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Hi, all. I would like to build an electric gokart for my son. He has special needs, and as a result he has limited ability to do many things. However, one thing he can do and *loves* to do is ride vehicles.
Years ago we purchased a "drifter" electric cart that he loved, and has since grown out of. We have a kawasaki mule that he enjoys driving, but it's a bit less thrilling and isn't the quietest thing around. We have wonderful neighbors, but I would really like to have something that I know isn't bothersome to anyone.
So...I'm pretty handy (not good, but handy!) with a welder, and building the gokart frame and all associated parts (steering, brakes, axle, etc., etc) isn't a problem. However, I just don't know enough about electric motors and controllers to feel confident in what I'm doing.
There are places online that sell kits that include the motor, controller, etc., even with a gas pedal and batteries for a price--is this the best way to go? I priced a kit the other day that was roughly $400 for a 36v, 1000-watt motor and controller, pedal and three, 12v 17ah batteries. I think I would definitely want to up the battery capacity, but is this setup enough?
I don't want to go crazy--I don't need a 40 mph kart or anything--but I would like it to be spry and fun. Right now he weighs about 100 pounds, and assume another 100 pounds for the frame/motor/batteries (maybe?). Also consider I might hop on it sometimes, and I'm about 195. So... a max weight of 300--maybe 350 with bigger batteries? We do have some hills in the neighborhood, but nothing over 8%-10% grade for short lengths. (As far as weight, I'm planning this to be a one-seater... so only one of us at a time).
Would the 1000 watt motor be enough? Should I look for a repurposed motor like a forklift or golf cart motor? Etc., etc. And, of course, I'm trying to keep this project as reasonably priced as possible.
I'll stop here before this gets too long to read (it may be there already!). Any advice/input would be greatly appreciated, and please feel free to ask questions about any further info you may need.
Years ago we purchased a "drifter" electric cart that he loved, and has since grown out of. We have a kawasaki mule that he enjoys driving, but it's a bit less thrilling and isn't the quietest thing around. We have wonderful neighbors, but I would really like to have something that I know isn't bothersome to anyone.
So...I'm pretty handy (not good, but handy!) with a welder, and building the gokart frame and all associated parts (steering, brakes, axle, etc., etc) isn't a problem. However, I just don't know enough about electric motors and controllers to feel confident in what I'm doing.
There are places online that sell kits that include the motor, controller, etc., even with a gas pedal and batteries for a price--is this the best way to go? I priced a kit the other day that was roughly $400 for a 36v, 1000-watt motor and controller, pedal and three, 12v 17ah batteries. I think I would definitely want to up the battery capacity, but is this setup enough?
I don't want to go crazy--I don't need a 40 mph kart or anything--but I would like it to be spry and fun. Right now he weighs about 100 pounds, and assume another 100 pounds for the frame/motor/batteries (maybe?). Also consider I might hop on it sometimes, and I'm about 195. So... a max weight of 300--maybe 350 with bigger batteries? We do have some hills in the neighborhood, but nothing over 8%-10% grade for short lengths. (As far as weight, I'm planning this to be a one-seater... so only one of us at a time).
Would the 1000 watt motor be enough? Should I look for a repurposed motor like a forklift or golf cart motor? Etc., etc. And, of course, I'm trying to keep this project as reasonably priced as possible.
I'll stop here before this gets too long to read (it may be there already!). Any advice/input would be greatly appreciated, and please feel free to ask questions about any further info you may need.