Go-karts are a lot of fun, no matter who you are or how old you may be. They come in many types and sizes, from basic pedal karts for kids to professional racing go-karts for adults. The difference depends on what you want or need.
An inexpensive pedal kart for kids can be found under $100 used and about $200+ new. For a motorized youth go-kart, you will pay about $500+ used; new will be $2,000+. The adult go-karts are $800+ used and $2,400+ new. Building one costs between $50 and $500, depending on what you are making.
So, whether you are looking for a small pedal go-kart for the kids or want a professional racing go-kart for yourself, you have many choices. If you know what you are looking for, it helps. We are going to try to help you with that in this article.
Related Article: How to Build a Go-Kart
The Difference Between Buying a Kart Used or New
If you are looking for a motorized go-kart, buying a used go-kart is probably your best choice unless you know what you are doing. Even though you can get on YouTube and make one, it can be dangerous if you do not understand what you are doing.
Let’s look at the different types of go-karts and their features.
| Type of Go-kart | Cost Used | Cost New | Features | Disadvantages |
| Kids Pedal Karts | $50+ | $200+ | – Not motorized – Safest for kids – Cheap – Goes on or off-road | – Does not go fast – Cannot be used in racing |
| Kids Gravity Racers | $300+ | $3,000+ | – No motor – Goes up to 50 mph (although some can go over 100 mph) – Comes in many different shapes and styles | – Can be dangerous – Not good for kids under 12 – A good one will cost you a lot |
| Kids Motorized Go-kart | $500+ | $2,000+ | – Many different types – Come in many engine sizes up to 6.5 hp – Some can go up to 30 mph | – Dangerous for young kids – Can be expensive for a good one |
| Kids Professional Racing Karts | $400+ | $5,000 | – Come in different styles and types – Engine sizes up to 10 hp – Can go up to 40 mph | – Dangerous for young kids – Very expensive for a good one |
| Adult Go-kart | $100+ | $1,000+ | – Comes in many different styles and types – Engine sizes up to 48 hp – Goes up to 50 mph | – Not for kids – Not as fast as a racing kart – Cannot usually go off-road |
| Adult Off-road Go-kart | $200+ | $1,000+ | – Rollover bar for safety – Goes off-road – Runs up to 40 mph | – Not made for speed – Not safe for kids – Bigger/takes up more space |
| Adult Professional Racing Kart | $1,000 | $10,000 | – Top of the line equipment – Made for racing – Runs up to 80+ mph | – Dangerous for beginners – Costs a lot – More maintenance is needed |
You Have to Know What You Are Doing
Whenever you are looking for something you will be driving, you must be careful about safety. Many things can go wrong if you build a go-kart yourself, no matter how careful you are and how easy it looks on that YouTube video. It is seldom as easy as it seems.
The Cost of Building Your Go-Kart
To build your own adult go-kart, you will need quite a few parts.
Even if you have the frame and seat, you look at over a dozen parts costing $200 to $900. Whether you buy used or new parts also make a big difference.
This table will give you a feel for some of these potential expenses:
| Part | Used | New |
| Go-kart frame | $20 to $100 | $250+ |
| Engine | $50 to $100 | $150+ |
| Seat or seats | $10 to $20 | $75+ |
| Steering kit | $20 to $60 | $100+ |
| Wheels/Tires | $30 to $100 | $150+ |
| Pedals | $10 to $20 | $20+ |
| Brake kit | $20 to $60 | $100+ |
| Rear Axel | $20 to $30 | $40+ |
| Miscellaneous parts (spindles, sprockets, bearings, chains, etc.) | $20 to $50 | $50+ |
| Total | $200 to $540 | $935+ |
The Price of Going Off-Roading
The chart above is for the typical adult go-kart. Add a roll bar and other items if you want an off-road kart.
The cost to build an off-roader would be more like $250 to $650 for used parts and $1,000 or more for new parts.
Related Article: Discover The 10 Best Off-Road Go-Karts For The Ultimate Adventure!
You will Pay More for Racing Go-Karts
The prices will be much higher if you want a professional racing kart.
For used parts, which I don’t recommend unless you are a proficient mechanic, you will spend about $1,000 or more.
New parts will cost you upwards of $2,500.
Most DIY racers buy kits with all the parts needed, so they know their kart will be legal and safe for racing.
Don’t Forget to Bring the Essentials
Whether building or buying your go-kart, you need more than just the kart.
There are many other items you will need before you get on and start driving.
Some of these include:
- Helmet: An essential part of your wardrobe is your helmet. Always wear a helmet. And do not buy it used. Helmets are worth whatever they cost to keep you out of the hospital or worse.
- Neck protector: Almost as important as your helmet, a neck protector will keep you from possible spinal injuries in a rollover.
- Racing suit: You will need a real racing suit that resists abrasions, although some people go with just heavy blue jeans and a racing jacket.
- Gloves: No matter who you are, you should always wear gloves. Motorcycle or leather gloves are best. You have to protect your hands.
- Chest protector: This is optional for adults, but a chest protector with rib protection is always a good idea.
- Proper footwear: You can get professional go-kart socks and shoes or get thick socks with a double cuff and wrestling shoes.
- Tools: You must have the proper tools to work on any part of your kart that may need work.
- Extra parts: Always carry spare parts because you never know when something will break or fall off. It would be a shame to miss a race because you lost a sprocket.
- Gas and lube: Make sure you have extra gas and lube to keep your kart going no matter where you are.
- First aid kit: This is an essential item for all racers, young and old—Stock the essentials and a fire extinguisher just in case.
- Go-kart stands: You must have a stand to keep your kart in one spot when transporting or working on it.
- Transportation: You will need a trailer or a pickup truck to get your kart wherever you are. If you are using a truck or van, bring the ramps to get your kart in and out of the vehicle.
Related Article: Go-Kart Horsepower – How Much Horsepower Is Enough
Do Not Skimp on the Important Things
Even if you are tempted to buy that cheap, used helmet for $20 on eBay, getting a used helmet is dangerous.
There are several reasons why this is a bad idea.
- They are disposable: If you wreck and hit your head pretty hard, you need a new helmet. The outside of the helmet may only have a scratch or two, but the inner shock-absorbing liner is the vital part, and it may be damaged.
- They are form-fitting: After a while, your helmet shapes to fit your head. If you buy a used one, you get one that fits someone else’s head. That will not protect you adequately.
- They wear out: It is hard to know how old a used helmet is. They may not be telling the truth even if they tell you it is almost brand new and they have never wrecked with it. A helmet only lasts about four to six years.
Related Article: How Do You Know When To Replace Go-Kart
Be Smart and Have Fun
Whether you build or buy it, a go-kart is fun for people of all ages.
If you have never gone karting before, try going to a go-kart track and riding one first to ensure you enjoy it. That way, you will know if it’s time to spend the money to make or buy your own.
Goran, an experienced go-kart racer, fuels GoKartLife.com with his passion and expertise. He offers valuable insights and tips for fellow enthusiasts, fostering the growth of the go-kart community. Join Goran at GoKartLife.com and immerse yourself in this exhilarating sport.
