1991 EZ GO Electric Cart running slow up a hill

[jakefd79]

I have a 1991 ezgo 36 volt electric cart with a speed controller. It goes great on level ground, but once you go up the littlest grade, it slows down. You can make it up a hill, but at a REALLY slow pace. I know if probably could use new batteries, but I don't think that will solve the slowness uphills. Any suggestions?

[orangeman6]

If you think it needs batteries, it probably does. Put a meter on the batteries and see what the voltage is dropping to when you’re struggling uphill.

[cgtech]

Yep, measure the voltage going up a hill. The results are usually the answer no one wants to hear, battery problems. Get your voltmeter ready, and some clamps will be needed for the next questioning. That will be "which one is the culprit". So you can check each individual one while your driving. If you seriously want to solve this yourself, you will need to monitor each battery individually, and that will require you to put your meter leads to each individual battery while you test. I sure hope you have a volt meter & know about it, this won't go far if you don't. If you are lost here, we can help, but only if you can help too.

[handtools]

I know it probably could use new batteries, but I don't think that will solve the slowness up hills.

You most likely have a series drive and they tend to slow going up hill even when everything is working as it should. Check out the condition of the batteries first, then you can decide if upgrades are needed.