Motorcycles, Snowmobiles, Go-Carts, ATV's and Golf Carts - want a electric go kart
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Off_The_Wall
08-09-08, 09:44 PM
I'm interested in helping my friend build a fast electric powered Go Kart. I was wondering what all i would to do it. the main thing we want is speed and a way to keep the motor cooled so it would die on us lol. and what is the cheapest way out cause we're on a budget.
oneofamill
08-10-08, 02:57 PM
Since my response got deleted, for whatever reason, I'll ask again. How much do you intend on spending for batteries?
One car or marine battery will work, but 2 or more in parallel would be better.
A starter motor and batteries is all you need. Connected to the rear axle with pullys and a belt, with a starter solenoid for the power. If you want variable power to the motor, that will cost some cash. You'll still be looking at heat issues.
One car or marine battery will work, but 2 or more in parallel would be better.
A starter motor and batteries is all you need. Connected to the rear axle with pullys and a belt, with a starter solenoid for the power. If you want variable power to the motor, that will cost some cash. You'll still be looking at heat issues.
oneofamill
08-10-08, 03:03 PM
Since my response got deleted, for whatever reason, I'll ask again. How much do you intend on spending for batteries?
One car or marine battery will work, but 2 or more in parallel would be better.
A starter motor and batteries is all you need. Connected to the rear axle with pullys and a belt, with a starter solenoid for the power. If you want variable power to the motor, that will cost some cash. You'll still be looking at heat issues.
One car or marine battery will work, but 2 or more in parallel would be better.
A starter motor and batteries is all you need. Connected to the rear axle with pullys and a belt, with a starter solenoid for the power. If you want variable power to the motor, that will cost some cash. You'll still be looking at heat issues.
Off_The_Wall
08-10-08, 08:10 PM
well i was looking to buy 2-4 batteries what ever i need to get my kart to go pretty fast, so something on the lines of a 24 or 48 volt. motor would be what i'm looking for maybe. Do you think i could rig up a fan for the cooling system?
What brand or kind of starter should i get? Would any kind work?
and what would i need to make the throttle control the motor so when its not pressed the motor wont spin...sorry for so many questions not familiar with this approach to a go kart engine.
What brand or kind of starter should i get? Would any kind work?
and what would i need to make the throttle control the motor so when its not pressed the motor wont spin...sorry for so many questions not familiar with this approach to a go kart engine.
waterwelldude
08-10-08, 10:23 PM
I built one for a friend of mine. I used 3 12volt battery. I used an old golf cart motor. The type of motor you use depends on how long you will be ridding the cart at one time.
The smaller the motor, the shorter ride time you will have, because of the heat factor. With a fan or not the motor will be generating heat.
What ever motor you use. You will be drawing allot of amps.
You should look into some good relays. I run #6 copper wire. I used a single 12v batt. to make the relays work. The relays can be wired with #12 or #14 wire. I used two heavy duty on off switches. They will have to be able to handle over 100 amps.They were used to switch between forward and reverse.
http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/auto/car-smiley-003.gif
The smaller the motor, the shorter ride time you will have, because of the heat factor. With a fan or not the motor will be generating heat.
What ever motor you use. You will be drawing allot of amps.
You should look into some good relays. I run #6 copper wire. I used a single 12v batt. to make the relays work. The relays can be wired with #12 or #14 wire. I used two heavy duty on off switches. They will have to be able to handle over 100 amps.They were used to switch between forward and reverse.
http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/auto/car-smiley-003.gif
Off_The_Wall
08-10-08, 11:28 PM
so a golf cart motor would be good for longer riding i assume and how fast would it make a go cart go cause i'm looking for mine to be as fast as i can get it haha so in tha case what is a faster electric motor i could get or do you know?....and do you know off hand what relays would be best and how would i set it up for froward and reverse? and would it be better to run it with a belt or chain?
waterwelldude
08-10-08, 11:47 PM
I used the golf cart motor, because it will take a little more abuse than say a, starter. A starter is another way to do the same thing you are trying to do, with a little less power. If you are going to use a pulley system, I would use a belt and not a chain.
That way it would be easyer to change gear ratio.
Radio shack has the relays, but you will also need some two pole cont actors rated at, 50 or so amps to send the power to the motor. You could get them from a electrical supply. For the forward and reverse, you can use the power on and off switch from a boat. You will need two, so you can reverse the polarity going to the motor. One switch for forward and one for reverse.
That way it would be easyer to change gear ratio.
Radio shack has the relays, but you will also need some two pole cont actors rated at, 50 or so amps to send the power to the motor. You could get them from a electrical supply. For the forward and reverse, you can use the power on and off switch from a boat. You will need two, so you can reverse the polarity going to the motor. One switch for forward and one for reverse.
Off_The_Wall
08-11-08, 12:00 AM
ahhh ok thanks well i found this 1/2 HP electric motor that is 7.2 @115V, and operates at 1725 RPM do you think that would move me pretty fast? it is a fan/blower motor. and do you think i could somehow rig up an alternator to charge my batteries while i drive? or would that me more trouble than just charging them