If you want to introduce your little one to the motorsport world, then go-karts for kids can offer a great starting point. You can start them off even when they are as young as two years old!
The best part is that they will have fun while they learn to improve their motor skills.
And no, you don’t have to worry about getting your child a go-karting driver’s license. There are kid-friendly options available that work for kids below eight years old.
We are going to have a look at some of these kid-friendly go-karts and pick out the best options currently on the market. Hopefully, they will help your child learn the ins and outs of the go-karting sport.
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Top Go Karts for Kids
When scouting for the best go karts for kids for our review, we looked out for safe designs that still don’t compromise on fun. We also looked at age limits and speed. Here’s a rundown of some of the best picks we came up with.
1. Hauck Batmobile Pedal Go Kart
If your child is obsessed with the DC Comics heroes, then this Batman-themed go-kart is sure to put a huge smile on their face. The front part is fully covered and decorated as a Batmobile to make it seem more like a car.
Despite the elaborate design, it’s still easy to use since it comes with the standard four-wheel design. The tires are made of rubber so they can maintain a firm grip on almost any surface. Plus, the rear wheels can be easily stopped with the handbrake.
What’s more, it comes with race-style pedals that are easy to control and can help improve your child’s foot coordination. Also included is a responsive 3-point steering wheel that lets your kid make quick turns.
This go-kart is designed for kids aged between 4 to 8 years and can hold up to 120 lbs. It also has an adjustable bucket seat.
If you don’t necessarily need the Batman look, Hauck also has a Hauck Lightning Pedal Go Kart that also gets great reviews.
Key Features
Powered by: Pedal
Age range: 4 – 8 years
What we like: Batman-themed design, easy to control, grippy rubber tires
2. Razor Ground Force Drifter
This go-kart is one of the safest for practicing drifting due to its wide seat area coupled with a low-profile design. Its sleek tires are recommended for drifting on flat surfaces for optimal speed.
It’s powered by two, 12-volt sealed lead-acid batteries. The batteries are rechargeable and can last for up to 40 minutes on a single charge. You can get it to attain a maximum speed of up to 12 mph.
As for the construction, it’s pretty sturdy with steel frames, but you have to assemble it on arrival. Interestingly, the rear wheels are equipped with a spark cartridge that produces sparks when applied for more fun.
Controlling it is a breeze for young kids since it has a thumb trigger for easy acceleration and a hand-operated rear brake. It’s recommended for kids aged 8 years or older, and can handle loads of up to 140 lbs.
Key Features
Powered by: Battery
Age range: 8 years and up
What we like: Low-profile design, simple hand-braking option, top speeds
3. Berg Buzzy Beatz
If you are looking for a space-efficient go-kart for indoor and outdoor use, this go-kart could work for you. It’s equipped with four wheels fitted with EVA foam tires so it can ride quietly on flat surfaces.
You will appreciate the anti-slip pedals on the unit so your child can use them without much training from the get-go. The pedals are also easy to use as they follow the direction your child wants to go.
Berg intentionally designed the pedals to be independent of the handlebar so the feet can remain firm on the pedals even when turning.
The frame is made of tubular steel with a powder-coated finish for enhanced corrosion resistance. It’s suitable for kids aged between 2 to 5 years, and you can also adjust the seat to accommodate a growing child.
On receiving it, you will notice that the unit is quite easy to assemble and you can get it ready in less than 30 minutes.
Key Features
Powered by: Pedal
Age range: 2 – 5 years
What we like: Easy to assemble, sturdy design, adjustable seat
4. Radio Flyer Ultimate Go-Kart for Kids
If we could recommend a go-kart that gives parents peace of mind when their little one is driving, then it would be this option. From the first glance, you will notice the flag sitting on the pole, which helps to draw attention to your adventurous rider.
Another important safety feature is the parent control speed lock that lets you control how fast your kid can go. You can choose between three-speed settings on forward drive: 2.5, 5, and 8.5 mph. It can only go at 2.5 mph on the reverse drive setting.
To ensure your kid has the easiest time drifting, it’s designed with different-sized tires at the front and back. The front wheels are a bit smaller to increase maneuverability, while the back wheels are wider for controlled drifting.
The unit is recommended for kids between the ages of 3 to 8 years, and has an 81 lbs carrying capacity. Besides that, it’s powered by a 24-volt rechargeable battery. It’s also made to last with a combination of heavy-duty plastic and alloy steel.
Key Features
Powered by: Battery
Age range: 3 – 8 years
What we like: Multiple safety features, large rear tires, reliable drifting
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5. Razor Crazy Cart Shift
Sporting a no-frills design, this is a great drifting cart for kids of any age. The simple design makes it a great training go-kart for your child before they can advance to larger wheels. It’s ideal for kids who are 6 years or older, and can handle up to 120 lbs.
It comes with a responsive, 3-point steering wheel that allows for easy turning. Your child needs to keep their hands on the steering at all times for better control, but they can still access the throttle to control their speed.
In addition, it’s fitted with a speed control switch that allows you to choose a comfortable speed for your child. You can adjust it from a low-speed setting of 2.5 mph to a high-speed setting of 8 mph.
As for the design, the Crazy Cart is made of a combination of durable aluminum and plastic. It also includes a safety flag so your child is always visible on the track.
Plus, the unit is powered by a 12-volt rechargeable lead-acid battery. This means that it’s generally maintenance-free since it has no chains that need greasing. The battery can run for up to 40 minutes or go for up to 5 miles on a single charge.
Key Features
Powered by: Battery
Age range: 6 years and up
What we like: Sits low for optimal stability, provides tight turns, safety flag
6. Razor Dune Buggy
Razor is a household name when it comes to kids sporting toys, and that’s why we have included more than one option. This option opts for a bicycle-like handlebar design instead of the conventional steering wheel for improved hand coordination.
Also, your child can easily pull the handbrake whenever they need to stop.
The unit is also equipped with a 350-watt electric motor that’s battery-powered. The battery can last for up to 40 minutes on a single charge. Additionally, it’s reinforced with a tubular alloy steel frame with a powder-coated finish.
When it comes to performance this go-kart is equipped with 8-inch knobby pneumatic tires that can maneuver on uneven terrain. It can also attain speeds of up to 9 mph, and the little one can control the speed with the thumb trigger on the handlebar.
It’s designed to support loads of up to 120 lbs. so it can be used by kids who are over 8 years old. It also includes a bucket seat that’s padded for comfort. While it may not come assembled, putting it together will be easy due to the few detachable parts.
Key Features
Powered by: Battery
Age range: 8 years and up
What we like: Compact and lightweight, wide pneumatic tires, easy to operate
7. Hauck Nerf Striker Go Kart
It seems that Hauck had outdoor games in mind when it designed this go-kart. Suitable for kids aged 4 to 8 years old, this unit has a user-friendly design that lets your kid have an easy time controlling the speed while aiming toy guns at their friends.
It comes fully assembled and is reinforced with a steady tubular alloy steel frame. It also comes with a wide bucket seat that can be adjusted by up to 3 positions so your kid can sit comfortably while they play.
Maneuvering this go-kart is made easy with a responsive 3-point steering wheel, while low-profile rubber tires allow for smooth riding on hard surfaces. Additionally, it’s equipped with a handbrake instead of a foot brake so it can be easier to reach for the kid.
On top of that, it doesn’t require fuel as it comes with anti-slip pedals that help to build muscle strength and improve foot coordination.
Key Features
Powered by: Battery
Age range: 4 – 8 years
What we like: Grippy tires, lightweight, easy-to-reach handbrake
8. Costzon Pedal Go Kart
Costzon’s go-kart is a decent choice for parents who are looking for a non-intimidating option for their child. It’s equipped with non-slip pedals so your child can control their own speed before they advance to an engine-powered go-kart.
The unit is fitted with an adjustable seat that can be adjusted by up to 3 positions to help accommodate a growing child until they are about 8 years old. Plus, the seat has a back support that your child can lean on when they are exhausted from all the pedaling.
This go-kart also sports a sturdy construction made of a combination of alloy steel, plastic, and polypropylene. The material is lightweight but strong enough to support your kid.
Additionally, this go-kart can withstand being exposed to harsh weather such as heat or rain.
This go-kart is equipped with extra-thick, anti-slip wheels that can ride smoothly on hard terrain or grass. The wheels can only maintain speeds of up to 3 mph, so you don’t have to worry about your child losing control of it.
Key Features
Powered by: Pedal
Age range: 3 – 6 years
What we like: Non-slip pedals, safe speeds, durable construction
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9. Coleman Powersports KT-196
We couldn’t conclude our review without including a gas-powered option that can be used by older kids. This is why we included this Coleman go-kart that helps to prepare your child for off-road adventures.
It’s a decent option for kids, teenagers, and even adults since it has a 400 lbs. load capacity. Not to mention, it comes with two padded seats so you can ride with your child as you instruct them.
When it comes to performance, the unit can attain top speeds of up to 15 mph thanks to the 6.5 hp engine. It’s also fully automated and features a pull-start engine for easy operation. You also get an easily-accessible kill switch that powers off the unit.
Each seat comes with a four-point safety harness for added safety, and the driver can rely on the foot-operated, hydraulic disc brakes for reliable stopping. In addition, a heavy-duty padded roll cage helps to keep the driver safe in case of collision.
Key Features
Powered by: Gas motor
Age range: 13 years and up
What we like: Great for older kids, double seat design, high speeds
Summary
A go-kart is hands down one of the best gifts you could get for your child. It’s not only an adventurous toy but can also help improve your kid’s motor skills. It can also help them make new friends at the park.
When picking out one for your kid, without a doubt, the first thing to consider is safety. This is why we included options with safety flags, non-slip pedals, and seats with a safety harness.
You also need to look into the construction and choose a sturdy design that can last for several years. Besides that, look out for the recommended age range and pick out an appropriate option for your child.
We would like to know what option you went with and why you decided to go with it. Leave us a comment and share your opinions with other parents!
