Some states however allow modifications of these, called super pocket bikes (in contrast to mini bikes), to operate on the roads. These modifications include headlights, turn signals, speedometer and horn, or even just a rear view mirror and brackets for a license plate, to qualify for a license. They are generally grouped under the category of unique or home-built vehicles.

Mini Pocket bikes consist of two types, gas powered or battery powered. The gas powered ones are preferred by speeding enthusiasts, because they take up hardly any fuel and promise excellent mileage, with the added speed of course. Electric or battery powered pocket bikes, however are safer for use by kids, since they don’t go above a top speed of 40km/hr and are even cheaper than gas powered pocket bikes. Just charge the battery overnight, and you’ll be good to go, the next day. These work the same as an electric go cart.

Safety is a crucial aspect of driving a pocket bike, because like any other motor vehicle, the chances of an accident at high speeds are unavoidable. Always take the necessary safety precautions like, helmets, gloves and the like, to safeguard your body from damage. Their small size makes the vehicle and the rider, prone to massive damage on collision and is a great danger to both life and limb. If you feel like the conditions for driving are less then amiable, then don’t drive. Its also very stupid to drive an unlicensed vehicle on the main roads, where the traffic fines can be as high as $2000.

Since the market for the pocket bike has grown sensationally in the past few years there are thousands of modifications and customization kits available on the market. Pocket bike parts are becoming more available to the consumer of such products. Racing tournaments are often held at the local beach or mud track, similar to dirt biking for pocket dirt bikes or go carts and they come to show their skills and share their passion with other speed enthusiasts.

Go karting has been around for decades and every year more and more go karts can be seen on neighborhood streets or in yards alike. Children can’t get enough and every Christmas new kids go carts show up on the street reaking havoc on the rest of the neighborhood. But they are not just for street use many of them are off road go karts that have been setup for dirt trails and street as well. There are street go carts and off road go carts alike. Many of which are gas powered as well as some electric go carts. I have seen many of them on mountain ranges riding through trails like they were an all terrain vehicle and its impressive. Gas go carts are much more powerful than their electric counterparts. I have even seen pedal go carts for the much younger children who are looking at safety first.
When your a kid growing up The first thing to consider when buying a go kart is what age group your dealing with, obviously a 4 or 5 year old doesn’t need a 40 mph go kart. The beginner age which is typically 4 years old starts with a 4 or 5 horsepower go kart which usually runs about 15 mph. That’s pretty good at that age and dangerous as the same time if not properly watched out for.  The amateur age is usually 8-12 and with about a 6hp cart that does 20-25 mph which is not too shabby. Obviously the higher the age the faster you can go with these and as parents we need to make sure we are smart about what we choose for our children to get into.

Go karts are fun but also dangerous at the same time. Safety is the most important factor with anything motorized and these are no exception. They are setup from the factory with a 3 point harness or seat belt and padded roll cage so if you do flip it or wreck you drastically reduce your chances of being injured. Its just like a car and should be treated like one. Helmets are also a requirement at all times and can be accessorized to look like the cart itself if you so choose. There are half and full face helmets and as any parent would guess full face is definitely the way to go.

There are videos and manuals on go karting and they should be studied before any child takes a ride. Its the parents job to make sure they properly educate themselves and their children before letting them loose on anything that has speed. Your first plan of action is taking your child out to an empty lot or field and teaching them the basics of throttle control and braking before letting them go wild.

You can find cheap go carts at several local locations like pep boys and Walmart especially in the fall and winter months. There are used go carts all over the newspaper and internet. Brands such as Carter go carts and Manco go carts offer great dependability and safety. Your local Yamaha, Kawasaki or Honda dealers typically have go karts for sale as well but if that doesn’t suit you the internet is always a great place to find reviews on certain models and the best prices available.