Looking to start new project

[gary]

Hey, Im new to this forum and also new to go karting

Im an electrical/electronic engineer trainee and I am looking for a little project for myself building a go kart,

I'm looking to use an electric motor rather than liquid fueled, would want it to be able to manage with a bit of off road but nothing near to a buggy (not huge suspension or roll cage etc)

I would like it to be capable of around 30mph on flat ground although a bit more/less would be okay but i dont have a clue what size motor i would need, the RPM, voltage/amp rating etc

Could anyone give any advice on what main parts i would need for example, dc brushless 10amp 24v 3200RPM motor, 30amp motor speed controller, what batteries etc

Any help would be great
Thanks

 

[OzFab]

Welcome to the forum gary.

Perhaps this would be more at home in the electric projects section of the forum

 

[souperman000]

welcome!

 

[landuse]

Welcome to the forum Gary. I have moved this thread to the electric section of the forum for you.

I would have a look at all the sticky threads on electric stuff before you decide what you are going to buy. Also have a look at some of the electric build threads. There are some really good ones

Sticky

A good thread

I am not an electric guy, so maybe wait for someone else to chip in

 

[gary]

Welcome to the forum Gary. I have moved this thread to the electric section of the forum for you.

I would have a look at all the sticky threads on electric stuff before you decide what you are going to buy. Also have a look at some of the electric build threads. There are some really good ones

Sticky

A good thread

I am not an electric guy, so maybe wait for someone else to chip in

hey, thanks I wasn't entirely sure where it was best to go

I've read through the stickys but it doesn't really mention much about the technical side for example what size motor you want for what speed or how to work it out

thanks

 

[dman]

all i can tell u is that about 700+ watts makes 1 hp hope it helps

 

[Fallenleopard]

I would be looking for a dc brushless motor probably 2000watts or higher. try looking for something with a high efficiency.
36v or 48v is your best option, but that depends what motor you find.
As for batteries you need to decide what chemistry you want to use Lipo, NMHidride or other. Personally i would pick a lithium chemistry because of the discharge curve. rather that slowing down slowly your kart will run at max speed and then just cut out.
Most of this will depend on your budget

hope this helps a little

 

[Camn]

You could probably get away with a 1000w scooter motor on each wheel, that would give you about 30mph geared properly. They will run you about $90 bucks at tncscooters.com. As for the gearing I would use chain drive, and you can plug your numbers into the speed calculator on this site to figure out what size sprockets you will need.

And the controller I would just get two 1000w controllers (one for each motor).

Finally I would just get 3 or 6 12v 35 amp hour sealed lead acid because they are the best bang for your buck. ( I think you can get them on amazon for about $60 each).

Good luck with your go kart, I'm working on one pretty similar as well so let me know if you need more help...

Cameron