How Fast Do Electric Go Karts Go? (Updated 2024)

Updated: 5.6.24

Welcome to the world of electric go-karting! If you've ever asked yourself, "How fast do electric go karts go?" or you are considering buying a kids' go kart online from RiiRoo, you're in the right place.

This article will shed some light on the topic, covering everything from the basics to high-performance models. 

Ready to get started?

The Short Answer to "How Fast Do Electric Go Karts Go?"

Electric go karts, powered by electric motors and batteries, typically achieve top speeds between 25 to 50 mph.

This speed range depends on several factors including motor power output, kart weight, and battery efficiency.

For safety reasons, speeds are often limited in rental or recreational contexts. However, high-performance electric karts can reach up to 70 mph, offering an exhilarating experience for experienced drivers.

For more information on high-performance karts, visit our guide on high-performance go karts for kids.

Understanding the Basics of Electric Go Karts

Stepping into the realm of electric go-karting might seem complex, especially if you're used to the traditional petrol-based versions. If you want to compare, you can check our collection of kids' petrol go karts.

Let's break down some of the fundamental aspects of electric go-karts that will help us understand their performance.

The exciting world of karting classes is another resource you may find useful.

Electric go karts operate on electric motors, which rely on a battery for power.

These machines offer a clean and environmentally friendly alternative to their petrol counterparts.

They generate zero emissions, which is a significant advantage, especially for indoor karting where ventilation could be a challenge.

Related: Are Electric Go Karts Faster Than Petrol?

The Speed Factor

One of the critical points that set electric go karts apart is their speed. In general, these dynamic machines can reach speeds between 25 and 50 mph.

This wide range allows beginners and seasoned kart drivers alike to enjoy a ride that's both safe and exhilarating.

But is speed all there is to a great go-karting experience? Well, not quite.

You see, while speed certainly adds to the thrill, the real excitement often lies in the kart's performance, handling, and acceleration.

In fact, in competitive kart racing, it's not always the fastest kart that wins - it's the driver who knows how to control their speed and use it strategically that often takes the trophy.

Related: What is the Fastest Go Kart in the World? 

Comparing with Petrol-Powered Karts

When it comes to raw speed, it's true that petrol-powered go-karts often have an upper hand.

Their powerful engines can reach higher top speeds compared to their electric counterparts. But the picture isn't quite as simple as that.

While petrol karts might edge ahead in top speed, their acceleration capabilities often lag behind those of electric karts.

Electric go-karts can reach their top speed much more quickly, thanks to the instant torque provided by their electric motors.

And that's not all. When we consider aspects such as handling, noise, and environmental impact, electric go-karts begin to shine.

They offer a quiet, smooth ride with minimal vibrations, allowing for better control and a more enjoyable driving experience.

So, while speed might be the first thing that comes to mind when we think of racing, as we delve deeper into the world of electric go-karting, we'll discover there's so much more to it than just the top speed.

Factors Influencing the Speed of Electric Go Karts

The speed of electric go karts is a product of numerous variables working together, including weight limit considerations.

For more information on this, check out our article on go karting weight limits.

It's not a simple matter of plugging in and zooming off. There's an intricate ballet of technical factors that come into play to deliver the speed you experience on the track.

Engine Size

In traditional petrol-powered vehicles, a larger engine often equals more speed. However, electric go karts flip the script a little.

In electric vehicles, including go-karts, the power output of the electric motor plays a more critical role than its size.

The power output of an electric motor is measured in kilowatts (kW). Higher kilowatts mean a more potent motor, capable of delivering more speed.

That being said, the design of the motor and the efficiency with which it converts electrical energy into motion also matter.

A well-designed motor can outperform a larger, less efficient one, offering higher speeds and better acceleration.

Chassis Weight

The weight of the go-kart plays a crucial role in determining its speed.

In general, lighter karts are faster because there's less weight for the motor to move.

The materials used in the kart's construction, from the frame to the seat, all contribute to its overall weight.

Many electric go-karts use lightweight materials like aluminium or composite materials in their construction to keep weight to a minimum.

The design also plays a key role in this regard - a well-designed kart can make better use of its materials, maintaining strength and durability while still keeping the weight low.

Related: Do Go Karts Have Seat Belts?

Battery Power

When it comes to electric go karts, the battery is essentially the fuel tank. The power and efficiency of the battery directly impact the kart's top speed and acceleration.

Batteries with higher voltage can deliver more power to the motor, resulting in higher speeds. Similarly, a battery with a larger capacity (measured in Ampere-hours or Ah) can provide sustained power for longer, allowing the kart to maintain its speed over a longer duration.

Battery technology has come a long way in recent years, with advancements in lithium-ion batteries offering high power output and efficiency. However, the performance of the battery can also be affected by factors such as its age and condition, with older or poorly maintained batteries often offering lower performance.

In short, while the speed of an electric go-kart might seem straightforward, it's actually the result of a complex interplay of several different factors.

Understanding these can help you better appreciate the technology and engineering behind these fun and exciting machines.

Benefits of Speed Adjustability in Electric Go Karts

Electric go-karts often come with adjustable speed settings, making them an excellent choice for beginners and younger drivers.

But before you decide, it's important to understand the pros and cons of electric go karts for kids.

The ability to limit the top speed allows newcomers to learn the ropes at a comfortable pace, reducing the risk of accidents and helping build confidence.

As their skills progress, the speed can be incrementally increased, offering a personalised learning curve.

This feature also adds an extra layer of safety for recreational and family-oriented karting experiences.

Maintenance For Speed

Regular maintenance and care is crucial for keeping an electric go kart in top form.

A well-maintained kart ensures optimal performance and helps in achieving the best possible speeds.

This includes keeping the kart clean, ensuring the battery is properly charged and maintained, and making sure all parts are in good working condition.

Neglected maintenance could lead to decreased performance and slower speeds.

Investing in Speed: The Correlation between Power, Performance, and Price in Go Karts

When it comes to achieving greater speed in electric go karts, a key principle comes into play - the need for more potent power sources and motors. However, this power and performance boost typically implies a corresponding increase in cost. Let's delve into why this is the case.

A more powerful battery is often the first consideration when seeking higher speeds in electric go karts. Stronger batteries can deliver more electricity to the motor, which in turn can drive the kart at faster speeds. But these high-capacity, high-performance batteries usually come with a heftier price tag. This is due to the advanced technology and materials needed to produce them, and the enhanced performance they deliver.

Similarly, the need for speed requires more robust motors.

These higher-performance motors are capable of translating the increased electrical power into motion more efficiently, thereby generating higher speeds.

These motors typically feature superior design and construction to withstand the demands of high-speed karting, adding to their cost.

So, if you're aiming for the fast lane with your electric go kart, be prepared for a higher investment.

Upgrading to a stronger battery and a more powerful motor will almost certainly mean spending more.

The Advantage of Electric Go-Karts: Acceleration

While speed is an important aspect of racing, the thrill of a go-kart isn't solely dependent on its ability to hit high velocities.

Acceleration - the rate at which the kart can increase its speed - is another key factor that defines its performance. And in the realm of acceleration, electric go karts often leave gas-powered ones in their dust.

The Importance of Instant Torque

The secret behind the superior acceleration of electric go-karts lies in the nature of electric motors themselves.

Unlike petrol engines, which need to rev up to reach their maximum torque, electric motors deliver their peak torque instantly, right from zero RPM.

This phenomenon, called 'instant torque', enables electric go-karts to reach their top speed in a flash.

Picture yourself at the start line of a race. As soon as the flag drops, the instant torque kicks in, propelling the electric go-kart forward rapidly, allowing it to reach its maximum speed in a very short time.

This immediate response gives electric go-karts a distinct advantage, particularly in short, tight courses where frequent acceleration and deceleration are required.

Swift Maneuvers and Overtaking

The benefits of instant torque extend beyond just quick starts. The ability to accelerate rapidly is crucial for making swift manoeuvres and overtaking opponents during a race.

The faster you can speed up, the more opportunities you have to overtake and gain an advantage.

With an electric go-kart, the moment you press the accelerator, the kart responds.

This instantaneous response allows you to quickly zip past an opponent or navigate a sharp turn without losing speed.

This can be a real game-changer in close races, making electric go-kart racing an exhilarating and thrilling experience.

The Limitations and Safety Considerations

While electric go karts offer a host of benefits, they are not without certain limitations.

It's crucial to understand these factors to ensure a safe and enjoyable go-karting experience.

Speed Limitations in Rental or Recreational Settings

Electric go karts are increasingly popular in rental or recreational settings, given their ease of use and environmental benefits. However, in these scenarios, safety becomes paramount. 

Therefore, to ensure a safe environment for all participants, the speed of electric go-karts is often limited.

Many rental tracks use speed controllers to limit the top speed of their karts, typically to a safe range of 15 to 25 mph. 

This helps to reduce the risk of accidents and allows even novice drivers to enjoy the experience without feeling overwhelmed.

These limitations do not necessarily detract from the fun, but they do serve to enhance safety.

High-Performance Electric Go Karts

If you're an experienced driver seeking more thrill and excitement, high-performance electric go karts are your answer. 

These aren't your average rental karts but rather finely engineered machines designed to deliver high speeds and outstanding performance.

Models Offering Speeds up to 70 mph

Top-of-the-line electric go karts, with advanced motors and high-capacity batteries, can achieve top speeds of up to 50 to 70 mph. 

These models use superior components and innovative design principles to extract maximum performance from their electric powertrains.

But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. These high-performance karts require skilled handling and respect for their potent capabilities. 

If operated correctly, they offer an adrenaline-pumping experience that's hard to match, even by gas-powered karts.

How Fast Do Kid's Go-karts Go?

The speed of kids' go-karts can vary depending on the type of kart.

Here are the speeds of different types of go-karts:

• Kid Karts: Kid karts are small versions of racing karts designed for kids aged 5 to 7. They use small 2-stroke or 4-stroke engines that are approximately 2HP. They can go anywhere from 30 to 40 mph.
• Rental Karts: Rental karts are usually found at indoor go-kart tracks and are a cheap option for casual racing. Most rental karts are equipped with a 200cc 4-stroke engine, and their power is restricted for safety reasons. For kid karts, they can achieve a top speed of 40 kph, with the karts for adults topping out at 70 kph.
• Junior Races: Most junior races (for kids) are held at a maximum of 20 miles per hour.

It's important to note that the speed of go-karts can vary depending on factors such as engine size, weight, and aerodynamics.

The Evolution and Future of Electric Go Karts

The evolution of electric go-karts has been propelled by advances in low-voltage motors and new Lithium battery technologies.

Initially, electric karting technology was somewhat heavy and lacked high-performance capabilities, confining its use primarily to entertainment businesses.

Despite its power limitations, it provided a solution to the issue of CO2 emissions on indoor tracks.

Recognising its potential, efforts have been made to perfect this technology.

Today, most new indoor karting tracks are equipped with electric go-karts.

There's no doubt that the future of go-karting is electric, with many companies investing heavily in this arena.

Though electric go-karts carry more weight due to the added engine and power supply components, they are also capable of producing more power in a shorter time span.

This results in faster acceleration, making electric karts seem quicker on winding courses with fewer straightaways.

In Summary: The Thrill of Electric Go Karting

So, how fast do electric go karts go?

Well, the answer isn't cut and dry.

Speeds can range anywhere from 25 to 70 mph depending on various factors. However, one thing is for sure: electric go-karts offer a unique, thrilling and responsive driving experience that will keep you coming back for more.

So why not give it a try?

You might just find your new favourite hobby!