Do you have an aspiring race car driver growing up in your house? If so, you probably hear your child making engine noises as they speed up and down your hallways. You may constantly be tripping over model cars or remote-control monster trucks. Perhaps they’ve even made their own car out of cardboard and entertained themselves for hours on end by taking it on imaginary road trips.  

If this sounds like your life (or even if you’re just looking for an exciting birthday present), then you should consider buying a pedal go-kart. They are well worth the investment and make a great gift for kids between three and eight years old.  

In addition to providing hours of fun, they’re great for exercise and encourage your kids to play outside and make friends. They’ll be more than happy to spend their summer days racing the neighbor kids down the block.   

But with so many attractive options to choose from, how do you pick the suitable pedal go-kart for your child? It depends on several factors, such as your budget, the durability of the materials, your child’s age and size, and the overall aesthetics. Below, you’ll find some helpful information and selection tips to make your selection process as smooth as possible. 

Pedal Go-kart Size 

The first thing to consider when looking for a new pedal go-kart is the size. Each model will have a recommended rider size that should be taken into consideration. An appropriately sized kart will not only be more comfortable to drive, but it will be safer as well. 

Some karts feature adjustable seats so that they can accommodate children at multiple stages. Kids grow up fast! Note whether the seat is adjustable vertically, horizontally, or both. The more flexibility, the more you can be sure that your child will find a comfortable setting. 

The most important aspect of a pedal go-kart’s size is its weight recommendation. This should never be exceeded for safety reasons. For example, if it says the capacity is 100lbs, don’t let your child ride it if they’re over this limit.  

Besides the weight recommendations, keep an eye on the overall dimensions. Will you have enough extra room to store it in a closet or the garage?  

When in doubt, go for the slightly larger option. After all, it’s better for your child to grow into it than be forced to leave it behind in a couple of months.   

Build Quality 

Don’t just make your choice based on the flashiest design or the nicest colors. Build quality matters – especially when it comes to the safety of your precious rider.  

A good indicator of build quality is how much of the kart is plastic and how much is metal. The core components should be built from a solid material that won’t break easily in the case of bumpy roads or a minor crash.  

Are the wheels plastic or rubber? Is the seat rigid or padded? Do the pedals and steering wheel look durable? All of these build characteristics will give you clues to the overall quality. 

Extra Features 

Keep on the lookout for extra features that may sway your decision in one direction. Since safety should always be a priority, one crucial feature is the addition of a handbrake. This mechanism will enable riders to stop more quickly, especially for faster karts or larger riders.  

Another crucial safety feature is a chain cover. Almost all go-karts on the market comply with this essential safety feature but delete it from your cart if the go-kart in question has an exposed chain. 

Large, rubber wheels for all-terrain driving or ergonomic seats and steering wheels are also good features to have if you’re going for the best.  

Budget 

In the end, your choice may be constrained by your budget. Don’t go too far above your price range, or you may end up with buyer’s remorse. On the other hand, if you intend for your child to get a lot of use out of their pedal go-kart, don’t be afraid to spend a little extra. A quality build is worth the investment in the long run. 

How do you narrow down your choice? 

After you’ve taken a good look at all of the factors listed above, ask yourself what’s most important to you. 

Suppose you have a young child that is just starting to pedal. In that case, it may be wise to choose a lower-priced option suited to beginners with fewer premium features. After all, if they really take a liking to go-karting around, you can always upgrade in the future. 

If your child has the need for speed, then choose an option that has the build quality to match. In particular, take a close look at the construction materials. Choose metal builds over plastic, and go for a model with an adjustable seat, large rubber wheels, and a handbrake for added safety. 

Tips on choosing the best pedal go-kart 

• Make sure to choose a pedal go-kart that is built for your child’s age and size. If you choose one that’s too large or too small, it will be hard for them to pedal and steer effectively and could even be unsafe.  
• Think about your child’s favorite color if you’re having trouble choosing between two different options.  
• Consider build quality. If you expect your child to be using this regularly, then invest in something sturdier. On the other hand, if they’ll only have time to take it to the park a few times a month, then an entry model may better suit your budget.  
• What terrain will the pedal go-kart be used on? If it’s just going to be pedaled around the house, smooth plastic wheels will do the trick. But if your child has plans to go off-roading, then look for rubber wheels with more traction.  
• Check online reviews for guidance. For example, if a particular model has a recurring issue, it’s likely to be mentioned by others. Likewise, if people consistently praise one kart in particular, give it a second look. 

The bottom line 

Now that you know how to choose the best pedal go-kart for your child, head over to Aosom‘s go-kart collection page and apply your newly found knowledge.  

Your kid will be pedaling around your driveway in no time. We hope they have a blast, and make sure to remind them to wear a helmet!