How Fast Does a Golf Cart Go? (with 8 Examples)
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Whether you are looking to purchase your own golf cart or already own one, knowing the specifics of what it can handle is important. With no speedometer, you may wonder just how fast your golf cart can travel.
The average basic golf cart will travel around 15 MPH (24.1 KMH) at top speed. Most golf carts reach their max speed at around 12 to 14 MPH (19.3 to 22.5 KMH) depending on their age, battery life, and how much weight it is carrying.
This article will discuss different golf cart speeds and what you can do to make yours faster.
What Is the Maximum Speed for a Golf Cart?
Golf carts with special modifications can reach up to 30 MPH (48.3 KMH). In fact, some states allow golf carts to be driven on certain roads with low-speed limits as they can travel at a decent speed.
With so many different brands, modifications, batteries (see best place to buy golf cart batteries), designs, and golf cart weights, it can be difficult to estimate their maximum speed. Sometimes it is better to look at examples of different brands to see just how fast certain golf carts can go.
Here are 8 real-world golf cart models and their top speeds:
| Golf Cart Style and Brand | Seats | Maximum Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Club Car Onward 2 | 2 | 19 MPH (31 KMH) |
| Club Car Onward Lifted | 6 | 18 MPH (28.9 KMH) |
| EZGO Liberty | 6 | 19.5 MPH (31.4 KMH) |
| EZGO Valor | 2 | 19 MPH (31 KMH) |
| Star Sirius 2 | 2 | 19 MPH (31 KMH) |
| Star Sirius 2 (LSV) | 2 | 25 MPH (40.2 KMH) |
| Yamaha Drive 2 PTV | 4 | 19 MPH (31 KMH) |
| Yamaha Umax One | 2 | 19.5 MPH (31.4 KMH) |
These are just a few examples of the top golf cart brands and the maximum speed they offer. With Star, you can choose a regular version of the Sirius 2 or the LSV version, both of which use golf cart batteries.
LSV stands for a low-speed vehicle.
This means that the vehicle is street legal, where low-speed vehicles are able to travel, usually in 35 MPH (56.3 KMH) or fewer zones.
As you can see, most golf carts can go about 19 MPH (31 KMH) at full speed.
This is without any extra modifications that would allow even more speed. Fortunately, there are ways that you can make your golf cart even faster if you want to maximize the possible speed.
How To Make Your Golf Cart Faster
Now that you know how fast most golf carts can go, you may want to add more speed to your golf cart if possible. There are many ways to do this, though some may require you to work with a professional mechanic to get it done right.
- Better Tires: So often, the limitation of golf cart speed has to do with the tires that it rides on. This is one of the least expensive yet noticeable ways to improve the speed of your golf cart. With larger tires, you can cover more ground in less time, speeding up your golf cart and allowing it to traverse through obstacles quickly.
- Lightweight Load: One of the fastest ways to speed up your golf cart is to remove any extra weight from your cart that you don’t need. Your golf cart may move faster if you ride alone with no extra objects. So, clean it out first if you want to truly test how fast your cart can go.
- Replace the Motor: Sometimes, the best way to increase the speed of your golf cart is to replace the motor. This will give the golf cart more power to not only go faster but more easily carry weight. If you replace the motor, know how much power it will need to run. You may need to replace the battery also to handle the new motor.
- Higher-Powered Battery: Whether you choose to replace the motor or just want more speed, replacing the battery can help you get the most out of your golf cart. You should aim for a higher voltage than your previous battery. This allows you to increase the output of the motor and go faster. Check your owner’s manual for your cart’s voltage limitations before purchasing a new battery.
Where Can You Drive a Golf Cart?
Because officials do not consider golf carts to be legal driving vehicles, there are restrictions to where and when you can drive them on public roads.
First, it is important to know that if you are driving a golf cart on a public road, you must have a driver’s license. Otherwise, you should not be driving a golf cart on a public road as it counts as a low-speed vehicle.
Some states do not allow golf carts at all on public roads, while others provide some basic rules to follow.
For example, even states that allow golf carts on public roads do not allow them on roads with a speed limit above 35 MPH (56.3 KMH). This is a country-wide expectation for those using a golf cart.
What Does My Golf Cart Need To Be Legal on Public Roads?
- Headlights
- Brake lights
- Turn signals
- Brakes
- Steering
- Tires
- Reflective attachments
- Registration
- Insurance (in some cases)
While most of these things are already available on your golf cart, that doesn’t mean you should just assume you are good to go. Always ensure your lights and signals are working properly before heading out. Also, keep your golf cart at a full charge to avoid losing power while on a public road.
This list covers some of the most common expectations of driving a golf cart on public roads, but your local regulations may vary. For example, some locations require you to have insurance on your golf cart before driving it. Others may require a speedometer for it to be legal to drive in public. So, always check local laws first.
Rules for Faster Golf Carts
If you want your golf cart to go as fast as possible, be aware that you will have even more rules to follow when driving it. Most golf carts need to be able to travel at least 20 MPH (32.2 KMH) to legally drive on public roads. However, most states require you to install and wear seatbelts for those who can go over 25 MPH (40.2 KMH).
In the United States, there is no federal mandate on allowing golf carts to be driveable on public roads.
So, you need to check with your local state laws to determine your options. Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Missouri, and Rhode Island are currently the only states that have banned golf carts on all public roads.
Living outside of these five states doesn’t mean that you are automatically okay to drive your golf cart. Make sure you research the laws in your area before you decide to purchase, upgrade, or drive your golf cart on a public road.
Final Thoughts: Maximum Golf Cart Speeds
While most golf carts top out at around 15 MPH (24.1 KMH), those with modifications and enhancements can go up to 30 MPH (48.3 KMH). We have some tips to help you speed up your golf cart, but always make sure you carefully read the owner’s manual before making any drastic changes.
Remember, using an unapproved battery or motor or making other modifications can void your warranty. So, always be careful and research the changes you want to make before you do it.
