Go-karting is an exciting sport that has been gaining increasing popularity ever since it was first played in 1950 by Art Ingles, the “father of karting.”
Go-kart racing has come a long way, which becomes evident each year when millions of people partake in this sport.
Further, the recent success of Formula E has brought electric racing cars into the limelight, positioning battery-powered vehicles as a potential alternative to regular fossil fuel-based ones.
The good news is, these types of vehicles have made their way into go-kart racing tracks too. Gone are the days when gas go-karts found favour on circuits. Electric go-karts are now the way to go!
If you enjoy go-karting, you should know about the various differences between gas go-karts and their electric counterparts. While gas-powered ones have been used since a while, they’re on their way out. This comes as no surprise as electric go-karts provide compelling benefits, and allow you to enjoy your go-karting experience.
But first, let’s try and understand why electric karts are being increasingly preferred and gaining popularity on every go-kart racing track.
What Are Gas Go-Karts?
Gas go-karts refer to the traditional go-karts that use gasoline as their primary source of power. They run on fuel instead of batteries.
The only advantage of gasoline karts is the length of the time for which they can perform. Electric go-karts need to be charged while gas karts only need a fuel refill.
However, this singular factor almost never affects the go-kart experience for riders. It’s most important to prioritize a faster, safer, and an overall enjoyable racing experience.
What Are Electric Go-Karts and Why Are They Better?
Electric go-karts are the advanced counterparts of gas go-karts. They need electric motors and batteries to run. They’re the modern alternative to gas go-karts and are widely used in recreational as well as competitive go-kart racing.
Here are a few reasons why electric go-karts are the present and the future.
1. They Offer Better Speed
One of the main reasons why electric go-karts are making headway on racing tracks is their speed. They’re capable of touching peak speeds more quickly than gas go-karts. This can be attributed to the fact that they provide more torque without the use of transmission.
Gas go-karts, on the other hand, need transmission to reach maximum torque, which makes them difficult to drive.
When it comes to electric karts, riders promptly experience an adrenaline rush since the kart powers up as soon as the pedal is hit. This makes it easier to make multiple sharp turns, especially because acceleration is important when exiting a turn.
That being said, it is also easy to limit the speed on electric go-karts. This goes a long way in keeping riders, both adults and children, safe from injuries.
2. They’re Easier to Handle
Gas go-karts have heavy engines mounted at only one place, making the weight distribution uneven and the karts more likely to tip over. It also becomes hard to maneuver them at sharp turns.
Electric go-karts run on batteries. However, the weight of these batteries is evenly distributed, meaning the chances of the kart tipping or flipping over are next to none.
Further, electric go-karts provide better steering control, enabling an enthralling race experience. This ensures a smoother ride.
3. They’re Environment-Friendly
With the world emphasizing the concept of going green, it has become important to consider the environmental implications of go-karting as well.
It is common knowledge that gas go-karts are nowhere close to being eco-friendly. They release fuel odors and harmful fumes that pollute the environment and impact human health. They’re also loud. All these factors make them especially unsuitable for indoor racing car tracks. Having multiple gasoline karts in an enclosed arena is sure to make matters worse.
Electric go-karts, on the other hand, do not emit any kind of dangerous gases, engendering a cleaner and safer indoor racing experience. They’re also relatively quieter.
4. They’re Safer
Apart from facilitating evenly distributed battery weight, electric go-karts come with covered mechanical components. This helps riders of all ages dodge injuries and even burns, if they accidentally touch a part of the kart. This kind of safety cannot be expected in gas go-karts.
5. They Come with a Reverse Gear
Most gas go-karts come with two pedals, i.e., the accelerator and the brake. Electric go-karts, however, have a reverse gear too. This means riders do not need to push the go-karts to move them on the track.
This feature is also helpful in case the kart takes an unexpected spin. If the rider gets stuck in a tricky situation, they can get back in the race without having to manually move the kart.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that electric go-karts are quickly replacing gas go-karts because of the several benefits and the thrills they offer. From higher speed and better handling to greater safety and increased eco-friendliness, electric go-karts check all the right boxes. It is always a good idea to burn rubber on go-kart racing tracks that offer the battery-powered option. When you do try (or get back to) go-karting, take heart in knowing that you’re having the utmost fun in a safe and responsible manner. Hopefully, the above-mentioned pointers will help you understand why electric go-karts are here to stay.
Author Bio: Anthony Romeo is the Regional Manager of K1 Speed Canada, an indoor go karting centre with zero emissions and 100% adrenaline. He has 20 years of experience in operations and management. For more information or to request an interview, contact Anthony Romeo on info@k1speed.ca or on LinkedIn.