When you are looking to buy yourself a go kart there are lots of considerations to take into account. Go karts come in all sorts of size ranges and are capable of traveling at all different kinds of speeds. Depending on where you are taking your go kart to ride you may prefer some designs over other ones based on size, speed, and overall design. In order to help you find the go-kart that you are looking for we have come up with a go-kart buying guide that covers the in’s and out of a go-kart so that you know what sorts of features you should look for and what makes a good go-kart stand out from others. We have also come up with a list of our picks for the top ten go-karts on the market to give you an idea as to what options you have available and to point you in the right direction.
Top Go Kart Comparison Chart
Go Kart Buying Guides
Price
In order to buy a go-kart, the first thing you are going to want to do is to come up with some kind of a budget for yourself. Go-karts have a very wide range in price and it is important not to overspend on a go-kart if you cannot afford it or you aren’t going to use the go-kart very much. Generally, the price of a go-kart will go up for several reasons and they are generally the highest price tag when they have the largest motors in them and are capable of going at the fastest speeds. You will also notice that the high end go karts do contain more comfort factors and they are generally made of a thicker more durable metal than that of a lower end go-kart in order to increase the durability of the design.
Warranty
When it comes to go-karts warranty is a big factor to consider because of the fairly high price tag that you will have to pay in order to purchase a go-kart. It is always important to check and see what kind of a length the company has on the warranty because it means the company is willing to stand behind the durability of their product for that length of time; it is a good estimate of when you might start running into problems. It is always important to look at the fine details of any kind of a warranty agreement so that you can be sure that you are covered if you run into any issues with the product. Different companies will have different warranty policies and what may be an acceptable reason for one company for a product return may be completely unacceptable for a different company.
Weight Capacity
Depending on the go-kart that you buy you are going to notice that there is a broad range of weight limits. It is important to take these into consideration when you purchase your go-kart especially if you aren’t going to be the only person who will be riding around on it. Going over the weight limit on a go-kart may actually void your warranty and could even cause damage to the product so it is important to be aware that these limits do exist and to follow them as best as possible so that you don’t risk hurting yourself or damaging the go-kart itself.
Functions
Some go-karts on the market are specifically meant to be used by kids, some will be meant for speed and others will just be your average go-kart. Always make sure that you read the description carefully as the company should say exactly what the main purpose of the go-kart is somewhere in their description. Before you use your go-kart for the first time it is extremely important to make sure that you properly read the owner’s manual so that you know all of the functions of your go kart. Not knowing how to do something simple like brake or change the gears on your go kart could easily result in serious injury and it is important to take it slow the first few times you use your gogo-kart until you get used to the controls and feel safe using them.
Features
Many go-karts will come with a broad range of comfort features depending on how much money you are willing to spend on your kart. If you are looking for the most basic features, there are some common things that you will find incorporated into most of the karts on the market. A roll bar cage is one of the most common features that you will see and could really save you from an injury so long as you make sure that you do up your seat belt before you start riding. Go-karts are quite heavy and could easily crush you if they were to roll over so it is important to take the proper safety precautions to prevent this from occurring. Another thing you will likely come across is golf karts that are powered via electricity rather than gas powered. You will also see golf karts that incorporate a variety of braking methods and different rims and tires in their designs. Some golf karts have package deals where you can actually get safety gear for an added price tag; it is always important to make sure that you have the proper safety gear as it can really save you if you ever got in some kind of an accident while traveling at a fast speed. Be sure to wear an approved HELMET for go-karting. Lots of them are available on Amazon for a very reasonable cost!
Style & Design
Many people like to purchase their vehicles based on how they look. When it comes to go-karts they are very compact and generally you won’t notice much difference in design, you will mainly only see a difference in color. Rather than buying the first go-kart that you see just make sure that you look at the specs first so that you know if you are getting a good deal on the price tag. Remember that a well-known brand name go-kart is going to cost you more money than that of a brand that isn’t nearly as popular. If you are thinking of buying off of a brand that you don’t know much about, just make sure that you do proper research and make sure that they are a legitimate company that makes quality products so that you don’t run into issues when dealing with them down the road.
Frame
Depending on the amount of money that you spend on a go-kart you will notice a difference in the frame quality. A cheaper go kart is most likely going to be made out of steel and it will likely be of fairly thin material. A more expensive go kart may still be made out of steel but the bars will likely be much thicker and you will almost definitely notice that the maximum rider weight increases with a nicer frame.
Best Go Kart Reviews
The Go-Bowen Baja is atop our list because it’s the best “value” (we believe) available. There are some cool looking carts or buggies or electric vehicles, but they often lack power or looks or performance or some other feature that keeps it ranking lower. The Go-Bowen has enough good in all those areas that gives it a lift in ranking. For example, it offers the power of a 1000 Watt brushless motor and a 48-volt battery. It features parental speed controls of 10 MPH, 13 MPH, and 17-20 MPH. It offers a disc braking system and a high-tensile steel frame with an adjustable seat and belt for riders up to 5 feet tall.
While some purchasers found some problems with issues such as poorly written instructions and the lack of a sun cover, none of the criticisms were significant in their scope or intensity. On the other hand, there were a few intangible qualities found in this cart which ranked it very high. For example, several dads reported that the “kid-approved” level of satisfaction was extremely high! The kids couldn’t stop using it!
Pros:
- Comes with a stylish red design
- Can drive as fast as 20 miles per hour
- Side roll cage helps to protect you if you get into an accident
- Produces no emissions
- Seatbelt to keep you locked in place and safe
- Bucket seat is quite comfortable
- Can last 8 hours on a charge
Cons:
- 5 foot height limit is not high enough for adults
- Price range may be out of reach for some people
- Does not have protection from the sun
This is another nice kid’s go-kart capable of holding someone who weighs up to 140 lbs. This design comes in three different packages which can include a helmet or pads in order to help keep you safe while riding. This electric kart can run at up to 12 miles per hour and has a seatbelt to help keep you safe and secure. The throttle is located on the handlebars as are the brakes so that you have optimal control of the kart in all situations. This kart can run for as much as 40 minutes on a single charge and features slick rear wheels that are made so that you can do drifts.
Pros:
- Can travel at up to 12 miles per hour
- Charge can make the go-kart last for as long as 40 minutes
- Throttle and brakes are located on the handlebars so that you can access and use them easily
- Slick rear wheels are made to allow this kart to drift really easily
Cons:
- Have to have room in order to drift and not risk running into anything
- No roll cage incorporated into the design
This is another very nice electric kid’s go-kart that is capable of holding someone who weighs up to 140 lbs. This go-kart has rear wheels that are built to allow this go-kart to drift. This kart is capable of traveling at 12 miles per hour and can travel at variable speed thanks to a nice hand throttle design. Hand operated rear brakes will help you to drift this go-kart easily and effectively. go-kart kart has a seat belt in its design in order to make sure that you are secured down onto the kart. This kart comes in a nice white design that has a variety of decals on it in order to make it look a bit more like a race track car.
Pros:
- Capable of traveling at up to 12 miles per hour
- Variable speed throttle allows you to drive as fast or as slow as you wish
- Hand operated brake and slick rear wheels allow you to drift the kart very easily
- Seatbelt incorporated into the design to keep you secure and safe
- Eye appealing white design with racing decals
- Capable of being used for up to 40 minutes on a single charge
Cons:
- Battery takes up to 12 hours to charge
- 140 lb weight limit won’t be enough for the majority of adults
The Hauck Batmobile is an eye-catching kart with sporty three-point steering. This style of steering allows for a very quick and responsive feel to the steering linkage. The bucket seats are adjustable for varying sizes and heights of kids and it features a handbrake for the rear wheels. The kart has rubber wheels and an 8-ball style brake for a smoother ride and easier deployment. The frame is made of sturdy steel tubing and the rubber wheels are low profile for a “cooler” look.
The kart is made for ages 4-8 and overall it weighs 22 pounds. It’s best if the user is less than 120 pounds.
Pros:
- Adjustable seat so that riders of different heights can remain comfortable
- Racing pedals for style points and eye appeal
- Steering wheel is great for teaching your kids how to drive
- Eye-catching design is easy to spot so that you can keep track of your kids
Cons:
- Difficult to assemble
- Pedal design will not be liked by some people
If you are looking to get an adult go-kart here is a nice option for you. This go-kart features a nice roll cage and a two-seater design. The roll cage goes right over the top of your head and goes around the sides of the unit making it ideal for protection. This kart may not be the fastest as it only has a single-cylinder engine. The nice thing about this is that repairs on the kart will be cheaper and you will be safer because you won’t be able to travel at super-fast speeds. This go-kart has an automatic transmission and is fully capable of going into reverse in case you get a little too close to an object to be able to turn around it. This go-kart features a heavy-duty steel frame and comes with a full suspension so that you can go over any bumps that you want to hit. The motor is 150 CC class and it is an air-cooled engine that helps it to produce 10.5 horsepower. The kart can travel as fast as 36 miles per hour which is quite impressive for this size of engine. The seats in this kart are fully adjustable and are designed to be as comfortable as possible even when driving through rough terrain. Front and rear disc brakes, as well as a shifter and key ignition, make this kart a very user-friendly, safe to use go-kart.
Pros:
- Single-cylinder engine capable of traveling up to 36 mph
- The heavy-duty steel frame is quite durable
- 150 cc class, the engine produces 10.5 horsepower
- Front and rear disc brakes allow you to stop with ease
- The shifter and key ignition make this a very user-friendly kart
- Steering wheel, taillights, headlights, fog lights, and turn signals as well as a horn, and rearview mirrors help keep you safe when driving the kart in the dark as well as the light when you are in a high traffic area
Cons:
- Very fast speed does make this go-kart a little bit more dangerous to use
- The very high price tag could definitely be out of reach for a lot of people
Alright, I’m unsure of whether or not I should have put this at number one or left it off altogether – that’s weird! The reason is that the Hyper GoGo is really an unconventional go-kart, and to you, this may be either a useless piece of junk OR the best invention ever. How you see it depends on whether or not you own a hoverboard. If you do, this is a very cool invention. It’s a go-kart that is compatible with most hoverboards on the market, and the hoverboard acts as the back wheels. It’s a pretty sweet-looking kart, and unlike most other hoverboard karts that have a tiny, dinky front wheel and look like a very wimpy “tri-mobile”, this one actually looks like a pretty sleek go-kart.
It features an extendable frame (both height and width) which allows for both kids and adults. It folds down for easy transport, and it offers a built-in standard shock absorber which makes it less-annoying on rough surfaces. The excellent quality disc brakes reduce or eliminate the need for using the hoverboard’s brake system. It’s a board that’s both durable and easy to set up. It’s made to go anywhere – literally!
Pros:
- Very good name brand in the industry
- Reasonable price
- Can be transported easily
- Compatible with all hoverboards
Cons:
- Needs hoverboard – will not work as stand-alone go-kart
If you want to get yourself a cool looking go kart then this could definitely be a good option for you. This go-kart is made to look like a jeep and contains a very nice one cylinder engine and an automatic transmission with a reverse option built into the design. This engine is in the 110CC class and offers air cooling in order to make the engine more efficient. Although this Jeep go-kart is definitely a high price tag it is a unique design that will surely make you stand out amongst other go-karts. This go-kart does not come fully assembled which is an important thing to keep in mind. You will have to put the rims and tires on the kart yourself. This is a gas powered kart which is nice in the way that you don’t have to wait for the kart to recharge every time that you use it.
Pros:
- Gas power allows you to refill the tank immediately and potentially drive the go-kart around all day if you desire
- A unique design will definitely make you stand out
- One cylinder engine puts the go-kart in the 110CC category
- Most of the kart comes assembled other than the rims and tires have to be put on
- Roll bar cage is on the top of the unit in order to protect you from injury
- An automatic transmission has a drive, neutral and reverse gears in order to meet all of your driving needs.
Cons:
- High price tag may be out of reach for some people
- Some people expect to see a larger engine and more speed at this high of a price tag
Here’s another cool-looking, decent quality product by TaoTao. The first factor that you’re aware of immediately is the looks! It really does not look like a home-made hack job. It looks like someone wanted to make a Mad Max future-retro buggy, but low powered and made for the Amazon crowd! That means it’s limited to 15 mph, unfortunately. However, it does have some cool features like hydraulic disc brakes, automatic transmission with a 79cc 4-stroke engine. It’s chain drive, and has a total weight of 132 lbs. With a 2.4 inch ground clearance, I wouldn’t go off-roading but it’s a lot of fun on a big, flat surface! It has a tiny 0.34 gallon fuel capacity, but it’s not a large machine, so that kinda makes sense. It runs on only 1 cylinder, and it has a recoil starter.
This kart looks a lot like our #1 choice, but that’s only because it uses almost exactly the same chassis and componentry. Otherwise, they’re worlds apart given that the Tao tao is a gas-powered model as opposed to the Go-Bowen which is electric.
As long as you understand you’re not buying a BMW or something, you should be pretty happy. It’s faster than a Razor electric kart, and it’s perfect for flat surfaces with a 50-70 lb kid. As a grown adult, the 3hp engine might be a little strained, and off-roading is pointless.
Overall build quality is “pretty good” considering it’s a Chinese mass-produced product, and the overall sentiment of several owners is “surpisingly good for the price”.
Pros
- Good quality structure
- Faster than other leading brands (electric)
Cons
- Tough to work well with adult
- Won’t work well off-road
If you want a cheap go kart for your kid or kids and you don’t want it to be motorized then this can be a great option for you. This go-kart is made out of a combination of metal and plastic in order to offer a fairly durable design. There are a variety of racing decals located on the unit which helps add to eye appeal and helps to make the go kart more fun to ride for younger children. This go kart does have a maximum weight of 55 pounds which is important to keep in mind so that you don’t end up breaking the kart by going over the weight limit. There are four tires, a steering wheel and even fake headlights on the unit in order to make it look more realistic. The nicest thing about a non-motorized unit is that you don’t have to worry quite so much about your kids driving around too fast on the go-kart and hurting themselves by running into something.
Pros:
- Car decals in order to improve the visual appeal of the go-kart
- The steering wheel is great for teaching kids how to drive at a young age
- Don’t have to worry about your kids driving around too fast and hurting themselves
Cons:
- Some people will want a motorized go-kart
- Not fully made of metal so the go-kart isn’t as durable
We just love the looks on this little buggy! It has what we would totally call “understated aggressiveness”. The Moto Tec SandMan gives you a 49cc engine and a design that is meant to go off-road. It can take you 20 miles on a tank (unless you’re a really big dude!) on its 1 Litre gas tank. Seat belts and foldable seats are standard and it also has 8-inch solid rubber tires. It has a 9-inch ground clearance and it only weighs 89 lbs! It’s really meant for kids and not adults or even teens (otherwise it’s underpowered). However, 30 mph can be a bit fast and dangerous for the size of the kid (specifically the AGE of the kid) that can fit in it! Hmmm…. Otherwise, cool-looking and responsive.
Pros:
- Very Sturdy Built
- Speeds up to 30 mph
- Axel mounted rear disc brakes
Cons:
- Expensive price tag may be out of reach for some people
- Fast and potentially dangerous for younger kids, but only younger kids are small enough to fit into it well.
Conclusion & Recommendations
It can be extremely hard to narrow down what kinds of options you want to be incorporated into your go-kart in order to find the right go-kart for you. Once you figure out how many people you want your go kart to hold it can be a bit easier to narrow down your options because there isn’t a massive amount of pre-built go karts available on the market. Always remember to take a look at the return policy as well as the go kart’s warranty so that you can have some peace of mind with your purchasing decision knowing that any defects that you uncover will not be an issue. Hopefully, after reading our buying guide and our top ten list of the best go-karts on the market you feel as though you have a better grasp as to the features and the price tag that you might be looking at purchasing within and maybe you have even found yourself the perfect go-kart. Best of luck in your search and have fun with your go kart if you decide to pick one up!
