simple question about 36v motor/controller compatability with 48v battery?

[Sv37]

Hello,
If I have a 36v 500w motor with a 36v motor controller (some cheapo controller that I don't have much info on), will I be able to run off a 48v battery (for higher speeds) or would it damage something?

[Bikemad]

The motor should be able to cope with the higher voltage, just so long as you don't overload it too much, but if the controller is not built for 48V use it could fail when fed with a 48V pack.

Alan