If you are thinking about diving into the world of personal transportation vehicles, you may be considering go-karts vs electric scooters. Even the best electric scooters may lack some of the thrills of a go-kart. Which is best, and what are their differences? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Go-karts and electric scooters differ primarily in how they are used, as riding a kart is like riding an automobile, and riding an e-scooter is essentially its own thing.
- There are two types of go-karts available. Purpose-built models and go-kart kits that use an electric scooter as the base.
- Go-karts will be more expensive than e-scooters, whereas electric scooters will be more portable.
Differences Between Go-Karts and Electric Scooters
The obvious difference for most consumers will be how these vehicles are used. You ride an e-scooter standing up, using the scooter’s integrated sensor mechanisms to move. When it comes to a go-kart, you sit down, thrust, and steer much as you would do with a normal automobile. Go-karts fall into two categories. There are purpose-built karts, and there are kits that transform a traditional e-scooter into a go-kart. Here are more differences between the two.
Go-Kart Kits and Cost
There is no way around it. Go-karting is a pricy hobby. On average, standalone go-karts will cost much more than electric scooters. Additionally, if you go with a go-kart kit, such as the Segway Ninebot kit, you’ll have to spring for both the kit and the electric scooter to attach it to. Be extremely careful when transforming a scooter into a go-kart, as not all models can integrate with all kits. Read the instructions and specifications thoroughly before making your purchase.
Insider Tip
Some go-kart kits, such as those that integrate with the Segway Ninebot, can be attached and removed easily for instantaneous go-karting.
Repair Issues
Go-karts have many moving parts and, just like a car, any one of them can break down at any time. There are shocks, brakes, motors, wheels, tires, and more. On the other hand, an electric scooter tends to be an all-in-one contraption, with most repair issues relegated to the battery or, in rare cases, the motor. In other words, you’ll experience fewer maintenance-related headaches with a scooter over a go-kart.
Speed
A purpose-built go-kart should be able to go a bit faster than a standard electric scooter, as go-karts may not be bound by the same local rules and regulations regarding maximum speed and speed limit. If a go-kart’s motor uses gas, it will likely zip along much faster than an e-scooter, which is something one questions when considering electric vs gas scooters. However, when you are dealing with a go-kart kit, the speed will be tied directly to the motor that powers the scooter that is being transformed.
Ease-of-Control
This depends on personal preference to a certain extent, though anyone familiar with driving an automobile should immediately take to a go-kart. There is a foot-based throttle, a foot-based braking system, and a wheel for turning. Everything is self-explanatory. When it comes to electric scooters, however, there will be something of a learning curve. Self-balancing scooters include sensitive gyroscopes that translate minute body and postural movements into thrust, velocity, and turns. This becomes second nature after a while, but it will take a few rides to get the hang of it. Additionally, if you are looking for another form of transportation that is easy to control, check out the comparison between a moped vs a scooter.
Brakes and Shocks
When it comes to a smooth ride, go-karts have the edge. With four wheels to consider, the vehicle should make short work out of any bumps in the road, potholes, and the like. Purpose-built go-karts will often include heavy-duty shocks and a robust braking system, especially when compared to what is found with motorized scooters and mobility scooters. Some go-karts will feature automatic transmission, while others will include manual transmission, to suit different consumers. Additionally, you want your electric scooter to have good braking so that you can be safer both for yourself and those around you. You can read more about how those around you can be protected with our article on how dangerous it can be for pedestrians vs electric scooters.
Portability
Go-karts are not portable at all, as they are fairly large and heavy vehicles that typically cannot be folded up for transport or storage. Motorized scooters, and even kick scooters, are typically small and fairly light. Additionally, a folding scooter can easily be folded up when not in use.
Warning
No matter which type of vehicle you end up with, be sure to wear protective gear during use. This gear should include a helmet, knee pads, and arm pads.
F.A.Q.S
Do you need insurance for a moped or a scooter in California?
Riding a moped will require insurance in California and a scooter will not. Electric bikes, otherwise known as electric bicycles, will also not require insurance.
What is a moped?
A moped is essentially a motorized bicycle, though they are not to be confused with mini bikes. Mopeds tend to feature powerful motors that can go up to 30 miles per hour.
What will happen to moped violators?
If you ride a moped without having insurance, you will likely get a ticket, though repeat offenders can face even more dire situations.
STAT: An electric scooter for kids will have a maximum weight capacity of approximately 125 pounds, while an electric scooter for adults will have a much higher weight capacity, likely 220 pounds or more. (source)
