5 of the Best Go Kart Designs You Have to See!

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Finding a go-kart with the best design, features, and power can be a daunting task. Luckily for you, after some thorough research and looking at customer reviews, we compiled a list of five of the best go-kart designs on the market today.

Read through to discover which of these karts fit your specific needs.

In a hurry?
If you don’t have much time please check the table below for quick access to our favorites. Detailed guide below.

#1Best Budget#2Best Load Capacity#3Best Overall
PhotoMotoTec Mud Kids Electric 48v 1000w Go Kart Full Suspension...Coleman Powersports Off Road Go Kart, Gas Powered...Segway Ninebot Electric GoKart Pro and Gokart Bundle...
Product
MotoTec Mud Kids Electric 48v 1000w Go Kart Full Suspension...
Coleman Powersports Off Road Go Kart, Gas Powered...
Segway Ninebot Electric GoKart Pro and Gokart Bundle...
Battery
48V 12aH (4x 12V)
Gas
55.5 Volt (Internal)
Speed
10 / 20 MPH
15 MPH
23 MPH
SeatbeltsYesYesYes
Roll BarYesYesNo
HeadlightsNoNoYes
HornNoNoNo
Music OptionNoNoYes
Tires
Pneumatic
Pneumatic
TPE Drifting / Hollow Solid
Max Weight
150 LBS
400 LBS
220 Pounds
Riders
1
2
1
Age
16+ Years Old
16+ Years Old
14+ Years Old
Run Time
Unknown
Unknown
45 Minutes
Buy

Looking for a go kart a bit different?
Check out the Razor Dune Buggy or Razor Drift Kart for kids 8 and up.

On this page

How to Choose the Best Design Go-Karts

When shopping for a go-kart, there are various factors you need to consider so you can get the best product possible.

Here are some of those factors:

Power

Is the go-kart petrol-powered, or does it use an electric motor? Some petrol-powered models allow you to choose from various horsepower options, while electric go-karts are best for kids and lighter adults.

Also, petrol-powered go-karts are typically more expensive than electric models but that’s not always the case, depending on the battery size and features.

Construction

The construction of a kart is important because it will directly affect your driving experience. If the chassis is made out of steel or aluminum, it can withstand more weight than plastic frames, which have a lower maximum capacity. 

How long do the suspension arms last? Will I be able to replace them when they wear down? There’s no need to have an extra-strong frame if it’s easily damaged by everyday use.

The best construction depends on how you intend to use your product; some designs feature a racing bumper, while others have an enclosed body with roll bars or seat belts. Many go-karts also come standard with off-road tires that provide better traction in less ideal terrain conditions compared to conventional tires found on most vehicles today.

Some companies offer customizations such as alloy rims, LED lights, suspension kits (for smoother rides), air intakes (which add additional horsepower), high-performance exhaust systems (to increase speed), and engine tuning services so you can choose the perfect options to suit your needs.

Features

The design of a go-kart should depend on who will use it and how they plan to utilize their new toy. If you’re buying a kart for younger kids, then a larger unit with extra padding may be best, while adults might appreciate a smaller, more lightweight model.

If you’re going to use the go-kart on a daily basis, then it’s also important that they can be easily maintained and repaired if something breaks or wears out over time.

The standard features of all good karts include seat belts for your safety as well as an engine kill switch that cuts off power when necessary (in case of emergencies). Other common features found in top models include reverse gear, cup holders, extra storage space underneath the seat or behind the driver’s head.

There are also shock absorbers at each corner for smoother rides over bumps and other obstacles, mud flaps around tires, so pebbles don’t kick up under them while driving through grassy areas at high speeds, backrests with a headrest for the driver, and a canopy or windshield to keep you shaded from direct sunlight.

Seat capacity

This is another important factor to consider when choosing your ideal go-kart. Different models come with different seat capacities, which are usually measured in pounds (the average capacity for most units ranges from 100 to 200).

If you’re buying a kart for older kids, then it’s best that the maximum weight on the unit doesn’t exceed their body weight plus 50 – 100 lbs (or the weight of any gear they might carry).

The maximum number of people who can comfortably sit on your new kart should also be considered. Some models can fit two kids, whereas others are designed for just one driver, so it’s important to take this into consideration before purchasing a unit.

Safety

You don’t want to overlook this serious factor when buying a go-kart, especially if you’re purchasing one for younger children. A poorly constructed unit can cause injury or even death, so it’s important to make sure your new kart is up to standard before anyone drives it.

A safety cage around the driver not only protects them from debris kicked up by tires but also prevents them from falling out when taking sharp turns at high speeds.

Some go-karts come standard with a roll bar or sidebars for extra protection, while others have an enclosed body. None of that makes a kart safe around traffic, and a brush guard isn’t a roll cage: Coleman says its kart’s brush guard is not intended to provide rollover protection.

5 Best Go-Kart Designs You Have to See

Now that you know how to choose the best go-kart, let us review 5 of the best products on the market. We will list the pros, cons, and key features of each product.

We will also tell you why we think each product may be a good fit depending on your preferences under Verdict. Let’s get started.

MotoTec Mud Monster 48V Electric Go Kart

#1Best Budget [ELECTRIC]

MotoTec Mud Monster Kids Electric 48V 1000W Go Kart Full Suspension

Check at Amazon

VerdictIf you want an electric go-kart for dirt trails and other off-road ground, with no gas engine to look after, the MotoTec Mud Monster is a good pick for riders 16 and up.

MotoTec Mud Monster Kids Electric 48V 1000W Go Kart Full Suspension

The MotoTec Mud Monster is an electric off-road go-kart. A 48V 1000W brushless motor runs on four 12V 12Ah sealed lead-acid batteries, and it has full suspension (two hydraulic shocks up front and one in the back) on 14-inch pneumatic tires. It’s made for dirt trails and other off-road ground, and MotoTec says to keep it off paved surfaces and public roads.

A high/low switch picks between two top speeds, about 10 and 20 mph depending on the rider’s weight, and it has reverse. MotoTec says a charge covers 5 to 20 miles, depending on the rider’s weight and the terrain.

It’s a one-seater for a rider up to 150 lbs and 47 to 63 inches tall, and the seat adjusts (25 to 31 inches from the seat back to the pedals). MotoTec’s product page says 13 and up, but its owner’s manual says 16 and over, so we list it as 16+.

A foot-operated hydraulic rear disc brake does the stopping, and it has a seat belt, a kill switch and a steel tube frame. MotoTec notes that the head bar behind the driver is not meant to provide rollover protection, so a helmet and adult supervision are still a must.

Key Features:

  • Motor: 48V 1000W brushless
  • Battery: four 12V 12Ah sealed lead-acid (48V)
  • Top speed: 10 or 20 mph (two speeds, plus reverse)
  • Range: 5 to 20 miles per charge
  • Age: 16 years + (owner’s manual)
  • Maximum weight: 150 lbs. Rider height: 47 to 63 inches
  • Brake: foot-operated hydraulic rear disc
  • Weight: 192 pounds

Pros

  • 48V 1000W electric motor with two speeds (about 10 and 20 mph) and reverse
  • Full suspension and 14-inch pneumatic tires for bumpy dirt trails
  • Hydraulic rear disc brake, seat belt and kill switch
  • Adjustable seat for riders 47 to 63 inches tall

Cons

  • Not for kids under 16 (MotoTec’s owner’s manual), and MotoTec says to keep it off public roads and paved surfaces
  • One rider only, up to 150 lbs

Check at Amazon

Coleman Powersports Off-Road Go Kart

#2Best Load Capacity [GAS]

Coleman Powersports Off-Roard GoKart

Check at Amazon

VerdictIf you are looking for a heavy-duty go-kart that can take bumps and rough off-road terrain while providing plenty of legroom for two, the Coleman Powersports Off Road Go Kart is your best bet.

Coleman Powersports Off-Roard GoKart

The Coleman Powersports Off Road Go Kart is perfect for teens and adults looking to go off-roading with friends. It features high ground clearance, big low-pressure tires made for off-road ground, front/rear shock absorbers that smooth out any bumps along your journey, adjustable seats for the driver and one passenger, steel handlebars to help keep it steady at higher speeds, and dual exhaust pipes.

The hefty 400-pound load capacity covers the driver and one passenger (Coleman says never more than one passenger) without hurting its performance on tough terrain or inclines.

This kart is powerful enough for teens. Coleman’s manual text gives 13 as the minimum age, but the warning label shown in the same manual says no one under 16 should drive it, so we list it as 16+.

The Coleman Powersports Off Road Go Kart is an excellent choice if you're looking for a heavy-duty model that can go off-road in any weather conditions or terrain while providing plenty of legroom whether you are sitting in the driver seat or riding along as the passenger.

Key Features:

  • Load capacity: 400 pounds
  • Engine: 196cc, automatic 4-stroke OHV 1
  • Top speed: 15mph
  • Low-pressure tires
  • Padded comfortable seats
  • Age: 16 years +

Pros

  • Loads of legroom
  • Perfect for off-road adventures with friends
  • Front and rear shocks smooth out bumps
  • Heavy-duty steel handlebars help keep it steady at higher speeds, while dual exhaust pipes provide added power to its engine
  • 400-pound load capacity covers the driver and one passenger

Cons

  • Not for young kids: with its powerful 196cc engine, it’s for 16 and up (Coleman’s warning label)

Check at Amazon

Segway Ninebot Electric GoKart Pro

#3Best Overall [ELECTRIC]

Segway Ninebot Electric GoKart Pro

Check at Amazon

VerdictThe Segway Ninebot Electric Go Kart Pro is the best go-kart to buy if you are looking for a powerful, heavy-duty unit with plenty of legroom for drivers 14 and up.

Segway Ninebot Electric GoKart Pro

This is a powerful go-kart that gives a smooth, comfortable ride on the dry, flat, hard surfaces Segway designed it for. The Ninebot Electric Go Kart Pro features an adjustable frame length (so you can fit it to the driver before driving) and car-like seating for increased stability and comfort. 

It also comes with customizable pedals for added control over handling and front lights for a real race-kart look, though Segway says never to ride it at night, on roadways or near motor vehicles.

It also comes with aluminum alloy wheels with large tires, making it ideal if you want to take turns like a pro. It seats one driver, with a seat belt to buckle before every ride.

The Segway Ninebot Electric Go Kart Pro is one of the best go-karts to buy if you are looking for a smooth, comfortable ride on flat, hard ground, with plenty of legroom for the driver.

Key Features:

  • Material: Aluminum
  • Weight: 112.9 pounds
  • Top speed: 23mph
  • Engine: 4800W engine power with 98N max torque
  • Load capacity 220 pounds
  • Adjustable frame length
  • Adjustable steering wheel height

Pros

  • A highly stable, durable frame and an adjustable steering wheel height (so drivers feel more relaxed)
  • Aluminum alloy wheels with large tires, which provides excellent control over handling
  • Comes equipped with LED lights for a real race-kart look (Segway still says never to ride it at night)
  • Powerful 4800W engine power with 98N max torque
  • Large 220-pound load capacity

Cons

  • The battery is internal, can't swap with another to keep riding.
  • Quite pricey

Check at Amazon

Segway Ninebot Electric GoKart

#3Top Pick [ELECTRIC]

Segway Ninebot Electric GoKart

Check at Amazon

VerdictThe Segway Ninebot Electric Go Kart kit is a good choice if you want a smaller go-kart that is still powerful enough for a fast ride on flat, hard ground.

Segway Ninebot Electric GoKart

The Segway Ninebot Electric GoKart is one of the best go-kart kits to buy if you are looking for a smooth, comfortable ride on flat, hard ground, with plenty of legroom for the driver.

This unit comes equipped with an LED light bar for looks (Segway says never to ride it at night) and offers adjustable wheel height and frame length (so drivers feel more relaxed), while its large tires provide good control on flat, hard surfaces.

Please remember this is a kit, so you will need to already have or purchase a Ninebot S first then the two combine together.

The Segway Ninebot Electric Go Kart is designed with an aluminum alloy metal chassis which makes it very durable.

Key Features:

  • Material: metal, plastic
  • Weight: 111.6 lbs
  • Top speed: 10mph
  • Maximum load: 220 lbs
  • Adjustable wheel height and frame length
  • Portable design
  • Engine: 2400W electric engine

Pros

  • Powerful 2400W engine power with 98N max torque
  • Adjustable wheel height and frame length (so drivers feel more relaxed) while its large tires provide good control on flat, hard surfaces
  • Car-like seating for increased stability and comfort
  • Comes with headrests for added comfort
  • Portable design allows you to easily carry this unit around while its foldable frame makes it easy to store in tight spaces or transport if needed

Cons

  • The top speed is quite low.
  • Must purchase Ninebot S separately. (link above)

Check at Amazon

FIT Right 2020 Baja-X Electric GoKart

Best for Adults [ELECTRIC]

FIT Right 2020 Baja-X Electric GoKart

Check at Amazon

VerdictThe FIT Right 2020 Baja-X 48 Volt 1000 Watt Brushless Electric Go Kart is an excellent choice if you want to race at high speeds or tear up the terrain at top speeds. It is also fairly priced.

FIT Right 2020 Baja-X Electric GoKart

The FIT Right 2020 Baja-X 48 Volt 1000 Watt Brushless Electric Go-Kart is built for speed and performance. This go-kart is a great choice if you want to tear up the terrain at top speed in comfort while enjoying high-speed racing adventures with friends/family members.

This unit offers durability, stability, and smooth performance, thanks in part to its alloy steel frame that can handle various types of terrain.

The FIT Right 2020 Baja-X 48 Volt 1000 Watt Brushless Electric Go-Kart is designed to be durable, stable, and safe so every rider can enjoy their adventure in comfort while having fun at the same time. This go-kart comes equipped with a powerful battery that provides up to 40 minutes of high-speed racing performance per single charge.

Key Features:

  • Material: Alloy steel, plastic
  • Weight: 141 pounds
  • Power: 1000w brushless motor + 48V powerful battery
  • Top speed: 20mph
  • Max weight: 175 lbs
  • Durable design

Pros

  • Powerful 1000W brushless motor + 48V powerful battery
  • Offers impressive speeds of 20mph for high-speed racing adventures with friends/family members.
  • Alloy steel frame can handle any type of terrain while also offering adjustable front and back suspensions, so riders have the best possible performance every time they take their unit out for a spin.

Cons

  • Maximum load capacity could be higher.

Check at Amazon

Best Go Kart Design FAQs

Can I take a go-kart to the highway?

No. The go-karts on this page are made for private property and tracks, not public roads: Coleman says never to operate its kart on public roads, and Segway says not to drive its Gokarts on roadways or near motor vehicles. Street-legal rules vary by state, so check with your DMV, but plan on keeping any go-kart off public roads and highways.

Is there a go-kart that can be used on the road?

Not the karts on this page. Their manuals say to keep them off public roads, and a kart would have to meet your state’s rules for road vehicles, such as lights, registration and insurance, before it could be driven on the street. Check with your DMV before taking any kart near traffic.

Is it safe for kids to drive this type of vehicle on their own?

It is not recommended that children under the age of 16 drive go-kart vehicles. Also, we highly recommend wearing a helmet and safety equipment, as these vehicles can go a lot faster than Power Wheels.

Is there a go-kart that has the option to use it as an ATV?

Yes, some models can be used as both – depending on how they are configured and what accessories you buy/add to your unit.

How long do batteries last for electric Go-Karts?

Most batteries last for about 40 minutes. You can buy extra batteries if your go-kart comes with one battery, or you can purchase a kit that will include two new batteries, so you have longer racing/driving time before having to recharge the unit.

Conclusion

Each of the five top go-karts we’ve examined here was hand-picked using the criteria outlined in our buyers’ guide. Customer feedback was also taken into account in order to provide an authentic account of the product’s reception among its end users.

Hopefully, this guide has been helpful, and you now have a better idea of the best go-karts you can buy online.

Kevinsmak

Power Wheels dad. Writing RC Ride On Cars since the start.

Hello! I'm Kevinsmak; I have been a content producer of RC Ride On Cars since the start of this site. I have always enjoyed Power Wheels with my family. My two boys love them, and seeing this helps me make sure this website is very accurate for the safety and enjoyment of your family.


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