On this page, we’re checking out one of the more adventurous categories of toys that the whole family can enjoy- the best go Karts for kids. Now there’s a gift that is sure to be a big hit with the kids. When it comes to go karts or dune buggy vehicles — speed + control is pretty much universally loved by kids.

These little go karts are usually constructed with steel and some even have suspension systems that make them nearly indestructible. High quality go karts will be able to withstand whatever havoc your kids and their friends are planning to wreak.

The Deal with Go Karts

Here’s what you’ll find on this page: We’re breaking down the top go karts for kids on the market in a couple of different sections.

• Up first will be our comparison table, which just gives you a first glimpse at our picks.
• After that, we dive into more details about each go kart, and what makes them special enough to land on our list.
• If you’re still debating on whether or not getting a go kart is a good idea, or you want to know what to look for as far as features and benefits go, we also have a large informational section here for your convenience.

Make sure you give it a read before making your final purchasing decision!

11 Best Go Karts for Kids: Comparison Table

As promised, here is a summarized version of our Top 11 Go Karts list. We’ve got them in order of price range, lowest to highest, to make it easier for you to consider features, benefits, and cost. The review section below reflects this same order.

If you’re on mobile or a smaller screen, you can click the small green plus sign to expand the table and access further details about each kart, buggy, or ATV.

Image	Product	Power	Max Speed	Load Capacity	Popularity	Cost
	Razor Power Rider 360 Electric Tricycle	12 Volt	9mph	120lbs
	Nerf Battle Racer Pedal Go-Kart	Pedal Powered	Pedal Powered	120lbs
	Radio Flyer Ultimate Go-Kart	24 Volt	8mph	81lbs
	Fisher-Price Power Wheels Dune Buggy	12 Volt	5mph	130lbs
	Razor Force Drifter Kart	24 Volt	12mph	140lbs
	Coleman Powersports CT100U Mini Bike	98cc/3.0HP	20mph	150lbs
	Razor Dirt Quad	24 Volt	10mph	120lbs
	Razor Dune Buggy for Kids	24 Volt	10mph	120lbs
	Segway Ninebot S and GoKart Drift Kit Bundle	Dual 400W Motors	10mph	220lbs
	Realtree Gas Powered Camo Go Kart	196cc/6.5HP	31mph	400lbs
	Coleman Powersports Go Kart for Adults and Kids	196cc/6.5HP	31mph	400lbs

Top 11 Reviews: Best Go Karts for Kids for 2020

Here are the all-around best kids go karts currently available. While more expensive than most toys, these are sure to put a smile on your kid(s) faces and provide unlimited adventure in their golden years.

1. Razor Power Rider 360 Electric Tricycle

• Award: Best Cheap Go Kart Trike
• Power: 12 Volt
• Max Speed: 9mph
• Colors: Black
• Load Capacity: 120lbs

This is one of the latest additions to Razor’s electric vehicle lineup. Quickly, the power rider becomes one of Razor’s top products. It is recommended for kids ages 8 and up.

The Power Rider 360 Electric Tricycle is a fun alternative to the standard go kart or buggy. This scooter is slick and allows the rider to execute full 360-degree spins, slides, and drifts. That will turn all the neighborhood’s kids heads. Watching your kid drift around sharp turns may even make you want to give it go. Alas, this tricycle supports riders up to 120 pounds.

The dual inclined casters and pneumatic front wheel give this tricycle ridiculous turning and spinning capabilities. The 12V rechargeable battery system is good for 40 minutes of continuous use. The electric power can get the tricycle cruising up to 9 mph!

Bonus Features

The moto-style double crown fork design is a nice touch. Impact-resistant front wheel, rubber grips, folding footpegs, steel frame, and hand-operated braking and throttle system round out this electric tricycle nicely.

2. Nerf Battle Racer Pedal Go-Kart

• Award: Best Pedal Go Kart
• Power: Pedal-Powered
• Colors: Orange
• Load Capacity: 120lbs

The Nerf Battle Racer Pedal Go Kart is a slick looking kart that’s a little less expensive than most of the other options in our list. That’s mostly because it is pedal powered, but not too worry, it still has sturdy tubular steel frame. One big benefit of the pedal-powered karts is that you do not have to worry about the battery or motor going out on you.

If your kids are fans of nerf guns, this puppy will be a big win right off the bat. It actually has placeholders for Nerf blasters, two in the front, and two in the back. Of course, it sports the true Nerf orange color as well. Unfortunately, the blasters and darts in the marketing pictures are not included!

3. Radio Flyer Ultimate Go-Kart

• Award: Best Safe Go Kart
• Power: 24 Volt
• Max Speed: 8mph
• Colors: Red
• Load Capacity: 81lbs

The Ultimate Go-Kart is a new option offered by the classic brand Radio Flyer. Recommended for ages 3-8, this go kart has three set speeds: 2.5, 5, and 8 MPH. Plus, there’s a parent controlled speed lock, racing flag, and seat belt. Those are great features if you’re looking for something your kid can progressively build up confidence with and stay safe. The Radio Flyer Ultimate Go Kart was recently bestowed a 2020 Parents’ Choice Recommended Award. As far as safety features go, this is one of the best go cart brands available.

4. Fisher-Price Power Wheels Dune Buggy

• Award: Best Electric Go Kart for Kids
• Power: 12 Volt
• Max Speed: 5mph
• Colors: Pink, Green, Red
• Load Capacity: 130lbs

For kids ages 3-7, Fisher-Price’s Power Wheels Dune Buggy is a great option and is our pick for the best kids go cart. This is an electric dune buggy that runs on a 12-volt battery. One of its outstanding features is the ‘Monster Traction’ drive system. This ensures that one’s kids can keep truckin’ whether they are riding on grass, hard surfaces such as concrete, and rough terrain.

The wheels are another distinct feature. These giant wheels, 5 color styles, plus the flashy chrome accents are appealing to kids. They serve a purpose too: the rugged tires give the rider stability for all their backyard adventures.

One of the main reasons this is made our list of the best kids dune buggies because of its two-seater capacity. The steel frame supports up to 130 pounds which is plenty for 2 younger kids. Just don’t let a Shaq sized adult try to sit in there!

Bonus Features

It has metal sidebars, front bumper, and dual seat belts offering a safe and secure ride for the occupants. The electronic power lock braking system will hold the buggy in place whenever your kid’s foot lifts from the acceleration pedal. It drives to speeds up to 5 mph forward and 2.5 mph for reverse.

5. Razor Force Drifter Kart

• Award: Best Go Kart for Drifting
• Power: 24 Volt
• Max Speed: 12mph
• Colors: Blue, Silver, White
• Load Capacity: 140lbs

If your kid is looking to win some style points, then you’ve got to check out Razor’s Force Drifter. This go kart will set your kid up nicely to perform stunts like fish tails, quick 180s, and of course drift and power slide through corners like a boss. This little go kart is powered by a high torque, chain-driven motor and sports a durable steel frame. The one downside we’d like to point out about this model is that its two 12V rechargeable batteries only offers about 40 minutes of continuous use, a little on the low side.

6. Coleman Powersports CT100U 98cc Trail Mini Bike

• Power: 98cc/3.0HP
• Max Speed: 20mph
• Colors: Red, Black
• Load Capacity: 150lbs, 5’5″

Coleman is one of the powerhouse brands in the outdoor, camping, and sports category. They’ve found success again and put together a popular line of go karts and mini bikes. The mini bikie featured above is powered by a 4 stroke OHV 1 cylinder engine and is recommended for riders up to 150 pounds. Kids will love hitting trails and zooming around in this bike with 6 inches of clearance. The honest truth is this kart is fun for both kids and adults.

Even adults up to about 5′ 10″ will be able to ride around and make trips between camps (or to the cooler). It’s not going to be the most comfortable ride but it’s doable. If you’re wanting an option that can handle both you and your kiddo, try the 196cc/6.5HP edition we have further down on our list- built for two.

7. Razor Dirt Quad

• Power: 24 Volt
• Max Speed: 10mph
• Colors: Black
• Load Capacity: 120lbs

Is your kid into quads? The Razor Dirt Quad is recommended for kids 8 and up, so you can get them started early. This is the best kids ATV out there. This mini quad helps them work on their motor skills in a safe and relatively inexpensive way. Razor’s dirt quad is a well put together package. It does surprisingly well with whatever off-road conditions your kid decides to throw at it.

Those 13″ traction tires and droop travel rear suspension system rampage through the muddiest of puddles and thickest of tree roots.

Razor incorporates two 12V lead-acid rechargeable batteries which can pump out enough power for 8mph top speed. Shatter-resistant plastic fairings, powder-coated tubular frame, and front brush bar round out the best ATV for kids.

8. Razor Dune Buggy for Kids

• Award: Best Go Kart for the Money
• Power: 24 Volt
• Max Speed: 10mph
• Colors: Red
• Load Capacity: 120lbs

Razor is one of the top brands when it comes to vehicles for kids and this is our pick for the best Razor go kart. The Razor Dune Buggy comes stocked with a powerful 350-watt electric motor and is our pick for the best electric go kart. That equates to it peaking out at about a speed of 10 miles per hour meaning. That’s a good balance — kids will still be thrilled by the ride but it’s not fast enough for them to cause any serious damage.

The 8-inch knobby pneumatic tires are ideal for difficult terrain and the off-road beating this buggy will surely endure. It supports up to 120 pounds of weight making it ideal for ages 8 and older.

We like that this one is electric. It wins our award for best electric go kart. Of course, no fuel is required to run this buggy and it operates noiselessly. A two 12V sealed rechargeable battery system powers the buggy for up to 40 minutes of continuous use. When it’s out of juice simply wheel it into the garage and plugin it for charging.

Bonus Features

The variable speed, high/low torque, and hand brake capabilities are great for speed and climbing control. These are all easily operated via hand controls.

This dune buggy has plenty of durability and safety features as well. The strong tubular steel frame is built to last and keep the rider safe. The frame combined with the diamond plated traction floorboard makes for a sturdy buggy. The bucket seat comes with a seat belt and shoulder straps. Plus, an optional bright safety flag is included that you can mount to the frame for better visual safety.

9. Segway Ninebot S and GoKart Drift Kit Bundle

• Awards: Best Electric Go Kart, Best Go Kart Kit
• Power: Dual 400W Motors
• Max Speed: 10mph
• Colors: White
• Load Capacity: 220lbs, 6’3″

Are you looking for the absolute best “splurge buy”? Look no further. The Segway Ninebot S and GoKart Drift Kit Bundle is hands-down the best electric go kart to drop serious cash on. Plus, it is backed by a trusted brand that is known for top-notch customer support. This go kart kit features an impressive 13.7 mile range and a top speed of 10mph. The adjustable frame will fit riders between 4’5″ and 6’3″ (that’s 130cm – 190cm) and the robust frame supports up to 220 pounds. You can download the Segway app for things like assembly instructions, new rider tutorials, and fault reminder speed.

It probably goes without saying, but a huge benefit of purchasing this kit is that you get a 2-for-1, so you can detach the Segway Ninebot S Self-Balancing scooter and zoom around town with that if you so desire. The Ninebot Go Kart is collapsible, so if you want to pack in it your trunk and head to a nearby park, that’s no problem too. There’s not much to dislike about the Segway GoKart, besides the steep price.

10. Realtree Gas Powered Camo Go Kart

• Award: Best Off Road Go Kart
• Power: 196cc/6.5HP
• Max Speed: 31mph
• Colors: Camo
• Load Capacity: 400lbs

Those who desire the best of the best dune buggy for kids ready their pocketbooks. If you’re looking for the ultimate go kart option the Realtree Ride-On Go Kart is the full package. A relatively powerful 196cc engine, electric start, remote control, seat belts, 400-pound max load, and residential curbside delivery.

It also has great additional features including headlights, a horn for awareness, sporty and safe seats, and reliable shocks. It’s expensive, but this bad boy will climb hills and race around much faster than your average go kart.

This mini go kart goes up to 31 mph and has a 31mph top speed ability. The 4-stroke single-cylinder gas-powered engine puts out a max 6.5hp, 3600rpm, and features an automatic CVT drive torque converter. With regular maintenance and frame upkeep, the Realtree go kart will provide years of enjoyment.

Bonus Features

This buggy can fit two kids on it. The safety belts hold your child and their companion firmly in place when they are riding in uneven and rough terrain. Add in the guard bars and frame and this go kart will keep your kids safe from the toughest of bumps and bangs. The low center of gravity on this go kart makes it very difficult to flip this one over when making sharp turns.

11. Coleman Powersports 196cc Go Kart for Adults and Kids

• Award: Best Two Seater Go Kart
• Power: 196cc/6.5HP
• Max Speed: 31mph
• Colors: Red
• Load Capacity: 400lbs, 5’5″

This is the same make as the other Coleman Powersports Go-Kart on our list. However, with this two-seater, you get some more size and a 196cc (6.5HP) power boost. Their go karts aren’t cheap, but they’ve got quality parts that require little maintenance.

Attention has been given to the details. A racecar-esque seat, four-point safety harness, and heavy-duty 16 gauge tubular construction help increase the safety and durability of this go kart.

General Thoughts on Go Karts for Kids

There’s one toy that’s always a sure bet. If it has a motor and goes fast, they’ll love it. They see Mom and Dad driving around in their cars, and of course, they want to imitate that. Furthermore, the rush of adrenaline and speed is one of the best formulas for smiles and all-day fun.

These rides designed for kids help teach children motor skills and how to drive safely. It can teach them skills that they can use if they get into quads and dirt bikes as a teenager.

Some Pros & Cons of Go Karts and Dune Buggies for Kids

On the one hand, as far as toys go these are definitely one of the most expensive choices. On the other hand, if you get a well-built model, it will provide years of enjoyment.

In addition, it gets the kids outdoors for hours and hours. They nurture a sense of responsibility early on knowing where to negotiate with their newfound vehicle and which routes are safe or not.

Another side effect of purchasing one of these go karts is that all the kids will want to come over and take it for a spin. Suddenly your kid is the most popular one on the block!

What makes kids dune buggies and go karts special? The construction of typical kids go kart is one of large wheels, off-road tires, open chassis, and a wide body. These go karts have been designed to ride easily on rough and smooth terrain.

The steel frames and bumper bars incorporated by most manufacturers also mean they are practically indestructible too. One will not have to worry about the safety of their children since safety measures like bucket seats, shoulder straps, braking systems, and controlled acceleration are built into these mini vehicles.

Top Benefits of Purchasing a Go Kart

Here’s a handful of the top reasons many folks decide to purchase a go kart.

Outdoor Fun

As we’ve mentioned, speed + control is universally loved by children. It’s up there with the laws of gravity. These rides are great for getting the kids and their friends outdoors (and off your hands) for hours at a time.

Teaches Driving Skills

This is another one of the foremost reasons why parents get a go kart for their child. They learn to drive at an early age. Every kid’s dream is to learn how to drive and this will afford them an opportunity to learn how to do so. They learn the basics of control and caution when driving these mini vehicles.

A go kart teaches aspects of:

• braking
• side and back view awareness
• navigating corners
• steering the buggy
• speeding and driving through both rough and smooth terrain

Sharing

Dune buggies are great for a kid’s development. They give them a sense of freedom and control. But they also nurture within a child the ability to share with others. If they have a brother or sister, they will have to take turns driving the go kart. This will instill the discipline of sharing and eliminate selfishness. Even if they don’t have siblings, friends and playmates in the neighborhood will love to have their turn at driving the kart.

Improve Cognitive Skills

Risk-taking is a big part of developing confidence and self-assurance as a kid grows up. After the first few bumps and bangs, children quickly learn what they can and can not achieve with their ride. Driving a speedy go kart engages their active minds and challenges them to think and act quickly.

What to Look for Before Buying a Go Kart

Before buying any product — particularly an expensive one — it is important to know the top features to look for. When you know what features to look for and you match those to your unique situation, you’ll find a product you’ll be happy with. For example, if you have a child under 8 years old, your buying decision is going to be a bit different than someone who has a 9-year-old who wants to buy something with a bit more power.

(Side note: if you have a very young child around the age of 2, we suggest checking out our tricycle page).

This information is not just isolated to go karts. It can apply to the best kids quads, dune buggies, tricycles, and other vehicles designed for kids.

Here’s a number of things to look for when shopping:

Safety 

Go karts first and foremost provide a lot of fun. That’s the only thing kids will be thinking about. So what’s your job as the parent? Safety.

You can never understate the importance of safety. It’s crucial that no matter what go kart you choose, the safety features are top-notch. The best kids go kart or dune buggy is one that has as many safety measures as possible. These safety measures are designed to look out for the health and wellbeing of your kid.

Safety measures include things such as:

• safety belts
• shoulder straps
• well-built frames
• bumpers, and more

The tires of high quality go kart is well-threaded and also knobbed for added control.

Engine

First of all, a well-built engine will require less effort to maintain. A powerful engine will ensure that the children enjoy this new toy for years. Take a look at the engine specs first and the extra features second.

Another thing you’ll need to decide on is whether you want a full-fledged gasoline-powered engine or a battery-powered one. We recommend electric go karts for younger kids in addition to less environmental impact.

Speed

As much as speed is good for the thrill of go kart, the best kids go karts will have a speed governor. Some of the fastest buggies have top of speeds of about 30 mph. This presents an issue of control with younger kids. If one is buying for small kids 10 years and younger, it is better to have a kart or buggy with a max speed of 10 mph. For ages 3-6 we don’t recommend anything over 5 mph.

Frame

Buggies with strong frames have stability when being driven around all kinds of terrain. A frame has to be sturdy, strong, and durable. The frame is going to take a lot of punishment, as kids will invariably find a way to take out a bush or run into some obstacle or another. Some of the best kids dune buggy options we look at are seriously built like tanks.

• ATVs for Kids Roundup
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• Best Tricycles

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