A typical racing go-kart can cost anywhere between the low-$1,500s all the way up to $5,000+ for professional karts that you see on the speed track. The actual cost of a go-kart all depends on the ‘type’ of go-kart you want for your needs, more on this later. If you don’t have a money tree in your backyard, you may be able to save some money by purchasing a second-hand go-kart on sites like Facebook marketplace, Craiglist, etc. but we highly recommend purchasing a new go-kart to avoid issues later down the road, literally.
In this article, we’ll discuss each type of go-kart according to its price range, how much they cost, and where you can purchase them. Ready, set, let’s go!
How Much Do Go-Kart Cost?
First thing is first, assuming you are an adult reading this blog there is no such thing as a go-kart that costs a couple of hundred bucks. The only go-karts that range within a few hundred bucks are for kids. As we mentioned previously, there are many options of go-karts to choose from such as those used in asphalt, off-road, racing, etc. The reality is that most go-kart cost anywhere from $1,800 – $2,500, while gas-powered go-karts still remain as the best sellers, electrical karts tend to be a bit pricey but have been gaining popularity lately.
Go Kart Cost By Type
Go-karts are fast, powerful vehicles. Usually, they are single-seaters but some are also designed to accommodate extra passengers. While most people choose to use go-karts for recreational purposes such as to drive around for entertainment at a track or around the neighborhood, some go-karts are more powerful than others and should be used cautiously. As depicted in the image above, the average cost according to the type of go-kart varies, below we will break down in more detail why those go-karts cost what they cost.
Go Kart Price Chart
| Racing Go-Kart Cost | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Off-Road Go-Kart Cost | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Kid & Youth Go-kart Cost | $600 – $3,000 |
| Homemade Go-kart Cost | $400 – $900 |
| Hoverboard Go-Kart Cost | $100 – $400 |
| Pedal Go-Kart Cost | $100 – $250 |
Racing Go Karts
Racing go-karts are used in professional karting competitions, are among the best but carry a price tag that can shock the most avid go-kart amature. Typically, a racing go-kart costs between $3,000 and $5,000+. They can also be purchased used, which can save you a lot of money. For those who are not ready for a high-performance go-kart, a cheaper 2-stroke racing go-kart is a good option.
The price range is slightly higher if you want a top-of-the-line model such as an electrical model like a BSR Racing Kart Pro.. Racing go-karts are lightweight and efficient. They can run up to 160 mph and accelerate from 0 to 60 in two to three seconds. Talk about fast!
Because of these features, they are more expensive than other go-kart types. Not to mention the high initial maintenance and purchasing cost as fuel or multiple batteries needed to swap for racing. Racing go-karts are costly but can be a worthwhile investment for those who take racing seriously. The most expensive racing go-karts are usually made of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber or AISI-4130 steel alloy. These models are also generally street-legal.
The prices of racing go-karts for kids are also similar to those for adults. However, the sizes and specifications of the youth and kids’ versions of these vehicles are less powerful. Youth racing go-karts generally cost between low $2,000 and high $3,000s and feature much smaller engines.
In contrast, professional top-of-the-line racing go-karts can cost upwards of $10,000 and more. These go-karts are equipped with cutting-edge technology and are perfect for go-kart competition.
Off-Road Go Kart Cost
Off-road go-karts vary in price depending on the equipment they have, the size of the go-kart, and also on the quality of materials used. Larger off-road go-karts tend to cost more than smaller ones due to their heavier load, larger engines, and larger frames. The average price for an off-road go-kart is between $1,000 and $2,000.
Kid / Youth Go Kart Cost
When you think of kids and go-karts you might immediately think of the video game Mario Kart, but in today’s modern society go-karts for kids like the ones in video games actually exist! No, we’re not kidding, you can grab them at Target, Walmart, and other places.
Not into Nintendo-themed karts? There are plenty of choices for your kids and the prices range from low $100’s to mid $500’s. Once you step into youth go-kart territory the price can jump up over $1000.
Buying Used Go Kart
Another way to save money on a go-kart is to buy a used one. If you are buying a second-hand kart, check if it has wear and tear on the engine and underneath. If there are excessive amounts of wear, avoid buying it. Lastly, you should always check the condition of the kart in person.
Finally, make sure you have checked all the safety features on the kart. Unless you are a seasoned go-kart driver, check that the safety features are intact and working. You should also check whether the kart is equipped with the latest technology. There are plenty of resources available for kart enthusiasts, including books, YouTube videos, and online groups on Facebook or forums.
Buying a second-hand go-kart is a great way to save money on a go-kart chassis. Just make sure you choose a good brand when shopping for a used go-kart. The wrong brand can end up costing you more in the long run. You also need to ensure the tires are good, as go-kart tires are vital for speed and traction.
Many thrift stores also sell used go-karts, and they’re often in excellent condition. This can save you money and ensure that you get the most out of your kart. Buying a used go-kart is a risky business. If you don’t do your research, you could end up wasting money and time. The best way to get a good used go kart is to purchase it from a reputable source such as market places like Facebook and be properly educated on what to look out for.
How Much Does a Go Kart Cost Conclusion
All in all, a go-kart cost will vary on your age group and the type of activity you plan on using the go-kart for. Most adults go-karts whether gas or electric are equipped with enough power to take you both on the road and off road without breaking over $1500. If that is still too much money you can find cheaper gas alternatives or find a good used go-kart locally.
We hope this guide has helped you make an informed decision on what type of go-kart you need and how much to spend.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a beginner go-kart?
Assuming you a purchasing a go-kart to drive around the streets, a ballpark price for beginner go-karts is $1,500 to $2,300
How much does an electric go-kart cost?
Most electric adult go-karts such as the Segway Ninebot start anywhere from $2,299.99 to over $13,000 for racing models like ECOVOLT GT.
Franco is a marketer by day and a go-kart rider by night. Since age 7, he's been driving BMX bikes, scooters, skateboards, and, you guessed it — go-karts! Fast forward to adulthood, he now managed this blog to share his love and passion for all things go-karts.