Most people get glassy eyes when they see a go-kart (people who love go-karts) and tend to forget where in the world they are going to drive their go-karts.
Sometimes the images in your mind go to the racetracks and passing Ferraris, but “Really now! Are you going to drive this thing on the racetrack?”
I just got this email from a reader about mini karts (unfortunately this is a common question)
Hello, I was stopped by a police officer for running my kart on the sidewalk and said I could be charged with: being over 18 to operate anything that runs on gas. I now understand that I can’t drive a go-kart pretty much anywhere but where should I go?
Because the question “Where am I going to ride this Go Kart?” Not asked at first, now you have a very depressed person, you’re thinking of getting rid of the gokart together.
One issue about ‘where’ and the other about ‘age’.
I’m not a legal authority, but I can tell you a few basics: Un = Licensed motorized vehicles cannot drive on the roads.
About age, this varies from state to state.
You need to look into your state’s laws and codes to get legal data verification. Consult a local attorney for that information…
But regardless, it’s good to know where you’ll be driving that little go-kart.
in your path?
On your uncles farm?
(Obviously not on the street as this is against the law)
In the corn fields?
in your garden?
Do you have a yard big enough to ride a kart?
Are their laws against karting in your area?
Do you have permission to ride it in the parking lot across the street?
Riding a micro kart involves more than just riding a gokart.
It affects the people around you in the following ways:
– Go Karts are driving projectiles.
– “An unknown talent” determines its path.
– Coarse is not set, but can change from moment to moment.
In short, the little kart paired with the driver is like running with the bulls in Spain.
Those around the go-kart have no idea if it will hit them or not.
So before you get upset about not being able to drive it “anywhere,” realize that the people around you have to carry a burden. The burden of attention and care. Are they, or are you hurt?
There are legal aspects
Additionally, Go Kart is not road legal for various reasons, mainly due to its low visibility (people can’t see you) and its lack of many other essential components of road handling and accident prevention.
This set of questions is perhaps the most difficult to admit, because there are so many obstacles. And I don’t mean trees and cars, I mean car regulations. You can’t explode on the road with your small car. It sounds like a fun idea, but it’s actually dangerous and against the law.
If you end up buying, or even making, this little go-kart, you could end up with a set of very frustrating conclusions:
I can’t ride it anywhere!
And even if I could, I can’t put it in the car to get it where I want to ride (it’s too big)!
So ask the question first. Get an answer.
The answer may be as simple as reaching out to some people to find a place to ride: your uncles’ farm! (But there’s more than just your uncle at stake there too…remember there are 10 questions, not six)
There are many karting clubs, and you can join them. You don’t have to be a go-kart racer to join these clubs, they are just a place where you can enjoy go kart. Make sure to contact them in your area before investing in a go kart and everything that goes with it (eg helmets, gloves, suits, etc..)
Finally, I did some digging myself on gokarts on the trails. There are usually conditions on the type of kart you can ride on the road. For example, in the state where I live, trails require that a go kart have suspension and a complete roll cage by a reputable manufacturer. You will also need to obtain a permit. The life of the drivers is also limited.
So look at the ATV tracks and see what you come up with.