Best Go-Karts for Kids – 2021 Reviews, Testimonials, Guides

What Are Go-Karts For Kids?

Playing with go-karts for kids has been a favorite pastime over the years. Go-karting is an all-American habit, with children and adults loving it alike.

Go-karts are usually made of a very sturdy frame, and the electric battery packs make them heavier, making it hard to flip over.

They are low to the ground with a low center of gravity. This makes them safer to drive for kids.

They are easy to learn and handle, and hence are more suitable as toys for kids as well as for beginners.

What Are The Best Kids Go-Karts?

Here is a popular question from parents – What are the best go-karts for 9-year-olds?. Toy karts can be categorized as electric, pedal, or gas-powered. Electric go-karts assembled for children are a toned-down version of the professional-grade electric ones and are popular among kids and parents for varied reasons. There are go-karts for teenagers as well, which are slightly advanced versions from the one which are for kids.

In general, they operate on battery-powered engines and are intended for both professional and recreational purposes. Since they are pollution-free, they can be used both in indoor tracks and outdoors, unlike the fuel-powered variants which can be used only outdoors.

Basic electric go-karts manufactured for kids are cheap in cost. They require low maintenance, the battery needs to be recharged after each run. They tend to run for a duration of 45 minutes to 3 hours on a fully charged battery.

They accelerate well because of better torque generated by the electric engine and gives an excellent driving experience. They are adequate for recreational purposes. On the contrast, go karts for adults are expensive, powerful and require professional training to ride them.

Go Karts for Kids come in a varied range of sizes, safety features, engine types. There are a lot of options in the market, and it becomes a daunting task to arrive at the right one for your child.

While safety features are most vital while selecting a go-kart, the type of engine that the toy runs on is also essential. The size of the toy should have the flexibility to allow the child to be comfortable with it even as he grows over the years.

Best Go Karts for Kids – Our Top Picks and Reviews -2021

Image Model Price on Amazon
Razor Dune Buggy Price On Amazon
Razor Force Drift Kart Price On Amazon
Razor Ground Force Electric Go Kart Price On Amazon
Berg Toys Junior Buddy Price On Amazon
Hauck Nascar Lightning Go Kart Price On Amazon
Hauck Hauck Thunder II Go Kart Price On Amazon
Power Wheels Dune Racer Extreme Price On Amazon
Buddy John Deere Pedal Go Kart Price On Amazon
Buzzy Pedal Go Kart Price On Amazon
Razor Ground Force Drifter Fury Ride-On Price On Amazon
1

Razor Dune Buggy

This is a compact size dune buggy with a powerful electric motor reaching up to 10 mph.

Perfect for a chunk of off-road entertainment, it brags of an active rear suspension, 8-inch knobby pneumatic tires, sturdily built with durable tubular steel frame, diamond plate floorboards, padded bucket seat, a shoulder seat belt, thumb paddled hand accelerator and brake controls, rear disc brake, and a safety flag.

The battery lasts at least 45 minutes and can be recharged quickly. The buggy is fast enough for some serious fun but slow enough that it won’t compromise on safety. Parents will also appreciate the side roll cage, which creates a barrier between the rider and the outside.

It’s got great torque, crawls right through mud, grass, over bumps, and uphill, and is a very well constructed little buggy.

2

Razor Ground Force Drifter Kart

The drifter is fundamentally based on the original Ground Force Electric design.

It comes with identical features – maximum speed of 12 mph, charge lasts for at least 45 minutes, low height design, durable steel frame, hand acceleration variable speed control, hand-operated brake, no reverse, bucket seat, shoulder seat belt, flag, supports up to 140 lbs, fits into SUVs/minivans, molded aluminum front wheels with solid rubber tires, 24 V battery system, single-seater, an upgraded rear axle for increased maneuverability, chain-driven motor, easy to learn, stylish, fast battery charging, 90-day warranty and is suitable for 8+ years.

What it is additionally equipped with is super Slider POM rear wheels that pull off impressive power slides at sharp turns, 180’s and 360’s, making your kid the neighborhood drifting star overnight.

The rear wheels are made of hard plastic, so they’ll lose traction, allowing it to drift. Like the Ground Force Electric model, it is designed for controlled environments free of potential traffic hazards and not for public streets. Remember to buy a helmet along with the drifter.

Compared to Ground Force, kids will prefer the drifter, being able to spin that thing around really gives added pleasure. As mentioned earlier, Razor has a good customer support team.

3

Razor Ground Force Electric Go-Kart

It is suitable for age groups of 8 and above although those above 5 also use it. The high torque chain-driven motor boasts a top speed of 12 mph, it is ideal for pavement trails or dead-end avenues; it is not meant for public streets with traffic.

The 12 V sealed lead-acid batteries last for around 45 minutes, have a short recharge time and come with a battery charger. It’s made of a very low to the ground design, durable steel frame, molded aluminum wheels, and 4-1/2-inch tires making it safe to play with.

Learning and driving it is easy with variable speed, thumb trigger acceleration control and a hand-operated the rear brake, but no reverse gear. It comes with a bucket seat, a shoulder seat belt, and a flag. Make sure the seat belt is on when your little one rides it.

It is recommended to buy a good helmet additionally. It can support up to a weight of 140 lbs. It can fit into SUVs or minivans for transport if you would like to carry it along. For concerned parents, it is not fast enough to be dangerous, but fast enough for the kids. Being low to the ground makes it feel like you’re going fast. They will love it.

Razor has a good customer support team and resolves issues promptly.

4

BERG Toys Buddy Orange Pedal Go Kart

This is a pedal variant. The adjustable seat and steering mean your kids can continue using this as they grow taller.

The swing axle ensures that your kart will always touch the ground and you won’t flip over. The unique BFR system ensures that you can pedal, brake and ride backward using the pedals.

It is recommended for 3 years and above. It is easy to assemble, and it pedals and steers incredibly effortlessly and gracefully. It is very sturdily built and is worth the money spent on it.

Your child will love it and will be the envy of the neighborhood.

5

Hauck Nascar Lightning Go Kart

If you are eyeing a low-cost go-kart for your kid and your child is too young for an electric motor-based vehicle, then you must check out Hauck Nascar Go Kart. It’s a pedal-based go-kart that is designed to offer an excellent go-karting experience to your child.

It has a nice sporty design which will appeal to your children and it comes with plenty of adjustment options that enhance the comfort factor while your kid is on driving task.  It’s built for kids aged between 3-6 years and they will surely enjoy a sporty ride on this neat looking go-kart.

A nice grip and rubber wheels make, riding this vehicle an enjoyable ordeal.

6

Hauck Hauck Thunder II Go-Kart

Hauck Hauck Thunder II impresses you with its trendy colored body design. It looks sporty and offers an excellent grip while your child is in his/her riding job. It provides few additional features such as an adjustable-height seat and 3-point steering advantage.

Being a pedal-based go-kart, also helps your child to gain muscle strength in his/her legs while pedaling the vehicle. The speed of the vehicle is proportional to pedaling power.

You would need to assemble it upon delivery, and it could take between 20 minutes-30 minutes. Make sure you do a quick verification of all the parts are available as advertised. Overall, a good pedal-based variant to thrill your 4-8 year aged kiddos.

7

Power Wheels Dune Racer

If you are in search of a sturdy 4 wheeled kids off-road go-kart that races through any surface, then Power Wheels Dune Racer fits the needs very well. In fact, it accommodates 2 riders at a time.

It’s an electric-powered racer primarily designed for kids aged between 3-7 years. It can gain a speed of 5 MpH and boasts a good braking system. It can easily navigate through surfaces such as lawns, wet grass, and the usual roads because of its rugged tires.

the body of the vehicle is steel framed and it can house riders up to the weight of 130lbs. Power Wheels Dune Racer has two variable speeds for catering requirements of beginner and advanced riders.

Overall, it’s a good racing type vehicle that allows children to experience the racing without comprising the safety aspects.

8

Buddy John Deere Pedal Go Kart

BERG Toys continues to impress go kart fanatics with its impressive products.

Buddy John Deere pedal go-kart boasts a stylish design with a blend of yellow and green colors. The steering and tires are of black color and complement the primary colors well.

Kids aged between 3-8 years will enjoy a comfortable, yet fun-filled ride with this vehicle.  It can support the weight up to 150 lbs and accommodates a single rider.

If your kid is of about just 3 years, then it would take some attempts for him/her to figure out how to pedal and use the braking. However, with parent supervision, understanding the vehicle shouldn’t be a problem for your child.

9

Buzzy Pedal Go Kart

This is the second product from BERG Toys on our top list. We picked up this because it not only looked unique but the design will be surely loved by kids. You are assured of an excellent pedal-based kids go-kart for your child when you get home with this cute-looking toy.

It comes with an adjustable handlebar and seat. The product is very lightweight and can accommodate a single rider up to 65 pounds. Kids aged between 3-6 years are most suitable for enjoying this toy.

Priced low, this toy won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

10

Hauck Nascar Lightning Go Kart

Looking for a good go-kart for a 9-year-old kid? Here is an electric go-kart that has got advanced features and a ‘fresh’ design (when compared to the original ground force drifter). The elegant color combination will leave you with a wanting desire for this go-kart.

Recommended for kids aged 8 and above, this machine has got the power as well. It races up to 12 MpH which makes it as one of the best go carts for kids.

Fitted with variable speed control, your child will enjoy a thrill-filled ride with Ground Force drifter Ride-On. You can expect a drive-time up to 40 minutes upon a single charge which is pretty decent.

FAQs?

Since most parents are not aware of how go karts operate, it is natural for questions to crop up. Questions like “are your children old enough to play with go karts?”, “which type of engine is suitable for such toys?”, and more.

Important factors like the maximum speed of the toy, safety features set up by the toy manufacturers, sturdiness of the frame, the minimum age required to play with it, type of engine are to be considered while purchasing good go karts for kids.

Below is a list of common questions.

Are My Children Old Enough to Ride a Toy Go Kart?

While the recommended age by most toy manufacturers is 8 years and above or even, parents can make a conscious decision based on how safe they feel about their kids playing with it.

Parents tend to allow youngsters even when they are 5 years and above. Manufacturers design these toys to suit children up to the age of 12. Toy manufacturers limit the speed and also keep the acceleration under control making it a safe option.

These toys serve as ideal gifts, suitable for any occasion. While toy manufacturers tend to cover most safety features to make it a fun experience, it is also an essential responsibility of parents to monitor, guide and teach their children when they initially purchase the toy, till the young ones get a hang of the controls, especially for age groups between 5 to 10.

You will not have to worry about the sizes. Most of them come in standard sizes and seat positions can be altered as the little ones grow older. Learning to drive them is easy and one gets a hang of driving in a matter of minutes.

Should I Select an Electric Go Kart?

faqs_electric_go_karts

The electric version is powered by one or two electric motors and batteries. They are low maintenance, requiring only that the lead-acid batteries of the cars be plugged into chargers after each run.

Most fully charged electric toy karts can run a maximum of 45 minutes before the battery drains out eventually. Electrically powered variants do not have hot engines or a tank full of gas and are ideal for toys. The electric battery tends to make them heavy making it tough to flip them over. This makes them safer to drive.

They do not produce noise and emissions and do not require fuel. They are a pollution-free environment-friendly option.

Are Gas Powered Variants Safer for My Kids?

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Gas-powered options manufactured as toys tend to have limited high speed and come with small sized tanks. They are designed for uneven terrains rather than flat areas.

These are tested thoroughly by manufacturers and are designed to be safe toys. Gas tanks are expected to be refilled by adults only and kids should not be allowed to refill the fuel. Gas-powered options tend to have a lower acceleration than electric variants. Off-road go-kart options include individual parts such as suspension. Children love fast off-road go-karts.

Of course, the designs of the toys are not fixed, and you can expect to find numerous different models that offer different features.

What Is The Advantage of Pedal Over Electric Engine?

Pedal variants are an ideal option for flat terrains, especially for parents who prefer their kids to have a good exercise pedaling around.

Parents tend to opt for the pedal version over electric powered ones primarily because of this.

Pedal installed versions come in different designs and sizes, some are made from plastic material, making it lightweight and easy to handle, best for the young ones, there is also a metal wielded designs for toughness.

Some more frequently asked questions are answered below.

What Are The Safest Places For Children To Play Around in Go Karts?

The best places to drive around are in backyards, driveways, pavements, cul de sacs or empty parking lots. Streets and sites with traffic movement should be strictly avoided.

What are the Top Go Kart Brands?

While there are a lot of manufacturers catering to this segment, Razor is one of the best go kart brands, that stands out in producing quality and well-designed toys for kids.

They have 3 variants – electric, drifter, and dune buggy. They follow good safety standards and it is worth mentioning the good level of post-sales customer service.

Berg Toys is another company which specializes in manufacturing these with pedals. The high quality and sturdiness with which they build these are noteworthy.

Tao Tao is among some of the Chinese manufacturers and has a good gas-powered all-terrain option – 125 CC Semi-Auto.

Versions from Hot Wheels are favored for kids between ages 6 and 12. The Hot Wheels variants include additional safety features to prevent crashes.

Hot Wheels sets reliable speed limits and is made of a pretty sturdy frame. There are more manufacturers including Tanaka, Kartco, Manco, and Carter Brothers.

Which is The Best Place To Purchase Go Karts For Children?

While the right places to buy adult go carts would be in local stores, versions for children can also be purchased online since they come in standard sizes.

Online stores also tend to give better deals in comparison to neighborhood stores. Shipping timelines in online shopping portals would be as per the guidelines declared on the website. In fact, going the online route is sometimes is the only way to find some best cheap go-karts.

Is It Easy To Assemble a Go Kart and Find Replacement Parts?

Although the models come with a relatively simple design, most of them need a basic setup and assembly before your kid can start driving it around.

It is best to follow the instructions in the manual that are sent along with the model. Replacement parts such as tires can be purchased at the online store of the manufacturer, or an order can be placed by the call.

Can Children Take Part In Junior Go Kart Races?

Racing events are popular around the world and in some places, races are even held for kids of different age groups in controlled and indoor environments.

It may be a good option to introduce your child to mini race tracks at a young age to inculcate competitiveness. Parents need to consider all safety options before they enroll in such races.

Now that you know what are the top options available in the market, you can now be assured that your kids are experiencing a surge of adrenaline rush while driving around the best toy they have owned to date.

Are Go Karts Safe For Children?

Those manufactured by reputed toy companies come with a good range of safety features good enough to allow you to take care of your house/office chores while your little ones play outside.

Some manufacturers install disc brakes in the design which allows it to come to an immediate halt when applied. A seat belt is essential, those that go over the shoulder and around the waist are good to hold fast in case your kid bumps hard into something.

Keeping safety in mind, manufacturers limit the speed to around 12 miles per hour. Also, it will help to have an extra speed governor that can be set by parents at a maximum speed that they feel is safe for their little ones.

Some have this safety feature.  They should be made of a good and sturdy frame that can absorb the shocks of fast bumps into curbs or quick brazes past pavements. A toy should be designed to last.

These are generally designed with a very low center of gravity which stops it from tipping over in quick turns and 360s. It is a useful feature to fix a flag to it so that this small height vehicle can be seen or identified by its tall flag from a car or an SUV, which would not have been visible otherwise.

The engine and motor mechanism are enclosed safely and are not accessible while it is in motion. Manufacturers claim their designs take a weight of up to 140 lbs, though a more heavy person sitting on it would mean that it will move slower.

Anyone driving it should wear a helmet that covers the entire head, as well as gloves and shoes. Go-karts with metal frames are most commonly made of steel and usually, have a welded steel rollover bar that provides extra support and safety for the vehicle.

Although metal frames are heavier than wood or plastic frames, they last longer. Aluminum is a lighter metal to consider and is still strong and durable. Always supervise your little ones at playtime when riding a Pedal Car or other ride-on pedal toys.

As a responsible parent, never allow more than one to ride at a time. Ensure it is only ridden in safe areas and keep driveway safety in mind.

Never allow the little ones to be pushed while riding.

Which Go Kart Will Best Suit Your Kid’s Need?

Some important factors to guide you to purchase one are –

Height   Select one with a small height. Being closer to the ground gives a low center of gravity which does not allow it to flip over in fast or steep turns.

Sturdy body   A go-kart with a strong frame helps since kids tend to drive it on pavements or roads and tend to crash into the curbs.

Speed   Consider the maximum speed these can go up to before opting for one especially while selecting an electric variant. One with a top speed of 12-15 miles per hour is safe, kids tend to lose control in anything faster than that.

Good Brakes   Those manufactured for kids come with strong brakes good enough to stop where ever needed.

Which One Should You Buy?

Electric and pedal variants are the safest bet with the Gas-powered alternative being quite safe as well.

The Razor Ground Force Electric model is the best option given that you prefer electric engines for flat terrains. The Razor Ground Force Drifter adds the drifting option to electric engines on flat terrains.

The Razor Dune Buggy is the choice for electric engines on uneven terrains. The 125 CC Semi-Auto which runs on gas is also a good option for uneven terrains.

BERG Buddy Pedal is also an option for flat terrains.

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