Question on STAR EV Golf Cart

[Vinscalese]

I am curious , can the STAR Sirius be “tuned up” to go above 20mph like you can the Yamaha Gas?

[villagetinker]

Probably, but you now own an illegal Low Speed vehicle, and if you have an accident your "golf cart insurance" may not cover you if the insurance company finds out. We leave a few minutes early in our Yamaha golf cart.
Remember golf carts are designed to go 15 MPH by the manufacturer, pushing to 20 MPH is as far as I am willing to go.

[Topspinmo]

I sure new ones can be program speed up? when I rented had older star cart had high/low switch on dash which I thought was for headlights. The cart ran 21 or so till I flipped switch like I hit passing gear and quickly approached 35 plus. I let off at 35.

[BrianL99]

I am curious , can the STAR Sirius be “tuned up” to go above 20mph like you can the Yamaha Gas?

You either have a 110 Amp or 150 Amp battery in your Star Sirius? Or, perhaps you bought it in the Villages and the dealer turned down your speed.

Stars come from the "factory" at 19.5 mph, unless you buy the 210 Amp battery, in which case, they come tuned for about 24 mph.

The answer to your question, is yes you can tune up the speed. You likely have a Curtis Controller and all you need is the software and cable to do it ... or, find someone who has both of those.

[Bill14564]

You either have a 110 Amp or 150 Amp battery in your Star Sirius? Or, perhaps you bought it in the Villages and the dealer turned down your speed.

Stars come from the "factory" at 19.5 mph, unless you buy the 210 Amp battery, in which case, they come tuned for about 24 mph.

The answer to your question, is yes you can tune up the speed. You likely have a Curtis Controller and all you need is the software and cable to do it ... or, find someone who has both of those.

Do you mean 110A/150A or do you mean 110Ah/150Ah?

The STAR site has a page on lithium battery specs (https://starev.com/lithium-table/). The pdfs for the 80Ah battery lists a max discharge rate of 120A and the rate is higher for the larger batteries. Other non-Star pages will say cruising at 15mph requires 30A-50A so a battery with even a 120A discharge capability should easily power a cart at 24mph.

Star sells both "standard" and LSV models. The spec sheet for all models lists a top speed of "19.5 mph (25mph if LSV)." The speed difference is not likely due to the battery choice but the choice of an LSV configuration. Of course, the dealer may have adjusted the speed after it was received from the factory.

[Vinscalese]

You either have a 110 Amp or 150 Amp battery in your Star Sirius? Or, perhaps you bought it in the Villages and the dealer turned down your speed.

Stars come from the "factory" at 19.5 mph, unless you buy the 210 Amp battery, in which case, they come tuned for about 24 mph.

The answer to your question, is yes you can tune up the speed. You likely have a Curtis Controller and all you need is the software and cable to do it ... or, find someone who has both of those.
It would be the 210amp version

[BrianL99]

You either have a 110 Amp or 160 Amp battery in your Star Sirius? Or, perhaps you bought it in the Villages and the dealer turned down your speed.

Stars come from the "factory" at 19.5 mph, unless you buy the 210 Amp battery, in which case, they come tuned for about 24 mph.

The answer to your question, is yes you can tune up the speed. You likely have a Curtis Controller and all you need is the software and cable to do it ... or, find someone who has both of those.

It would be the 210amp version

Then I suspect your bought your Star Sirius in The Villages? I've been told (but have no personal experience) they turn the speed down on carts they sell, to 19.5 mph.

According to the Star Website and personal knowledge, the 110A & 160A come set to 19.5 MPH. I have a 210A and it came from Star, set at 24.5.

If you want more speed, your Controller has to be adjusted. I've been told that 210A Sirius carts were produced with different controllers and they don't always have a Curtis controller. You need the connector & the software for whatever controller is in your cart, to reset the speed maximum.

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

All I know is there are a LOT of golf carts that exceed 20 mph.

[bowlingal]

golf cart safety clinic is given on Dec 18 at Colony Cottage Rec Center. If you go to this very important class, you will hear OVER 20mph is illegal and can result in a speeding ticket of several hundred dollars. Do yourselves a favor and attend this class. You will get the correct and accurate laws involving driving a golf cart.

[BrianL99]

I am curious , can the STAR Sirius be “tuned up” to go above 20mph like you can the Yamaha Gas?

golf cart safety clinic is given on Dec 18 at Colony Cottage Rec Center. If you go to this very important class, you will hear OVER 20mph is illegal and can result in a speeding ticket of several hundred dollars. Do yourselves a favor and attend this class. You will get the correct and accurate laws involving driving a golf cart.

No one in The Villages would ever exceed the speed limit.

You can drive a car or even have a child, without going to "class", but you should take a class before you drive a golf cart. The world is upside down.

[talonip]

I am curious , can the STAR Sirius be “tuned up” to go above 20mph like you can the Yamaha Gas?
Yes up to 23. I bought mine 3 years ago. I was asked if I wanted to set the 23 speed. Yes. It goes 24 all day long and I still get passed all the time

[BrianL99]

Yes up to 23. I bought mine 3 years ago. I was asked if I wanted to set the 23 speed. Yes. It goes 24 all day long and I still get passed all the time

The Star Sirius can be set at a much higher speed than 23 mph.

[Topspinmo]

No one in The Villages would ever exceed the speed limit.

You can drive a car or even have a child, without going to "class", but you should take a class before you drive a golf cart. The world is upside down.


Majority do take class it called driver license.

[True Blue]

Probably, but you now own an illegal Low Speed vehicle, and if you have an accident your "golf cart insurance" may not cover you if the insurance company finds out. We leave a few minutes early in our Yamaha golf cart.
Remember golf carts are designed to go 15 MPH by the manufacturer, pushing to 20 MPH is as far as I am willing to go.

You are exactly spot on as usual. Unfortunately many people choose to ignore the law. We have also kept ours at 20mph. I don’t understand what the hurry is with these carts going 25 or 30 mph.

[revfiddle]

Yes. I have a 2020 Star and it goes 25 mph.

[jimhoward]

If I want to get somewhere fast, and it is distant enough that speed matters, I just take my car.

[LieutenantEd]

The other day a Star cart passed me on Hillsborough Road, I’m going 19-20 mph in cart lane (according to GPS) . The female driver was holding an infant!!!!! ( not a dog) in her left arm, steering with her right arm, her passing speed was certainly 25++ mph. Absolutely amazed beyond comprehension until the next time it happens here in TV. I said a prayer for the baby!

[Enzo1943]

I am curious , can the STAR Sirius be “tuned up” to go above 20mph like you can the Yamaha Gas?

Tune it up to 30 mph, then you can ignore stop signs faster. If more speed is your thing, drive a car.

[BrianL99]

Majority do take class it called driver license.

35 out of 50 States do not require any classes for a Driver's License.

[Bill14564]

35 out of 50 States do not require any classes for a Driver's License.

How many of those 35 states (or all 50 states if you prefer) require a certification (license) before being allowed to drive?

Thankfully, we don't (yet) have a requirement for a driver's license for golf carts and no requirements for classes either. However, given some of the questions and comments here, many would clearly benefit from attending such a class.

[DrHitch]

Interesting replies to this thread.....

I worked for the company that developed the speed controllers for Walmart handicap scooters. Sure, we could tweak the software to make the carts drive 20MPH, but WHY?......

Doing so, is downright dangerous for the intended application. The same holds true for "golf" carts in The Villages. To answer the OP question, yes, all PWM electric controllers can be tuned with the proper programming.

The LARGER question here is the subject of separating cart speed limits on public roads vs speed limits on multi-modal paths...I suggest the powers that be focus on speed limit citations on the paths, with less emphasis on speeding in the cart lanes on roadways.

[jimjamuser]

Probably, but you now own an illegal Low Speed vehicle, and if you have an accident your "golf cart insurance" may not cover you if the insurance company finds out. We leave a few minutes early in our Yamaha golf cart.
Remember golf carts are designed to go 15 MPH by the manufacturer, pushing to 20 MPH is as far as I am willing to go.
I agree and wish there was more Police enforcement to make sure that everyone had the same 20 MPH maximum. That would mean less dangerous passing (on blind curves) and fewer accidents.

[jimjamuser]

All I know is there are a LOT of golf carts that exceed 20 mph.
Exactly TRUE. Everyone KNOWS this. Yet the question is .....WHY is there so little law enforcement emphasis on this. it causes accidents and injuries. And if an 80 year old person is thrown out of a Golf car they could get permanent injuries.

[jimjamuser]

Yes up to 23. I bought mine 3 years ago. I was asked if I wanted to set the 23 speed. Yes. It goes 24 all day long and I still get passed all the time
More confirmation about how serious this problem is. Gasoline golf cars have a higher center of gravity than Electric golf cars so they are likely to turn over easier. And a high center of gravity makes stopping more difficult.

[jimjamuser]

You are exactly spot on as usual. Unfortunately many people choose to ignore the law. We have also kept ours at 20mph. I don’t understand what the hurry is with these carts going 25 or 30 mph.
I don't think that the people are REALLY in a hurry. It is the CHEAP THRILL of passing another golf car and feeling superior. Basically it would be something that maybe some retired psychologist could study and write a paper about. I would be glad to hear the RATIONALIZATIONS as to what the "need for speed"is in such mundane activities as driving around The Villages. They can't all be heart surgeons racing to get to an operation at a hospital.

[Justputt]

Yes, they can be tuned up. I recently had service done on a new cart at TV and I was asked if I was happy with the speed (topped out at 21-22 mph, as purchased). I said it would be nice to bump it if it weren't illegal. I was told they could bump it to 24 mph, so I said sure since it was only a couple mph. They sent me a waiver, and my eyes went directly to the area in bold yellow that was the expected liability waiver for TV for bumping it. What I did not read at the time was the first unhighlighted paragraph that basically what they were doing wasn't necessarily legal!!! I wrongly assumed the important stuff was the highlighted parts, and I was WRONG! Even if I have them turn it back to 21-22, I suspect they'll want to keep the waiver I signed. I'm assuming that any citation will be for what I do and not what I can do. e.g. My truck will go 120 mph, but I only get a ticket for going over the posted limit and not what the truck is capable of doing.

[Bill14564]

Yes, they can be tuned up. I recently had service done on a new cart at TV and I was asked if I was happy with the speed (topped out at 21-22 mph, as purchased). I said it would be nice to bump it if it weren't illegal. I was told they could bump it to 24 mph, so I said sure since it was only a couple mph. They sent me a waiver, and my eyes went directly to the area in bold yellow that was the expected liability waiver for TV for bumping it. What I did not read at the time was the first unhighlighted paragraph that basically what they were doing wasn't necessarily legal!!! I wrongly assumed the important stuff was the highlighted parts, and I was WRONG! Even if I have them turn it back to 21-22, I suspect they'll want to keep the waiver I signed. I'm assuming that any citation will be for what I do and not what I can do. e.g. My truck will go 120 mph, but I only get a ticket for going over the posted limit and not what the truck is capable of doing.

Who knows what will happen but that is not how the law reads. The law specifies a limit on how fast the cart is capable of going whether it is actually moving or not.

Yes, of course, the law only matters if an officer chooses to stop you and determines there is a concern - not very likely but it can happen.

[jimjamuser]

Yes, they can be tuned up. I recently had service done on a new cart at TV and I was asked if I was happy with the speed (topped out at 21-22 mph, as purchased). I said it would be nice to bump it if it weren't illegal. I was told they could bump it to 24 mph, so I said sure since it was only a couple mph. They sent me a waiver, and my eyes went directly to the area in bold yellow that was the expected liability waiver for TV for bumping it. What I did not read at the time was the first unhighlighted paragraph that basically what they were doing wasn't necessarily legal!!! I wrongly assumed the important stuff was the highlighted parts, and I was WRONG! Even if I have them turn it back to 21-22, I suspect they'll want to keep the waiver I signed. I'm assuming that any citation will be for what I do and not what I can do. e.g. My truck will go 120 mph, but I only get a ticket for going over the posted limit and not what the truck is capable of doing.
Good point. I imagine that is the reason that the Police have trouble controlling the practice of setting the top speed of Golf cars over 20 MPH. They can't ticket you for having the POTENTIAL to go over 20 MPH. They have to actually CATCH you speeding with a speed gun.
.........Still that doesn't seem beyond the capability of Police - to set up speed traps for Golf cars. Maybe the Police have been told (by some authority) to go easy on Golf Cars (and let them go at whatever speed they want). Maybe because Golf Cars have become some kind of symbol of The Villages life style. That is probably the answer, but it flies in the face of the NEED to PROTECT The Villagers from harm from accidents. That becomes a philosophic dilemma !!!!!!!

[Indydealmaker]

I am curious , can the STAR Sirius be “tuned up” to go above 20mph like you can the Yamaha Gas?

You advertise publicly that you want to break the law?

[BrianL99]

I don't think that the people are REALLY in a hurry. It is the CHEAP THRILL of passing another golf car and feeling superior. Basically it would be something that maybe some retired psychologist could study and write a paper about. I would be glad to hear the RATIONALIZATIONS as to what the "need for speed"is in such mundane activities as driving around The Villages. They can't all be heart surgeons racing to get to an operation at a hospital.

Is it somehow different than going 75 on a highway with a 65 MPH speed limit?

[jmaccallum]

I am curious , can the STAR Sirius be “tuned up” to go above 20mph like you can the Yamaha Gas?

Golf Cart Speed again, eh? Love the entertainment of everyone always getting their panties in a wad over this subject. The reality:

1. Golf cart accidents in the Villages are nil.
2. Multi-Model paths are private property & the police will never patrol private property.
3. Do you really want police chasing golf carts that are going 4 mph over 20 mph - or would you really rather them chase/catch burglars, robbers and shooters and other real criminals?
4. If you like going 19 mph or 20 mph then do so. Quit complaining about those who don’t want to do so - pull over and let them go by if you’re not in a hurry as you say.
5. Gas golf cart’s speed can be adjusted by turning two nuts.
6. Electric golf cart’s speed can be adjusted, too, but it requires programming software and cable for the controller.

Next up - Bikes on the Multi-Model paths and the dangers they present. After that, Pedestrians on the Multi-Model paths - my God, people actually want to walk?

Sheesh! This is all old news. Let it go! Just Share & be Considerate.

[MorTech]

The cops are probably not going to stop you if you are going 21.9 mph but of course we all know you are a violent felon in need of a long stay at Coleman if you go over 20 mph! The Star Sirius is a LSV and can be speed adjusted via controller settings. If anyone is looking for a programmable controller then I would suggest Navitas.

[Bill14564]

The cops are probably not going to stop you if you are going 21.9 mph but of course we all know you are a violent felon in need of a long stay at Coleman if you go over 20 mph! The Star Sirius is a LSV and can be speed adjusted via controller settings. If anyone is looking for a programmable controller then I would suggest Navitas.

The Star Sirius is a vehicle that comes in two configurations, golf cart or LSV. The LSV package includes the required safety equipment and a 25mph top speed.

[Footer]

To answer OP's question in a bit more detail, the newer Star Sirius comes with a Curtis 1236 controller. It's set on Speed Control Express mode with a top speed of 24 mph. If it's switched to Speed Control and Max Speed parameter is increased to 5900 RPM it will go 28 mph. One way to do it is with a 1313-4401 programmer that plugs into the white 4 pin molex connector located beneath the seat near the controller. Programmer costs around $400 on eBay and sometimes on Amazon.

[jimjamuser]

Golf Cart Speed again, eh? Love the entertainment of everyone always getting their panties in a wad over this subject. The reality:

1. Golf cart accidents in the Villages are nil.
2. Multi-Model paths are private property & the police will never patrol private property.
3. Do you really want police chasing golf carts that are going 4 mph over 20 mph - or would you really rather them chase/catch burglars, robbers and shooters and other real criminals?
4. If you like going 19 mph or 20 mph then do so. Quit complaining about those who don’t want to do so - pull over and let them go by if you’re not in a hurry as you say.
5. Gas golf cart’s speed can be adjusted by turning two nuts.
6. Electric golf cart’s speed can be adjusted, too, but it requires programming software and cable for the controller.

Next up - Bikes on the Multi-Model paths and the dangers they present. After that, Pedestrians on the Multi-Model paths - my God, people actually want to walk?

Sheesh! This is all old news. Let it go! Just Share & be Considerate.
Regarding item 1 saying that golf cart accidents are nil. My wife is a therapist at several rehab centers in The Villages and she says that they always have patients that have been in Golf Cart accidents.

[Gatorfan1]

I sure new ones can be program speed up? when I rented had older star cart had high/low switch on dash which I thought was for headlights. The cart ran 21 or so till I flipped switch like I hit passing gear and quickly approached 35 plus. I let off at 35.

Insurance will be void because max speed on golf cart is 20 mph by Florida Law. LSV max speed 25 mph by Florida law, insure on auto policy, register and tag. Over 25 mph, no insurance and you could go to jail. Say goodbye to your assets when Morgan and Morgan comes after you if you have a claim.

[BrianL99]

Insurance will be void because max speed on golf cart is 20 mph by Florida Law. LSV max speed 25 mph by Florida law, insure on auto policy, register and tag. Over 25 mph, no insurance and you could go to jail. Say goodbye to your assets when Morgan and Morgan comes after you if you have a claim.


I'm curious where you got your law degree?

[Bill14564]

I'm curious where you got your law degree?

Is a law degree required to read the plain language of the Florida statutes and standard insurance policy disclaimers?

[Vinscalese]

Golf Cart Speed again, eh? Love the entertainment of everyone always getting their panties in a wad over this subject. The reality:

1. Golf cart accidents in the Villages are nil.
2. Multi-Model paths are private property & the police will never patrol private property.
3. Do you really want police chasing golf carts that are going 4 mph over 20 mph - or would you really rather them chase/catch burglars, robbers and shooters and other real criminals?
4. If you like going 19 mph or 20 mph then do so. Quit complaining about those who don’t want to do so - pull over and let them go by if you’re not in a hurry as you say.
5. Gas golf cart’s speed can be adjusted by turning two nuts.
6. Electric golf cart’s speed can be adjusted, too, but it requires programming software and cable for the controller.

Next up - Bikes on the Multi-Model paths and the dangers they present. After that, Pedestrians on the Multi-Model paths - my God, people actually want to walk?

Sheesh! This is all old news. Let it go! Just Share & be Considerate.
Thank you. I agree

[Vinscalese]

Is a law degree required to read the plain language of the Florida statutes and standard insurance policy disclaimers?
lol, people seem to get very upset over very minor things

[Vinscalese]

Insurance will be void because max speed on golf cart is 20 mph by Florida Law. LSV max speed 25 mph by Florida law, insure on auto policy, register and tag. Over 25 mph, no insurance and you could go to jail. Say goodbye to your assets when Morgan and Morgan comes after you if you have a claim.
Thanks

[Vinscalese]

To answer OP's question in a bit more detail, the newer Star Sirius comes with a Curtis 1236 controller. It's set on Speed Control Express mode with a top speed of 24 mph. If it's switched to Speed Control and Max Speed parameter is increased to 5900 RPM it will go 28 mph. One way to do it is with a 1313-4401 programmer that plugs into the white 4 pin molex connector located beneath the seat near the controller. Programmer costs around $400 on eBay and sometimes on Amazon.
Thank you

[Vinscalese]

The cops are probably not going to stop you if you are going 21.9 mph but of course we all know you are a violent felon in need of a long stay at Coleman if you go over 20 mph! The Star Sirius is a LSV and can be speed adjusted via controller settings. If anyone is looking for a programmable controller then I would suggest Navitas.
Thanks

[Vinscalese]

You advertise publicly that you want to break the law?
Seriously ? If going 24 mph in a golf cart is sooooooooo horrible then going 70 in a car should get you death penalty. Come on people , relax a bit.

[Vinscalese]

I gotta say I am shocked at how agitated some get around this simple question. Going 24 mph in a golf cart to some is punishable by firing squad apparently. lol , if you go 75 mph in your car should your your kids be punished as well after your executed ? Let’s all just calm down a bit maybe ?

[Indydealmaker]

Golf Cart Speed again, eh? Love the entertainment of everyone always getting their panties in a wad over this subject. The reality:

1. Golf cart accidents in the Villages are nil.
2. Multi-Model paths are private property & the police will never patrol private property.
3. Do you really want police chasing golf carts that are going 4 mph over 20 mph - or would you really rather them chase/catch burglars, robbers and shooters and other real criminals?
4. If you like going 19 mph or 20 mph then do so. Quit complaining about those who don’t want to do so - pull over and let them go by if you’re not in a hurry as you say.
5. Gas golf cart’s speed can be adjusted by turning two nuts.
6. Electric golf cart’s speed can be adjusted, too, but it requires programming software and cable for the controller.

Next up - Bikes on the Multi-Model paths and the dangers they present. After that, Pedestrians on the Multi-Model paths - my God, people actually want to walk?

Sheesh! This is all old news. Let it go! Just Share & be Considerate.

Golf cart accidents are so "nil" that more than ten have died.

Police CAN make arrests on the multi-modal paths. They are public access which is entirely different from private property.

The point of concern shoud be the blase' attitude of supposedly mature adults blatantly breaking the law. A cart that can exceed 20mph is not merely speeding but is an unregistered and uninsurable vehicle.

[Bill14564]

Seriously ? If going 24 mph in a golf cart is sooooooooo horrible then going 70 in a car should get you death penalty. Come on people , relax a bit.

I gotta say I am shocked at how agitated some get around this simple question. Going 24 mph in a golf cart to some is punishable by firing squad apparently. lol , if you go 75 mph in your car should your your kids be punished as well after your executed ? Let’s all just calm down a bit maybe ?

Apples and oranges. 75 mph on the turnpike might not even draw attention and at worst is a traffic ticket. Operating an unregistered, uninsured, and possibly illegal vehicle on the public roads carries a bit more of a penalty.

Personally don’t give a ____ what you choose to do, just don’t try to convince others that it is not illegal.

[BrianL99]

Police CAN make arrests on the multi-modal paths. They are public access which is entirely different from private property.




Since when?

& the Sumter County Sheriff's disagrees with you.

[Gatorfan1]

I gotta say I am shocked at how agitated some get around this simple question. Going 24 mph in a golf cart to some is punishable by firing squad apparently. lol , if you go 75 mph in your car should your your kids be punished as well after your executed ? Let’s all just calm down a bit maybe ?


It has nothing to do with allowed speed of an auto. A golf cart is designed to be used on a golf course. Over the years gated communities that have private roads allowed golf carts to get around community but they are not allowed outside the community. Under the law the max speed on a golf cart is 20 mph and a drivers license is not required. When you drive a golf cart you have the same liability exposure as you have when driving a car, motorcycle, etc. When you purchase a golf cart policy you sign a contract with the insurance company that everything you have told insurance company is true. If speed is over 20 mph, it is not a golf cart and your contract is not valid.

If you buy a golf cart policy on an auto, will the insurance company pay a liability claim against you? (NO) Could you go to jail for driving an auto that is not registered and insured? (YES)

How many have assets? Why do you buy valid insurance policies? To protect that hard earned money and all those assets you have accumulated over the years so you can retire and live the wonderful life you have,

Is it worth putting everything you have worked for in jeopardy to lose it just to have a golf cart go a few miles faster? (Legally it is no longer a golf cart)

Hopefully you never have a fender binder or a bad accident.
Your decision but I worked to hard to just hand everything over to someone just because I needed to go a few miles faster.

Why do you think Florida has over 70% of the lawsuits in the US? Because so many do not think it will ever happen to them.

Just to remind everyone. Florida law, golf cart, max speed 20,
LSV, max speed 25 and must be insured on auto policy, registered and tagged. Over 25 mph, illegal.

[Dave951]

Sell it and get a Yamaha gas