Golf Cart Motor Upgrades

Regen VS Series Cart

5 Key differences (Use 3-5 to confirm your type)

1.If the golf cart has a Tow/Run or Run/Maintenance switch under the seat, it's a Regen (Regenerative Braking) cart. If not, it's a Series cart (except Club Car Regen I models).

See examples below (Fig. 1.1, Fig. 1.2 & Fig. 1.3).

Fig 1.1

EZGO
Run/Maintenance Switch

Fig 1.2

Club Car
Tow/Run Switch

Fig 1.3

Yamaha
Tow/Run Switch

2.If the motor has a speed sensor wire, it's a Regen motor. If not, it's a Series motor.

EZGO Regen Motor

Club Car Regen Motor

3.What do the motor Field Coil Windings Look Like?

• Regen motors: Have "shunt" or "round wire" coils, typically with smaller wire (12AWG - 24AWG), and many turns (60–200+ per coil).
• Series motors: Have "flat wire" coils, with larger, rectangular wire and fewer turns (5–15 per coil).

See Fig. 3a & 3b below

Fig. 3a

Regen
Round/Shunt field coils

Fig. 3b

Series
Flat Filed Coils

4.If the motor has 2 smaller (1/4-20 UNC) and 2 larger (5/16-18 UNC) terminals, it's a Regen motor. If all 4 terminals are the same size (5/16-18 UNC), it's a Series motor.

5.Series Vehicle Features

EZGO Series Cart Features

(Except Regen DCS EZ-GO Model, which HAS this handle.)

1st Generation:

1204 or 1205 footprint. Marathon Models mainly. (YR. 1990-1994.5)

2nd Generation:

1206 footprint. TXT Models mainly.(YR. 1994.5 & Up)

Club Car Series Cart Features

Black Controller:

Throttle (0-5k): 36 Volt(YR. 1990-1994)

Silver Controller:

Throttle (0-5k): 36 Volt(YR. 1990-1994)

Note

* (May Require a Controller Upgrade)

** (Must Upgrade Controller)

*** (Compatible with Non-Programmable Controllers)

*** (Compatible with Programmable Controllers)

‡ (Compatible with Non-Programmable & Programmable Controllers)

F (Fan Cooled Motor)

• Performance based on Stock Controller comparison.

• All motors can be used at 36 / 48 volts.

Vehicle performance specs are compared to the standard factory performance. Several factors can effect the performance. Some are battery conditions; tire size, tread type and air pressure; and varying environmental conditions. Standard factory speeds normally run about 14 MPH!!! All vehicle speeds noted are calculated on flat ground. Adding Larger tires normally adds between 2-3 MPH. If you are unsure of how to use the above chart, please call (315) 701-0635. If you do not see the performance you require, please call. We often are capable of making non-standard motors through our engineering department.

• What it is: The maximum horsepower the motor can produce for a short duration (usually seconds to a few minutes).
• Use Case: Useful during acceleration, startup, or when extra torque is temporarily needed (like in go- karts, e-bikes, or heavy-duty machinery).
• Limitation: Not sustainable for long periods—pushing the motor at peak power for too long can overheat or damage it.

• What it is: The maximum horsepower the motor can safely produce continuously without overheating or degrading performance.
• Use Case: This is the reliable, everyday power the motor can deliver during extended operation—important for systems that run for long periods.
• Rated Conditions: Usually based on ambient temperature, cooling, and duty cycle assumptions (e.g., 40°C ambient, proper ventilation).

Think of it like your own strength:

• Peak HP is like lifting something heavy for a few seconds.
• Continuous HP is what you can lift repeatedly or hold for an hour without tiring or hurting yourself.

Voltage Information

Most golf carts operate on either a 36V or 48V system, affecting their power, torque, and speed. If you don't need maximum performance, a 36V system offers good performance at a lower cost. For maximum performance, a 48V system is recommended. Most D&D golf cart motors are compatible with both voltages.

Torque Information

Motor Types:

• High Speed Motor: Ideal for achieving maximum speed, but not recommended for:
  • Hilly terrains
  • Towing trailers or boats
  • Carrying more than 3 passengers
  • Carts equipped with lift kits or oversized tires
• High Torque Motor: Perfectly suited for demanding tasks, providing robust performance.
• Speed and Torque Motor: A versatile option for a variety of applications, making it an excellent choice if you’re unsure of your needs.

Caution:

Using a High Speed motor inappropriately could cause permanent damage.
For more help, please call 315-701-0635

Speed Information

Motor Types:

• High Speed Motor: Ideal for achieving maximum speed, but not recommended for:
  • Hilly terrains
  • Towing trailers or boats
  • Carrying more than 3 passengers
  • Carts equipped with lift kits or oversized tires
• High Torque Motor: Perfectly suited for demanding tasks, providing robust performance.
• Speed and Torque Motor: A versatile option for a variety of applications, making it an excellent choice if you're unsure of your needs.

Caution:

Using a High Speed motor inappropriately may cause permanent damage.
For more help, please call 315-701-0635