How to Make an EZGO RXV Faster (Speed Upgrade Guide)
If you’re wondering how to make your EZGO RXV golf cart faster, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions RXV owners ask is how to increase top speed without sacrificing reliability. The good news is there are several ways to upgrade the speed of your RXV.
In this article we’ll cover the most common EZGO RXV speed upgrades, along with the pros and cons of each option so you can decide which one is best for your cart.
Dealer Programming
By far the easiest way to achieve a higher top speed from your RXV is to purchase it that way from the start.
If you’re buying your cart from an E-Z-GO dealer, you can often ask them to increase the speed before delivery. Most dealers can raise the top speed to around 19.5 mph using a handheld programmer or passkey. In many cases this is done free of charge or for a small fee.
There are also tricks floating around online that attempt to fool the controller into thinking the cart is moving slower than it actually is. Personally, I don’t recommend those methods. The RXV relies on accurate speed readings for its electronic braking system, and when it comes to brakes it’s not something I’m willing to gamble with.
RXV Tuner / Speed Chip (Most Popular Option)
One of the most economical and easiest ways to increase EZGO RXV top speed is by using a plug-in RXV tuner.
A FastRXV tuner installs in seconds. Simply turn the cart off, plug the tuner into the diagnostic port, turn the cart on, wait for a solid orange light, then turn the cart off and unplug the tuner. That’s all there is to it.
With a Stage 2 RXV tune, most carts will reach about 25.5 mph, and even more speed is possible with taller tires. For example, we typically run 20-inch tires on our RXVs and
You can see our EZGO RXV Stage 2 tuner here:
https://fastrxv.com/products/e-z-go-rxv-tuner
Because installation takes less than a minute and requires no mechanical work, this is often the most popular RXV speed upgrade for DIY owners.
High Speed Gears
Another way to increase RXV speed is by installing high speed gears.
The factory gear ratio on an EZGO electric RXV is 12.44:1. High speed gear sets typically change that ratio to 10:1, which can push top speeds to around 35 mph.
However, there are a few downsides.
First is cost. A set of high speed gears typically runs around $500 just for the parts. If you’re not mechanically inclined and don’t have access to a press, you’ll likely need a golf cart shop to install them.
Most shops charge 2–4 hours of labor, which means the total cost can easily reach $900–$1,000.
The other drawback is reduced torque. When you install high speed gears, the cart will lose some of its hill-climbing ability.
High Performance Controllers
Upgraded motor controllers are another way to increase both speed and torque.
One of the most popular options is the Navitas AC controller kit for the RXV. These kits can provide a significant performance increase and offer a lot of adjustability.
Installation can be challenging if you’ve never replaced a controller before, but compared to most high-performance controller upgrades it’s actually fairly straightforward. The instructions are detailed and the technical support from Navitas is excellent.
Pricing varies quite a bit depending on the kit, but most fall somewhere between $800 and $1,000.
One important thing to note is that if your cart has a factory EZGO lithium battery pack, the Navitas kit will not work. Some aftermarket lithium batteries may also struggle to provide enough power for these controller upgrades.
Taller Tires
Lastly, we have taller tires.
Most RXVs come with 18-inch tires from the factory. Increasing tire diameter effectively increases the distance traveled per revolution, which translates into slightly higher top speed.
The speed gain is modest, but it can still make a noticeable difference. For example, a cart that runs 14 mph with stock tires might reach around 17 mph with taller tires.
Many owners combine taller tires with other speed upgrades to get the best overall results.
Search Engine Stuff:
What Is the Top Speed of an EZGO RXV?
Most EZGO RXV golf carts leave the factory limited to around 14–19.5 mph depending on configuration. With common upgrades like a Stage 2 RXV tuner, speeds of 25.5 mph or more are typical.