Recreational go-karts are only meant for kids. Eh. Wrong!
Technology has evolved a lot since go-karts became a thing and today, they come in many sizes and shapes. The larger models equipped with high payload capacity, terrific speed, sturdy design, adjustable seat height cater to recreational kart-racers of all ages.
In this article, we present you with a selection of 5 best Heavy Performance Go-Kart for adults that are specially designed to let you have a blast (not literally) with your whole family on weekends.
The featured models are easily adjustable to the height of the rider, making them suitable for both kids and tall and chubby adults like me.
Apart from load capacity, top speed, and acceleration, we have also taken into account the build quality, brake system, ease of assembly, ease of handling, and safety while choosing our favorites.
So without any further ado, let’s jump right into it:
| Images | Product Name | Weight Capacity | |
|---|---|---|---|
  |
Segway Ninebot Electric GoKart | 220 lbs | |
  |
Coleman Powersports Go Kart | 400 lbs | |
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Coleman Powersports Go Kart | 150 lbs |
Top 5 Best Go-Karts for Adults 2023 Reviews
1.Segway Ninebot GoKart – Best Electric GoKart For Adult
Max Load: 220 lbs.
Top Speed: Up to 15 MPH.
- Enjoy a fully-functional GoKart with range up to 13.7 miles and speed up to 10mph.
- Segway GoKart features a handbrake and brake pedal to switch forward and backward, adjustable frame length and steering wheel height, and three driving modes suitable for different ages.
- Collapsible for convenient portability, and features a warranty for download of the Segway app.
As some reviewers have so rightly pointed out, the smooth acceleration on this go-kart does remind of Tesla. It can go from 0 to 15 MPH in seconds and can go up to 9 miles with a single charge. On leveled pavements, you can go as fast as 24 mph. It has three driving modes- novice, standard, and sports, allowing you to ease yourself into high-speed Go-Kart racing at your own pace.
Note that you will need to purchase either a Segway MiniPRO or NineBot S separately. Once the go-kart attachment is connected to your hoverboard, make sure it’s in the Go-Kart mode and not self-balancing mode.
This part is mentioned in the hoverboard manual. It’s a shame that the kart manual doesn’t say anything about it. Never forget to switch to Kart mode before firing up the Kart to avoid losing control and hurting yourself badly in the process.
Once you’re past the learning curve, you will realize what a bomb this little thing is. It’s built like a tank, with a heavy-duty tubular frame and top-notch parts- justifying the high expense.
The pneumatic tires compensate for the absence of a suspension. These tires grip the road well and hold up nicely on gravel. If you wish to take this to the next level and try drift racing, it’s totally possible with this kart. You have to pull and turn the handbrake to drift it.
You don’t have to connect it to the app every time you take it out for a spin. The Ninebot app is mostly required for the initial setup.
However, I must say the whole experience is way more awesome with the app, especially if you are a go-kart noob or a concerned parent. You can limit the speed to 5 mph via the app before your young and adrenaline-loving kids hop in the kart.
The app lets you keep track of the remaining range, battery life, switch driving modes, follow riding instructions in addition to giving fault reminders.
2. Coleman Powersports Off Road Go Kart – Dirt Racing Go Kart For Adult
Max Load: 400 lbs
Top Speed: 15 MPH
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Although the description mentions 15 mph, 20 mph is the actual default max speed on this model without any tampering, which is quite expected from a 196cc engine.
And with throttle adjustment, you can add another 7-10 mph to this. Mind you that this kart doesn’t have a reverse gear, so you will have to manually push it backwards if it gets stuck.
The throttle limiter is one of the best things about this Go-Kart. It looks like a small flat head screw and is located beside the throttle body. The screw lets you limit the top speed to as low as 5 mph, which is great if the rider is an overenthusiastic kid who is riding a Go-kart for the first time.
The engine is fantastic for the price and packs enough punch for riders under the age of 16. It hardly ever needs more than one pull to get running. I wish the engine oil cap was more easily accessible, though.
About the safety, the padded roll cage and sturdy seatbelts serve the purpose. However, I should note that the vehicle is on the smaller side. While the weight is no issue, people over 5’3′ will find their heads sticking out over the roll cage.
But this doesn’t take away from the fact that this Go-Kart is a terrific value for money for its robust engine and impressive speed- perfect for Sunday Go-kart racing with friends and family on driveways. For serious off-roading, it’s not the perfect Go-kart for an adult rider.
3. Coleman Powersports Go Cart – Best gas-powered GoKart for adults
Max Load: 150 lbs.
Top Speed: About 20 mph
- 4 stroke OHV 1 cylinder – 98cc/3.0hp engine for powerful, fuel efficient performance
- Easy pull start operation, with torque converter CVT system, low-pressure tires and hydraulic disc brakes for smooth riding and reliable stopping
- Bolstered seat, four-point safety harness, padded roll cage, kill switch and heavy-duty tubular construction for secure and durable fun for riders up to 150lbs.
The third model to make it to our list of the best Go Karts for adults is also a Coleman creation. Easy to handle, a breeze to put together, and a pleasure to drive- Powersports 98cc is everything you’d want in an entry-level Go-Kart.
Unlike the previous model built for short people, this one can comfortably and safely accommodate people above 5’10’, weighing over 200 lbs.
The default speed is around 20 mph without any tampering, coupled with decent acceleration. You can limit the speed to 10 mph using the governor on the engine, which is what I’d do when I’m training my 10-year-old to ride the Kart.
The gas pedal and solid brake system make slowing down and speeding up a smooth and effortless undertaking, something beginners will benefit a lot from.
My only issue is with the dumb positioning of the engine oil fill. You will need a flexible gooseneck funnel and some degree of skill to avoid spilling the oil while re-filling.
4.Kandi 150cc Gokart – Best 2 Seaters GoKart For Adult
Max Load: 330 lbs.
Top Speed: 35 MPH
- Kandi 150cc Go Kart is designed for ages 9 and up, with a max weight of 140 lbs and variable speed foot pedal acceleration reaching up to 12 mph.
- Features a Drift Bar allowing drivers to control their drifts, spins and cornering, as well as a pneumatic front tire and anti-tip front caster wheels.
- Includes a powerful 24V rechargeable battery system, charger and flag with a battery life of up to 40 mins.
Powered by a mighty and efficient 150cc engine and equipped with an automatic clutch and reverse- Kandi Smart would make a great choice for both novice and intermediate riders.
The heavy-duty body panel and high-quality engineering enable it to withstand the serious abuse of off-roading. The big wheels grip the off-roading tracks really well. Together with a reliable suspension system, it ensures a smooth, hitch-free ride on rough roads. I wish it had a better turning radius at high-speed though.
The unit comes attached to a heavy-duty metal crate. You will need help to get it off the crate before you can get to the assembly part.
Luckily, the buggy comes pre-assembled for the most part and the instructions on how to assemble the rest of the parts i.e the tires, steering wheel, handlebars, roll cage, and seats are pretty easy to follow.
5.Generic 4 Seat Go Kart
Max Load: 350-400 lbs approx.
Top Speed: 30 mph when fully loaded
- Powerful 1,000-watt brushless electric motor with top speed selections of 10 mph, 15 mph, and 20 mph for a thrilling ride.
- Heavy-duty tubular hi-tensile steel frame with roll bar cage, netting and safety bars for added safety.
- Rigid frame and turf-safe 14-inch tires for use on the pavement and on grass with a half-moon steering wheel, bucket seat with seatbelt, throttle and brake pedals, and hydraulic rear brake for real racing control.
With some upgrades, this beast will be on the same level as those huge, badass, all-terrain friendly Go Karts. The existing 150cc engine with CVT transmission has plenty of power and torque for recreational off-roading in the backyard or farm.
Even when fully loaded, it tops out at 30-35 mph, and with about 150 lbs load on it, expect it to hit 41 mph on smooth asphalt surfaces. The only serious downside to this buggy is the instructions manual.
The instructions are dumpster fire. Better follow online tutorials or get expert help to get the job done.
What to consider when buying a Go-Kart for adults?
1. Size of the vehicle
If you don’t fit the go-kart you are buying, your money is totally wasted. There are a lot of large go-karts made for adults. Make sure the vehicle has around 65-70-in length and 50-60-in width.
The go-karts we reviewed will fit people between 5ft 6-in to over 6-ft height. If you fall below or over this range, you will need to look for height compatibility.
2. Weight capacity
Go-karts over 150 lbs weight capacity will be good enough for average people. But the higher the better.
Sometimes, you will be riding with a partner. In that case, you should look for a minimum 300 lbs weight capacity. If you get this wrong, your vehicle’s performance will diminish and there will be a risk of motor disfunction.
3. Electric or gas powered Go-kart
Gas-powered go-karts are perfect go-karts for adults as you are not limited to the battery runtime and ride all day long just by refilling the tank.
Gas-powered go-karts are more powerful and in the long run, you won’t have to buy a new set of batteries to keep it running.
However, electric versions are quickly catching up and you can check out the Segway Ninebot as it has a futuristic look and is also easy to learn as a beginner.
4. Adjustable seat height & steering
Most go-karts these days have adjustable seats. You can easily change the height of the seat and this can give you a bit more customization opportunities. What’s best is you get to ride at the height you feel most comfortable.
Moreover, some vehicles might even have an adjustable steering column. You can easily bring the steering closer to you and enjoy riding the vehicle.
5. Performance (Top speed, acceleration & control)
Depending on what model of go-kart you buy, its performance will vary. For personal use, a 35 mph go-kart will be more than enough. In some models, the engine is more efficient and is able to produce higher speeds at lower CCs.
Gas-powered vehicles will take some time to gain acceleration compared to electric go-karts. So, if you need instant acceleration from Zero to top speed, electric go-karts should be your first priority.
You can also look at reviews where people talk about the steering capabilities of the go-kart. Tires and suspensions are also worth taking a look if you plan on riding on rough terrains.
6. Useful features
You can also find different kinds of features in go-karts that can enhance your riding experience. Features like reverse gear, remote control access, speed limiter, etc. are commonly seen.
7. Safety systems
Generally, go-karts will have two safety systems. There will be a metal crate or cage outside that will prevent you from falling off when turning at high speeds. Make sure it has good-quality seat belts that won’t fray or come loose.Â
Wrap Up
Now that you have a narrowed-down list of the best Go Karts for Adults, pick one that fits your needs and knock yourselves out. Gone are the days when Go-Karts were simply toys for kids.
With the surge of large, heavy-duty Go-Karts, like the ones featured on this list, adults too can get a good taste of Go-Karting, solo or with the whole family.
All you have to do is make sure not to speed up unless you are fully confident and never forget to wear appropriate safety gear.
