Electric go karts are an amazingly fun pastime, no matter what age you might be! In this article, we are going to look at the best electric go karts for adults, teenagers and kids.
There are so many reasons to invest in an electric go-kart.
Not only can they offer hours of driving fun, but they are also an eco-friendly alternative to traditional go-karts as they run via electric means- such as motors and batteries-rather than on gasoline.
Why wouldn't you want to do your bit for the environment and have a fun time whilst doing so?
As long as you maintain health and safety precautions at all times and have the space for it- or you can get somewhere that offers a safe space for you to race around on- electric go-karts can be an excellent pastime.
With this in mind, we are going to be looking at some of the best electric go karts in terms of practicality, style, and capabilities.
We are also going to be looking at a wide range of electric go-karts that can fit adults and children. Let’s get started with our guide to the best electric go karts.
OUR TOP PICK
We are going to be looking at a few different electric go-karts from the brand Razor, as they have tons of different varieties and are well known for their fantastic range of go-karts!
The first on our list of best electric go karts is this Ground Force Drifter Kart.
The Razor Ground Force Drifter Kart is made for kids from age 8 upwards, with a weight limit of 140 pounds.
It has a ton of different features that would make for an awesome choice for kids, though it is recommended for use on flat surfaces only
Slick rear wheels and a race-tuned chassis make for a cart that would be a great choice when practicing drifting (as long as it is done with safety precautions followed at all times!) whilst the robust, steel frame and the four, 1 and a half-inch molded aluminum wheels (with rubber coverings) make for a kart that is sturdy and made professionally.
A maximum speed of 12 miles per hour means that kids will have fun without the risk of going too fast and doing themselves an injury.
Of course, injuries are possible no matter what speed you are going, so as long as they are sensible, wear a helmet, and always pay attention to their surroundings whilst using the Razor Ground Force Drifter, they should be fine.
The kart does have a hand-operated rear brake though, just in case of emergencies.
In terms of power, this electric go-kart is powered with a high torque, chain-driven motor and can be steered via a thumb trigger acceleration controller and two 12 volt, sealed lead, rechargeable acid batteries.
The battery life can last up to 40 minutes, allowing for plenty of time for kids to have fun and learn some valuable skills when it comes to driving, too.
Pros
- Battery and chain motor powered.
- The battery lasts up to 40 minutes.
- Professional design, featuring a race-tuned chassis and super slider POM rear wheels.
- Environmentally friendly.
- Increased maneuverability and enhanced steering thanks to the rear axle upgrade.
- 12 miles per hour maximum speed.
- Perfect for drifting.
- A strong frame ensures security whilst riding.
Reputable brand.
Cons
- Kids only
- Only for use on flat surfaces.
- Requires some assembly.
Also available on Razor.com.
EDITORS CHOICE
Sticking with the Razor brand, the Crazy Cart is another that is designed for kids.
We consider it the best electric go-kart for those interested in drifting thanks to the simplified, built-in drift system wherein the rear of the cart will start to drift automatically so that the driver can keep their focus on balancing the throttle and the counter steering as you would when drifting in real life!
This life-like drifting mechanism makes for an electric go-kart that would be a brilliant gift for kids who show a keen interest in driving and vehicles from a young age.
When it comes to the controls, steering is incredibly responsive thanks to the 1:1 steering ratio, which also brings an element of realism into the steering much like the drifting does.
A fixed incline and rear caster wheels offer a balance between the drifting side and the driving side of the go-kart.
You can also choose your speed with this electric go-kart, with a top speed control switch that lets you set the speed for your child. The maximum speed that you can set is 8 miles per hour, whilst the minimum is 2.5 miles per hour.
The kart runs on a 12 volt, sealed lead acid battery- offering up to 40 minutes of driving time- and a power core hub motor which is maintenance-free, eliminating the need for various fiddly bits and pieces that need upkeep, such as sprockets and chains.
This is a great electric go-kart for kids who are a little younger (the maximum weight that it can take is 120 pounds) that are passionate about driving.
Pros
- Life-like drifting mechanism.
- Power core hub motor that eliminates the need for constant maintenance.
- 12-volt battery provides up to 40 minutes of driving.
- Realistic 1:1 steering ratio.
- Environmentally friendly.
- Available in two colors: blue/black and red/black.
- A great gift for kids who show an interest in driving.
Cons
- Kids only.
- Some assembly is required.
- No brakes.
Also available on Razor.com
BEST VALUE
Sorry, grown-ups, but our next electric go-kart on our list of best electric go karts is another one just for kids! We will be looking at some karts that are suitable for adults too, but the Radio Flyer Go-Kart is suitable for younger children aged around 3 to 8 (featuring a weight limit of 81 pounds and an adjustable seat to switch between younger and older children within that age range).
There are three forward drive settings for the Radio Flyer: 2.5 miles per hour, 5 miles per hour, and 8 miles per hour.
There is also a reverse function which is set to the single speed of 2.5 miles per hour. The Radio Flyer runs on a 24-volt battery that is rechargeable via an easy-to-use plug-in system.
Much like the Razor electric go-kart, which is aimed at younger kids, this is another option that offers a surprisingly realistic feel when it comes to drifting and driving.
The extra-wide, large rear wheel slicks combine with the rubber traction of the front tires to create a go-kart that offers a unique and realistic drifting experience for little ones.
You don't have to worry about this leading to any danger for your child though, as there are plenty of safety precautions included in the Radio Flyer Go-Kart, such as a parent-controlled speed lock, a racing flag for visibility (and for show!), and a seat belt.
Pros
- Realistic drifting.
- An easy-to-use, rechargeable battery.
- Three different speed settings plus one locked speed setting.
- Environmentally friendly.
- Safety precautions included such as a seatbelt and adjustable speed control for parents.
- Rubber traction on front tires.
- Large rear wheels.
- Adjustable seat.
Cons
- Kids only.
Also available on RadioFlyer.com
RUNNER UP
Whilst we are still on the topic of best electric go karts for kids with the Docyke Electric Go Kart kit, we are getting a little closer to the adult market as the age range for this particular kart ranges from 5 all the way up to 18!
As the name suggests, this is a kit that needs to be assembled to create the go-kart. It can also be used to create a wide variety of other fun, electric vehicles, such as an electric bike or a scooter.
You can build something suitable for any of the ages in that large range that we mentioned, with the go-kart choice being more suitable for the older end of the spectrum.
There is a ton of variety with this kit, thanks to its ability to transform into all sorts of karts.
The go-kart in this kit is powered by lithium batteries whilst the main parts of the kit that make up the vehicles are created from durable and high-quality anodized aluminum.
The modular, plastic parts of the kit are made from special glass fiber that can hold its own due to being just as strong as the aluminum itself.
This durable nature means that you don't have to worry about the kart breaking down as your child is riding it.
This is another excellent choice of electric go-kart for kids thanks to the creativity that it inspires and the strength of the materials it utilizes, making for a super fun and safe electric go-kart.
Pros
- Can be transformed into various kinds of vehicles as well as a go-kart.
- Uses long-lasting lithium batteries.
- Inspires imagination in kids thanks to the different vehicle designs.
- Can be used by a wide range of kids from ages 5 to 18.
- Made from strong anodized aluminum and special glass fiber.
- Environmentally friendly.
Cons
- Only for kids and teenagers.
- Requires a lot of assembling.
Also available at ElectricGoKartShop.com
RUNNER UP
Who said kids get to have all the fun? For the next on our list of best electric go karts, we are going back to the Razor brand next with another version of their Crazy Cart electric go-kart, but this time it's suitable for adults as well as kids.
The cart is pretty much the same as the kid version, but it increases the maximum weight up to 240 pounds to allow adults to have their fun with it too.
It doubles down on the drifting technology, utilizing that patented drift system to let the driver perform a whole host of smooth drifting moves, including spins and cornering.
The patented steering, drift bar, and high-impact pneumatic front tires combine with the dual rear caster wheels to achieve this drifting ability.
A larger and more powerful battery is included with the XL.
It uses three 12 volt batteries instead of two, making for a battery of 36 volts (though it still uses the rechargeable and quick change sealed lead-acid type of battery).
Despite the larger battery, the charge is the same, lasting up to 40 minutes before it will need to be recharged again.
A foot pedal allows for a variable speed, with acceleration that can reach up to 14 miles per hour.
The XL also includes a seatbelt that goes over the shoulder and the lap, and an adjustable raised bucket-style seat (so you can adjust it for different ages to take their turn), making for an electric go-kart that feels surprisingly like a mini sports car.
Pros
- For adults and kids.
- Strong battery.
- Patented drift and steering system.
- Seatbelt for safety.
- Can reach speeds of 14 miles per hour.
- Environmentally friendly.
Cons
- No brakes
- The same battery capacity as the smaller model (though this is likely to make up for the larger size and weight capacity).
Also available on Razor.com
RUNNER UP
Let's move onto our next pick for the best electric go-kart. Another choice that is also able to be used by kids (aged 14 and up) as well as adults, the Segway Ninebot Electric go-kart is an amazing feat of engineering that is one of the most impressive on this list.
The adjustable and robust frame and steering wheel of the Ninebot GoKart Pro allow it to fit a variety of riders between the heights of 4 ft 5 inches up to 6 ft 3 inches!
That makes it the most versatile of the electric go-karts we have discussed, able to suit both kids and adults with relative ease.
The frame can carry a maximum weight of 220 pounds as well as withstand any impacts on the road thanks to the high torsional rigidity.
Whilst we are on the subject of the basic build of the go-kart, it also features controllable, drifting TPE rear tires which offer the chance to perform drifting techniques in the same manner as professional racers!
You can even program your drifting according to your personal style.
The kart has a general design that also reflects professionals, with a rear-engine, race car-inspired metal pedals, an aerodynamic rear wing, and a rear-wheel-drive set up that is similar to those seen in supercars.
It also features a back-heavy weight distribution, with 40% distributed in the front and 60% in the rear.
You also get an electronic brake as well as a manual handbrake, which can be used whilst drifting to perfect your form or during emergencies to avoid collisions.
Whilst we are discussing collisions, are you scared of crashing your state-of-the-art electric go-kart?
Well, there is no need to be nervous as the Ninebot Gokart pro features triple anti-collision protection thanks to the three layers of TPE on the front.
A steel frame protects the body of the kart to keep the general shape intact whilst a high polymer middle layer absorbs impact energy.
The TPE front lip exterior layer aids with damage reduction should a collision occur.
The kart offers a front LED light- which is bright green - that should keep riders protected in low visibility conditions, as well as taillights, headlights, and a status indicator to increase the safety levels.
The Segway app is also available to download to a smartphone if you want another layer of control with the go-kart, as it lets you control four different driving modes, adjust the level of the drifting assistant, change the light modes, and more.
The kart is also collapsible so that you can fit it into the trunk of a vehicle and take it with you.
With a maximum engine power of 4,800w, 96N max torque, a top speed of 23 miles per hour, and able to reach up to 15.5 miles of range with just one charge, this is a high-end electric go-kart that is as close to a supercar as it is possible to get!
Pros
- Incredibly advanced in terms of technology.
- Suitable for children from the age of 14 up and adults with a maximum weight of 220 pounds.
- Anti-collision protection for safety.
- Adjustable frame length and steering wheel to accommodate different ages and heights.
- Realistic drifting technology.
- Similar features to a real-life supercar.
- Environmentally friendly.
Cons
- Not suitable for younger children.
- Very expensive.
Also available on Segway.com
Best Electric Go Kart Buying Guide
Now that we have looked at a few notable options for the best electric go-karts, let's go through some of the important factors that you need to consider if you are thinking of investing in one.
Budget
Electric go-karts are not cheap, but some are certainly less expensive than others, so- as with all things in this life- it is vital to know what your budget is and keep it firmly in place whilst looking for the right electric go-kart for you.
Adults Or Kids
Whilst there are electric go-karts that cater to both adults and kids (we have mentioned some of them here), they tend to sway in one direction or the other.
It can be very difficult and expensive to create an electric go-kart that is suitable for all ages, and so most brands will aim their product at a particular age range.
Think about who will be using this go-kart the most. Is it going to be for a child, a teenager, or an adult? The best electric go karts for teenagers aren't necessarily the best for adults or younger children so bear this in mind.
Once you have nailed down the exact recipient- or at least have an idea of the age range of those who will be using it the most- then you are one step closer to making your choice.
Assembly
A fair amount of electric go-karts have at least a little bit of assembly involved, but some have more than others.
Check all the details of the electric go-karts that you are considering to see what the level of assembly is, and make your decision based on whether you think you are going to be able to put it together correctly.
Functionality
This is another important factor to think about when considering the best electric go-karts, as you don't want to end up investing in a kart that doesn't actually do the things that you thought it would!
Some go-karts are more simple, offering basic driving functions, perhaps with a bit of drifting. Others are more complex, with various features such as different braking methods and drive modes.
These are usually more expensive, but the price isn't necessarily always the distinguishing feature. Check the specifications of the electric go-kart that you are considering thoroughly before making your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Safety Equipment Is Needed When Riding An Electric Go-Kart?
Always make sure that the kart you opt for has seatbelts, as- just like with a regular car- they are an essential element of driving safety.
A brush guard is also an important part of go-kart safety, as they add protection from collisions and overturning.
Helmets are also essential and if you have kids who plan to ride, you might want to invest in some extra precautions such as knee pads or elbow pads just in case!
Are Electric Go-Karts Safe?
Electric go-karts tend to be safer than other, similar vehicles that are used a lot by kids, such as motorcycles or scooters, as there isn't as much of a chance of them tipping over.
That being said, all vehicles of this kind need to be used sensibly in order to avoid any kind of damage or injury.
Set up some safety precautions beforehand- and make sure to go through them thoroughly with a child if they are the ones planning to ride the go-kart- and you should be fine.
Are Electric Go-Karts Street Legal?
Electric go-karts are not street legal, but certain go-karts can be made street legal if it qualifies as a Low-Speed Vehicle, an Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle, an Off-Road Vehicle, or a Neighborhood Electrical Vehicle.
You also need to make sure that your kart abides by the general automotive requirements set out across the United States.
It is a lengthy process to make an electric go-kart street legal, but it isn't impossible.
- How To Bring A Skateboard On An Airplane - February 2, 2022
- How Much Does an E-Bike Cost? - February 2, 2022
- How To Charge A Hoverboard Without A Charger? - February 1, 2022
