The go kart is an excellent gift idea for that kid in your life who likes speed, or who enjoys putting things together, or who likes both! That “kid” can be someone young in years (or not so young in years, as karting is also popular with many adults). There are countless reasons for the go kart’s appeal. Here are just a few.
- Affordability. Budget matters, and even ‘toys’ can be quite pricey, especially when they come with a motor. Karts are smaller than a lot of other racing vehicles, they use less fuel than other motorized cars, and they don’t require building on extra storage space like so many other hobbies do.
- Speed. While the go kart you pay to ride at your regional amusement park will probably go no faster than 15 miles per hour, competitive karts have been clocked going as fast as 160 miles per hour! For most non-competitive enthusiasts, those karts are excessive in speed and price, so there are many, many models that fall in the middle.
- Safety. Since the person you are buying this go kart for may be young and small, or really because everyone should be careful when operating a motorized vehicle, it’s important to address safety. Getting a model that goes only up to an appropriate speed is a first-step safety precaution. Always wear a helmet when riding. And make sure the courses you race on are regulated, well cared for, and supervised. Because of these common precautions, karting is generally a very safe and reliable sport.
- Family bonding. One of the most popular ways of getting a kart is to buy a kit that lets you do it yourself. Assembling the kart is the modern day version of the soapbox derby, where kids and parents bond (and kids learn a bit, too) while assembling what will be a fun and exciting toy.
- Skills. Karting is the first step for many of the world’s leading full-size racecar drivers. It’s a great way for kids to get acquainted with steering, acceleration, and braking, and to get a feel for what it’s like to navigate a course along side other vehicles. Who knows: your kid might grow up to be the next Nascar champion! But it’s more likely that he or she will just have a lot of fun.