I was talking to a friend about doing an electric go kart, using an electric car starter motor on each wheel. (Maybe 50 percent gear reduction). I know there would be an issue with heating and the duty cycle, but I am not going to run a marathon. I was going to add a small 12 volt battery and then use an alternator with small gas motor for charging. Kinda like a hybrid go kart. Very unique.

Any insight into a project such as this, or forseeable problems?

What could I use as a inexpensive power controller?

You will burn up the starter motors on the first ride. They are not made to run for more than a few seconds at a time any longer and they will over heat and burn up. We went through this a while back right on here.

Steve

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Technology is great when it works,
and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't [img]http://serve.mysmiley.net/c...rs/character0029.gif[/img]
Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.

Truck windscreen wiper motors
Edit to add: the efficiency lost between the gas motor to drive an alternator for charging the battery, to drive the motors,would be greater than the power lost between using the gas motor as a direct drive to one axle ..so the gas motor driving a cog on an axle will be more efficient ....more efficiency..less polution

[This message has been edited by fierofetish (edited 02-24-2012).]

Lipo battery and a brushless motor....away you go

I like it, but I think it could be simplified. If you remove the starter motors, the 12 volt battery, and the alternator, you could run the belt from the ICE straight to the rear axle. This reduces weight, complexity, and cost, and would make it an all around better, more reliable performer.

hear hear!! Ummm...Yeah Hear hear!!

I have a gas power go-kart so I am not interested in another.

I dont think the starter motors would burn up on the first ride. First, there are two of them, less load, and the load itself is less demanding. I would not be able to hold the "throttle" wide open for very long so it would be only short bursts. Yes, they are not ideal for use as a heavy duty drive motor, but they are inexpensive and easily available. I am willing to bet I would run the battery dry before I would burn up the motors!!!

ICE are cool, but electric has that instant torque which would be certainly cool. It would be an unique, more so, concept type kart.

quote Originally posted by RotrexFiero: I was talking to a friend about doing an electric go kart, using an electric car starter motor on each wheel. (Maybe 50 percent gear reduction). I know there would be an issue with heating and the duty cycle, but I am not going to run a marathon. I was going to add a small 12 volt battery and then use an alternator with small gas motor for charging. Kinda like a hybrid go kart. Very unique. Any insight into a project such as this, or forseeable problems? What could I use as a inexpensive power controller?

I think this is a fun idea. It's doesn't have to be practical at all but you might find you will need batteries. There are electric motors you can get from recycler's cheap that can handle it.

Because you are asking a lot from the engine and alternator, go for the smallest electric motors you can and still get it to move. I would think it will require gear reduction.

But again, ignore how impractical it is - fun doesn't involve *practical*. The worst thing that will happen is you learn a lot.

How about a pair of 2 HP motors for the wheels. 4 HP - 3000 watts max. Sadly that requires a nearly a 300A alternator. Add in losses ...

[This message has been edited by TK (edited 02-24-2012).]

At least one production bicycle used a Ford Taurus fan motor for power. TWO of them would probably do what you want to do.
And weigh less than the starter motors.
And not burn out the very first day..
Just go to your local auto salvage yard and buy a matching pair of the biggest cooling fan motors you can find. It really does take a fair amount of power to drive a cooling fan.
Anyone who has been 'bitten' on the hand by one will know that.

For controllers, you might try a surplus store. We have Skycraft here, maybe there is something similar near you.
Another option would be the electric trolling motors used by fishermen. They run on 12/24 volts DC, are strong enough to move a bass boat, and already have a foot throttle to boot!

[This message has been edited by NEPTUNE (edited 02-24-2012).]

quote Originally posted by RotrexFiero: I have a gas power go-kart so I am not interested in another. I dont think the starter motors would burn up on the first ride. First, there are two of them, less load, and the load itself is less demanding. I would not be able to hold the "throttle" wide open for very long so it would be only short bursts. Yes, they are not ideal for use as a heavy duty drive motor, but they are inexpensive and easily available. I am willing to bet I would run the battery dry before I would burn up the motors!!! ICE are cool, but electric has that instant torque which would be certainly cool. It would be an unique, more so, concept type kart.

I am willing to take that bet, a buck says you burn them up in the first ride.

Steve

------------------
Technology is great when it works,
and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't [img]http://serve.mysmiley.net/c...rs/character0029.gif[/img]
Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.

Sounds like fun to me............ Here's a link to a home build electric cart.

http://buggies.builtforfun.co.uk/Racer/

"I am willing to take that bet, a buck says you burn them up in the first ride."


People have been doing it since the 50's.

That boy needs some grip !

You could use the starter as a boster then run off of the other motors once you got moving.

To make a pretty good electric kart you need:
2 - 36 volt 1,000 watt motors - $200
2 - 36 volt 10 amp battery packs - $200.
2 - 36 volt 1,000 watt speed controlers - $100
Everything else to complete the cart - $500

Pretty fast electric go-cart - $1,000

Hobbyking is supposed to be stocking economy turbines this summer...

Maybe.........Cordless 12v skillsaw motors instead of starters--not nearly the torque of a starter but maybe if ya double up on them. You can get em cheap at pawn shops and 2nd hand stores. They are made to run for a longer period of time. Or some of the better 12v trolling motors.........

quote Originally posted by Boondawg: To make a pretty good electric kart you need: 2 - 36 volt 1,000 watt motors - $200 2 - 36 volt 10 amp battery packs - $200. 2 - 36 volt 1,000 watt speed controlers - $100 Everything else to complete the cart - $500 Pretty fast electric go-cart - $1,000

Sounds like one of these to me. This is my 36v Western

quote Originally posted by 84fiero123: I am willing to take that bet, a buck says you burn them up in the first ride. Steve

It would not take much to win that buck!!! Just go on You Tube and there are plenty of karts running 12 volt electric starter motors. Obviously they are not running cross country but they will work. Also, on the go-kart forum they have directions for converting them, installing a reverse and such. They do work. Ideally they are not the best but it is a easy way to have some fun.

This video will tell you what you need.
http://www.youtube.com/watc...C5go&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrdNxgcNlYA