Beginners’ Guide to Go Karting for Kids

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

If you’re looking for a fun, adrenaline-pumping activity to do with your friends or family, look no further than go-karting! Kids’ electric go karts are full of fun and are perfect for older children who love driving and racing. And who knows, perhaps you have the next Lewis Hamilton living under your roof! 

Our beginners’ guide to go karting will teach you everything you need to know about the exciting sport, from how to ride a kids’ go kart safely to how to use a track properly.

What do kids need to start go karting?

Whether you’re new to riding go karts or you’ve been driving them for a while, there are a few key pieces of equipment you’ll need. Finding the right kids’ electric go kart will be the best place to start if you’re new to the sport. Once you’ve got your dream kart, it’s time to buy your equipment and find the perfect place to start racing. 

Go kart

Choosing the perfect kids go kart is a significant factor when it comes to go karting. A few different makes and models are available to pick from, and you can either buy your own or rent one at a track. 

The type of go kart you choose for your child will depend on their age, height, weight and skill level. Adult go karts are larger and more powerful, while kids’ go karts are smaller and more lightweight. If you’re just starting, it’s a good idea to begin with a less powerful go kart until you get the hang of the skill and technique involved.

Go kart safety equipment

When it comes to keeping safe while riding a go kart, it’s essential to have the right equipment. But what do kids wear when go karting? Some of the safety clothing and items you’ll need while riding a go kart include:

• Helmet: A helmet is essential when go-karting. Make sure you choose a helmet that is both comfortable and safe.
• Gloves: Gloves will protect your hands in the event of a crash and help to provide more grip while driving.
• Karting suit or appropriate clothing: Wearing a go karting suit or other appropriate clothing helps protect you from injury and ensures all parts of your body are covered.
• Neck brace and rib protector: Some people might choose to wear a neck brace and rib protector while driving, particularly when driving a go kart at higher speeds. If you’re driving at a track, you may be required to wear these for additional protection.
• Appropriate footwear: You’ll need to wear proper footwear to protect your feet while driving. Shoes like heels, flip flops and sandals are not appropriate. 

Read: Is Go Karting Safe for Children?

Somewhere to race

It might seem obvious, but you need a place to practise your go karting skills. Most people will either go to a track or use private land and their own go kart. 

Starting at a track might be a good idea if you’re new to go karting. Tracks provide a safe environment for drivers of all levels, and they typically have a variety of go karts available to fit different skill levels and driving styles. The staff will also be on hand to help give you tips and tricks and will have all the training necessary to keep you safe while go karting.

If you have previous karting experience, you may want to use private land. Driving on private land is a great option for those who have their own go kart and gives you a chance to create your own track. Make sure the ground is clear of any obstacles before starting.

How to ride a kids’ go kart

As fun and exciting as this all is, you need to know how to ride a go kart before you get started – this helps keep things fun on track and ensures everyone’s safety. Read our safe driving tips below if you don’t know where to start with how to ride a kids’ go kart.

Explore the controls

Before you set off, make sure you know all the controls of your go kart – even if you have driven one before. That way, you’ll be safe and know what to do if something happens. Controls typically include:

• Foot pedal: You’ll need to press down on the accelerator pedal to speed up. Knowing how much pressure you can apply will prevent you from losing control.
• Brake pedal: The brakes are there to help you slow down or come to a complete stop, so knowing how much force is needed for each turn or manoeuvre will give you more control. 
• Steering wheel: Knowing how far the wheel needs to turn left or right to make a proper turn will teach you about understeer and oversteer. 
• Shifter: Use the shifter to change between gears, and remember it’s easier to control your go kart in lower gears. It might be best to practise in first or second gear when you’re new to karting.

Warm up beforehand 

Even though you’re sitting down, riding a go kart is a whole-body exercise – and can take a lot out of you physically. Doing the correct warm-ups before driving a go kart can help to prevent injuries and give you better control of the vehicle. Some good ways to warm up include:

• Hand and wrist rolls: Push your hands down as if trying to tap the wrist bones with your fingertips. Then turn your hands up as if you were turning a doorknob, making sure to overlap the first part of the roll. Repeat this for about 30 seconds.
• Arm swings: Move your arms back and forth quickly without bending your elbows, like you would do if you were jumping a skipping rope. Do this for about 30 seconds.
• Circles: Circle your wrists around clockwise and counter-clockwise multiple times to get the blood pumping through your wrists and hands.

Make sure you’re sitting comfortably 

One of the easiest things to overlook when thinking about how to ride a go kart is the importance of sitting comfortably. When you start riding, you’ll want to adjust the seat to fit your needs. It can be challenging and dangerous to make adjustments once you start moving, so this isn’t recommended.

Make sure you can easily reach the pedals and that they are at the right height for your legs. You should also make sure your steering wheel is positioned comfortably in front of you.

Accelerate gently 

Step one of riding a go kart? Gently press the foot pedal, which allows you to get a feel for the vehicle’s accelerator. It’s also important to make sure you’re in the correct gear before accelerating, as this will help you maintain control.

If you find yourself struggling to stay in control while accelerating, try braking gently to slow down the kart.

Test the brakes 

It’s a good idea to try the brakes out before going full speed in your go kart. They might require more pressure than you expect, so make sure you press down on the brake pedal slowly until you feel the kart come to a stop. The more comfortable you are with the brakes, the better you’ll be while driving.

Keep the go kart straight  

Always remember that it’s essential to keep your go kart as straight as possible. If you start turning, the kart might lose control, and you’ll be forced to stop or crash into something. 

One way to keep the go kart going straight is to apply the brake gently as you turn to help slow it down. This will keep your speed low enough so that you can stay in control even when turning.

Drive smoothly 

Like with acceleration, it’s essential to drive smoothly when you first start. Using the brakes too much or turning too sharply will make it difficult to maintain control. Take your time getting used to the go kart before pushing the limits of control. Driving smoothly not only keeps you and others safe but also helps improve your driving skills. 

Maintain a safe distance

Always keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, particularly when you’re just learning how to ride a go kart. If you get too close or try passing recklessly, it can be dangerous and cause accidents. One way to avoid this is to pass more slowly and cautiously until you’re sure there aren’t any other karts behind you.

It’s always important to give yourself enough space while driving a go kart, so it’s easier to keep control if something goes wrong.

How to ride a go kart on a track 

Racing on public roads is illegal and dangerous, so you need to find somewhere safe to drive your go kart. Tracks are explicitly designed for karting and are one of the safest places to race – especially if you’re just learning how to ride a go kart. They also have guidelines and experts to keep everyone safe while racing.

Get used to the track 

It’s important to know where the turns are located and how sharp they are so you can adjust to them while racing. Look for signs that tell you how fast you should be going through each area of the track, and remember that it might take a few laps before you’re used to it.

Always stay on your side of the lane and never cross over unless you’re sure there aren’t any other karts coming from the opposite direction. Follow the rules as closely as you can, as they help keep everyone safe while racing.

How to turn in a go kart

When approaching a corner in a go kart, you should always approach the apex of the turn. This is the point where you will be closest to the inside of the turn. Approaching the apex will help you make the turn smoothly.

After you’ve passed the apex, it’s time to start coming out of the turn. Remember to keep your speed under control. You might lose control of the go kart if you start accelerating too quickly. The best way to maintain momentum is by using the brake and accelerator pedals.

There are a few different types of turns that you might encounter on a go karting track. Those include:

• Hairpin turn;
• Right-angle turn;
• Left-angle turn;
• Double hairpin turn.

Avoid leaning into corners

Remember not to lean into the turn as if you do, you’ll put more strain on the inner side of the kart, and it won’t be easy to straighten up. It can also cause you to lose control.

Always approach the apex of the turn and use the pedals gently to maintain speed. This will help you stay in control of the kart and safely make your way around the track.

Always look ahead

When driving on a track, it’s essential to always look ahead to know what’s coming up and prepare for it. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings so you can avoid crashing into other karts.

Follow instructions

Finally, it’s essential to follow the rules. If you don’t, people could get hurt. That’s why you should never try to cut the course or go on the track when it’s closed. If you follow the rules, everyone will be safe while racing and have fun.

FAQs about go karting

How do you ride a kids go kart?

Driving a go kart doesn’t need to be intimidating. Learning how to ride a kids’ go kart can be broken down into a few simple steps.

1. Find the go kart that’s right for your child. This could mean buying your own or renting one from a track. It should be the right size and power level for them
2. Once you’ve found where to drive your kid’s go cart, make sure they know all the controls and features – including the accelerator, brake, and steering wheel.
3. Make sure your child is sitting comfortably in the vehicle, and get them to gently press the accelerator pedal – making sure there are no hazards or obstacles in their way.
4. Once they’ve got up to a speed they’re happy with, ask your child to gently press the brake pedal to come to a gradual stop. Practise this a few times until they feel comfortable with the level of pressure needed on each pedal.
5. Now that they’re happy with starting and stopping, you can introduce them to turning corners. When learning how to ride a go kart, take corners slowly and steer gently to avoid any spins or crashes.

How do you get better at go karting?

The best way to get better at go karting is by practising. Practice makes perfect, so make sure you always spend time driving before your next race. Keep the following things in mind while practising:

• Start slowly and work yourself up to higher speeds.
• Learn how to handle tight corners safely.
• Always look ahead when you’re racing.

How do you go around bends fast in a go kart?

Before attempting corners at a higher speed, you need to be confident in your driving ability. Once you’ve mastered the controls, you can pick up speed as you drive. 

One of the best ways to go around a bend faster is by focusing on maximising your speed. Many different techniques can help you speed up while going through a corner. Try cutting the corner, taking it wide, or using curb driving to get an edge on your competition. Remember that everyone will be fighting for a position, so you have to get every advantage you can.

How fast do kids’ go karts go?

The speed of a go kart depends on the type. Adult go karts are faster than kids go karts as they are designed for people with more experience. Our kids drift go kart is perfect for those aged 5 to 10 and has a safe maximum speed of 13km/h. 

Start your go karting adventure

If you’re looking for a fun and safe activity to do with your kids, go karting is a fantastic option. Alongside our go karts, we have a range of 24v ride on cars and 12v ride on cars for you to choose from our selection of kids’ electric ride on cars.