Go-karts are known to be fast, fun and serious racing machines. However, in the recreational space, there are also go-karts geared towards something else: coolness! That’s right, certain types of go-karts are designed to bring out unique features that aren’t all that common to see.
These innovative and cool go-karts are modeled after famous cars and even famous movie vehicles. Each of these go-karts features truly unique and creative builds that are bound to get your attention. Let’s take a closer look at the coolest go-karts around!
1. Batmobile Go-Kart
Kart Features
- Authentic Batmobile design
- Equipped with a 6.5 hp engine
- Building plans available
While you may not be able to tear down the streets of Gotham in an actual Batmobile, you can definitely build yourself a smaller replica of the Caped Crusader’s vehicle of choice. The batmobile go-kart is definitely the coolest go-kart in this list!
The person behind this successful build, which was created in a backyard is now offering the plans to others who want to build their own! With the unfaltering matte black finish and all the sharp angles of the original Batmobile, it is bound to catch the eyes of anyone you drive by.
It’s powered by a 6.5 hp engine which makes it a relatively fast ride, too. However, it’s realistic and cool design is something no one can really get over. If you’re crafty with some tools and are willing to have the coolest kart in town, give this one a shot!
2. Jet-Powered Go-Kart
Kart Features
- Powered by a jet-engine
- Holds a Guinness World Record
- Top speed of 112.29 mph
If you’re interested in speedy go-karts – and who isn’t? – then the story of Andy Morris is one that will interest you. Back in 2015, Andy created the world’s fastest go-kart powered by a jet engine. You heard that right, he actually attached a jet engine to a go-kart and made it work!
That kart achieved speeds of up to 112.29 mph which is absolutely crazy to think of. Now, this engineer is back at it again and is working on a go-kart that will reach speeds of up to 140 mph, as if 112.29 mph just wasn’t enough already!
Andy works on these crazy designs at home, in his garden shed, and does the testing in his backyard. He has tried to add jet engines to a lot of things, including bicycles, and the go-kart seems to be working well for him.
3. VW Beetle Go-Kart
Kart Features
- Authentic and classic design
- Has a Type 1 Fender
- Designed by Aldekas Studio
If you’re a fan of classic cars, then you must have a loving relationship with the Volkswagen Beetle. This car has become an icon in the world of automobiles and the builders at Aldekas Studio have decided to add a really cool twist to it. They have designed a go-kart that uses one of the ‘type 1’ fenders of a Beetle as the chassis of this go-kart.
It goes by the name of Bugkart Wasowski mini-kart and looks like a perfect combination of cool and authentic. The designers paired the iconic fender with the essentials and extras like a seat, tall handlebars, a headlight, chrome side mirrors, and turn signals to create a beautiful miniature go-kart.
It even comes with the iconic rear tail light that the Beetle is known for! As far as retro-looking go-karts go, this one might just be the absolute best in terms of design, finish, and the sense of nostalgia it will bring to people.
4. Drag Kart
Kart Features
- Speeds of up to 138 mph
- 1/4-mile in 9.3 seconds
- Custom built
Karting is not all about long and challenging race tracks. Sometimes, it’s just about going down a straight road, really, really fast. That’s what the drag karts at England’s Santa Pod Raceway are doing. These super-karts are designed with custom tube-frame structures and have high-revving engines.
The combination results in drag karts (also known as drag go-karts) that can complete a quarter-mile run in as little as 9.3 seconds! They achieve such a crazy time by going at a crazy high speed of 138 mph which is faster than even a supercar.
And even at those speeds, these karts are still built like simple go-karts, with no added protection! That makes them some of the coolest go-karts on the planet right now. Most of these drag karts are custom built and are not directly for sale.
5. Palatov DP4 Go-Kart
Kart Features
- Output of 185 hp
- 1,300cc Engine
- Aircraft-grade materials
A go-kart that is designed with racing enthusiasts in mind, the Palatov D4 looks like it was built to be raced. This kart will instantly make you feel like a professional racer with its awesome design, which features excellent aerodynamics.
The base horsepower of the D4 comes in at 185 hp. It’s equipped with a 1,300cc motorcycle engine which is powerful enough to make you feel like you’re flying on any track. The weight of the kart is also kept as light as possible for handling and quick acceleration. The frame is designed of aircraft-grade steel tubing which makes it very safe and durable.
Since it is designed for serious enthusiasts, it also has ample crush zones on all sides to protect the drivers in case of any impact. All in all, the Palatov D4 is truly a cool-looking and fast race car-inspired go-kart that is even available for purchase.
6. Ferrari F1 Replica Go-Kart
Kart Features
- Niki Lauda’s 312T2 design
- Features a 10 hp engine
- Built by Italycar in 1977
Anyone who knows a lot about racing would understand how big the name ‘Ferrari’ is. For many racing fans, it was practically a dream to own a Ferrari at some point in their lives. But if you can’t get your hands on a full-scale Ferrari, the half-scale version of the Ferrari 312T2 is the next best thing.
This kart, named ‘La Ferrarina 77’ was made by Italycar back in 1977. A total of only 12 of these were made, making it a collectible item. It was inspired by Niki Lauda’s actual 312T2 model and features a truly authentic design. Unfortunately, it’s not equipped with a Ferrari engine but nevertheless comes with a Chrysler Marine Power Bee 820.
This 134 cc engine produces 10 hp and works in tandem with a two-speed transmission. The kart also features a full suspension, unlike most go-karts, making it even more believable as a mini Ferrari go-kart.
7. 1941 Willys Go-Kart
Kart Features
- Authentic design
- 6.5 hp engine
- Costs $2,500
If you’re a classic car buff, you may be familiar with the name Willys. The company has made some of the most iconic retro hot rods in the US and has a place in the hearts of die-hard automobile fans. If you’re one such fan, then the 1941 Willys Go-Kart will definitely pull on your heartstrings, as it’s a really cool go-kart.
Made by Affordable Go Karts, or AGK, this little kart is awesome-looking! It uses a tiny replica of the Willys as the base, on top of which a seat is mounted. So when you ride it, you basically look like a giant sitting on top of a retro car.
This kart comes with a 6.5 hp engine, slick tires, a square tube chassis, and even aluminum rims to give it that classic look. It’s definitely not like your regular go-kart. If you want your own 1941 Willys but can’t afford to buy one from a vintage car dealer, you can own this kart from AGK for $2,500.
8. Hot-Rod Go-Kart
Kart Features
- Street-legal
- Bookable in Budapest
- Speeds up to 55 mph
Hot Rod Budapest has created some very cool hot-rod go-karts that you can take out for a spin if you’re ever in Budapest. These karts look nothing like a typical race kart. They have a narrow front and the front suspension is exposed for a very cool, yet retro look.
They even have round front headlights and taillights as well, which make them street-legal. Yes, you heard that right! You can actually drive these hot rod karts on the streets of Budapest! Under the hood, the karts feature a lawnmower engine, which gives them enough power to reach speeds of up to 55 mph! That’s insane!
While they may look tiny, they’re comfortable for an adult to sit in. If you’re ever in Budapest and you want to have a very unique experience or a tour of the city, head over to Hot Rod Budapest and take one of these vintage beauties for a spin!
9. Drift Go-Karts
Kart Features
- For adults and kids
- Various drifting mechanisms
- Affordable and fun
Who says that karting is only about racing and coming in first place? Why not take a kart out for some drifting action – at high speeds? Luckily, there are a number of drift go-karts available on the market today that will give you an experience like no other.
Many of these karts come with powerful engines that make drifting even more fun. Initiating a drift usually involves pulling on a hand-operated brake, although there are different mechanisms used by different manufacturers.
Some of the top drift karts you can get for yourself or your little ones include the Razor Crazy Cart XL, the Enjoytime Electric Drifting Kart, and the Razor Force Drifter Kart.
Drift karts are some of the most fun and cool types of go-karts that are suitable for adults and kids. Another great thing about them is that they are extremely easy to operate and are also budget-friendly.
10. Hoverboard Go-Kart
Kart Features
- Works with hoverboards
- For adults and kids
- Easy to attach
How about a go-kart that doesn’t look like a regular go-kart? Let’s be honest though, none of the karts on this list look regular. But there is an emerging category of karts that does away with everything unnecessary in the chassis and only uses a very basic tube structure attached to a hoverboard.
Why, you ask? Well, to make you feel like you’re gliding on across the road in a cool kart-looking toy, of course! These hoverboard go-karts have given a new use to hoverboards that have become popular in recent years. By hooking up a simple attachment with a third wheel at the front and steering bars, you can turn your hoverboard into an actual go-kart!
Imagine sitting in a bucket seat with seemingly nothing under your legs or on your sides while you drive around. If you’ve ever wanted to feel what it’d be like to sit on a flying carpet, this might be the closest you can get to it right now.
