3 Best Go-Karts for 8-Year-Olds: Reviews, Buying Guide, FAQ

Racing is a sport that’s becoming more popular with each passing day. While there are various racing formats, Formula 1 is the ultimate goal of all professional racers. 

To reach it, most drivers start out at a very young age. If your 8-year-old also dreams of becoming a professional racer, you can help them achieve their goal by getting them their very own go-kart. Besides being a great recreational activity, go-karting will also help them hone their driving skills for later life. 

Here are the 3 best go-karts for 8 years old that you can check out. 

This article may include affiliate links, through which we may earn a commission for qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

Our Top Picks For the Best Go-kart For 8 Year Old

Product Features 
Segway Ninebot Electric GoKart
(Best Overall) 
– Powerful Performance
– Extended Range
– Universal Appeal
– Impressive Weight Capacity
– Safe for Young Riders
– Sleek Design Outdoor Racing Ready
– Outdoor Racing Ready
Razor Ground Force Drifter Kart
(Best Budget) 
– Affordable 
– Pedal-powered
– User-friendly
– 3-point steering system
– Adjustable seat 
– Handy handbrake 
– Race-inspired pedal design 

The 3 Best Go-Karts for 8 Year Old

These are our favorite go-karts for an 8-year-old:

1. Segway Ninebot Electric GoKart

For the modern father looking to gift his 8-year-old an unforgettable experience, the Gokart PRO is a game-changer. Imagine the thrill your child will feel, zooming at speeds of up to 23 mph, all while ensuring safety with its high-strength steel frame. This isn’t just any go-kart; it’s a supercar in miniature, boasting a rear-wheel-drive setup and a whopping 4,800W engine power. But it’s not all about speed; safety is paramount. With triple anti-collision protection and a manual handbrake for those drifts or sudden stops, you can have peace of mind while your child enjoys the ride.

Adjustable to fit riders of almost all heights, it’s a gift that can grow with your child. And with its 20,000-mile professional race track testing, you’re assured of its durability. Plus, the added bonus of the Segway app allows you to control and customize the Gokart PRO experience. Whether it’s a weekend adventure or a drive around the neighborhood, this is the ultimate ride-on toy that promises fun for all ages.

Pros:

  1. Top speeds of up to 23 mph with a range of 15.5 miles on a single charge.
  2. High-strength steel frame ensuring maximum safety.
  3. Advanced 4,800W engine power for a thrilling experience.
  4. Customizable experience with the Segway app.
  5. Grows with your child, adjustable for various heights.
  6. Proven durability with 20,000-mile race track testing.
  7. Manual handbrake for controlled drifts and emergency stops.

Con:

  1. Requires regular monitoring via the app to ensure optimal settings and safety for younger riders.

With a warranty to back it up, the Gokart PRO is an investment in joy, thrill, and memories

2. HYPER GOGO Drift GoKart

The HYPER GOGO Drift GoKart Kit is a game-changer for hoverboard enthusiasts. Designed to elevate your hoverboarding experience, this accessory transforms your regular hoverboard into a full-fledged go-kart, complete with shock absorbers, disc brakes, and more. Its universal design ensures compatibility with most hoverboards, thanks to its adjustable frame that caters to both kids and adults. For those on the go, its foldable design ensures easy transportation.

Safety is paramount with the HYPER GOGO. The built-in shock absorber ensures a smooth ride, even on rough terrains, while the high-quality disc brakes in the front provide an added layer of safety, eliminating reliance on the hoverboard’s brakes. Durability is also a standout feature, with its robust metal frame designed to withstand varied terrains. The telescopic rods ensure the kart remains lightweight and portable.

Setting up the HYPER GOGO is a breeze. Within minutes, you can strap your hoverboard in place and be ready to roll. The best part? Its design allows for easy upgrades. Whether you’re looking to boost speed with a new hoverboard or venture off-road, this GoKart kit is versatile enough to meet your adventurous needs.

Pros:

  1. Transforms hoverboards into a full go-kart experience.
  2. The adjustable frame fits most hoverboards and caters to all ages.
  3. Enhanced safety features, including shock absorbers and disc brakes.
  4. Durable design with a sturdy metal frame.
  5. Easy setup and upgrade options for varied terrains and speeds.

Con:

  1. Might require frequent adjustments based on hoverboard size and user’s preference.

3. Razor Ground Force Drifter Kart

Razor is a known and reliable name with numerous bestselling go-karts decorating their product lineup. Their Ground Force Electric Drifter Kart is a suitable choice for your 8 years old because of its sleek and speedy design. 

This is also an electric-powered go-kart that can go as fast as 12 mph. It functions using a chain-driven motor with varying speeds, that is powerful but extremely quiet. Two 12-volt batteries power the drifter kart and give a use time of up to 45 minutes on a single charge. It features a durable steel frame with molded aluminum wheels and 4.5 inches tires. 

The Razor Drifter zooms around on flat trails. Razor has equipped it with a race-tuned chassis and super-slick rear wheels for serious drifting. Plus, there is a shoulder seat belt for maximum safety and a flag for a pure racing vibe. 

Pros 

  • Sturdy and durable
  • Fast speed 
  • Heavy-duty tires for serious drifting 

Cons

  • Battery lifespan is short 
  • Not suitable for off-roading 

If you don’t like any of the options mentioned above, maybe have a look at our article on the best go-karts for kids of all ages.

Buying Guide: Go-Kart for 8 Year Old

Here is a comprehensive buying guide to help you with your purchase. 

Benefits of Go-Karting for an 8 Year Old

Go-karting boasts very obvious benefits for kids like boosting their development, providing a means for outdoor recreation, as well as bringing out the racer in them. However, these are only a few of the many advantages of go-karting for kids. Let’s have a look at some more. 

  • Helps increase strength and stamina
  • Improves blood circulation 
  • Boosts self confidence
  • Helps increase their attention span 
  • Teaches them important life skills like quick-thinking and taking responsibility for their actions

How to Choose a Go-Kart for Your 8 Year Old

Before finalizing any go-kart model, you have to decide on certain factors. These factors are some features that help you identify the right go-kart for your kid’s needs. You can check them out below. 

On-Road or Off-Road

The first thing you should consider before buying any go-kart is the type of surface your kid is going to drive it on. If they are going to drive on a smooth graveled surface you should look into getting an on-road go-kart. And if they are likely to drive it on an uneven surface like rough terrain and unpaved road, you should consider getting an off-road go-kart. 

Pedal-powered and electric go-karts are more suitable for on-road go-karting. Gas-powered go-karts are more suitable for off-road go-karting. However, there are some exceptions too. 

Number of Seats 

The next thing you should consider in any go-kart is the seating option it offers. Although most kid karts can only seat a single rider, there are some options that can seat two kids comfortably as well. 

You should look into getting a one-seater go-kart if you have one kid. A two-seater go-kart comes in handy when you have an older kid to drive it and a younger one to enjoy the ride.

Power Source

Go-karts for 8-year-olds are pedal-operated, electric-powered, or gas-powered. Pedal go-karts being slow are not only safe, but they are also great for strengthening the delicate bones and muscles of the child. Electric go-karts for kids have a speed range between 8 and 12 mph. They are the perfect solution for your kid’s need for speed. Although we are against getting a gas-powered go-kart for your 8 years old, if you think yours can handle the high speed and power you can look into getting one that is safe for kids. 

FAQs: Go-Karts for 8 Year Old

This section explores some common queries that parents of 8-year-olds have about go-karts. Have a look! 

What age is appropriate for go-karting? 

Go-karting is a sport that is exempt from age limits. These days kids as young as 3 years are racing around in their mini go-karts. In fact, many go-karting facilities actually have a dependable separate category for young drivers where kids can race go-karts in a safe and controlled environment. 

Can 8-year-olds race go-karts?

Yes, an 8 years old can race go-kart. Many karting facilities have separate training sessions for Cadet drivers aged between 8 and 12 years. Here they explain everything from the kart itself to advanced driving techniques. Once the cadets can walk, they are ready to run, safely racing their go-karts along the track. 

How much does a go-kart for an 8-year-old cost? 

That really depends upon the type of go-kart you are purchasing. If you want a pedal-operated one, they are highly affordable costing around $150. But if you settle for an advanced electric or gas-powered variation, be ready to shell out $500 to $2,500.

What is the range of possibilities a go-kart can provide for my 8-year-old?

A go-kart is a recreational vehicle that opens the gates to all sorts of possibilities for your 8-year-olds. They can enjoy traditional rides around the house or neighborhood and also engage in friendly go-kart races under supervision. Besides, go-karting is also an excellent way to hone driving skills while letting children independently explore their surroundings. 

Conclusion

Go-karting is an excellent activity to take your 8-year-old off the couch and make them physically active. It is not only great for their growth and development but also enables them to explore their surroundings independently. 

After carefully assessing the different go-kart models, we believe the Marstone Go Kart for Kids to be the best option for most 8 years olds. It is an electric-powered go-kart with an adjustable frame, and anti-slip, wear-resistant tires. It supports dual driving modes, plus allows parents to set a safe speed limit too.

For anyone who is on a budget, the Hauck Lightning – Pedal Go Kart is our best budget pick. It is a pedal-powered unit that operates on the child’s own physical strength. The adjustable seat, convenient steering system, and a handy handbrake all make it the right choice for your energetic 8-year-old.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *