At Greenworks, the STEALTH Series Youth Go-Kart is one of our most popular items. Learn tips to keep your kids safe while go-karting, including age and height requirements, driving techniques, proper protective gear, and the importance of supervision.
Want you give your kid a taste of real driving excitement in a controlled environment? Then go-karting might be the perfect activity! It’s certainly a thrill—but as a parent, it’s natural to wonder if go-karting is safe for children. The answer depends on a few key factors, including age-appropriate equipment, proper supervision, and the quality of the go-kart itself. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes go-karting a relatively safe experience for kids, along with go-karting safety tips you need to know to ensure your child stays protected while enjoying the ride.
What Age Is Safe to Start Go-Karting?
Many go-kart tracks offer kid-specific karts for children as young as 5 to 7 years old. These beginner-friendly karts have limited speeds, easy-to-use controls, and extra safety features like seat belts, padded bumpers, and roll cages. For older children (ages 10+ or 14+ depending on the model), youth go-karts—such as the Greenworks 80V STEALTH Series All-Terrain Youth Go-Kart—are slightly faster (reaching up to 25 mph) but still designed with safety in mind. The minimum height requirement for most youth or junior go-karts is 48 inches (4 feet).
Greenworks Tip: For safety, always check your go-kart manual and follow manufacturer guidelines regarding minimum age and height requirements.
What motor type should I choose for my kid’s go-kart?
Low cc or low-wattage engines are typically found in go-kart for kids and beginners. “Cc” stands for cubic centimeters (as a measure of volume). Cc primarily applies to gas-powered go-karts with internal combustion engines. “Wattage” refers to the power output of an electric engine. This applies to electric go-karts. Low cc or low-wattage karts are safer and easier to handle for racing newbies. Gas-powered go-karts for kids and beginners might be 50cc and reach a max speed of up to 35 mph. Many electric go-karts for children have power outputs of a few hundred to a few thousand watts. Just remember, the lower the cc or wattage, the slower the kart.
Greenworks Tip: Whether choosing a gas-powered or electric go-kart for your son or daughter, always prioritize safety and consider your child’s age, height, skill level, and intended use.
How Safe Is Go-Karting in General?
Go-karting has come a long way in terms of safety standards. Today’s tracks and equipment are built to reduce risk and increase enjoyment. Here’s how:
1. Kid-Specific Karts
Modern go-karts explicitly designed for children and teens have many safety features to reduce the risk of accidents. Called “youth go-karts” or “junior go-karts,” these kid-specific karts are engineered with reduced horsepower, reinforced frames, and a lower drive speed to ensure young drivers stay in control. For example, the Greenworks 60V STEALTH Series All-Terrain Electric Youth Go-Kart is a 2-seater go-kart (recommended for ages 14+) that includes harness-style seatbelts plus a padded roll cage and heavy-duty steel frame for added safety.
Go-karts designed for teens and kids also feature bumpers to absorb impacts if collisions occur, keeping children and the kart safe. Another component of a safe go-kart is a quality braking system that’s designed to stop quickly in unexpected or speedy situations. Greenworks go-karts feature front hyaluronic disc brakes and rear drum brakes to prevent accidents.
2. Helmet and Safety Gear
Even with extensive built-in safety features on kid’s go-karts, the appropriate protective gear is essential to keeping your child safe during outdoor or on-track adventures. In case of accidents or a rare rollover incident, a go-kart racing helmet is the most crucial piece of safety gear your child can own. Long sleeves and pants, gloves, and closed-toe shoes provide added protection. If your son or daughter wants to get extra-serious about go-karting (or intend to hit the racing circuit eventually) then a go-kart neck brace and full-body karting suit should also be considered.
3. Track Design and Barriers
Most go-karts (including Greenworks all-terrain go-karts) are used outside on a home property or while camping. However, if you plan on using your go-kart at a designated go-karting track, then it’s worth it to look at child-friendly tracks in your area. These are designed with soft barriers, wide turns, and clear visibility to prevent dangerous collisions. Some indoor tracks also use electronic systems to remotely slow or stop a go-kart if needed.
4. Proper Supervision
Even if your child is a teenager, it’s a good idea to watch them or stay within earshot when they’re using a go-kart. If you’re planning on taking your child to a go-karting track, reputable facilities have trained staff monitoring the track at all times. They guide first-time drivers through rules and offer instructions before each session.
Top Safety Tips for Parents
While go-karting can be safe, it’s still a motorsport and carries some risk. Here’s how to help your child have a secure and fun experience:
- Make sure your child fits the kart properly. They should be able to reach the pedals and steering wheel comfortably.
- Dress your child appropriately. A helmet is a must! Gloves, closed-toe shoes, long pants, and long sleeves are also recommended.
- Teach your child to follow general guidelines. No reckless driving, bumping into people, animals, or objects for fun, or getting out of the kart until it comes to a complete stop.
- Stay nearby. Younger kids may need your encouragement and supervision throughout the go-karting process—especially if they’re less than 10 years old.
Greenworks Tip: Common injuries such as bruises and whiplash can arise if safety measures aren’t taken, so make sure your child understands the importance of wearing a seatbelt and helmet, taking it slow around corners, and stopping the kart if things get out of control.
Greenworks Go-Kart Advantages
Trying to decide if a gas-powered go-kart or an electric go-kart is right for your child? Greenworks offers a few advantages for older kids who want excitement without the risk of fire and burns that can come with a gas-powered go-kart.
SPEED
Expertly designed for power, range, and style, Greenworks Electric Youth Go-Karts reach speeds of up to 25 mph. This is a common speed for junior go-karts because it’s still considered fast and fun (your child will feel the wind in their hair) but it’s not as dangerous as competitive or adult go-karts, which can reach speeds of over 60 mph.
RIDE
Unlike gas-powered go-karts, Greenworks Electric Youth Go-Karts have smoother acceleration and braking, more predictable handling, and better weight distribution.
RANGE
Your child can explore a range of up to 24 miles with 1500 watts of power when he or she drives the 80V STEALTH Series All-Terrain 2-Seat Electric Youth Go-Kart w/ (2) 80V 8.0Ah Batteries & Dual Port Charger.
Want to keep the kids closer to home? The 60V model has a max range of 12.5 miles. This 2-Seat Electric Youth Go-Kart w/ (2) 5.0Ah Batteries and Dual Port Charger goes up to 20 mph and handles effortlessly!
The Bottom Line on Go Kart Safety: Is Karting Safe for Kids?
If your child loves adventure and has a need for speed, go-karting can be a safe and confidence-building way to burn energy and learn basic driving skills. Just make sure you do your research and choose the right kart, gear, and techniques to prioritize your child’s wellbeing. With the proper precautions, kids of all ages can enjoy the excitement of racing while staying protected.
Still curious about go-karts? Discover “ How Fast Do Electric Go-Karts Go?” on the Greenworks blog!
Written by The Green Team, a creative arm within Greenworks Tools.
Our team of writers, designers and content creators bring a breadth of experience and a touch of fun to all things tools. With an assist from the Greenworks product teams and technology experts, we’re here to provide helpful and engaging content to make your yard (and life!) beautiful.
