Electric Go Kart

Specs:

Project Overview

The following document outlines the final results of a four-year endeavor involving the construction of an electric go-kart. This project was undertaken by a friend and me during the summers of high school, utilizing recycled and discarded materials sourced from Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.

Inspiration and Initial Steps

My interest in electric karting began during my eighth-grade year through involvement with MinDDrive, a nonprofit organization focused on electrathon racing. This program aims to educate young individuals on building small, efficient electric karts with the goal of achieving maximum speed and efficiency. My enthusiasm for the concept was kindled, and despite the onset of the pandemic preventing further participation with MinDDrive, I resolved to pursue this interest independently.


Early Challenges and Discoveries

To initiate the project, I visited a junkyard where I acquired a 24-volt brush DC motor and a 24-36 volt Curtis controller. Additionally, I purchased old UPS batteries to experiment with the wiring and understand the basic functionality of the components. At this stage, I lacked both electrical and mechanical experience and relied solely on information available online. The successful operation of the motor sparked a profound interest in engineering, marking a pivotal moment in my journey.



Construction and Fabrication

The subsequent phase involved fabricating the go-kart. I purchased a pre-built frame that was significantly rusted and required extensive modifications. This included rebuilding the front spindles, rear axle, and main mounts to accommodate the motor and electrical components. The project proved to be highly demanding but provided invaluable learning experiences.


Lessons Learned

Throughout this intensive project, I acquired several important skills and insights. I learned how to construct a vehicle with limited tools, repurpose available materials effectively, and appreciate the value of a fresh perspective in overcoming challenges. The project underscored the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in engineering and problem-solving.


 Please check out the other projects I've done and I hope you enjoyed!