The name of this part says it all about what it does for a golf cart – it detects the speed.

However, there is more to this part than that simple element.

First of all, a speed sensor is typically a part that takes readings from the engine to control its level of speed.

That helps to ensure that the golf cart rides as fast or as slow as you want and makes sure that you are safe while on the cart.

Typically, there are three different types of golf cart motor speed sensors.

These include mechanical, electrical, and magnetic options.

The differences between them lie in how they run.

The mechanical option taps into the power from your engine and its moving parts to read your speed.

The electrical type uses power directly from your battery, while magnetic versions use a conflict of magnetic poles to produce a reading.

No matter what the type of engine you use – such as AC or DC motors – a speed sensor is critical.

They help to detect the motor’s RPM to the controller of the cart and helps to make regenerative braking more useful.

This concept is something that must be understood when talking about speed sensors.

That’s because it is so connected with their general operation and efficiency.

REGENERATIVE BRAKING

When running your cart, you have the option of using a system known as regenerative braking.

This method occurs when the motor is used as a generator that helps to govern the golf cart’s speed.

The governor on the golf cart is set to a specific RPM, which is usually much lower than the engine could achieve on its own.

This limitation helps to decrease battery charge and minimizes top speeds as well.

This option is unique to golf carts and ties into your speed sensor by using the raw information it provides to help run your engine.

As the sensor detects your engine RPM, it communicates that information to the governor with regenerative braking.

And then the governor slows down the engine’s RPM, if they are too high, thereby creating a safer and more efficient ride.

This element is found in mechanical, electrical, and magnetic speed sensors.

The differences between the three do change a few aspects of a cart’s operation but not in a way that is significant enough to discuss here.

Just know that it won’t change how regenerative braking works and the way that it helps to control your golf cart engine and keep its operation as safely as possible for you and others.

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