There’s hardly a kid who, while watching their parents drive a car, doesn’t dream of getting behind the wheel themselves. Thanks to go-karts, those dreams can come through even at a very young age. Go-karting is a fantastic way for boys to release some of the limitless energy they possess while having loads of fun. At the same time, it’s a chance for them to learn about safety and responsibility. At the very least, it’s way better than spending a day inside in front of a screen.
Driving go-karts can be an enjoyable hobby that provides countless hours of fun cruising around the neighborhood. However, for parents and kids who are more into racing, it can also be the gateway to the world of moto sports. Plus, it offers numerous other benefits for young drivers.
Kids who drive go-karts improve their focus and concentration, as well as hand-eye coordination. Racing helps them develop some valuable skills that will come in handy as they grow up. Among others, these include problem-solving and the ability to make quick decisions. There are also physical benefits, as driving a go-kart keeps kids more fit and builds stamina and strength. The social aspect of go-kart racing is important, too. It’s a hobby that will help your boy make new friendships, many of which will last a lifetime. Finally, it’s not just fun for the kid who drives, but for the whole family. Going racing and taking care of the vehicle will strengthen the bond between you and your child.
Before You Go Shopping for a Go Kart
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While it’s immensely fun and enjoyable, go-karting can often be a rather expensive hobby. So, before you get into it, you should be certain that it’s the right thing for your kid and something that both of you are ready for. No matter how much you as a parent may love it, it’s possible that the kid just won’t be into go-karts. Spending a decent amount of money on an item that’s only going to collect dust is certainly not the best idea. So, before the purchase, have an honest conversation with your kid to find out if this is what they really want. Of course, it’s always possible to talk your boy into it and get him excited about go-karting.
Furthermore, you’ll need to make sure that your child is mature enough to enter this world. This is especially important from the age of 10 and onward, as this is the time when the young driver makes the transition to faster and more powerful machines.
In any case, your kid has to be aware of all potential risks that can come with driving a go-cart. It must have a full understanding of safety precautions and why they are necessary. Make sure to spend some time explaining this, both in theory and in practice. Unsafe go-kart driving can do much more damage than good. Kids should learn about the safety features of the vehicle itself as well as the protective gear they will wear.
Best Go Karts for 10-Year-Old Boy Reviewed
Finding the best go-karts for a 10-year-old is not easy. There are plenty of different options on the market and it can easily feel overwhelming. Combing through numerous manufacturers, each offering different models and designs, is often enough to give you a headache. Plus, every kid is different. So, what is good for one, may not suit the other.
This is particularly true for kids of this age. At 10, boys are usually too big for pedal-powered go-karts. In addition, they’re often not interested in this type of vehicle. On the other hand, they are still too young for more serious racing machines and don’t have the skill or maturity needed for this level. So, you have to walk the thin rope and find a go-kart that’s safe enough for a 10-year-old, but at the same time capable of providing enough adrenaline and excitement to make your kid fall in love with it.
Obviously, you’ll need to do your homework and do some serious research. To help you find a perfect go-kart and ease your troubles, we selected several vehicles that stand out from the rest and are, at the same time, suitable for boys of this age.
Razor Ground Force Drifter Kart
For years, Razor has been an undisputed leader in the field of electric go-karts, and Ground Force Drifter is one of their most popular models. It’s an upgrade of the classic Ground Force Razor model. The Drifter comes with added features that allow drifting movements while hitting the curves.
Ground Force Drifter features a chain-driven motor that gets its power from two 12-volt batteries. The charging doesn’t take much time. After 12 hours, the batteries should be full, providing 40 minutes of uninterrupted use. The go-kart also has a reduction drive, maximizing the engine torque. Razor’s Ground Force Drifter is faster than most of the go-karts in its class. The maximum speed it can reach is 12 mph.
The tubular steel frame ensures the durability of the vehicle while keeping the little drivers safe. In case of an accident, it effectively acts as a side roll cage. The wide wheelbase and the weight of the go-kart further improve safety and add to stability on the track, The overall weight is in the neighborhood of 65 lbs. The bucket seat is very comfortable and equipped with a fitted seat/shoulder strap. Padding on the seat and medium-high backrest means that the kid driving can be comfortable for hours. The vehicle can handle a weight of up to 140lbs. This means that most kids aged 8-13 can use it.
While fairly powerful, Ground Force Drifter is still easy to control. A simple thumb trigger control allows you to easily manipulate the kart’s speed. For even more control, there’s a hand-operated rear brake which is the key for accurate drifting and exciting 180-degrees turns. Four 4-1/2-inch knobby pneumatic tires also add to the sense of control and are suitable for various surfaces, although the manufacturer recommends sticking to flat tracks. It most likely won’t perform very well on rough or grassy surfaces.
Another reason why kids love this go-kart is its cool design. It features a low physical profile and super-awesome Spark Bar leaving a visible sparks trail as the kid speeds down the track.
Main Features:
- Age range: 8-13
- Weight: 65 lbs
- Weight limit: 140 lbs
- Two 12-volt batteries
- Battery life: 40 minutes
- Maximum speed: 12 mph
- Durable tubular steel frame
- 4-1/2-inch tires
- Hand-operated rear brake
Segway Ninebot Electric Go Kart Drift Kit
Although they’re most famous for their two-wheeled self-balancing transporters, Segway also has a lot to offer on the go-kart market. Always innovative, Segway engineers have figured out a way to transform their Ninebot hoverboard into an awesome and stylish go-kart. The Segway Ninebot Electric Go Kart will not only turn heads with its modern design but also provide performance in line with the best vehicles in this category.
Even though it’s rather light, only 90 lbs, Segway’s Ninebot Go Kart packs plenty of punch, even in its basic version. Thanks to the engine with 2400W of output, you can reach racing speeds up to 15 mph and 0.7G maximum acceleration. Segway also offers a pro version which is even faster, with a maximum speed of 23 mph. This all wouldn’t be worth much without a powerful battery which provides a typical range of 9 miles or 45 minutes to 1 hour of driving. If this doesn’t seem enough, you can fully recharge the battery in only 2 hours.
Besides performance, the focus of Segway engineers was also on the safety of kid drivers. A sturdy body frame can withstand a lot of beating and is extremely durable. This go-cart features double-layered protection which will endure that, in case of an accident, there’s a minimal risk for your child, The outer layer is made of plastic and it serves to absorb the shock and impact during a collision. The inner layer utilizes steel and provides strength while preventing the deformation of the frame. For even more safety, there’s a double braking system with both footbrake and handbrake. Besides safety, handbrake also provides a lot of fun as it’s useful for drifting around the corners. Of course, the seat has a strengthened seatbelt which keeps the driver firmly in place. Furthermore, a parent can use the app to control the speed or stop the go kart.
One of the main advantages of Segway Ninebot Electric Go Kart is its adjustability and adaptability which makes it suitable for kids of various ages. Both the frame and the steering wheel are adjustable to fit drivers from 4’3″ to 6’5″ height. The vehicle also has a weight limit of 220 lbs which is more than enough for 12-year-old kids. Also, you can drive it on almost any surface. The real-rubber tires provide great traction no matter if you’re on the track, street, or grass surface.
In addition, this go-kart features three driving modes, each suitable for a different level of skill and experience. The basic one is the Novice Mode, designed for kids who are driving the go-kart for the first time. It will help them get to know the vehicle and learn how to drive. The maximum speed in this mode is 5 mph. The Standard Mode is for children who already have some experience and it helps them get used to higher speeds. The fastest they can go in this mode is 11 mph. Finally, the Sporty Mode is for young drivers who already have plenty of skill and allow them to experience the vehicle’s top speed and perform various tricks and stunts. The maximum speed in the Sporty Mode is 15 mph.
Main Features:
- Age range: 8+
- Weight: 90 lbs
- Weight limit: 220 lbs
- 240Wh battery
- Maximum power output: 2400W
- Driving Range: 9.3 miles
- Maximum speed: 15 mph
- Three driving modes
- Double braking system
- Two-layer protection
- Modern and stylish design
- Smart app
Fit Right Baja-X Electric Go Kart
Baja-X Electric Go-Kart is the first vehicle on our list of best go-karts for 10-year-old that offers better performance in the off-road environment rather than on the asphalt track. It’s also one of the rare off-road that doesn’t feature a gas engine but an electric one. This, of course, doesn’t take anything from its performance as it’s a beast that can easily handle various kinds of rough terrain.
The first thing when you go off-roading with your go-kart is power. And, Baja-X Electric Go Kart has plenty of it. A 1000W brushless engine will provide all the strength you need to deal with bumps and obstacles even on the more demanding tracks. The good news is that Fit Right opted for a brushless engine for this model. Compared to brushed engines that you can find on most store-bought karts, brushless technology provides more power and better operating efficiency. Besides, it’s much more durable, thanks to fewer moving parts, so your visits to a repair shop will be very rare. In addition to power and durability, the engine on Baja-X has plenty to offer to speed enthusiasts. The maximum speed on this go-kart is set at 20 mph. To make sure that you can enjoy longer rides, there’s a powerful 48V battery pack powering the engine.
You may think that all this power and speed will be difficult to control, but Fit Right’s Baja-X offers a surprisingly easy and smooth ride. This makes it perfect for kids who are looking to try their skills with a machine that packs a bit more power than basic go-kart models. Still, be aware that 4-wheel drive may take some getting used to for less experienced drivers. The vehicle has both forward and reverse foot pedals, as well as throttle and brake. Furthermore, high ground clearance and pneumatic tires make this go-kart capable of conquering any off-road task you put in front of it while keeping the driver fairly comfortable.
The safety is on a high level, too. The high-tensile steel frame is more than capable of handling bumpy rides even on the roughest of terrains while keeping the kid at the wheel safe. The Baja-X comes with a fitted seatbelt, roll bar at the back, and head protection to put every parent’s mind at ease. For further protection, parents have an extra level of control with a separate key they can use to lock the speed. There are 3 different settings available. Parents can set the maximum speed at 13, 16, or 18 mph. This will ensure that the speed is appropriate for the boy’s experience and skill level.
Main Features:
- Age range: 8+
- Weight: 141 lbs
- Weight limit: 175lbs
- 1000W brushless engine
- 48v battery pack
- Maximum speed: 20 mph
- Three different parental speed control settings: 13, 15, and 18 mph
- Battery life: 1 hour
- High-tensile steel frame
Razor Dune Buggy
This vintage go-kart from Razor is certainly not among the fastest on our list. However, it surely can provide loads of fun and a safe way for kids to get into the world of driving. In addition, it has more than enough power and maneuverability to deliver an enjoyable off-road adventure. Parents will also love it. This go-kart requires no assembly and will bring back fond memories of times when dune buggies were all the rage.
Razor’s Dune Buggy operates with the help of a chain-driven 350W electric motor. While it won’t break any speed records, Dune Buggy can still deliver a maximum speed of 9 mph which is plenty for the off-road environment. The rear suspension contributes to an enjoyable and smooth ride. Also, it helps the buggy get up the hill without too much trouble and losing speed. The kid in the seat can control the speed with a thumb trigger throttle which is set on the steering wheel. Dune Buggy comes with two 12V batteries which can keep it running between 40 and 60 minutes. Of course, the runtime will depend on several factors, such as the weight of the driver and the terrain.
When going off-road safety features are of the utmost importance and Razor Dune Buggy excels in this regard. For starters, parents can modify the hand throttle and brake controls to ensure that their kid doesn’t go above the safe speed limit. The potential of flipping is always a worry when driving off-road, but 2 inches of ground clearance is a guarantee that this will almost never happen. To provide even more safety in these situations, the seatbelt goes across the lap rather than over the shoulder. If none of this helps, a metal roll cage and diamond plate floorboard provide even more protection.
Even at higher speeds and on rough terrain, conveniently designed controls allow the kid to have full command of the vehicle. Thanks to thumb-trigger acceleration and hand break, they can easily control the speed and simply and quickly bring the buggy to a stop if needed. The 8-inch knobby pneumatic tires provide good traction and a relatively smooth ride on all kinds of off-road terrain. They perform well on both the grass and the gravel. Furthermore, these tires are very durable and will likely serve you for several years.
Razor Dune Buggy is a single-seater and has a maximum weight capacity of 120 lbs. The bucket seat is padded and very cozy although the vehicle can be a bit uncomfortable for taller kids. The whole buggy is very light and can be stored vertically which is very convenient for those who struggle with space.
Main Features:
- Age range: 8+
- Weight: 8.25 lbs
- Weight limit: 120 lbs
- 350W chain-driven electric motor
- Two 12V batteries
- Maximum speed: 9 mph
- Battery life: 40-60 minutes
- 8-inch knobby pneumatic tires
- Rear suspension
- Thumb trigger throttle
- Hand brake
MotoTec Mud Monster Kids Electric Go Kart
Another go-kart on our list that performs best when taken off-road, MotoTec’s Mud Monster is a great choice for all the kids who like to ride the dirt. It’s rather fast and powerful, so the young driver should have a certain level of skill and experience to operate it. If your kid is just getting into the world of go-karts, perhaps the Mud Monster is not the best option. On the other hand, for boys who can handle it, it will provide a thrilling and adrenaline-fueled off-road adventure.
Mud Monster has no trouble kicking the dirt and accelerating quickly thanks to its powerful 1000w chain-driven engine. The engine is powered by four 12V Sealed Lead Acid batteries. When fully charged, batteries can provide a driving distance of around 20 miles, which is plenty for the primarily off-road vehicle. Mud Monster has two-speed settings which you can select based on your kid’s age and skill. The first one has a maximum speed of 10 mph, while with the other your kid can drive up to 20 mph. The system which connects the engine to the rear wheel with a chain provides more torque and ensures better acceleration. Another plus for MotoTec’s go-kart is fast cornering which is possible thanks to the limited-slip differential.
MotoTec engineers didn’t cut any corners when it comes to driver’s safety. Mud Monster features a heavy-duty metal roll cage with safety bars that will keep your kid safe even in the case of collision or flipping over. The rugged tubular frame adds to the load of the go-kart and increases stability without disrupting the weight balance. The throttle and brake pedals are also made of high-quality further improving safety and increasing durability. Another important safety feature is a killswitch on the throttle. The speed control key is there to enable parents to limit the speed at which their kids will drive.
As for off-roading capability, Mud Monster hardly has a match among its go-kart counterparts. The 5-inch ground clearance allows drivers to handle even the particularly rough terrains. Furthermore, this vehicle features three shock absorbers, two at the front and one at the back, which make the ride unexpectedly smooth and can absorb any additional force. The rear wheel axle is equipped with a hydraulic disc brake that provides superb stopping power.
Main Features:
- Age range: 8+
- Weight: 236 lbs
- Weight limit: 150 lbs
- 1000W chain-driven electric motor
- Four 12V batteries
- Driving range: up to 20 miles
- Maximum speed 10/20 mph
- Limited-slip differential
- Heavy-duty metal roll cage with safety bars
- 5-inch ground clearance
- Two shock absorbers at the front and one at the back
Razor Crazy Cart
The third go-kart from Razor on our list is probably the most the one that is most out there, at least when it comes to design. Just by looking at the Razor Crazy Cart, you can tell that it lives up to its name. Getting to ride one further establishes it as one of the most fun and innovative go-karts available on the market.
Razor Crazy Kart is powered by a 24V battery pack. That’s enough to provide up to 40 minutes of pure, uninterrupted fun. Of course, the heavier the driver is, the less time battery will last. The full recharge takes about 12 hours. The engine is chain-driven and provides plenty of torque. Even though the speed is not the main draw of this go-kart, it still offers a more than a decent maximum of 12 mph. Parents can easily control how fast the go-kart goes with the speed control switch. As there’s no brake, the vehicle deaccelearates when the kid takes its foot off the foot pedal.
As the kid riding the Razor Crazy Cart will move forwards, backward, sideways, and in all other directions, the safety features are a bit different than on classic go-karts. Similar to bicycles, Crazy Cart has no seat belt. This is because kids can lean out Cart’s stability triangle while spinning making it tip over. In this case, the seat belt would keep them strapped to the vehicle which could cause serious injuries. Of course, protective gear, including helmets, is a must. This go-kart can handle a load up to 140 lbs and the bucket seat should be comfortable for any kid aged 9 and older.
A thrilling ride with plenty of drifts, spins, and corner turning is where the Crazy Cart really shines. With the new and improved drift system, the driving may take some getting used to, especially if the kid only had experience with classic go-karts before. The three-point, 360 degrees steering system makes sharp turns and swerves a breeze. The junior drivers can drift and spin their way into any direction they want to go. Drift bar and rear case wheels only add to maneuverability and improve control over the Crazy Cart. Whoever is in control can adjust the rear caster angle allowing them to drive and drift forward, backward, diagonally, or sideways. While rear caster wheels add to the excitement of the ride and easy cornering, the front pneumatic tire and stabilizing posts provide the stability during crazy drifts and swerves.
The innovative drift system also allows floating on the kart while turning the corner, almost as if you were drifting on the air. This move is rather easy, all the boy at the wheel has to do is speed up, and pull the drive and drift bar to spin the wheel in the desired direction. Both acceleration and braking are controlled by hand, even a bit shorter kids can comfortably control the vehicle.
Main Features:
- Age range: 9+
- Weight: 55.2 lbs
- Weight limit: 140 lbs
- 24V battery pack
- Battery life: up to 40 minutes
- Maximum speed: 12 mph
- Hand-operated drift bar
- Innovative drift system
- Dual rear caster wheels
- Pneumatic tires and stabilizing post at the front
Hyper GoGo Go-Kart
Similar to Segway Ninebot Go-Kart described above, this karting kit by it is also a way to turn your hoverboard into a speedy and powerful go-kart. The Hyper Gogo Go-Kart kit is very simple and easy to install and fits all types of hoverboards except for Segway’s Ninebot. Even without much technical knowledge, you can slide your hoverboard into the place, secure the straps, and be ready to go within minutes.
Besides being compatible with almost any hoverboard, the Hyper GoGo Go-Kart kit can fit both kids and adults. The adjustable frame makes it possible for almost anyone aged 9 or older to feel comfortable being at the wheel of this go-kart. The length of the complete go-kart can be adjusted from 43 to 51.2 inches, allowing even older drivers to give it a go. As long as they’re not over the 198 lbs weight limit almost anyone can drive the Hyper GoGo. In addition, it’s portable and can be folded so you can take it with you wherever you go. Without too much hassle, you can turn your hoverboard into Formula 1-like machine whenever you want.
As it is compatible with various hoverboards, the engine power and maximum speed depend on the model you use as the base for the Hyper GoGo kit. In addition, the battery life and the charging time also depend on the hoverboard type.
However, whichever hoverboard you use, one thing is certain. Your kid will enjoy a safe, thrilling, and comfortable ride. The shock absorbers below the driver’s seat minimize the effect of rough terrain and provide a smooth and enjoyable ride while, at the same time, supporting your kid’s back. The ABS bumpers also have the role of absorbing the impact during a potential collision. Disc brakes are also an important safety feature, as the young driver doesn’t have to rely on the hoverboard brake system. A sturdy metal frame ensures the durability of the whole go-kart and makes the driver even safer in case of an incident.
Hyper GoGo Go-Karts are very easy to handle and learning to drive them is fairly simple. The acceleration is controlled with the front pedal. For quick acceleration, the driver can use the hand-operated topspeed pole which also serves as a reverse. 8-inch front tires provide even more control and help with the traction on various types of surfaces.
Main Features:
- Fits with almost any hoverboard
- Age range: 9+
- Portable, foldable, and easy to install
- Max speed and battery life depend on the hoverboard
- Weight: 53.9 lbs
- Weight limit: 198 lbs
- Adjustable length
- Shock absorbers
- High-quality disc brakes
- Sturdy metal frame
