Best Go Karts For Kids: How To Select The A Go Kart For Your Child!
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Unfortunately, there aren’t that many ways for children to get involved with both having fun and learning responsibility at the same time – until now. Go-karting is a great way to teach your little one how to drive under supervision, and the earlier you begin the process, the better equipped they will be in dealing with situations on their own when they get their driver’s license.
As for the cost of going out for a ride in one of these small cars, it’s surprisingly affordable. If you are looking for a go-kart for your kid, our list features the best go karts for kids on the market to help you with your research:
Best Go Karts for Kids
| Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Razor Ground Force Drifter Kart | 9.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Razor Dune Buggy – Red | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | FIT Right 2020 Baja-X 48 Volt 1000 Watt | 9.1 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Segway Ninebot Electric GoKart Pro | 8.8 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Razor Crazy Cart Shift | 8.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | MotoTec Mud Monster Kids Electric 48v 1000w | 8.2 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Fit Choice Electric Go Kart for Kids | 7.4 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Go Kart Maverick 1000w Blue | 7.2 | Check Price on Amazon |
Last update on 27th September 2023 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Recommended Go-Karts for Kits:
Razor Ground Force Drifter Kart
- Recommended to use only on flat surfaces | Race-tuned chassis and super-slick rear wheels for serious neighborhood drifting
- Age range – 8+ | Weight limit – 140 lbs. | Battery – 24V (Two 12V), sealed lead acid, rechargeable | Battery life – Up to 40 minutes | Max speed – 12 mph | Some assembly required
- Durable steel frame, molded aluminum wheels, and 4-1/2-inch tires
- Features a powerful variable-speed, chain-driven motor, thumb-trigger acceleration control
- Hand-operated rear brake
Last update on 27th September 2023 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This drifter from Razor is a great option if you prefer this design. It has a maximum load capacity of 140 pounds and comes in this beautiful blue color. This model runs on batteries allowing for a comfortable ride for up to 40 minutes per single charge and features thumb-triggered acceleration. Moreover, the cart also features a handy handbrake for great drifts. This model is chain-driven and has a powerful motor that can reach up to 12 miles per hour. If your kids like this drifter setup, this is a great option that won’t break the bank, definitely worth considering.
Razor Dune Buggy – Red
- Compact kids dune buggy with powerful 350-watt electric motor. Reaches speeds of up to 9 mph.
- Assembled Dimensions: 41 inch x 26.5 inch x 17.5 inch
- 8-inch knobby pneumatic tires. Hand throttle and brake controls.
- Supports up to 120 pounds driver weight. For ages 8 and older.
- Requires no fuel to run. Battery life up to 40 mins.
- Durable tubular steel frame. Padded bucket seat with seatbelt.
Last update on 27th September 2023 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This model features a powerful 350 Watt motor that can drive it up to 10 mph. It features rear disc brakes, which are quite handy, along with a hand throttle and brake. It comes with a bucket seat with a seatbelt and a weight limit of 120 pounds, suitable for ages above 8. If your kids are just starting, this is a great beginner’s friendly option that features a durable steel frame for extra durability, which will stand the test of time. Overall a great option for beginners but also advanced riders, this is among the lower-priced options in the market, so worths a closer look.
Types of Go-Karts
Pedal-Powered Go-Karts
A pedal-powered go-kart is the least expensive option, but they’re also not electrically powered. Your child needs to provide their own energy for this go-kart! There are plenty of brands that produce these vehicles. Start by searching online at toy stores or department store websites; you can also check out go-karting stores in your own local area. If you’re lucky, you can find a quality pedal-powered go-kart for under 50$.
Electric Go-Karts
When it comes to electric go-karts, there are a lot of options available in modern times. Your child will be able to ride around in style on some of these models, and they’re a little bit pricier – but still well within the budget of a working family. You can find a decent electric go-kart for 75$ or under, but there are plenty that falls into the over 100$ category too if you’re looking to buy one as a present.
Gas Go-Karts
It’s no surprise that gas go-karts are the most expensive option on the market. A new one will probably set you back at least 200$, but they’re durable and can last longer than their electric counterparts. If you want to buy your child something really special, grab them a gas go-kart!
One VS Two Seats
Of course, there are different go-karts for children to ride in depending on the number of people they’re intended to carry. Some models are single-seaters while others have two seats. These come in handy when you want your child to bring a friend along with them – or if you’d like to teach your son or daughter how to drive with another person on board.
On-road vs Off-road Go-Karts
Another thing to consider when purchasing a go-kart for your child is whether you want it to be on-road or off-road. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, so talk with your kids about their preferences before making the purchase.
If your child wants an on-road kart, what they’re really asking for is a go-kart that can be driven on the street. If this is the case, you need to make sure your child understands that these vehicles are not designed for regular driving on paved roads – they’re only suitable for closed tracks.
An off-road go-kart is much safer for use on unpaved surfaces because it has bigger tires, so you can take them out onto the grass to have some fun without worrying about causing damage. If your kids are really interested in racing, an off-road go-kart might be a better option to start with.
Are Go-Karts Safe for Kids?
Going out for a test drive in one of these go-karts is very exciting – but it’s also important to ensure that your child will be safe during the experience.
No injuries are expected when you’re just driving them around your backyard or taking them out on a local track, but you still need to make sure they have the right gear to wear.
Make sure they wear an approved helmet – many karts come with helmets of their own, so ask your kid if they like the style before making the purchase. If not, you can find some stylish alternatives online or in stores that won’t be too pricey either. Next, make sure they’re wearing protective pads on their elbows, knees, and hands.
When it comes to their clothing, make sure they’re not wearing too many clothes. Kids don’t need to wear warm jackets or coats when they are in their go-karts because of the heat they create while driving – but you should monitor the weather conditions before taking them out for a ride.
Who Should Buy a Go-Kart? At What Age Can Kids Start Racing Go-Karts?
A go-kart can be purchased as a gift for any child between the ages of three and about 15 years old. If your kid is still growing, it’s important to consider how much room you have in your backyard before making this purchase. If they’re planning on racing at school or competing with other karts at their track, you might need to buy a bigger go-kart.
When it comes to buying go-karts for your kids, keep in mind that there is no cut-off age. Most parents tend to worry about their children’s safety and whether the go-kart they’re buying is proper enough for their kid’s little body. Kids as young as 3 and 4 can learn how to drive a go-kart and can enjoy the thrill of this kind of racing. Young children should only get a regular go-kart that’s driven by pedals, instead of an electrical go-kart.
If your child is left alone in the backyard, you should consider buying them a kart that has an electric engine so they won’t have to worry about running out of gas – plus, many parents find this option preferable because it’s a lot quieter compared to gas engines.
Off-road go-karts are a better choice for families with bigger yards, but if the yard is not very big you might want to buy an on-road kart. These tend to be a little harder to handle in a cramped space because of their size and weight – so think about where your child will enjoy driving the most before making the purchase.
At the end of the day, your child will enjoy riding on any kind of go-kart you purchase them – but it’s important to consider what they really want before making your purchase. If your son or daughter has bigger plans like racing competitively, make sure you buy something with more speed and power. Whatever you choose, make sure your child understands the safety rules of driving before allowing them to take it out on the road or track for a test drive.
What to Consider When Looking for the Best Go Karts for Kids?
Type of engine
Most karts are powered by gas engines – but you can also find ones with electric engines that are a lot quieter and easier to handle. Most parents prefer electric engines because they’re not as messy, but choosing between the two primarily depends on your backyard preferences.
If you have a big yard, an off-road go-kart may be best – but if you have limited space in your backyard, consider buying an on-road kart instead. On-road karts are more practical for crowded areas because they don’t take up very much space and they’re a lot easier to control – but if your child is looking to race on a track, an off-road kart might be the only option.
For younger kids pedal-powered karts are fine, but as they grow older you may want to consider purchasing an electric go-kart for them. Electric karts are a lot easier to handle and safer for kids as young as three or four – but if your little one is still very young, pedal-powered karts are definitely the best choice.
Safety
Safety is another big concern when purchasing go-karts for your child. Keep in mind that there are cheaper karts out there that may be a bit dangerous if they’re not handled properly – so it’s important to do as much research as you can before buying something.
Remember that electric karts are a lot safer than gas ones because they don’t produce fumes or require you to refuel them – but if your child is looking for speed, make sure they get a kart that’s not too fast for them. Some go-karts can reach speeds of up to 50 mph or more, so search around until you find one that’s practical and safe enough for your kid.
Look for models that feature safety belts and helmets, in order to protect your children while they’re busy playing. It’s also a good idea to choose brightly colored karts that are easy to spot when driving around the yard – so you can find them quickly if they get lost or someone else hits them, instead of having to worry about their safety.
Durability
When trying to find the best go-karts for your kid, you should definitely consider durability too. Your child is sure to have loads of fun riding on these karts, but they may also take them through some harsh terrains – so it’s important that they can handle a bit of wear and tear.
Look for durable materials like steel, aluminum, or fiberglass that can withstand any bumps or scrapes they may encounter while driving. There are also karts with adjustable suspensions for young kids, which makes them safer to use and gives them better control over the vehicle as well.
Max Speed
Since go-karts for kids come in all different shapes and sizes, you’ll find that they usually range anywhere between 10 mph and 50 mph in terms of max speeds. You may want to consider your child’s age when looking at these maximum speed limits – as younger kids tend to enjoy slower karts, while older kids will be a lot more comfortable with high speeds.
With that in mind, the best go-karts for kids generally have a max speed of no more than 25 mph – that way they’re not too fast and your child can still enjoy them safely. Of course, safety comes first so it’s best to limit your child’s speed while riding on the kart so they don’t get hurt.
Seat Capacity
If you have several kids who enjoy playing on the go-kart, consider getting one with a seating capacity of about two or three people. This will give your children more fun while they’re riding on the kart, but it’s still not so big that it takes up too much space in your yard.
A seating capacity of three people is a good choice if you have a few children who want to ride on the kart at once, but two seats may be better for younger kids. When shopping for go-karts, keep in mind that most models come with just one seat – so if your child wants to play with their friends or siblings, they’ll need an extra seat to accommodate them both.
Age Group
Just like the speed limits on go-karts, age groups will vary depending on the model. When looking at the different kart models out there, you’ll find that they’re usually designed for use by anyone between four and 12 years of age – but keep in mind that some are safer than others.
Of course, younger children won’t be able to drive the more advanced go-karts, but you can still get them something that will give them hours of fun. The best thing to do is look for safety features like seat belts and adjustable speeds, so younger kids can enjoy them too – even if they aren’t traveling at high speeds.
You shouldn’t choose a model with a max speed of over 20 mph if you have a very young child though – this is because they tend to be more fragile and can get hurt easily. A go-kart with a max speed of less than 20 mph is ideal for young kids – and you can always choose a more advanced kart when they get older.
Frame
Look for models with lightweight frames that are easy to maneuver – so your kids can have fun while riding the go-kart, without feeling weighed down.
The best karts have a frame made of sturdy materials like steel or aluminum, which is strong yet light enough to not weigh the child down when they’re using it. Fiberglass and plastic models are also available, but they usually tend to be harder to control – so you’ll probably want a sturdier model instead.
If possible, choose a go-kart with adjustable handlebars as well – this gives your child better control over the steering and allows them to adjust it as they grow up. You can even find some models with adjustable suspensions, which makes them easier and safer to ride over bumpy surfaces.
Size
When looking at go-karts for kids, you’ll notice that they come in all shapes and sizes – so it’s important to choose one that fits your child. Of course, bigger kids will need larger models, while younger children are better off with something smaller – but keep in mind that the size of the kart can have an effect on its max speed.
Some models are pretty large, which means they can only be used by older kids – but if the size is too small, your child may have trouble maneuvering it. It’s best to choose one that won’t be hard for them to handle – or adjust the height of the handlebars until it becomes easier to use.
If it’s too big or too small for them, they won’t be able to enjoy themselves as much – so choose the most comfortable size that will allow them to drive safely.
This way, you’ll find one that fits them perfectly. Its size also affects how easy it is to store when they’re not using it – so if they like to ride in the backyard, make sure you choose a model that won’t take up too much space.
Comfort
Make sure they can sit down and lean back without getting hurt – especially if the go-kart you pick has no suspension system.
You should also pay attention to how easy it is to steer. Kids tend to have a hard time with complicated steering systems – so try to find one that’s easy to use and doesn’t require too much effort. If possible, choose a model with just one wheel in the front – as these are easier for kids to handle than two-wheel models.
Price
Last but not least, you should consider the price of the kart before making a final purchase. Make sure your child’s specific needs are met by choosing one that’s just right for their age – it doesn’t have to be too expensive if they don’t require speed or a high seating capacity.
You should also consider the brand and model carefully before you make a purchase – as this can affect how durable it is and the quality of its materials. If you want to save, choose a go-kart without any bells and whistles.
Once you’ve chosen a high-quality model that’s suited for your child’s height and age, you’ll be sure to have a lot of fun with them. And once they’re tired, you can even store it in the garage until next time!
Safety Tips
As children go-karts for beginners, there are some safety tips you’ll want to keep in mind.
- Make sure your child always wears a helmet and protective gear when they’re using the kart – this will help ensure their safety and reduce the risk of injury.
- You should also limit their time on it – so they don’t overdo it and get tired. If possible, make sure there are no other kids around when they’re using the go-kart – as older children may not be careful enough when they ride.
- They should also drive on flat surfaces without traffic or other dangerous obstacles nearby – so that you don’t risk them getting injured by hitting something unexpected.
- When you’re shopping for a go-kart, make sure the age is suitable for your child – as there can be some sharp edges and moving parts that could injure them.