WOW you really know what you are doing!!
So as far as two vs four wheel drive. If i do multiple engines i would do rear wheel drive or front wheel drive and not both as the price is simply two high. Which is better? I am hoping to be able to go quite fast but as i probably won't have suspensions as that seems very complicated, i am hoping to be able to go over small terrain. I am hoping for it to be kind of like a four wheeler where you can go offroad but can also go relatively fast. I don't know much about all this so will probably ask lots of questions. If i do two of these motors:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/48V-1800W-...xHomeDelivery!80908!US!-1&frcectupt=true#rwid
combined with these wheels how fast/how powerful do you think it would be?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001THKFKI/?tag=lstir-20
Also any ideas on how to do the steering mechanism? I figured i would 3d print a pedal that would attach to the pedals that are shown in the picture of the motor. Also, i believe that one of the handles has throttle and the other has brake meaning i would just have to 3d print two pedals that attach to the handle. I would add a spring for tension on the pedals. I would also have a key that turns the whole thing on:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/EZGO-Golf-...930355?hash=item2a86f68933:g:OhYAAOSw5cNYfOBf
Thanks!
OK you have supplied a bit of useful information around which I can frame some recommendations!
As your requirement is rather minimal I would revert to a single motor driving a solid rear axle! (Chain Drive or the like - plenty of bicycle parts available). 48 V is a good compromise on the voltage and the 1800W is going to make a rather powerful kart assuming you get the gearing set up properly. The current required is OK at less than 50Amps though you will need to use good quality cables.
Without suspension the live rear axle could have the side thrust bearing assemblies outboard at the wheel hub and so the motor being chain drive would be safe from damage and simple to install and maintain, (Note ensure that you enclose the drive chain or at least use a serious cover as the power us sufficient to rip a persons fingers or arms off if an accident occurs).
Without suspension the steering could be as simple or as complex as you need. Just remember that the steering point or axis will need serious support against the side thrust provided by gravity and hard landings. A source of wheel bearings from an automotive supplier would be advised. If using bicycle parts you could use the old bicycle chain and gears to make the steering connections to the tie rod, (a sort of cheap rack and pinion). Castor and camber are built into the steering or axle connection to the chassis. Toe in or out is a matter of the tie rod length!
brakes! A simple to operate disc brake system could also be sourced in bicycle parts. A single disc on the live axle and one for each of the front wheels. The choice of cable or hydraulic would be yours to make, as would the method of activation. Just one thing, you should consider a motor power disconnect which would be activated when the brakes are applied or you could damage something seriously!
For off road the larger and softer the tyres the better! The large "Balloon" tyres would provide the suspension that a simple design is missing and it would reduce chassis failure or cracking due to hard landings as well as when hitting obstacles!
Batteries! LiPos could be used to keep the weight down and a setup of series and parallel connections of standard batteries would do well but a little pricey! LiPos would give greater range Vs Weight but the cost and handling requirements could be a little daunting! A number of motor cycle batteries could suffice just as well and be easily serviced by a single car battery charger!
If you need more info please advise BUT you need to build it and so I will not do a detailed design because what I would use, (locally available), would be much different to your requirements or local availability!
Have fun!
