Children have a lot of energy — there’s no sugar-coating it. But, nowadays, many kids waste that energy sitting in front of a screen.
Fortunately, if you both make a little effort, it doesn’t have to be like that. There are many great outdoor activities you can get your child involved in — one of these is go-karting.
Finding the best go-karts for kids can encourage them to stay outdoors for hours. Go-karts can be thrilling, and they’re relatively safe for children to use. We’ll be your guide and let you in on everything you need to know.
- Pedal power
- Race design
- Comfortable to ride
- Electric motor
- Safe steel frame
- Comfortable seat
- Easy pedals
- Solid tires
- Adjustable seat and handles
- Brake, forward, reverse hub
- Sturdy steel frame
- Outstanding wheels
- Miniature batmobile
- Adjustable seat
- Race-style pedals and brake
- Very safe to use
- Great look
- Sturdy wheels
- Durable construction
- Comfortable seat
- Anti-slip wheels and pedals
The Best Go-Karts for Kids of 2023
Here are the top seven go-karts for kids on the market.
Hauck Lightning Pedal Go-Kart
Best Go-Kart Overall
For the best overall go-kart for kids, we found this pedal one from Hauck Lightning. With outstanding reviews, it’s proven worthy of our top spot.
This go-kart has a lot to offer for a relatively broad age range. It’s recommended for children aged 4 to 7 years. Thanks to its pedal-power design, even newbies can ride it from the get-go.
Parents praise how well built and easy it is to both use and assemble. With an adjustable seat and ergonomic design, it’s comfortable to ride, too.
The design is inspired by a real race go-kart. It has all the bells and whistles you’d expect. Your little one should have plenty of fun.
What We Like
Pedal Power
Pedal power allows for an authentic experience and full control over the speed. The pedals are easy to use and work well for young riders.
Race Design
Hauck Lightning used racing go-karts for inspiration when designing this. It has race-inspired pedals, ball-style hand brake, durable rubber wheels, and three-point sporty steering. The body has a steel tube frame, and it’s available in three fun colors for boys and girls.
Comfortable to Ride
Your child will be able to ride for hours. The go-kart features an ergonomic seat, which is adjustable — you can move it forward and back to accommodate different sized legs. It also has a high backrest, promoting a comfortable sitting position.
Easy to Handle
Besides the pedals, the go-kart is easy to control. The steering wheel is comfortable, and it responds quickly to adjustments.
What We Don't Like
Not Great on Uneven Surfaces
Although the go-kart rides well, some parents reported it performs poorly on uneven surfaces. It works best on concrete or indoors, but gravel makes it challenging to pedal.
Product Specs
| Power | Pedals |
| Recommended ages | 4 to 7 years |
| Weight limit | 120 pounds |
| Dimensions | 38 inches by 21 inches by 22 inches |
| Item weight | 21 pounds |
Our Ratings
Razor Kids’ Electric Car Drifter Kart
Best Electric Go-Kart
If you’re searching for a drifter kart with an electric motor, you might like this one. This product from Razor is extraordinary, suitable for children aged 8 years and up.
Made with an alloy steel frame, this one will protect your child during a crash. It has a comfortable seat and seatbelt.
It receives a lot of praise from parents, saying how well it’s made and that it comes assembled. With two 12-volt batteries, it can go fairly quickly, too, so be sure to teach your child about safety.
Once they’re confident and safely padded up, they can ride it almost anywhere because of the durable tires.
What We Like
Electric Motor
Razor has put a spin on the classic go-kart by including a chain-driven motor, powered by two 12-volt batteries. The engine enables the go-kart to reach a maximum speed of 12 miles per hour.
Included is also a reduction drive. This will maximize the engine’s torque. The batteries require 12 hours to charge, and will then provide 40 minutes of maximum use.
Safe Steel Frame
Your youngster can sit safely and comfortably, thanks to the durable steel frame. It acts as a side roll cage, protecting the rider during accidents. The fitted seat belt keeps them securely fastened in.
Comfortable Seat
Razor used a seat that is comfortable to sit in for hours. It’s a padded bucket seat with a medium-high backrest. The floor of the go-kart is textured to prevent the feet from slipping out.
There are no pedals. Your child controls everything through the hand throttle and brake.
Fantastic Tires
The go-kart is suited with four, 4.5-inch knobby pneumatic tires. They’re capable of running smoothly over an array of surfaces. At the rear, there’s a suspension system, working to smooth out bumps even further.
What We Don't Like
Not for Small Children
Although the go-kart looks inviting, it’s not for children under the age of 8. It can go intimidatingly fast for a younger rider.
Product Specs
| Power | Battery-powered motor |
| Recommended ages | 8 years and up |
| Weight limit | 140 pounds |
| Dimensions | 39.5 inches by 26.5 inches by 16 inches |
| Item weight | 32.61 pounds |
Our Ratings
Berg Toys Buzzy Nitro Go-Kart
Best Go-Kart for Small Children
For toddlers, this stylish Buzzy Nitro go-kart from Berg is small and easy to ride for beginners.
With a pedal design and an emphasis on ergonomics, the go-kart is comfortable, effortless to steer, and simple to build up speed. Your little one can sit nicely in the seat, which you can adjust as they grow.
Your child can ride almost anywhere in this, be it outdoors or inside when it rains. The tires are durable and maintenance-free, and together with the swing axle design, they create a stable balance.
It’s stylish, featuring a black coat with red details and red rims. However, it is small, so if your child is older than 5 years or tall for their age, it might not fit.
What We Like
Easy Pedals
To make this Fiat go-kart suitable for small children, Berg made the pedals manageable. They’re ergonomically designed, making them comfortable to use, and they can even pedal backward. Your little one will have full control — even if they decide not to use the pedals, the steering won’t be compromised.
Solid Tires
Berg suited the go-kart with four EVA tires. They’re maintenance-free and have zero chance of puncturing. Your speedster can ride across various surfaces, even indoors.
The EVA material is ultra-quiet, so if your kid decides to ride indoors, it won’t be a disturbance.
Adjustable Seat and Handles
The go-kart can grow with your little one until the age of 5. The seat and steering wheel adjust into three positions to accommodate different heights. However, keep in mind it has a weight limit of 66 pounds.
Stable to Ride
This Fiat go-kart will remain stable on the ground while riding. The four wheels and the swing axle design keeps it firmly grounded, preventing tip-overs.
What We Don't Like
Not for Older Children
The go-kart is for children aged 2 to 5 years. Parents say it’s small and won’t last long after age 5.
Product Specs
| Power | Pedal |
| Recommended ages | 2 to 5 years |
| Weight limit | 66 pounds |
| Dimensions | 32.68 inches by 19.29 inches by 19.69 inches |
| Item weight | 15.4 pounds |
Our Ratings
Berg Buddy Pedal Go-Kart
Best Pedal Go-Kart
Whether your child is a go-kart newbie or experienced, pedals are always great to have. It allows the rider to be in full control of the speed and it provides great exercise.
This one from Berg has some of the best pedals yet. They’re easy to use and enable your child to go forward and backward.
Made from sturdy steel and coated in bright orange, it’s suitable for children aged 3 to 8 years.
What We Like
BFR Hub (Brake, Forward, Reverse)
The pedals on this go-kart are outstanding. They include a BFR hub, which enables the rider to brake, go forward, and reverse without the use of gears. Your child has to pedal slightly back to reverse or brake.
At the front, there’s a swing axle, allowing it to turn on a dime. It will smoothly turn, even when riding on uneven surfaces.
Sturdy Steel Frame
The Buddy go-kart is reasonably robust. It’s based on a tubular steel frame, offering strength without excessive weight. The steel frame is powder-coated with a cool orange color.
Outstanding Wheels
Fitted on the car are four large pneumatic tires, providing a safe and controlled ride. They offer outstanding traction as well as durability. To keep them rolling smoothly, each features a seal bearing, eliminating the need to lube the wheels.
What We Don't Like
Heavy
Pedal-powered go-karts are generally lightweight. However, the Berg Buddy weighs around 40 pounds, which some parents thought was too heavy.
Product Specs
| Power | Pedal |
| Recommended ages | 3 to 8 years |
| Weight limit | 150 pounds |
| Dimensions | 45.28 inches by 25.59 inches by 24.8 inches |
| Item weight | 40.7 pounds |
Our Ratings
Hauck Batmobile Pedal Go-Kart
Best Go-Kart for Boys
For boys between the ages of 4 and 8, we found this cool Batmobile-inspired go-kart. It’s a pedal model, which includes features that give it the Dark Knight feel.
Your child will be ready to speed along the road to save Gotham City from villains. The go-kart is easy to use, and it includes a ball-style handbrake.
As your Batman grows, you can adjust the seat to suit their height. The bucket seat and high backrest will keep them comfortable while saving the day. The steering wheel is quick to respond, and the low-profile makes it stable.
What We Like
Miniature Batmobile
It’s decked out in the famous superhero theme. When looking from the front, it resembles an authentic Batmobile. The details and decals give it a real but fun appearance, perfect for fans.
Adjustable Seat
The bucket-style seat is fully adjustable. It can safely accommodate children between the ages of 4 to 8. The seat also has a large backrest, making it comfortable for the rider to lean back while they build speed.
Race-Style Pedals and Brake
The pedals are easy to use. When stopping, the ball-style handbrake is effortless to engage. The brake controls the rear wheels, ensuring a safe stop without any chance of rolling over.
Three-Point Steering Wheel
The three-point steering wheel not only looks sporty, but it’s responsive, too. It’s effortless to make adjustments while riding, and thanks to the low-profile tires, the go-kart is stable as well.
What We Don't Like
Front Fender Comes off Easily
The front fender is reported to come off rather easily. It’s only attached to the go-kart by two plastic tabs. Fortunately, it doesn’t break, and parents say it’s easy to reattach.
Small
The Batmobile isn’t for older children. Parents reported they were surprised to see how small it is, saying it’s not suitable for children over 8 years or those who are tall for their age.
Product Specs
| Power | Pedal |
| Recommended ages | 4 to 8 years |
| Weight limit | 120 pounds |
| Dimensions | 44 inches by 21 inches by 22 inches |
| Item weight | 22 pounds |
Our Ratings
Berg Pedal Go-Kart Car Buzzy Bloom
Best Go-Kart for Girls
Girls who love speed may like this pick from Berg. It’s colorful and fun, excellent for girls between the ages of 2 to 5.
It’s pedal-powered, so your child is ready to ride at any time.
Great for both outdoor and indoor use, it turns on a dime and is highly responsive to even the slightest adjustments.
With a tubular steel frame that’s coated in shades white and decorated with flower designs, your girl will undoubtedly love to ride this around the neighborhood.
What We Like
Safe to Use
Equipped with four wheels, this go-kart from Berg is more stable, comfortable, and easy to ride compared to the majority of three-wheeled go-karts. This combo gives you peace of mind while your little one is playing outdoors.
Great Look
Berg has created a fun product and has paid attention to minor style details like the decals at the front. The low-profile wheels and the feminine design. It also comes with a basket where your child can place their little belongings.
Pedal Power
Your girl will always be ready to go thanks to the auto-clutch, free-ride pedals. It’s effortless to use and build speed. The driver is in full control, and by pedaling backward, they can reverse the go-kart.
What We Don't Like
Low Backrest Seat
The only downside I can note with this product is that it lacks a comfortable backrest so if your child will ride a little longer, they might feel aches or might become overly exhausted.
Product Specs
| Power | Pedal |
| Recommended ages | 2 to 5 years |
| Weight limit | 66 pounds |
| Dimensions | 33 inches by 20 inches by 20 inches |
| Item weight | 15.4 pounds |
Our Ratings
Costzon Go-Kart 4-Wheel Ride-On Car
Most Affordable Go-Kart
For children between the ages of 3 to 7, we recommend having a look at this go-kart from Costzon. It’s a tough little thing, capable of riding both indoors and out.
With a colorful design, it’s attractive for young riders. The go-kart is pedal-powered and suited with non-slip wheels — it’s stable and easy to ride.
You can adjust the seat to accommodate a larger or smaller child who wants to ride. The seat is comfortable and promotes a healthy posture for when your child wants to rest or build up speed.
What We Like
Durable Construction
Suitable to ride both indoors and outdoors, this go-kart is hardy. It’s made with a stainless steel frame and with polypropylene plastic parts that are non-toxic. The go-kart can withstand sun and rain.
Comfortable Seat
The seat is comfortable and includes a high backrest for extra support when the rider gets tired. You can also adjust the seat into three positions, enabling it to grow with your child.
Anti-Slip Wheels
The wheels are suited with anti-slip strips, allowing them to ride securely over different surfaces. The wheels are large, too — giving the go-kart a secure feel, excellent for beginners.
Non-Slip Pedals
Using the pedals is effortless. They’re non-slip, keeping the foot secure and stable, giving the driver confidence. The design promotes a comfortable posture, seeing that the rider doesn’t have to strain themselves to keep their feet in the correct place.
What We Don't Like
Quite Small
The recommended age is 3 to 7 years, but parents said it is too small for most 7-year-olds. Even with the seat in the last position, there’s still not enough room to ride comfortably.
Product Specs
| Power | Pedal |
| Recommended ages | 3 to 7 years |
| Weight limit | 55 pounds |
| Dimensions | 37 inches by 24.8 inches by 20.1 inches |
| Item weight | 16.5 pounds |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Power | Recommended ages | Weight limit | Dimensions | Item weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hauck Lightning Pedal Go-Kart | Overall | Pedals | 4 – 7 years | 120 lbs | 38″ x 21″ x 22″ | 21 lbs |
| Razor Electric Powered Drifter Cart | Electric | Battery | 8 years and up | 140 lbs | 39.5″ x 26.5″ x 16″ | 32.61 lbs |
| Berg Pedal Car Buzzy Nitro | Small Children | Pedal | 2 – 5 years | 66 lbs | 32.68″ x 19.29″ x 19.69″ | 15.4 lbs |
| Berg Buddy Pedal Go-Kart | Pedal | Pedal | 3 – 8 years | 150 lbs | 45.28″ x 25.59″ x 24.8″ | 40.7 lbs |
| Hauck Batmobile Pedal Go-Kart | Boys | Pedal | 4 – 8 years | 120 lbs | 44″ x 21″ x 22″ | 22 lbs |
| Berg Pedal Go-Kart | Girls | Pedal | 2 – 5years | 66 lbs | 33″ x 20″ x 20″ | 15.4 lbs |
| Costzon Go-Kart Ride-On Car | Affordable | Pedal | 3 – 7 years | 55 lbs | 37″ x 24.8″ x 20.1″ | 16.5 lbs |
Types of Go-Karts
Pedal-Powered
Pedal-powered go-karts resemble bicycles in some ways — they’re powered entirely by the rider. They’re a good fit for beginners and small children — some are suitable for kids as young as two years.
These go-karts don’t require much — only willing feet. They promote exercise by having the rider continually moving. Your child gets to be in full control of the speed, and you’re guaranteed they won’t go too fast.
One drawback of pedal go-karts is that they’re generally small, so older children may have a hard time riding them.
Pros
- They don’t require much to ride.
- A good pick for young children.
- They promote exercise.
- Easy to control.
Cons
- Generally small in size.
- It can get tiring pedaling for long periods of time.
Electric-Powered
Electric-powered go-karts come with a battery supplying power to the onboard motor. These require more experience to drive and are often not recommended for children under the age of 8. Speeds vary, but you can expect anything between 9 miles per hour up to 20 miles per hour.
Still, if your child is older, electric go-karts are fun — you don’t have to worry about tired legs. They do require a significant amount of time to charge — the first is always the longest. Some batteries must charge for 24 hours before their first ride.
Once the battery is full, you’ll probably get 40 to 60 minutes of riding time before the next charge is needed.
Pros
- They can go fast without much effort from the rider.
- Great for casual racing.
- Can teach the rider about driving.
Cons
- They require frequent charging.
- Not for young children.
Gas-Powered
As the name suggests, gas-powered go-karts run on gas — which type depends on the machine. These are usually only suitable for children over the age of 12.
Gas-powered go-karts have an engine and transmission. They require some experience to drive and are only for outdoor use.
They’re great for taking off-road. Many allow for a passenger to tag along. We weren’t able to find any good ones suitable for our list today, which is why this type hasn’t been included on it.
Pros
- No extended charging required, only gas.
- They’re powerful and can run fast.
- Sometimes come with two seats.
- Excellent for off-road riding.
Cons
- Not for young children.
- Difficult to find online.
- You need to factor in your child’s maturity level. Not all children should be allowed to use a machine this powerful.
How to Choose a Go-Kart for Kids
Type
Before you start searching, it’s good to pick which type you want. This will narrow your choices down significantly.
If your child is young, and this is their first vehicle, then consider a pedal go-kart. For older children, you can easily go with an electric or gas-powered go-kart.
Safety
The good thing about go-karts is that most have tubular steel-sided frames to protect from roll-overs. They’re generally quite stable, but still, try to look for seatbelts, especially if the go-kart runs on battery or gas.
Also, search for durable tires, which offer some traction. These will prevent the go-kart from slipping and causing the rider to lose control.
If you’re going to ride on any roads, make sure there’s a safety flag. You can always buy these separately.
Proper Gear
If your child has long hair, tuck it under their helmet. Then teach them about riding safely and to never go too fast.
Durability
Avoid buying a go-kart made of plastic — these are likely to break upon the first impact. Instead, look for tubular steel frames — these can take a variety of hits, and they’re likely to last a lot longer.
Speed
If you choose to invest in an engine or motor-powered go-kart, consider how fast it goes. For inexperienced drivers, look for a slower-paced 9 to 15 miles per hour — this should be ample for first-time riders.
Some fancier go-karts include speed control, allowing the parents to set a speed limit. It’s generally in the form of gears that you can lock, preventing the go-kart from changing up.
The Takeaway
Go-karts are fun for young and old — they’re also a great way to get out and get some exercise. Finding the best go-karts for kids is easy — start by deciding which type you want.
For small children, pedal cars are best — engine or battery-powered models are better suited for children above 8 years.
In addition to type, make sure your choice includes the right safety features, is durable and doesn’t go too fast. Then, get your young one out and let them enjoy the ride.
