How To Remove The Governor On A Golf Cart

So, your golf cart feels like it’s being held back by an invisible leash. You’ve seen those main-guy types zoom past the 19th hole, and you’re left puttering along at a pace that would make a sloth yawn. You want speed, you want wind in your hair, and you want to arrive at the cooler before the ice melts. Relax, my friend—I’ve got the inside scoop on how to liberate your little electric chariot from its corporate shackles.

The Governor: What Even Is That?

First, let’s talk about the villain of our story. The “governor” is a tiny, joy-sucking device that manufacturers install to ensure you never, ever exceed 12 miles per hour. Factory lawyers think it’s for your own good, like a nanny who hides the candy jar. In reality, the governor is just a metal tab or a speed sensor that tells your engine, “Hey, slow down—someone might have fun today.”

Surprising fact: The average golf cart’s governor is calibrated to keep you slower than a man jogging in Crocs. Meanwhile, the actual golf cart chassis can handle speeds up to 25 mph without spontaneously combusting. The governor is basically a cop with a very, very slow race car.

The Tools: A Trip to Your Garage (or Your Neighbor’s Garage)

You don’t need a PhD in mechanical engineering for this. Grab a 10mm wrench, a pair of pliers, and maybe a flashlight so you don’t accidentally unplug the turn signals (which no one uses anyway). If you have a gas-powered cart, you'll also want a screwdriver and a strong cup of coffee. For electric models, bring a multimeter—because even rebels need to check voltage.

Here’s the part where I remind you: Removing the governor might technically violate the warranty. But let’s be honest—you bought that cart used off Facebook Marketplace from a guy named “Chip,” and the warranty expired when the previous owner installed a cupholder for his beer can. You’re already in rogue territory.

Method 1: The Gas Cart “Zip Tie Trick”

On gas-powered carts—think Yamaha, Club Car, or EZ-GO—the governor is usually a spring-and-lever setup attached to the carburetor. It looks like a medieval torture device designed by a sadistic blacksmith. Your goal: bypass it with a zip tie.

Pull the governor arm tight against its stop, then cinch a heavy-duty zip tie around it to lock it in place. Disclaimer: This is like removing the speed limiter on a Roomba—it will now go wherever it damn well pleases. Your cart might suddenly accelerate like a startled deer, so test it on a flat, empty stretch of grass. Pro tip: tell your passengers to hold onto the roll cage. Or their dentures.

Method 2: The Electric Cart “Speed Sensor Snip”

Electric carts are sneaky. They use a magnetic speed sensor on the motor that whispers to the controller: “Too fast, chief.” To remove the governor, you can either unplug that sensor or—if you’re feeling particularly frisky—install a jumper wire to fool the controller into thinking you’re going 5 mph when you’re really hitting 20.

I once watched a man do this, and he shouted “I AM SPEED” like he was in a Disney movie. His cart lurched forward, the cooler flew off the back, and his buddy’s sun hat became a distant memory. It was beautiful.

Surprising fact: Some electric carts have a “tow mode” switch. If you flip it while moving, the cart thinks it’s being towed and disables the governor automatically. Yes, the engineers essentially installed a cheat code. Use it wisely.

Method 3: The “I’m Too Lazy” Controller Upgrade

If fiddling with wires gives you the heebie-jeebies, just buy an aftermarket speed controller for about $100. It replaces the factory brain box and lets you dial in your speed with a little knob. Suddenly, you’re the DJ of velocity. Turn it up for the back nine, turn it down when the ranger gives you the stink eye.

This is the “rich uncle who doesn’t care” approach. It costs more, but you also don’t have to lie on your back under a cart that smells like old batteries and regret.

The Legal Reality: Don’t Be That Guy

Now here’s where the responsible adult in my brain takes the mic for a moment. Driving a governor-less cart on public roads is illegal in most states. Your cart is now a speedy golf cart, but the law still sees it as a glorified lawn mower. Cops don’t love it when you blast through a stop sign doing 25 in what looks like a refrigerator with wheels.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (yes, they have opinions on this) says a golf cart must stay under 20 mph to remain a “low-speed vehicle.” Break that barrier, and you need seat belts, mirrors, and turn signals. Which, let’s face it, your cart probably has—but they’re held on with duct tape.

The Final Verdict

Removing the governor is like giving your pet turtle a jetpack. It’s hilarious, thrilling, and slightly dangerous. You’ll feel like a rebel, your buddies will cheer, and the ranger will definitely give you a stern talking-to. But if you’re careful, you can enjoy the wind in your face while still making it back to the clubhouse for a round of drinks.

Just remember: with great speed comes great responsibility—and also the need to warn your passenger before you take a corner. Otherwise, you’ll spend the rest of the afternoon looking for their phone in the bushes.

Go forth, my speed-hungry friend. And may your cart forever outrun the beer cart girl.