Frequently asked questions
Not answered here
If your question is about which kart fits a specific rider and a specific space, email us with three things: the rider’s weight, what the surface is, and the dimensions of the area. That is enough to give you a real answer, including when the answer is the cheaper kart.
Contact us, or work through the buying guide, which covers the five specs that decide a purchase in the order they matter.
The full range is on all drift karts.
Common questions
How fast do drift karts go?
8 mph on our 24V kids kart, 14 on the 36V, 25 on the 48V Ripcord R1, 28 on the off-road Torque T2 and 40 on the 72V R3. From a seat six inches off the ground, 25 mph reads roughly like 60 mph in a car.
What weight can they take?
250 lb on all three adult karts, 110 lb on the Cadet 24 and 130 lb on the Cadet 36. These are published ratings that account for the dynamic loads riding adds, not static 'supports up to' figures.
Are drift karts street legal?
In nearly every US state, no. No VIN, no federal safety certification, no lighting package and no DOT tires, so there is nothing to register. Private property, permitted lots and tracks only.
What surface do I need?
Smooth and sealed. Polished concrete is ideal, smooth sealed asphalt works well. Rough chipseal runs but wears a $59 set of slide sleeves in 6 to 8 hours instead of 25. Grass and gravel need the off-road Torque T2.
How much space do I need?
Roughly 40 by 60 feet of smooth sealed surface for an adult kart, and closer to 100 by 150 feet with runoff before a 40 mph kart makes sense. Kids karts work on a driveway or garage floor.
How long does the battery last per charge?
45 to 75 minutes of mixed riding depending on model and rider weight. Charging takes 4 to 6 hours. Drifting draws more than cruising because it holds the motor at high torque and low rpm.
How many years does a battery last?
Three to five years of regular riding, ending around 70 to 80% of original capacity. Charging after every session and storing at half charge roughly doubles pack life.
Can I replace the battery myself?
Yes. Every pack is a removable module on a standard XT90 connector, no cutting or soldering. Replacements are $180 for 24V, $260 for 36V, $495 for 48V, $595 for 60V and $795 for 72V.
What age can a child start?
Around 8, if they can press the pedal fully with their back flat against the seat and reliably lift off the throttle when surprised rather than freezing on it. Weight and reach matter more than birthday.
Do kids karts have a speed limiter?
Three modes, key-set on the frame and out of reach from the seat. Mode 1 is walking pace, mode 3 is full speed. Two keys supplied.
Can adults ride the kids karts?
Only riders under the rated capacity, 110 lb or 130 lb. Pedal reach and steering are also sized for a smaller body, so a tall adult will be cramped even under the weight limit.
Which kart should I buy first?
For most adults, the Ripcord R1 at 25 mph. A 40 mph kart is a poor first kart at any level of driving experience, because the correction window is short enough to punish hesitation.
Can I ride in the rain?
No. These are splash resistant, not waterproof, and wet ground removes what little rear grip slide sleeves have. Store indoors.
Why does my kart cut out after ten minutes?
Almost always controller thermal cutout, from an undersized controller or poor airflow. If it recovers after five minutes of sitting still, it is thermal rather than a battery fault.
Do you sell parts separately?
Every component of every kart, as its own SKU, stocked in the US. Motors, controllers, throttles, chargers, packs, hubs, bearings, brake parts and sleeves.
How long do slide sleeves last?
20 to 30 hours of adult riding on smooth sealed concrete, as little as 6 to 8 on rough chipseal. A set of four is $59.
Can I convert a gas go-kart to electric?
Usually, if the frame is sound. You keep the frame, steering, brake, seat and axle. Budget $700 to $1,100 for a matched drive kit plus a mount plate and a weekend.
Is building cheaper than buying?
Marginally on a first build. A chassis plus a matched drive kit is about $1,400 against $1,295 for a complete R1. The real return is a kart you can repair and upgrade.
How do the karts ship?
Free, on every order, with no minimum. Kids karts by parcel. Adult karts and chassis crated by freight with liftgate delivery included. Batteries ship ground only under hazardous materials rules, and we cover the hazmat surcharge.
What is the warranty?
Two years on the frame, twelve months on electronics and the battery pack against defects. Riding over the published rated rider weight voids it.