Before you start yanking things, remember that golf carts are not Jeeps. They have the structural integrity of a well-made beach umbrella. If you remove the governor completely, you might hit 25 mph, which feels like 90 mph in a vehicle with plastic doors and lawn-mower tires. I once saw a guy do this, hit a bump, and his hat flew off before he did a gentle “oh-oh” into a bush. Nobody needs that embarrassment.
So, the trick is adjustment, not demolition. You want to loosen the governor’s grip, not cut the rope entirely. Think of it like loosening your belt after Thanksgiving dinner—you want comfort, not a explosion.
Adjusting The Governor On An Ezgo Golf Cart at Albert Glover blog
Gas Cart: The Bend and Snip
On a gas cart, find the governor spring. It connects the throttle linkage to a bracket. If you shorten the spring (by bending the bracket tab or moving the spring to a closer hole), you give the engine permission to breathe. This is the same logic as unbuttoning your tight jeans. A tiny turn of a wrench here can mean an extra 5 mph.
If you’re feeling brave (and your cart is older), you can gently bend the governor arm so it doesn’t kick in so early. But go slow. A little bend equals a lot of speed. You don’t want your cart doing a wheelie into a tomato stand.
Electric Cart: The Magic Screw
For electric carts, it’s even simpler. Find the speed controller box (usually under the seat, near the batteries). Inside—or mounted on top—is a small plastic or metal screw labeled “speed” or “max.” It’s usually the only screw that has a rubber cap over it. That cap is the symbol of oppression. Remove it, turn the screw clockwise a quarter turn, test it, and repeat until you feel happy.
Pro tip: Test it on a flat road, not on a hill. A hill will make your cart stutter and complain like a teenager asked to do the dishes. Flat ground gives you the real speed without drama.
How to Adjust an E Z Go Golf Cart Governor: 13 Steps
