Electric go kart 72v

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Emanw99

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Hi I'm looking to build an electric go kart. This would be my first time ever attempting to build something like this. I have some requirements that Ive set for my go kart to achieve.

Top Speed: 35-40 mph
Drive Time: 1-2 hours

I have about $550 saved up for this project and I can get help from family members if I need more. So what I need to know is all the parts (motor, controller, batteries, etc.) to achieve my requirements listed above ^. I would really appreciate links to the parts =)

Thanks in advance
Ethan. P.S. I'm 13 and about 90 pounds
 

landuse

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Welcome to the forum Ethan.

First of all I would sufggest that you read up as much as you can about electric karts thta have been made on this forum. There is also a sticky in the electric section HERE that might help.
 

robotmickey

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Okay, for an electric kart to meet those goals, it's going to take
A) More than $550
B) Much more experience

I consider myself a somewhat seasoned electric kart builder. To achieve those speeds, you're going to need loooots of current, which means looooots of expensive batteries, which means an expensive controller to handle that juice. Not to mention the extreme danger that comes with that much power, you could seriously hurt or even kill yourself, which is why I would suggest lowering your standards. Second, your run time is unrealistic. Even electric cars which have large advanced technology batteries can barely go for that long. (Tesla:~2hours, Volt:~45min-1hour) I would shoot for more like a 25-40min. depending on how hard you drive it/riding conditions.

So, for a first time build:
What I do, really easy, cheap, can be done easy in your budget.
1. Go on craigslist, find a high wattage electric scooter (something greater than 300watts). This will get you motor, throttle, controller, chain, sprocket, switches, fuses, sometimes brakes. Most people will sell their scooters because they can no longer keep a charge, 95% of the time, new batteries will fix that. You can usually (in my area) get a scooter like I described for >$150.
2. This scooter will probably need new batteries (~$50-$100 depending on the number of batteries i.e. 24v 36v 48v, and what run time you are looking for.)
3. Design/Build frame. (~$100-whatever you want to spend)
4. Apply electronics
5. Have fun on your new toy.

I can give you more specific information if you tell us more about what you are looking for as far as what kind of go kart you are looking for. (big, small, weird, ect.)

These are my electric builds I have done using essentially this process:
Ride-On-Cooler:
http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=11489
Electric Radio Flyer Wagon:
http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=13491
Beer Crate:
http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=13523
 
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