained?
While gas carts have their own maintenance points, electric carts must have the golf cart batteries’ water levels checked and maintained. Electrical components such as the golf cart speed controller, inductive sensor coil, and electric golf cart motor are not cheap either. These components and cable connections are not common issues you have ...
Is a gas golf cart better than an electric golf cart?
The electric-powered golf carts may be better when it comes to environmental impact, but they will not always have as much power as a gas engine and can cost more upfront. The common problems with a gas golf cart are not much different than an automobile. The maintenance requirements are no different than what we would do to a car that has gas.
Can you use a golf cart on a public road?
A golf cart is a type of vehicle that has been used on golf courses for many years. Golf carts are not allowed to use public roads unless they are converted to comply with local ordinances governing speed and safety equipment.
How much horsepower does a golf cart need?
These vehicles will have motors with 5 to 10 horsepower, and controllers that can deliver 300 to 600 AMPS.
What is the most important part of a golf cart?
Even though the speed controller is probably one of the most important parts on your golf cart, not many people understand how they work or what they do. In this guide, we breakdown the speed controller so you have a complete understanding of their functions, and hopefully come out with the knowledge to make an educated decision on the type ...
Why is a speed controller important?
The Importance of the Speed Controller. The main objective for the speed controller is, as the name implies, to control the vehicle speed. Let’s say you try to operate that old DC motor without a controller. Any time you apply throttle, the full battery current and voltage is sent to the motor.
What does a battery controller do?
With the controller you are able to control your acceleration and deceleration, as well as the speed at which your vehicle moves.
What is the function of a speed controller?
In addition to controlling the vehicles speed, there are a few other functions that speed controllers can offer, regardless of the motor you are using. Battery Current Limiter: This protects the battery from excessive discharge. This also pulls back the battery current as it depletes, which prevents cell damage.
Who is Josh Delsota?
Josh Delsota has been involved in the Golf Cart & UTV since 2014. He lives a minimalistic lifestyle on 40 acres of land where he raises cattle and grows vegetables. He's a professional writer and contributes to numerous tech and lifestyle blogs.
Can you program a speed controller yourself?
Beyond the already mentioned functions of the speed controller, there are many other features available when programming the controller yourself. If you have a computer or a handheld programmer, then changing the settings on your speed controller is super easy.
What type of motor?
Next you will need to determine if your golf cart has a Series Motor or a Regen Motor. This is fairly straight forward. You will have several tell-tale signs that will help you determine the type of electric golf cart motor and system that is in your golf cart.
Anything else? Just ask
Hopefully this is helpful for those out there looking to purchase a new high performance electric golf cart motor or motor/controller kit. We always say leave comments and questions concerning your golf carts motive power system here should you have any questions or still need assistance.
What is a golf cart potentiometer?
Inspect Potentiometer. The potentiometer is a small switch that controls the speed of the golf cart. Make sure that the potentiometer is not cracked and that the connections are secure.
Why does my motor not spin?
If the motor does not spin, it might be burnt-out. Motor burn-out can result from excessive resistance from weight, grade, or poor traction. Uninstall the motor and inspect it for damaged bearings, field coils, or worn brushes. These parts can be replaced with right tools and some patience.
How do batteries lose their capacity?
Batteries will also lose their capacity with age. Check the level of water and electrolytes. There should be enough water to cover the conductive plates, but not enough to fill the battery all the way to the cap. The batteries contain acid, so wear protective gear and avoid spills.
Can you reset an electric golf cart?
The motor is the last in a series of components that could fail. After determining that the cart’s batteries and charger are working properly, you can reset the motor to see if it runs. You must replace the motor if it has burnt out.
