Electric Go Kart

[ccarse]

Hi, I'm new to diy electric vehicles but do have a Chevy Volt that I've put 90k miles on. I am wanting to convert a go kart I picked up for cheap that had a bad motor. I'm trying to decide on a motor/controller. I'd like to keep the price under $200 for motor/controller if possible. Right now I'm thinking something like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1800W-48V-Brushless-Electric-Motor-and-Controller-for-ATV-Go-Kart-Scooter-Parts-/132097846668?hash=item1ec1a52d8c:g:4GwAAOSwax5YpRsF Is this reasonable? Are there better options?

I don't really care if the go kart goes very fast it's mainly for my kids to put around the yard.

Thanks for your help, I'm a little overwhelmed with all of the information I've been reading, and it's a little hard to find information on converting vehicles that aren't bikes or cars.

 

[Hillhater]

Hi,
There are many kart conversions on this forum...try a search using "go kart" .
Here is a typical thread to get you going..
https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=71783&hilit=Go+kart

 

[flat tire]

Yes, that motor and controller looks like it would work.

The battery is the important part, so be prepared to spend good money if you want range and reliability.

 

[ccarse]

Thanks for the help. I'll probably go with that motor/controller. One other question I have is do I need a "freewheel" on the motor sprocket?

As for battery, I'm thinking lithium. For 48v I need a 24s pack right? Who makes 24s balance chargers?

 

[wineboyrider]

You can probably pick up a brushed scooter motor for less than that ebay price?

 

[wineboyrider]

You can probably pick up a brushed scooter motor for less than that ebay price?

 

[Hillhater]

As for battery, I'm thinking lithium. For 48v I need a 24s pack right? Who makes 24s balance chargers?

24 s ?? ..NO
depending on which lithium chemistry you choose, 48 volt is either 14s , or 16 s ( LiFePO4 )
14s balance chargers exist, but spendy.
normally folk use a "bulk" 48 v charger and a BMS to balance the cells.