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Ago-kart, also written asgo-cart (often referred to as simply akart), is a type of small four-wheeled vehicle, often anopen-wheel car or aquadricycle. Go-karts come many shapes and forms, from non-motorised models to high-performanceracing karts andelectric-powered models.
Art Ingels created the first motorised go-kart in Los Angeles in 1956.[1]
The exact origin of the term is unclear. One of the first appearances of the term is an 1885 painting by the Scottish artistHugh Cameron's "The Go-Cart".[2] It is also unclear why theC was later changed to aK. In the filmThe Ivory-Handled Gun (1935), the crippled father of Buck Jones refers to his wheelchair as a "go cart".Charles Dickens also usedgo-cart inMaster Humphrey's Clock and Other Stories when talking of his travel to Italy. In Genoa, he talks about "a man without legs, on a little go-cart".[3]
Gravity racers are a popular form of non-motorised go-kart. These are karts which are propelled by gravity and are often simplistic, homemade and used for either recreational or competitive use. These are often referred to as soapbox cars inNorth America, however other regional variations such asbilly carts (Australia) are common.
Other forms of non-motorised go-karts (ie.quadracycles) may also be propelled by means such asbicycle pedals (such as in the form of avelomobile).
Four-stroke engines can be standard air-cooled industrial based engines, sometimes with small modifications, developing from about 5 to 20 hp (4 to 15 kW).Briggs & Stratton, Tecumseh (company closed in 2008), Kohler, Robin, andHonda are manufacturers of such engines. They are adequate for racing and fun kart applications. There are also more powerful two-stroke engines available from manufacturers likeYamaha, KTM, Biland, or Aixro (Wankel engine) offering from 15 to 48 hp (11 to 36 kW). They run at up to 11,000 rpm, and are manufactured specifically for karting. PRD makes thePRD Fireball, atwo-stroke engine delivering 28.5 hp (21 kW) at 15,580 rpm.
Electric go-karts are available, requiring only that the batteries of the karts be plugged into an array of chargers after each run. Since they arepollution-free and emit no smoke, the racetracks can be indoors in controlled environments. Electric karts powered by lead-acid batteries can run a maximum of 20–30 minutes before the performance is affected, while those powered by lithium batteries may last up to 2 hours on a single charge. Some karts have been fitted withhydrogen fuel cells.[4] High-performance electric go-karts for amusement parks and indoor tracks may have external electronic controls in the event of an accident or other hazards, in which the track attendant or the race referee can remotely slow down or stop all vehicles on the track via radio control. This external control can also be used to limit young riders to a slow operating speed, while a race consisting only of adults is permitted a higher speed. These controls can be applied to both electric and combustion-engine karts.
In some countries, go-karts can be licensed for use on public roads often referred to as street tracks. Typically there are some restrictions; in the European Union, a go-kart modified for use on the road must be outfitted with headlights (high/low beam), tail lights, a horn, indicators, and an engine not exceeding 20 hp (15 kW).
Besides traditional kart racing, many commercial enterprises offer karts for rent, often called "recreational" or "concession" karts. The tracks can be indoor or outdoor. Karts are rented by sessions (usually from 10 to 30 minutes) or on a day basis.[5] They use sturdy chassis complete with dedicated bodywork, providing driver safety. Most of these enterprises use an "Arrive and Drive" format which provides customers with all the safety gear (helmets, gloves and driver outfits) necessary, and allow them to show up anytime to race, without the problem of having to own their own equipment and gear.
Outdoortracks can offer low-speed karts strictly for amusement (dedicated chassis equipped with low powered four-stroke engines or electric motors), or faster, more powerful karts, similar to a racing kart, powered by four-stroke engines up to 15 hp (11 kW) and, more rarely, by 2-stroke engines, but designed to be more robust for rental use. Typically, outdoor tracks are also used for traditional kart races.
Indoor kart tracks can be found in many large cities in different parts of the world. These tracks are often located in refurbished factories or warehouses, and are typically shorter than traditional outdoor tracks. Indoor karts are usually powered by a four-stroke gasoline engine producing anywhere from 5 to 13 hp (4 to 10 kW), or sometimes by an electric motor. Many tracks offer competitive races and leagues. At the top level, an Indoor Karting World Championship (IKWC)[6] exists.
There is a separate category of go karts in the powersports industry that includes off road go karts. These are similar to a miniature dune buggy. Off road go karts typically feature large tires, a full roll cage, heavy duty suspension, and features to protect the riders from wind and mud. There are no longer any American made offroad buggy brands due to legal issues, so all brands will come from China.Trailmaster is the leading off-road go kart brand with a wide range of models and features. Other brands of offroad go karts also come from China and include Coleman, Tao Tao, Kandi, and Hammerhead (previously built by Trailmaster).
Media related toKarts at Wikimedia Commons
