Info gathering for first kart...

[heatmizr]

Good day to all from heatmizr, aka Todd...
I've just begun browsing and gathering some basic ideas. I suppose I got started when I scarfed an electric motor out of my neighbor's electric mower who's controls crapped out. I wanted to see if it is big enough to drive a small kart for my sons. They are only 1 & 3 so far, so I have plenty of time to think ahead.

I looked up a similar mower online to estimate the specs and I believe it is a 36v, 50amp motor, which I calculate to be 1800w. I hope to keep this kart small, and geared down for limited speed, so from my limited browsing I think this should be sufficient.

One thought I had was to build the kart a bit bigger so that we can share - maybe with removable interchangeable seats that I can swap in to fit either them or me. With that in mind I may power it with only 2x12v batteries at first, with the option to add a third battery if I end up with something that I want to drive too.

For now, I am just gathering info, ideas, and the costs involved, and looking for a way to economize on this first kart while gathering experience. I am eager to learn more about alternative sources for controllers, throttles, stock and other parts as I don't have dedicated funds for this (accountant wife).

I'll be at a crossroads soon methinks; either looking for a cheap used frame/completed kart to build on, or getting serious and purchasing a welder for a more homegrown approach! I don't have many fabrication tools so this approach while far more fun might get me in trouble.
Comments welcome...
Todd Glasier in Charlotte

 

[landuse]

Welcome to the forum!! Have a look at this sticky on electric engines

http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=9700

I would also suggest getting a used frame instead of building one if this is your first project of this kind. It will save you some hassle

 

[heatmizr]

Thank you sir; yes that is the first post I happened to see, and very informative.
What do you think of my motor selection? It was free!

I like the idea of "over-volting" a motor. However, using a 36v motor, that's a lot of batteries.
Since I don't think I want to carry 3-4 deep cycle 12v batteries around (heavy), I am toying with the idea of using motorcycle batteries if the kart is small enough. They are also 12v. Maybe 2 or 3 of them will give me enough run time.

There was no mention of "under-volting" the motor. I assume it won't hurt the motor, but just decrease performance; unlike some electronics that need proper voltage to perform - not too much or too little.

 

[OzFab]

You will find that there are very few electric kart enthusiasts here, that would explain why you haven't had many responses. Don't be discouraged, start a thread in the "electric projects" section, it should get a bit more attention there...

Welcome to the forum

 

[heatmizr]

Thanks! I just posted in that section, so no need to add anything here....