The Best Go Karts
Few activities are as heart-pumping as go-kart racing. People of all ages can enjoy the wind in their hair and the thrill of the race. But if you want to step off the sidelines and join in on the fun, you'll need to get a go-kart of your own. Some options have motors while others have pedals for propulsion. Actually, there's a wide variety of designs in the world of go-karts, so we decided to whittle them down to the best of the best. Below, we review our favorite go-karts, from the speedy to the safe. Read on to find the right option for you or your kid.
Hauck Lightning Go Kart
Pedal to the metal
Not all great go-karts require batteries, and the Hauck Lightning go-kart proves just that. Completely pedal operated, this cart never needs to be plugged in, nor does it ever need to be topped off with a tank of gas. It’s great at providing a fun riding experience at safe speeds, giving its rider a wide range of control not only in the direction the cart goes but also how fast or slow it travels and how quickly it brakes. The 8-ball style hand brake allows your child to slow down without solely having to reduce their speed with the pedals, helping them make sure they stop in time for any obstacles. It also has an ergonomic seat that gives a more comfortable ride, even when playing for prolonged periods. If you have a younger child that’s looking to learn how to drive, the Lightning is the perfect first cart.
Pros:
- We love the easy assembly of this option, which takes less than 20 minutes.
- We appreciate the fact that this cart doesn’t require any batteries to operate. It’s always ready to go when your kid wants to go for a ride.
- The rubber tread is fantastic on this go-kart, helping provide solid traction as your kid rides.
Cons:
- The chain may slip off occasionally, especially if used on rough terrain.
Hauck Batmobile Go Kart
A hero’s ride
With its matte black finish and bright yellow bat symbols, Hauck’s Batmobile go-kart is will have your child riding in style. Racing-styled pedals promote exercise and physical activity as they race, and durable rubber wheels make this cart perfect for zipping around at a controlled pace. For extra safety, this go-kart has a hand-operated brake that helps slow it down even when traveling down a decline, when slowing down the pedals can be the most difficult. And an adjustable bucket seat helps accommodate kids of different sizes, ensuring them a comfortable ride. This cart is perfect for kids four years old and older and can hold up to 120 pounds safely. Your little superhero deserves to make a superhero-like entrance wherever they go, so get them Hauck’s Batmobile go kart today.
Pros:
- Kids absolutely love the look of this go-kart, and because of that, they use it even more.
- The seat is easily adjustable, making this cart great for kids of different ages.
- This cart only takes about 20 minutes to assemble, and the stickers are super easy to put on.
Cons:
- If banged really hard, the cover on this cart is susceptible to damage.
Razor Crazy Cart Shift
Electrify your ride
While it may be tiny, the Razor Crazy Cart Shift is loads of fun. With its 12V rechargeable battery, this cart is capable of going up to 8 mph on its “High” setting and 4 mph on its “Low.” It’s certainly fast enough for any young child and slow enough to keep things safe. It has a built-in drift system that helps kids take sharp corners or weave around bends with ease, all by controlling their steering and throttle. With a 1:1 steering ratio, your kid will have ultimate control over the handling of the cart, providing a safer and more intuitive ride. And the Crazy Cart Shift’s maintenance-free design means you won’t have to check any chains, suspension coils, or gears in the future.
Pros:
- Turning and spinning on this go-kart is a breeze, and many kids love the chaos of endlessly spinning around in circles as they ride.
- This cart has a low center of gravity that helps it maintain its grip on the ground and prevents accidents.
- The slow setting on this cart is great for younger kids, preventing them from going faster than they’re able to handle.
Cons:
- As with all electronics, this go-kart needs to be charged periodically or it will not operate.
Radio Flyer Ultimate Go-Kart
The drift machine
Radio Flyer’s go-kart offers the perfect combination of comfort and handling, even when your child is zipping around the street. With its rubber traction and extra-wide tires, this cart easily handles sharp turns and maintains control when drifting around corners. It has three speed settings that parents can lock for extra security, and it can even go in reverse to turn around when needed. With a 24V battery, this go-kart can run for about 45 minutes on its highest setting and takes about 45 minutes to charge back to full power. With Radio Flyer’s Ultimate Go-Kart, your child can safely learn to drift and drive, even at an early age.
Pros:
- We love that this cart has multiple speed settings, allowing you to control how fast your kid drives and preventing them from going faster than is safe for their capabilities.
- This go-kart is capable of being driven on the grass, but it’s even better on pavement.
Cons:
- The rear wheels on this go-kart are plastic and may be susceptible to cracking over time with repeated hard use.
Segway Ninebot GoKart Kit
Safety first
Segway’s Ninebot GoKart kit not only includes a fully-functioning Ninebot S but also everything you need to turn it into a four-wheeled fun machine. With all of Segway’s standard scooter technology, this well-designed machine is capable of going up to 13.7 miles on a single charge and traveling up to 10 mph. Its frame length is fully adjustable, making it suitable for both adult and child drivers. It has two layers of impact protection, with an outer body and inner frame to help reduce the force of any sudden impacts that may occur. It also has a dual-brake system, allowing you to use both the built-in hand brake and the brake pedal on the cart. Extremely portable, this go-kart can be easily collapsed and placed in the trunk of most cars to take wherever you go. Expect more out of your go-kart, and buy Segway’s Ninebot GoKart kit for greater versatility on the track.
Pros:
- We think the fact that this go-kart can be ridden by kids and adults is awesome, giving you the ability to take turns with your child.
- This cart has really good top speed and acceleration, giving even more of a thrill as you race around.
- Easy to assemble, this cart only has two major parts that need attaching to get you on the road.
Cons:
- This go-kart is expensive, though it can be used as a scooter as well, making it more versatile than others.
Our Tips and Tricks
When purchasing a new go-kart, always take into consideration the age and size of your kids. Some carts are more adjustable than others. If you have a younger child, you may want to get one that can be easily adjusted as they get older and bigger so that you can get more use out of it in the future. Another thing to consider is how long you expect your child to play with it and how they’ll use it. If you want them to be able to use it for long outings to the park or around a small town, a pedal go-kart may be a better option because it isn’t reliant on battery power. If you expect your child to only play with it for an hour at a time, an electric cart should suit them just fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the average weight limit of most go-karts for kids?
The average kid’s go-kart has a maximum weight capacity of around 120 pounds, making most of them suitable for kids between 4 to 10 years old. However, this can change depending on what the cart’s frame is made out of, how big it is, and how it’s operated. We wouldn’t recommend using a cart if you or your child is above the weight limit, as this could damage the cart and result in injury.
What are the advantages of rubber wheels on a go-kart?
Rubber wheels offer more traction than plastic wheels do, and traction is extremely important in maintaining enough grip to safely turn corners. It also helps with acceleration, helping your wheels stay gripped to the ground to push the cart forward.
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