The Neurotikart
OwnerMark Jarvis
Owner's Other EVNeurotikart 2
LocationSterling, Virginia US map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle2006
Inspired by the Psychokart and an electric motor listed on Ebay.
MotorAdvanced DC kinda like a 140-01-4005 Separately Excited DC
Originally made OEM for a vehicle manufacturer and made to bolt to a differential. Fab required to adapt for chain and sprocket.
DrivetrainDC motor, chain drive, regenerative braking
ControllerSevcon Millipak 4Q
Made OEM for a vehicle manufacturer, and unfortunately not re programmable. Does have regen braking, though.
Batteries4, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
Started with cheap car starting batteries, but borrowed the Optimas purchased for kart #2, and run time is greatly improved.
System Voltage48 Volts
Charger
Using multiple 12v chargers intended for marine and deep cycle batteries.
InstrumentationOn/off switch, fwd/neutral/revers switch, throttle pedal
Top Speed35 MPH (56 KPH)
AccelerationDecent, but limited by programmed acceleration delay and ramp profile.
RangeNew car starting batteries gave about 30 minutes of hard driving, the new Optimas last about 1 hour of same.
Seating Capacity1 adult
Curb Weight350 Pounds (159 Kilograms)
Conversion Time1-2 months of free time
Conversion Cost$1200 - 1500, depending on how mistakes and unused parts are counted.
Additional FeaturesFrom the start, there were three design goals.

1. Electric power, for novelty, quietness, and cleanliness.
2. Must be capable of doing donuts in my street.
3. No up-front paper design.

Design consideration consisted of sitting on my basement floor with a bunch of pipe and a tape measure. There was also a bit of sighting down my arm past a raised thumb.
Seriously, for the amount of up-front thought and planning that went into it, I think it came out quite well. Building it, driving it, and getting feedback from other drivers about it have all been very educational. The second kart is being built now, and the design will be improved based on the experiences with the first kart. Most notably, driver and control position and placement are getting more consideration, rather than being just afterthoughts. Also, based on calculations, the new kart will be 2-3 times more powerful.

code by jerry