Electric Go Kart

28 Comments

1. Kal December 13, 2006

   This is amazing, aside from not having brakes it’s an utterly cool project. I wish I had money, the knowledge and time to do the same with my car.
2. sly December 14, 2006

   man, that is so cool .. It made me giddy watching it. . . I have to agree with kal .. .if only I had the time to make something like that! Though, I think I’d go with gas power.
3. Mark February 24, 2007

   Hi. I ran across this link to my kart – thanks for the mention.

   I installed a hydraulic brake on the kart after doing the video. I tried a cable-driven mechanical brake, but that was no good. The kart weighs 325 lbs without driver, so it’s not quite like stopping a bicycle.

   I’m in the process of video-documenting the build of the second kart. (I was warned that building these things is addictive) The new kart will be slightly improved, and of course, faster.

   I hope to show in the video that it’s not really that hard, and if I can do it, you can. The biggest issue is probably cost, but a clever scrounger can build one up for cheap. Look for a clapped out golf cart, or someone who has upgraded the drive on one.

   I got the motor and controller used off of Ebay for about US$500-600. The batteries are the cheapest car starting batteries I could find (about $170 for the 4 of them), and the only other big expense was the tires and wheels. I got them from gokart supply places and I thing the set ran me $250 or so.
   -Mark
   http://www.neurotikart.com
4. BOOSH April 7, 2007

   AWESOME CAR!!! OVER THE LAST YEAR OR TWO, I’VE BEEN OBSEESED WITH MAKING A CAR LIKE THAT! MY CAR’S CALLED THE BOOSHAMBA THOUGH, AND IT’S GOT A BODY AND STUFF. DON’T THINK I’VE ALREADY MADE ONE BECAUSE I’M ONLY A KID. I’M ALSO SUPPOSED TO BE MAKING A SCIENCE PROJECT IN SCHOOL SOON, AND IT’S ABOUT MAKING YOUR OWN INVENTION, AND I WAS THINKING OF MAKING AN ELECTRIC GO KART. NOT REALLY, BUT A DRAWING. IS IT OKAY IF I TALK ABOUT YOURS IN LIKE ONE SENTENCE? BECAUSE YOU’VE MADE A SWEET CAR THAT DOESN’T DESTROY THE EARTH. GOOD JOB MAN!!! OH YEAH AND, HOW MUCH DID IT COST TO MAKE THAT GOKART???
5. Scott April 9, 2007

   How long does your cart run per charge and how fast? very cleaver distrubution of weight.

   I want to build one for my kids and maybe myself 🙂 maybe off road

   thanks
   Scott
6. Mark April 23, 2007

   I don’t mind being mentioned or linked. I’m kind of tickled that folks like the kart. I just upgraded to Optima deep cycle batteries. The weight is now more like 350 lbs w/out driver, it lasts about an hour on a charge, and you see how it gets driven. Top speed is 25-35 mph, depending on drive gearing.

   I’m continuing to document the build via video, and I think that’s inspired some other builders.

   -Mark
7. Kyle May 14, 2007

   What kind of motor did you use,I want to make a go-cart that only goes about 20-25 MPH,any recomendations? Thanks.
8. Anthony August 28, 2007

   Hello i would like to know who is the inventor for this electric go kart. Reply on my email.
9. alec August 31, 2007

   wat is the frame made out of i want to know because i want to build me own 1
10. Mike January 22, 2008

    Hi im Wondering if i could get the blueprints and how much supplies are needed to build that because im into trying to buildingan eletric go-kart and i need a little help lol so if u can please send me the blue prints to my email?
11. MistaPrimeMinista January 23, 2008

    Hi Mike,

    I do not have the blue prints for this. Try to google it and find out who made. Im sorry thats all I can say.
12. Me January 23, 2008

    I think you could make it with a treadmill motor, if you’ve ever looked under the plastic part of a treadmill you can find that motor. But I don’t know if your willing to spend $1000 on a treadmill just to destroy it. 😛
13. cplowman June 5, 2008

    HOw fast does yours go mine is gas powerd and home made from a snowmachine frame and a dirtbike and four wheeler check out carson plowman.com. It goes about 90 to 120
14. bigfan December 7, 2008

    can you send me the instructions / the blue prints or a guide to make the same go kart as yourse and what it is made with i want to do a father/ son activity with my dad!
15. don February 13, 2009

    cart looks cool.Built one when I was a kid 30 years ago.Used a 440 Rupp Nitro motor.It did 57 mph in 2.2 sec.never did know top speed.If you want to find your speed Tape off 100 feet devide by 1.46=68.4 devide by how many seconts it takes to go the 100 feet.Example 1sec. 68.4mph,2sec.34.2mph .6tenths of a sec.114mph.Hope this helps on a more accureate speed.
16. martin April 25, 2009

    that is really cool i want to build one now
17. nik May 17, 2009

    how much money do you want to make me one
18. SFJSLFD July 12, 2009

    AWESOME
19. SFJSLFD July 12, 2009

    Im making one out of a lawnmower engine and just looking for the frame.
20. cheese man August 5, 2009

    how much was the motor and power suply
21. max December 6, 2009

    what would i need to make it go faster. and where could i get plans to make an electric go kart.
22. max December 6, 2009

    in your video you say an advanced dc motor whats ,
    advanced.
23. Anonymous January 19, 2010

    U SUK AT DRIFTING!!! 🙁 🙁
24. ACW November 27, 2011

    hey what are the blueprints of it and how much did it cost? i am thinking of making a go kart and debating weather to go gas or electric
25. RHIMELX April 3, 2012

    MADE THE BABY CRY AT THE END
26. Mathieu Labelle February 10, 2013

    What is the motor you use and what are the batteries type. Do you use a controller? What type. Thank you
27. boconcept July 9, 2014

    how long does it stay charge under driving conditions and do you have to charge separately or individually also what is the motor from and is it DC?
    • HIGH T3CH July 9, 2014

      Those are all great questions which I have no answer for:)