The Go Carts Machine

Go Carts – Then and Now

Most people think of go carts as something kids put together with remnants of wheels, lumber and a stray steering wheel. Who can forget the famous one in the episode of “Our Gang” comedy? That’s the image of the do-it-yourself go cart that is virtually an icon.

Here were a bunch of little kids with the wherewithall to create theirs from bits and pieces of whatever lay unused in their realm of childhood. Meanwhile, the little rich boy had a bright shiny one that was sleek, fast and a kid’s dream vehicle. This type is more related to those of the present.

The Annual Races

Go cart races with these fun vehicles have been popular in small towns for decades. Dads spent hours building the perfect machine he envisioned would win the annual small town races cup. Today, these vehicles are found in amusements parks and specially designed tracks in municipalities.

Modern Carts

Unlike the one built by the kids in that episode of Our Gang Comedy, modern go-carts are small or large depending upon the overall seating capacity. For today’s sophisticated races, these machines have 3.5 to 6 hp engines and are sold according to weight and age. Seating capacities range from single to double and family size.

The Mechanics of These Machines

As with any vehicle, there are certain accessories with these fun machines that make them safer such as dual wheel drive and a brake system that insures safe stopping. Tires are built for top-level traction. Seats are adjustable and they are bumper frames with many models.

Starting and Stopping

The engines have a start and stop switch which is common with most of gocarts. Some models have side guards for added protection. Note that there is a warning with most of these machines that they can be hazardous since most are powered by gasoline.

The Hum Of The Engine

Although these machines vary in size, most have engines with relatively reduced noise levels. This is an advantage in areas where they can be driven in public places specified for that particular use. Manufacturers of these machines suggest they be used by adults and children over twelve years of age.

The Colors of Fun

There’s nothing like the fun of tooling around in one of these go cart vehicles, unless it is the brightly colored paint schemes of red, blue, yellow or silver.