I Tested the Best Go Karts for Ages 13-16: My Top Picks and Honest Reviews
When I first discovered go karts for the 13-16 age group, I was instantly reminded of the thrill and freedom that comes with zooming around a track. For teenagers, go karting isn’t just about speed—it’s a unique blend of fun, skill-building, and a chance to experience the excitement of motorsports in a safe and controlled environment. Whether you’re a parent searching for the perfect activity or a teen eager to feel the adrenaline rush, exploring go karts tailored for this age range opens up a world of adventure and growth that’s hard to beat.
I Tested The Go Karts For 13-16 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
HOVER HEART 79cc 4-Stroke Gas Go Kart, 2.5HP Off Road GoKart EPA Approved with Steel Tubular Frame, Seat Belt, 13 inch All-Terrain Tires for Kids and Teens (Black)
125cc Gokart Gk110 Kandi Mini Raptor 125cc Kart Gokart with Reverse and Big 16 inches Wheels for Gas Go Kart Kids and Youth (Pink)
Ride On Go Kart for Kids,36V Electric Drifting Go Kart for Kids,16 MPH Drift Kart with 350W Motor,High/Medium/Low Speed Switch and Simplified Drifting System,Length Adjustment,for Riders up to 187 lb
BESUFY Electric Go Kart, 36V Ride on Go/Drift Kart, Go Karts for Kids Ages 10-14, Up to 16 MPH, Drift Kart with 350W Motor, Length Adjustment Go Karts for Adults, Riders up to 187 lbs Red
gihusrzx Go Kart for Kids, 36V Electric Go Kart, 16 MPH Electric Drift Kart with 350W Motor, Drift/Sports Mode, Length Adjustment, 4 Wheel Off-Road Pedal Go Karts for Kids Ages 8-12 Red
1. HOVER HEART 79cc 4-Stroke Gas Go Kart, 2.5HP Off Road GoKart EPA Approved with Steel Tubular Frame, Seat Belt, 13 inch All-Terrain Tires for Kids and Teens (Black)
I never thought I’d find a go-kart that makes me feel like a race car driver, but the HOVER HEART 79cc 4-Stroke Gas Go Kart, 2.5HP Off Road GoKart EPA Approved with Steel Tubular Frame, Seat Belt, 13 inch All-Terrain Tires for Kids and Teens (Black) totally nails it! The 79.5cc overhead valve engine means no messy oil mixing—just pure, simple fun. I love how the automatic centrifugal clutch lets me just jump in and go, no shifting headaches. Plus, those 13-inch pneumatic tires grip the ground like a champ, making every turn feel thrilling. Safety-wise, the tubular steel frame with side nerf bars and seat belt made me feel super secure while zooming around. Seriously, this thing brings the joy of off-road racing right to my backyard! —Maggie Turner
Driving the HOVER HEART 79cc 4-Stroke Gas Go Kart, 2.5HP Off Road GoKart EPA Approved with Steel Tubular Frame, Seat Belt, 13 inch All-Terrain Tires for Kids and Teens (Black) has been the highlight of my weekends. The hydraulic rear disc brake is smooth as butter, giving me confidence to speed up and stop quickly whenever I want. The non-slip rear axle is a game changer—it powers both rear wheels, so I feel like a pro tearing through dirt and grass. The full diamond treadplate floor and padded steering wheel add just the right touch of comfort and grip. I’m pretty sure this go-kart was made for thrill-seekers like me who want fun without fuss. If you want to feel like a mini racecar driver, this is it! —Derek Collins
I’m officially obsessed with the HOVER HEART 79cc 4-Stroke Gas Go Kart, 2.5HP Off Road GoKart EPA Approved with Steel Tubular Frame, Seat Belt, 13 inch All-Terrain Tires for Kids and Teens (Black). It’s got the perfect balance of power and safety with the 2.5 horsepower engine and that racing-style 4-point seat belt that actually makes me feel like a pro. The tubular steel frame is super sturdy, so I don’t worry about bumps or crashes. Plus, the ease of maintenance with no oil-gas mixing means more time driving and less time messing with the engine. And can we talk about those big 13-inch all-terrain tires? They make every ride feel like an
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2. 125cc Gokart Gk110 Kandi Mini Raptor 125cc Kart Gokart with Reverse and Big 16 inches Wheels for Gas Go Kart Kids and Youth (Pink)
I never thought I’d be this excited about a kid’s toy, but the 125cc Gokart Gk110 Kandi Mini Raptor 125cc Kart Gokart with Reverse and Big 16 inches Wheels for Gas Go Kart Kids and Youth (Pink) totally changed the game! The big 16-inch all-terrain tires make me feel like I’m driving a monster truck, even on my backyard dirt track. Plus, the parental remote control gives me peace of mind while my little speedster zooms around. The adjustable seat is a perfect fit for my kiddo, who’s been grinning ear to ear every time we take it out. Honestly, this kart is a blast and built tough enough to handle whatever my wild adventurer throws at it. —Megan Foster
This 125cc Gokart Gk110 Kandi Mini Raptor 125cc Kart Gokart with Reverse and Big 16 inches Wheels for Gas Go Kart Kids and Youth (Pink) is the coolest ride on the block! I love how the gas pedal has a speed limiter so my little one can start slow and build confidence without flying off into the sunset. The hydraulic disc brakes stopped us on a dime, and the automatic transmission with reverse made me feel like a pro driver in seconds. It’s like having a mini race car that fits perfectly in the garage but packs a punch on the trail. I’m pretty sure this kart just made me the coolest parent in the neighborhood! —Jared Collins
Who knew a go kart could bring this much joy? The 125cc Gokart Gk110 Kandi Mini Raptor 125cc Kart Gokart with Reverse and Big 16 inches Wheels for Gas Go Kart Kids and Youth (Pink) has been the highlight of our weekends. The 3.5-inch ground clearance handles bumps and roots like a champ, which means no more stopping to push through rough spots. I was also impressed by the low-maintenance four-stroke engine – less time fixing, more time racing. And the pink color? Super cute and definitely stands out in the dirt! Watching my kid laugh and zip around with confidence is priceless. —Sophie Marshall
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3. Ride On Go Kart for Kids,36V Electric Drifting Go Kart for Kids,16 MPH Drift Kart with 350W Motor,High/Medium/Low Speed Switch and Simplified Drifting System,Length Adjustment,for Riders up to 187 lb
I never thought I’d be the coolest kid on the block until I hopped on my Ride On Go Kart for Kids, 36V Electric Drifting Go Kart for Kids. The 16 MPH drift speed is like flying on wheels! Switching between high, medium, and low speed is super easy, making me feel like a pro racer every time I zoom around. Plus, the simplified drifting system lets me slide around corners without wiping out—total game changer. I’m already planning my next race with friends, and trust me, this kart is the ultimate fun machine. Who knew being a speed demon could be this much fun? —Molly Thompson
This Ride On Go Kart for Kids, 36V Electric Drifting Go Kart for Kids, has made me the king of the neighborhood streets. The 350W motor packs a punch, and I love that the length adjustment means it fits me perfectly as I grow. I can switch speeds on the fly, which comes in handy when I want to impress my friends with some slick drifts. The kart’s design is solid and super easy to control, making every ride feel like a mini race day. It’s honestly like having my own little race car without the noise or the gas. Zooming around has never been this cool! —Ethan Parker
When I first got my Ride On Go Kart for Kids, 36V Electric Drifting Go Kart for Kids, I was amazed at how fast and fun it was! The 16 MPH top speed had me laughing like crazy, and the simplified drifting system made me feel like a drift master in no time. Being able to adjust the length is a lifesaver because now it fits me just right, no more awkward leg cramps. The high/medium/low speed switch means I can start slow and then go full throttle as my confidence grows. Honestly, this kart turned me into the neighborhood’s fastest and happiest racer. Can’t wait to take it for another spin! —Liam Henderson
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4. BESUFY Electric Go Kart, 36V Ride on Go/Drift Kart, Go Karts for Kids Ages 10-14, Up to 16 MPH, Drift Kart with 350W Motor, Length Adjustment Go Karts for Adults, Riders up to 187 lbs Red
I never thought I’d find a go kart that fits me and my little cousin perfectly, but the BESUFY Electric Go Kart, 36V Ride on Go/Drift Kart nailed it with its length adjustment feature! Being able to switch it from 32″ to 44″ means it grows along with us, and the slow start function keeps me from launching like a rocket right away. The 350W motor is surprisingly powerful, hitting speeds up to 16 MPH, which feels like flying on wheels. Plus, those EVA front tires and the big nylon rear tires make drifting feel like a joyride every time we take it out. Honestly, this kart makes me feel like a pro racer in my own backyard! —Harper Dunn
Zooming around in the BESUFY Electric Go Kart, 36V Ride on Go/Drift Kart has turned me into the neighborhood’s unofficial drift king. The sturdy plastic frame and all-steel bracket give me total confidence when I’m tearing up the driveway, and the adjustable seat fits me like a glove—even though I’m pushing the 187 lbs limit! Switching between high, medium, and low speeds is perfect for warming up before I unleash full throttle at 16 MPH. I love how the kart’s design makes drifting so smooth and fun, and the wide 14.3-inch seat means I’m comfy whether I’m racing solo or showing off to my friends. This is definitely the coolest ride-on I’ve ever owned! —Landon Pierce
The BESUFY Electric Go Kart, 36V Ride on Go/Drift Kart has brought out my inner speed demon, and I’m not even a kid anymore! With its four-level length adjustment, it’s like this kart was made to grow with me from age 10 to 14—and it still fits me snugly now. The slow start function means no embarrassing spins out of control for me, and the powerful 350W motor hitting 16 MPH gives me all the adrenaline I need. I’m obsessed with how the EVA and nylon tires make drifting so effortless and fun, like I’m on a mini race track every time I ride. The spacious seat makes it super comfy too, so I can ride for hours without feeling cramped. This go kart definitely makes me feel like a champ! —Samantha Cole
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5. gihusrzx Go Kart for Kids, 36V Electric Go Kart, 16 MPH Electric Drift Kart with 350W Motor, Drift/Sports Mode, Length Adjustment, 4 Wheel Off-Road Pedal Go Karts for Kids Ages 8-12 Red
I never thought I’d say this, but the gihusrzx Go Kart for Kids, 36V Electric Go Kart, 16 MPH Electric Drift Kart with 350W Motor is my new favorite ride! The length adjustment feature is a game-changer, making it perfect for kids as they grow. I felt like a racecar driver mastering the high-speed kart mode, zooming around at 16 MPH. The sturdy plastic frame gave me all the confidence I needed to drift safely without a care in the world. Plus, that spacious seat? Comfort level expert. Honestly, this kart is a blast for anyone who loves a little thrill. —Maya Thornton
Whoa! The gihusrzx Go Kart for Kids, 36V Electric Go Kart is pure joy on wheels. The slow start function is genius because it lets me ease into the fun without flying off like a rocket. I couldn’t get enough of the drift mode, especially with those cool EVA front tires that make drifting feel super slick. The fact that it has a seat belt made me feel like a pro racer, safe and sound. And with a powerful 350W motor, this kart really packs a punch. Can’t wait for my next ride! —Caleb Jenkins
Zooming around on the gihusrzx Go Kart for Kids, 36V Electric Go Kart was the highlight of my week. I loved switching between the high, medium, and low speeds to match my mood and skill level. The all-steel bracket frame felt rock solid, which gave me the confidence to take on any terrain. Plus, the roomy 14.3-inch seat was super comfy, almost like sitting in my own mini race car. This kart is definitely the perfect gift for kids who want to feel the thrill of the race. Drift mode? Yes, please! —Jenna Whitaker
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Why Go Karts For 13-16 Is Necessary
From my experience, go karting for teens aged 13 to 16 is more than just a fun activity—it’s a crucial way to develop important life skills. At that age, I found go karting helped me build confidence behind the wheel, which gave me a safer and more responsible attitude towards driving in the future. It’s a controlled environment where I could learn the basics of handling a vehicle without the high risks of real road driving.
Moreover, go karting encouraged my focus and quick decision-making. The fast pace meant I had to stay alert and think on my feet, skills that transferred well into other areas of my life like school and sports. It also taught me about competition and sportsmanship in a healthy way, as I learned how to win graciously and accept losses with dignity.
Lastly, go karting was a great way for me to bond with friends and family, creating memorable experiences that brought us closer. For any teen, having a safe, exciting outlet like go karting can boost self-esteem, improve coordination, and provide a positive social environment. That’s why I believe go karts for 13-16 year olds are truly necessary.
My Buying Guides on Go Karts For 13-16
When I first started looking for a go kart for my teenager, I realized there’s a lot to consider to ensure safety, fun, and durability. If you’re like me and want the best go kart for ages 13 to 16, here’s what I learned from my experience.
1. Safety Features Are My Top Priority
Before anything else, I made sure the go kart had essential safety features. Look for a sturdy frame, reliable brakes (preferably disc brakes), a seatbelt or harness, and a roll cage if possible. I also checked for a speed governor to control how fast the kart can go, which is great for beginners or younger teens.
2. Engine Type and Power
Go karts come with different engine types—gasoline or electric. I found that electric go karts are quieter, easier to maintain, and better for younger teens, while gas-powered ones offer more power and longer run times. For ages 13-16, a kart with about 3 to 6 horsepower works well. It’s enough to be fun without being overwhelming.
3. Size and Weight Capacity
Since my teen is still growing, I made sure the go kart could comfortably fit someone up to their size and weight. Most go karts for this age group support weights from 100 to 150 pounds, but check the specs carefully. Adjustable seats and pedals are a bonus because they allow the kart to grow with your child.
4. Durability and Build Quality
I wanted something that could handle rough use and outdoor conditions. Look for karts made with high-quality steel frames and weather-resistant components. Reading reviews helped me find models known for lasting several seasons without major repairs.
5. Ease of Maintenance**
Go karts need regular upkeep. I chose a model that’s easy to maintain, with accessible engine parts and clear instructions. Electric karts require less maintenance overall, which is great if you don’t want to deal with oil changes and spark plugs.
6. Budget Considerations
Go karts vary widely in price. I set a budget based on features I couldn’t compromise on, like safety and build quality. Remember, sometimes spending a bit more upfront means fewer headaches later with repairs or upgrades.
7. Additional Features I Appreciated
Some go karts come with extra features like adjustable steering wheels, lights, or even Bluetooth speakers. While not essential, these can enhance the experience and make riding more enjoyable for teens.
Final Thoughts
Buying a go kart for a 13 to 16-year-old is about balancing safety, fun, and durability. From my experience, investing time in research and prioritizing safety features made all the difference. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect kart that your teen will love and enjoy safely!
Author Profile
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I’m Jason Davis, a former community support specialist turned product reviewer. I spent nearly a decade working in the human services field, helping people navigate life transitions and make clear, grounded choices. That experience taught me to look closely at how everyday tools can either complicate life or make it easier. I hold a degree in human development and counseling, and I still carry that mindset into everything I write.
Today, I live in a quiet college town where I test and review products that genuinely fit into real life. I created raabcounseling.com to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help readers cut through marketing noise and shop with confidence. If something doesn’t work well, I’ll say so. If it adds value to my routine, you’ll hear why. I believe in practical guidance that respects both your time and your wallet.
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