Are you planning on building your own go-kart and are wondering about the costs that are associated with it? Building go-karts is an extremely fun project that you can take on yourself or as a family project. So, how much does it really cost to build a go-kart?
Generally speaking, building your own go-kart will cost you around $400 to $860 depending on whether you are going to buy used or brand new parts. Either way, spending $400 to build your own go-kart is an affordable price range for pretty much any type of budget. I’ve created a table below for quick reference where you’ll be able to see a summary of each part cost, as well as the overall total price.
| Go-Kart Part | Part Price (Used) | Part Price (New) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Frame | $75 | $200 |
| 2. Steering Kit | $35 | $90 |
| 3. Wheels | $25 | $60 |
| 4. Tires | $30 | $100 |
| 5. Spindles | $15 | $35 |
| 6. Pedals | $10 | $15 |
| 7. Seat | $35 | $60 |
| 8. Sprocket | $12 | $20 |
| 9. Chain | $5 | $15 |
| 10. Brake Kit | $40 | $80 |
| 11. Throttle Cable | $1 | $4 |
| 12. Live Axle | $15 | $25 |
| 13. Bearings | $2 | $6 |
| 14. Engine | $100 | $150 |
| Total Cost | $400 | $860 |
How Much Does Each Part Cost?
Now that you know what the total cost is to build a go-kart, you should take a look at the price of each component. This is where you can fine-tune your budgeting and see where you prefer to spend or save a bit more.
1. Cost of Go-Kart Frame
The frame acts as the foundation of your go-kart. You’ll find that almost every other component will interact with the frame in one way or the other. You can opt for a new go-kart frame which will cost you about $200. As these frames are made specifically for go-karts, they will usually also come with the required mounts, brackets and hoops.
If you are looking for a used frame on craigslist or eBay, you should be able to get them for around $75. You can also find steel bars and plates if you are on a shoestring budget and weld them together yourself. Keep in mind that this method only really works if you know what you’re doing. If you are relatively new to building go-karts, I suggest getting a used or new go-kart frame.
Please note that these frame prices are for smaller homemade go-karts. Standard racing frames or larger frames will be more expensive ($300+)
New Go-Kart
Frames
from $200+
Used Go-Kart
Frames
from $75+
2. Cost of Go-Kart Steering Kit
Let’s assume that you’ve decided on a go-kart frame with a steering hoop already welded into place. This means that you need to account for the cost of tie rods, a steering rack, an adjustable shaft and a steering wheel. You can either get these separately, but I recommend getting a kit that has all the steering components included.
For a brand new set, you’ll be able to get this for around $90, whereas a used set usually goes for about $35. You can find good ones on eBay and Amazon.
New Go-Kart Frames: from $90
Used Go-Kart Frames: from $35
3. Cost of Go-Kart Wheels
Go-kart wheels come in various shapes, sizes and types. They’re actually relatively inexpensive and you can pick them up for about $15 each brand new ($60 for four). Just remember that you’ll need 4 of them, two for the front and two for the back.
Used go-kart wheels are available on the internet for as low as $25 for a set of four. If you are on a budget, you can get them on ebay or craigslist.
New Wheels: from $60
Used Wheels: from $25
4. Cost of Go-Kart Tires​
The cost difference between brand new go-kart tires and second hand or used go-kart tires is relatively big. This is because used kart tires often have less profile on them and won’t last as long a new ones. If you’re building your own kart on a budget, you may not require go-kart racing tires, as they are usually more expensive. You can opt for non-racing or off-road tires if they are more affordable.
A set of 4 used go-kart tires start around $30, whereas new ones start at around $100 for a set of 4.
New Go-Kart Tires
from $100+
Used Go-Kart Tires
from $30+
5. Cost of Go-Kart Spindles
A pair of go-kart spindles will cost you about $15 on eBay or craigslist. Craigslist had more available than on eBay, but you’re able to get them on either site.
New ones start from around $35 a pair. Remember to get one for the left side, and the other for the right side.
New Spindles: from $35
Used Spindles: from $15
6. Cost of Go-Kart Pedals
Used pedals are relatively easy to purchase and there are a lot of used ones on eBay. They go for as little as $10 a pair. One for the left side (braking pedal) and the other for the right side (gas pedal).
A new pair of pedals isn’t much more expensive than used ones and you can get a basic set for around $15.
New Pedals: from $15
Used Pedals: from $10
7. Cost of Go-Kart Seat
The great thing about finding a good seat for your self-made kart is that it doesn’t have to be specifically made for go-karting. As long as it is mountable, you can use it to build your go-kart.
Used seats go for about $35, which you’ll probably have to refurbish a little. A new seat will start at about $60 and can all the way up to about $100 for a high-quality one.
New Go-Kart Seats
from $60+
Used Go-Kart Seats
from $35+
8. Cost of Go-Kart Sprocket
Sprockets for go-karts are fairly inexpensive and you should be able to pick one up brand new one for about $20 to $30. Used sprockets are around half the price and can be bought online or on craigslist.
Also make sure to know what sprocket size you are looking for and ensure that the chain matches it. In some cases it may be best to get a set that comes with a sprocket and the corresponding chain.
New Go-Kart Sprockets
from $20+
Used Go-Kart Sprockets
from $12+
9. Cost of Go-Kart Chain
If you purchased a sprocket without a chain, you’ll need to get one separately. A brand new chain starts at about $12, whereas a used or second hand chain will cost about $5 to $8.
You should keep in mind that your chain must fit your sprocket. Getting a go-kart chain that is wrong is size will damage your go-kart.
New Go-Kart Sprockets
from $12+
Used Go-Kart Sprockets
from $5+
10. Cost of Go-Kart Brake Kit
A go-kart brake kit should consist of a master cylinder, calipers, a fluid reservoir and a brake line hose. You can choose to buy each component separately, but due to easier compatibility and convenience it’s recommended to purchase them in a set.
A set new brake kit set starts at around $70. You’ll probably be able to get a used brake set at about $40 – $50.
New Brake Kit: from $85
Used Brake Kit: from $40
11. Cost of Go-Kart Throttle Cable
There are different lengths of throttle cables that you can use for go-karts. Ensure that your measurements are correct so that you can get the right length.
The good news is that regardless of the length, throttle cables are priced equally. You’ll be able to pick some up brand new for just about $3 or about $1 used at a garage sale.
New Throttle Cable: from $4
Used Throttle Cable: from $1
12. Cost of Go-Kart Live Axle
If you decided to purchase a break kit, you just need to get a live axle. There are live axles that also come with brake kit parts.
A live axle on its own will cost about $25 new. If you decide to opt for a second-hand unit, you’ll be able to get one for about $15. Keep your eyes open for garage sales or used parts sellers. Occasionally, you’ll be able to get an axle for just a few bucks.
New Live Axle: from $20
Used Live Axle: from $15
13. Cost of Go-Kart Bearings
Axle or wheel bearings are very affordable. Just remember that you need to get a set of four for your go-kart. I’ve seen used sets of bearings go for as little as $2. If you decide to go for brand new sets, you can expect to pay upwards of $6. Of course, there are also higher quality bearings that start at about $20 per set of four.
New Bearings: from $6
Used Bearings: from $2
14. Cost of Go-Kart Engine
Go-kart engines come in various specifications. If you’re looking to buy a brand new entry-level go-kart engine, you’d be spending around $150 upwards. If you are looking for a high-performance go-kart engine, they can easily cost around $300 or more.
Entry-level used engines start at about $100. You may find them discounted at scrap dealers or yard sales. You can also use an old lawn mower engine to power your go-kart. Depending on the type of go-kart you are trying to build, you may want to spend a little more for the right engine.
New Go-Kart Engine
from $150+
Used Go-Kart Engine
from $100+
Other Components
There are other components that you need in order to build a go-kart. These items would include tools, equipment and accessories that will not be calculated into the total price. That’s because most of the time, we have these tools in our garage and you’ll be able to use them again.
Can the Cost to Build a Go-Kart Be Higher or Lower?
The cost to build a go-kart can certainly be higher if you choose to go for higher parts. However, it can also cost you less to build a go-kart if you’re able to get most of your parts on sale or cheaper than the average price.
If cost is a concern, it’s always best to work backwards. What I mean with that is the following. Start with a budget in mind and do research for all the prices of each part. When calculating, you’ll be able to see how much building your go-kart will actually cost you. You can use the layout of the table at the top as a reference.
Where to Buy New and Used Go-Kart Parts?
When it comes to buying go-kart parts, there are plenty of options for you. I’ve found that sourcing parts locally is much cheaper, as people usually want to get rid of these parts and you also don’t have to pay for delivery to your doorstep.
While it does take longer to source parts at a yard sale or scrap dealer, you do save a couple of dollars. If you’re looking at buying these items quickly, I recommend to get them at Amazon or eBay depending on if you’re looking to get them brand new or used.
Where to buy used parts?
- eBay
- Craigslist
- Garage sales
- Scrap dealers
Where to buy new parts?
- Amazon
- eBay
- Online retailers
This is great! but how do we build it now?
Hi Maya,
I’ll be creating an in-depth guide on this soon!
Looking to buy all used parts for a complete go cart.
Hi Cliff,
Should be a fun project! 🙂
The prices on the frames are completely wrong, might wanna update that info, along with potentially the entire rest of your info. (I searched for used within 2000 miles of my zip, could not find anything for lower than like $350, because all the used frames were “vintage”) Also, the new frames at their lowest cost like $175-ish which is pretty good, but get this, the shipping was another $150.
Ok, let me revise. The tires part was accurate, as well as I’d say the sprocket, and the engine was close. The seat was also close to the mark. I don’t want to make you guys look bad, or seem like I’m angry or anything, I just want to make sure you have the right information so that people don’t get angry at you for maybe accidentally not reading something right, or forgetting to update your info.
Hey Grigori,
Thanks for your comment and you have a valid point. I guess it depends on what type of homemade go-kart people are building.
Larger and more typical frames are more expensive and similar to the price you are referring to. The pricing was matched against the research I did when the article was written.
I really appreciate the comment and I have added a note in the ‘frames’ section!
Thank you!
I wunt a gokart to ride in.
same
cool
Will you be making a guide on how to build a go-kart as well?
Hi Ash,
Thanks for writing in! I’m definitely planning to do that soon! Will make sure to link it.
I would like for you to help me make a homemade go kart car
Hey there!
I’ll be making a guide on that in the near future, it’s still in the planning phase!
Hi I like your guide. How hard do you think it is too put all of this together with no skills in these things?
Hi Leroy,
Thanks for the comments. That depends, a simple go-kart with the most basic setup should definitely be doable, but may take a while longer.
There are many guides on YouTube out there. I’ll create a separate guide on this soon!
thanks that really helpt I have bene interested for years and now i decided to do it
Is it worth it to build one where i don’t weld (if its even possible)
Where can I find detailed plans on how to build one-or does a kit exist that has all the parts needed to assemble? Never did one before and want to do it with my two boys..age 7 and 6
I agree with Sean where is a guide and complete kit to build?
Hi Jon, thanks for writing in. I’m working on that soon 🙂