Today electric go karts are custom designed to resembled miniature versions of popular automobiles. There are models that are designed as little cars with a steering wheels, brakes, exterior, interior, headlights and brake lights just like a real automobile, just smaller.

There are even electric go carts for kids that are designed to look like real racing cars like the ones used on the Indianapolis 500, equipped with helmet and all just on a much smaller slower scale. The electric go kart is the wave of the future and present with the go green mantra and environmentally aware world we live in now.

Because of today’s computer technology, electric powered go karts have become almost space-age in style and performance. Today’s karts tend to be more sleek and streamlined than their bulky, clumsy predecessors of 30 some years ago. And most importantly, because more people are concerned about the ecology, today’s kids electric go karts are environmentally friendly and far more advanced.

Fast electric go karts can be a fun hobby if you’re careful and extremely cautious. Generally, it’s safer to operate one in areas where it will not interfere will automobile traffic; keep in mind a go-kart is not an actual standard-sized vehicle, it’s only a replica of such, its drivers does not necessarily feel obliged to the rules of the road. The rules that are actually designed for legitimate motorists. Driving the smaller slower mini electric go karts on the streets can actually be dangerous, since the motorist may not be able to see the smaller replica or see it in time.

That’s why it’s much safer to drive in a public place such as a large park or an unoccupied school racetrack that is generally used for track and field if that’s allowed. You can even find indoor electric go carts and tracks to utilize them in a much safer environment. These are generally for those who are at least 10 years old and up.

The used electric go karts tend to be less expensive as their larger, standard-sized versions, but they are not necessarily cheap either. They can cost anywhere from $200 to over $500 or more, depending on their brand and accessories that may come with it. You have to decide one that is designed to fit your budget. However cheap electric go karts would definitely be your best bet especially when you are just starting out in the hobby.

Go karting and racing can be fun, but the question is, is it for you and your children? Is it safe, and more importantly, can you afford the price and the time it takes to keep your child competitive in the world of go cart racing. Of course, the choice is yours.

DESIGN- Keep a design fixed in your mind or translate it to paper. Decide all the possible variables, such as the number of people riding it, the terrain it will be driven on, engine size, clutch type, materials, drive system and suspension, if any before hand. Do you want gas powered or electric go carts. All calculations of engine torque, weight distribution will be done based on these variables, so choose carefully.

ANALYSIS OF DESIGN- Once you design the go carts initial setup it is necessary to make certain calculations about the vehicle layout and chain size, to make sure your go cart moves. Analysis is the most crucial step, during the entire process and mistakes here can be costly. A few essential parameters to be calculated, here are:

* Center of gravity – this determines the steering of the kart, as a good balanced design has 50% weight distributed on all wheels (the weight includes the driver’s weight as well)
* Engine Drive Line- calculate the engine size to weight ratios, including the chain size and tension, and determine the type of clutch you are going to use
* Strength of Frame- analyze the chassis and decide which material suits it best foe maximum flexibility and stress handling, with out being too heavy
* Component selection- Choose the type of chain, bearings and clutch which would ensure optimum performance, relative to size

GETTING GO CART PARTS / MATERIALS- If you’ve mapped out the complete car on your garage floor or on your computer, you need to pick up the materials that make up the kart which are essentially called go kart parts. Get all the materials together, by size beforehand to save a lot of time. Some parts, such as the engine can be taken of your lawnmower; otherwise there are good go carting stores, which ship materials at affordable rates. Go cart parts are all over the internet and at very comparable and affordable rates.

WELDING THE GO CART FRAME- Get all the pieces of the right sizes and shapes, if you want to learn how to build a go cart frame. Typically, you should, tack up the main frame and weld it, then the rear axle, followed by the engine, drive line and braking system. Then mount the seats; making sure you can remove them out easily later. Layouts the bottom skins and finally attach, the throttle and brake pedal systems.

TEST DRIVE THE GO CART- The test drive will help point out any errors you made during your go cart design, which are bound to be there, because you just don’t know how to build a go kart right, the first time. The brakes may not be adjusted, or worst case, not working, the clutch may smoke, the chain may be loose or the steering may be misaligned. All of these problems require minor readjustments. You should congratulate yourself if it moves.

GO CART PAINTING- Painting is a long drawn out procedure and its done best with a power sprayer. If coating the primer, taping and papering is not your cup of tea, then your local automotive shop will be happy to do it for you for a few bucks.

Building a go cart is a certain joy that comes from achieving something you thought was previously impossible. If you still find yourself asking, “How to make a go cart?”, then look online for some good reference guides. This will provide you with the necessary go kart parts and detailed lists of tools to use and the calculations required. There are manuals for every kind of cart from metal to even how to build a wooden go cart.