How Fast Do Go Karts Go? A Parent’s Guide to Karting Speeds and Safety

Thinking of introducing your tiny thrillseeker to the high-octane world of go-karting? You’re not alone. Whether you’re considering a trip to a karting track or buying a battery/pedal-powered go-kart for garden fun, motorsports are a fantastic way for children to develop coordination, confidence, and a healthy sense of competition.

Go kart speeds vary depending on the modal and power unit, but the fastest go karts are shifter go-karts, which can reach speeds of 100mph (160 km/h). In this guide, we discuss everything you need to know, from top speeds and safety tips to types of engines and where your child can and can’t legally drive a go-kart.

Can You Drive a Go Kart on the Road?

You can’t drive a go-kart on the road as they don’t meet the legal requirements for road vehicles, which must be equipped with headlights, turn signals, mirrors, seat belts, and crash protection.

Instead, most jurisdictions classify go-karts as off-road or recreational vehicles, so stick to controlled environments like racetracks or private property and ensure you always supervise your child as they zoom around.

Go Kart Top Speed

A go-kart’s top speed can range between 5-6mph (8-10 km/h) for a ride-on model with a 12v rechargeable battery to velocities of over 100mph (160 km/h) for a full-size shifter kart. Here’s a bit more information about go-kart speeds by vehicle type:

• Kid-friendly battery-powered go-karts: perfect for beginners and safe to use at the park or in the garden, these karts are powered by a 12v rechargeable battery, capping speeds at between 5-6mph (8-10 km/h).

Most are also typically designed for dual control, allowing children to self-drive via easy-to-use pedals for acceleration and braking, or parents can take the reins using a convenient parental remote control.

• Junior rental karts at commercial tracks: once your future F1 champion has developed a need for speed, consider visiting a proper circuit and hiring a junior go-kart. These usually top out at 25mph (40 km/h), striking the perfect balance between excitement and safety.
• High-performance adult go-karts: for grown-up karters, racing go-karts can zip around the track at speeds of 70-80mph (112-128 km/h), sometimes more.
• Professional shifter karts: the fastest of the bunch, shifters can reach speeds of 100mph (160 km/h) and sometimes push the dial even further — definitely not for beginners, but seriously fun!

When choosing a kart for your child, you’ll want to match the speed to their age, experience, and confidence level. Slower is better for young children, and there’s always room to upgrade later as their skills grow.

Fastest Go Kart Engine

The fastest go-kart engine is a 250cc 2-stroke engine, capable of reaching 140mph (225km/h) on large tracks — it’s truly incredible how much performance can be packed into such a small vehicle!

These miniature race cars are designed for competitive karting with big trophies at stake and are typically custom-built using adapted motorcycle or small car engines.

The racer must also decide whether to opt for a 2-stroke engine (completing a power cycle with just two powerful piston movements, ideal for high performance) or a 4-stroke engine (completing a power cycle in four separate strokes, which is better for fuel efficiency). Of course, for little ones just starting out, you’re not looking at these types of engines. But it’s good to know what’s out there and where the sport can go if your child gets hooked.

How Fast is a 125cc Go Kart?

A 125cc go-kart can reach speeds of between 70-80mph (112-129km/h), with the “cc” standing for cubic centimetres, which refers to the total volume of all an engine’s cylinders, indicating its size and power output. These karts are often seen as a step up for intermediate drivers who want more speed and control. However, the speed does depend on whether the kart is using a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine:

Engine Stroke	Top Speed
125cc 2-stroke	80mph (129km/h)
125cc 4-stroke	25-35mph (40-56km/h)

For context, a 125cc kart is not something you’d put a 7-year-old in. But for a responsible 12 to 14-year-old with some experience, it might be a thrilling next step under supervision.

How Fast is a 200cc Go-Kart?

A 200cc go-kart can reach speeds of 120mph (193 km/h) when powered by a 2-stroke engine due to its lightweight design and rapid power delivery. These high-revving engines produce impressive acceleration and often feature in performance-focused karting setups.

However, most go-karts found at rental facilities don’t come close to this maximum speed — and for good reason! Even if a 200cc kart can leave a 125cc engine in the dust, rental versions are typically equipped with governors or rev limiters to cap their top speed at around 40 to 50mph (64 to 80km/h).

These features ensure a safer experience for drivers of varying skill levels (essential when youngsters are just starting out), reducing the risk of accidents and minimising wear and tear on the karts themselves. So, the average go-kart speed really does depend on the type of kart you’re talking about. For younger tots taking their first tentative circuits, a 12v battery-powered go-kart is ideal, or even a kart they can push along at their own comfortable pace using pedals! As they grow and gain experience, they can safely move into 30+mph territory with the right training and protective gear.

If your child is showing a strong interest in motorsports, karting is a fantastic gateway, teaching them discipline, responsibility, and focus. Just remember: speed is fun, but safety and skill-building are what make a great young driver.