Upgrading a razor dirt bike, mini go-kart, or electric scooter to 36 volts is the single most common DIY electric vehicle project, yet most riders burn through stock motors within weeks because the factory 350-watt unit simply cannot handle the sustained load of a full-size adult or a steep incline. The right 36 volt motor transforms a toy into a reliable machine that actually pulls its weight, but the market is flooded with cheap brushed motors that share the same generic housing as the one you just destroyed.
I’m Min — the co-founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. I break down the real-world performance data, chain-drive compatibility, and mounting constraints that separate a straightforward bolt-on upgrade from a weekend of fabrication.
After analyzing dozens of brushed and brushless 36-volt motors across mini bikes, quads, karts, and golf carts, I compiled this guide to the best 36 volt motor options that actually deliver on power, fitment, and durability without requiring a machine shop.
How To Choose The Best 36 Volt Motor
The 36-volt motor category spans everything from a replacement for a children’s scooter to a high-speed motor built for a full-size golf cart. Choosing the wrong one usually means buying twice — either the motor lacks torque and burns out, or it physically refuses to fit your frame. Focus on voltage, power, shaft size, and controller compatibility before you click buy.
Brushed vs. Brushless — Which 36V Motor Construction Fits Your Build
Brushed DC motors (MY1016, MY1020 types) are the workhorses of the sub- segment. They are simple to wire, accept basic PWM speed controllers, and require no special hall-sensor wiring. The downside is brush wear: expect to replace brushes every 100–200 riding hours if you ride aggressively. Brushless DC motors (BLDC) are lighter per watt, spin faster (3,000+ RPM), and generate less heat, but they demand a matching brushless controller and usually a twist-grip throttle with a 3-speed switch. If you already own a brushed controller from a previous build, stay with brushed to avoid rewiring the entire harness.
Power Rating vs. Torque — Matching Wattage to Rider Weight and Terrain
A 500-watt 36-volt motor is sufficient for riders under 130 lbs on flat pavement. An 800-watt motor (about 2.8x the torque of a stock 350W) comfortably carries a 180-lb rider up moderate hills. A 1000-watt brushed motor at 36V pulls roughly 30 amps at full load, which will drain a standard SLA battery in under 30 minutes of continuous use. The 1000-watt BLDC kits deliver the same power more efficiently, but the controller and throttle add wiring complexity that beginners often underestimate.
Chain, Sprocket, and Shaft Fitment — The Physical Constraints
The most common frustration is mounting a motor that looks identical in photos but uses a different shaft diameter or sprocket pitch. Stock Razor MX350 motor shafts are 8mm with a 25H sprocket. Many upgrade motors use a 10mm shaft, which requires a new sprocket and possibly a new chain (shift from #25 to T8F). Always measure your existing sprocket’s inner diameter and the chain’s pitch before ordering. If the mounting bracket holes are offset by 5mm, you will spend an afternoon with a drill press.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AlveyTech Heavy Duty 500W | Brushed | Razor Crazy Cart XL direct bolt-in | 36V / 500W / 1550 RPM / 10mm shaft | Amazon |
| Kunray 1000W BLDC Kit | Brushless | Custom go-kart / e-bike conversion | 36V / 1000W / 3100 RPM / 30A controller | Amazon |
| D&D Motor Systems Club Car DS | Brushed Series | Club Car DS speed upgrade (25 mph) | 36/48V / 11.5 HP / 10-tooth spline | Amazon |
| MOTOTPR 800W Brushed | Brushed | Razor MX350 / Quad high-torque upgrade | 36V / 800W / 2800 RPM / #25 chain | Amazon |
| BJTDLLX 1000W MY1020 | Brushed | Mini quad / go-kart high-speed builds | 36V / 1000W / 3000 RPM / 25H-11T | Amazon |
| L-faster MY1016 350W | Brushed | Razor MX350 direct replacement | 36V / 350W / high-speed / 11T 25H | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. AlveyTech Heavy Duty 36 Volt 500 Watt Motor
The AlveyTech is the closest thing to a true bolt-on upgrade for the Razor Crazy Cart XL, and its 36-volt, 500-watt rating delivers a reliable torque bump over the stock motor without overwhelming the factory controller. The 10mm shaft diameter is the critical dimension — you will need a 10mm 25H sprocket to mate with the stock #25 chain, but once that swap is done, installation is straightforward with the included mounting bracket and hardware.
At 5.85 pounds, this brushed motor is noticeably heavier than the 2.6-pound L-faster MY1016, but the extra mass comes from a cast aluminum housing that dissipates heat more effectively during drifting sessions. Riders report successful overvolting to 48V with a compatible controller, pushing speed well past the stock 1550 RPM rating, though the brushes will wear faster at elevated voltage.
The motor’s 9-tooth sprocket is designed for the Crazy Cart XL’s drivetrain, but the same unit has been installed on MX350 dirt bikes with excellent results after sourcing a 10mm sprocket. It is a premium-priced component, but the build quality and warranty support from AlveyTech justify the investment for anyone who wants a single motor to last multiple seasons.
Why it’s great
- Direct fit for Razor Crazy Cart XL with no frame modification.
- Cast aluminum housing runs cooler under sustained load.
- Easy to overvolt to 48V for more speed with stock form factor.
Good to know
- 10mm shaft requires a new sprocket for #25 chain compatibility.
- Not compatible with standard Razor Crazy Cart (non-XL) without modification.
2. Kunray 36V 1000W Brushless DC Motor Kit
The Kunray BLDC kit is the complete package for anyone building a 36-volt go-kart or e-bike from scratch. The 1000-watt brushless motor spins at 3100 RPM no-load and draws only 27.7 amps at rated output, making it significantly more efficient than a comparable brushed motor that would pull closer to 35 amps for the same power. The 30-amp 12-MOSFET controller supports hall-sensor-based 3-speed switching, reverse, and e-braking, giving you a full-featured drivetrain in one box.
The kit’s T8F sprocket and chain are included, which is a departure from the #25 chain standard on most Razor-style builds. If your existing kart or bike uses #25 chain, you will need an adapter sprocket or a full chain replacement. The controller’s wire colors are not labeled, so plan on watching a wiring tutorial if you are not comfortable tracing hall sensor leads.
For a 40-pound child on a converted pedal kart, this motor delivers 25 mph on flat ground with excellent hill-climbing ability. A 200-pound adult rider reported no trouble reaching speed, though sprocket alignment required careful shimming. The motor body itself is compact at 3.3 kg — lighter than the 5.85 lb AlveyTech, which is a real advantage when mounting in a lightweight frame.
Why it’s great
- Complete kit includes motor, controller, throttles, and chain.
- Brushless efficiency means longer run times and less heat.
- 3-speed switch and reverse function via hall-sensor controller.
Good to know
- Uses T8F chain, not standard #25 — sprocket swap may be required.
- Terminal strip and wiring are not labeled; installation requires electrical experience.
3. D&D Motor Systems Club Car DS (Series) 36/48V
This is not a toy motor. The D&D Motor Systems 36/48-volt series motor is a genuine 11.5-horsepower upgrade designed for Club Car DS golf carts, and it pushes a standard cart from 11 mph to 17–18 mph on 23-inch tires with minimal installation time. Unlike the brushless kits or small brushed motors above, this is a massive 51-pound unit built with alloy steel internals and a 10-tooth spline that directly replaces the stock Club Car motor without bracket fabrication.
There is a deliberate torque trade-off: D&D designed the windings for speed rather than low-end grunt, so you lose about 15% torque compared to a stock motor. This makes it ideal for flat golf courses or neighborhood cruising with no rear seat or bed. If you regularly climb steep hills or carry passengers, you will need a torque-matched motor instead. The upgrade also stresses the stock controller — D&D strongly recommends a controller upgrade to handle the higher amp draw.
A key differentiator is the customer support: every order triggers a call from D&D’s tech team to verify the cart’s year, model, and existing controller before shipping. This prevents the single most common mistake in golf cart motor swaps — ordering a series motor for a separately excited (SEPEX) cart. No warranty applies unless D&D approves the setup, which is a rare level of accountability in the 36-volt motor space.
Why it’s great
- American-made with alloy steel internals; a 20-minute bolt-in for Club Car DS.
- Genuine speed improvement of roughly 6–7 mph over stock with same battery voltage.
- D&D tech support calls every buyer to verify compatibility before shipping.
Good to know
- 15% torque reduction compared to stock; not suitable for hilly terrain with heavy loads.
- May require controller upgrade to prevent damage under sustained load.
4. MOTOTPR Brushed DC Electric Motor 36V 800W
The MOTOTPR 800-watt brushed motor is the upgrade path for Razor MX350 and Pocket Mod owners who already burnt through a 350W unit and want significantly more torque without switching to a brushless controller. At 2800 RPM and using the standard #25 chain with an 11-tooth sprocket, this motor drops into the same frame footprint as the MY1016 but delivers nearly 2.3x the wattage. The trade-off is that it is a permanent-magnet design with a longer can, so the mounting bracket holes do not align with the stock MX350 plate — you will need to drill new holes or fab aluminum angle brackets.
Riders report excellent real-world results: a 75-pound child on a Razor Quad hits 20 mph with a 6:1 gear ratio (54T/9T sprockets), and a 230-pound adult sustained hill-climbing without overheating after one year of use. The motor is specifically designed for low-speed, high-torque applications, which means it pulls hard from a standstill but tops out earlier than the 1000W units. If you prioritize launch torque over top speed, this is the better choice.
The 25H sprocket and #25 chain compatibility are the biggest selling points for anyone with a existing Razor drivetrain — you do not need to swap the chain or buy adapters. Just be prepared to spend an hour on mounting alignment, because the spacing between the motor face and the frame is tighter than on aftermarket go-karts.
Why it’s great
- Compatible with standard #25 chain and 11T sprocket — no drivetrain swap needed.
- Proven high-torque performance for adult riders up to 230 lbs without overheating.
- Nearly 3x the power of a stock 350W motor in a similar form factor.
Good to know
- Mounting holes do not align with stock Razor MX350 bracket; requires drilling or custom bracket.
- Motor housing is physically larger than standard MY1016, may affect chain clearance.
5. BJTDLLX DC 36V 1000W MY1020 Brush Motor
The BJTDLLX MY1020 is a 1000-watt brushed motor built for speed rather than torque, spinning at 3000 RPM with a 25H-11T sprocket. It is essentially the bigger brother of the 350W MY1016 but in a heavier package — 5.6 kg — and with a rated current of 35.6 amps that demands a 40A or larger controller. If you attempt to run this motor with a stock 350W controller, you will destroy the controller within minutes.
Installation on a Jetson dirt bike required moving mounting holes and adjusting chain tension because the motor can is nearly double the size of the stock unit despite only a 250 RPM increase in top speed. The extra power is real: at full load under 36V, the motor pulls roughly 30 amps and pushes a mini quad to speeds where brakes and tires become the limiting factor. One reviewer successfully overvolted to 48V with a heavy-gauge wire upgrade and a capacitor in line, though the stock wires are undersized for sustained 30A draws.
This motor is a strong option for budget-conscious builders who want max power-per-dollar for a go-kart or mini quad and are comfortable with wiring upgrades. The 25H-11T chain drive is a standard interface, but the physical size means you cannot just swap it in with stock brackets — expect to measure twice and cut once.
Why it’s great
- 1000W output at a budget-friendly price point; excellent power-per-dollar ratio.
- Standard 25H-11T sprocket interfaces with common Razor-compatible chains.
- High RPM suitable for flat-track go-karts and mini quads where top speed is the goal.
Good to know
- Stock wiring gauge is undersized for 30A continuous load; upgrade wires and add capacitor.
- Physically much larger than stock MY1016; mounting bracket modification required.
6. L-faster MY1016 36V 350W Brushed Motor
The L-faster MY1016 is the ultimate budget-friendly drop-in replacement for the Razor MX350. At 2.6 kg with an 11-tooth 25H sprocket, this motor bolts directly into the MX350’s stock mounting bracket with zero modification — no drilling, no adapter, no bracket fabrication. It is a high-speed motor without a reduction gearbox, meaning the output speed is fast but torque is low, so it is not suited for heavy builds or steep hills.
Multiple verified Razor MX350 owners confirm this motor works as a direct replacement for the burnt-out stock unit. One rider reported pairing it with an MX650 speed controller and a 13-tooth sprocket to reach 20 mph, and another noted that while it is slightly slower than the stock motor overvolted to 48V, it lasts far longer without burning the windings. The high-speed design means it excels on flat pavement with lightweight riders under 100 lbs.
The primary drawback is the torque ceiling: this motor will struggle to move a 150-pound rider up any incline, and it generates heat quickly under continuous load. For a child’s scooter or a flat-surface cruiser, it is the cheapest reliable option. For anyone over 100 lbs or riding hills, step up to the MOTOTPR 800W instead.
Why it’s great
- True bolt-in for Razor MX350 with zero modification required.
- Lightweight 2.6 kg design minimizes sprung mass on small frames.
- Compatible with MX650 controllers and larger sprockets for speed tuning.
Good to know
- Low torque output — not suitable for heavy riders or hills above 5% grade.
- High-speed design runs hot under continuous load; requires cooldown breaks.
FAQ
Will a 36V motor run on a 24V battery?
Do I need to upgrade my controller for a higher-wattage 36V motor?
Can I use a brushless controller with a brushed 36V motor?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the 36 volt motor winner is the AlveyTech Heavy Duty 500W because it offers the best balance of bolt-on simplicity, durable cast aluminum construction, and real-world torque for both Razor Crazy Cart XL and MX350 applications. If you are building a custom go-kart from scratch and want a complete drivetrain, grab the Kunray 1000W BLDC Kit for its brushless efficiency and included controller. And for a full-size Club Car golf cart speed upgrade, nothing beats the D&D Motor Systems Club Car DS motor — just be ready for the torque trade-off on hills.