

There are two types of engines that propel a gasoline-powered go kart.įour-stroke engines offer a smooth ride but run at half the revolutions of a two-stroke engine. Because of the engine weight, these vehicles are a bit heavier than the other two options. In the recreational market, you can expect to pay roughly $800 to $2,000 for this type of go kart. The cost of these vehicles can range from just under $100 for a toy that safely creeps along to nearly $1,000 for a kart that tops out at around 20 mph.

Battery-powered go kartsįor consumer use, many battery-powered go karts can last up to two hours under optimum conditions on one charge. Although there are exceptions, the majority of pedal go karts are priced less than $200.

Unless custom built, these vehicles are meant for children. As the rider rotates the pedals, it powers the go kart. A chain runs from the pedaling mechanism to the axle of the rear wheels. These go karts work in the same manner that bicycles do. Outside of gravity – starting your kart at the top of a hill and riding it to the bottom – there are only three ways to power your go kart: pedals, electricity, and gas. Once you can answer these questions, you have a foundation on which to make an informed purchasing decision. Between these two extremes is where most enthusiasts' interests lie.Īfter you decide why you want to ride, you must decide where you want to ride – asphalt, dirt, or both. What is your end goal? If the activity captures your interest only occasionally, like when you're on vacation, you probably want a different go kart than the individual whose ultimate goal is to become a racing champion. Therefore, the first step in determining which go kart is best for you is figuring out what you want to do. Formula One champions Nico Rosberg, Ayrton Senna, Lewis Hamilton, and Michael Schumacher all began their careers in karting. Mastering your go kart driving skills can also be a stepping stone to greatness in a single-seater auto racing career. Owning your own go kart can definitely bring pleasure to your life. There are no restrictions on how it is powered anything from gravity (downhill) to gasoline is acceptable. A go kart is a small, open-wheel vehicle – meaning the wheels are located outside the car's main body – that is more frame than car. But at the core, all shared some common traits. Many modifications have been made over the years, allowing for a multitude of different designs. Ingels' friend, Lou Borelli, mounted a two-cycle lawn mower engine behind the seat, and together they created what is recognized as the first motorized go kart. Like a race car, the vehicle was constructed low to the ground with a wide track to provide better stability. His design was lightweight but sturdy enough to support an adult driver. In the summer of 1956, Art Ingels, a builder at an American race car company called Kurtis Kraft, crafted a small chassis out of steel tubing. Sitting comfortably back in your seat with good posture will provide the best position for optimum handling of your vehicle. And that's exactly what this comprehensive guide is designed to do: help you choose your ideal four-wheeled machine.Ī great deal of how your go kart handles depends on weight balance. All it takes to find the perfect go kart is knowing where you want to ride and understanding which features make that possible. Indeed, a baffling number of options are available to the consumer.īut don't sweat it. It would seem that there are as many go karts available as there are individuals seeking to ride. You can own your very own go kart and experience that adrenaline-surging rush whenever your thirst for thrills needs to be satiated.ĭriving a go kart is fun for people of all ages, whether you’re maneuvering a pedal-powered kid car or navigating a pro-style racer car.
#Cheapest go kart that holds 200 pounds zip#
When you think of go karts, you probably picture those low-to-the-ground race cars that zip about a track at the boardwalk, a theme park, or a family fun center … something you purchase tickets for and enjoy for a few brief moments before moving on to the next attraction.
