When it comes to go karts for kids, how do you know whether electric or pedal is best? The good news is, both are brilliant ride on toys that deliver endless fun outdoors and indoors.
Whether your child wants to race around the garden or cruise along a path, there’s a go kart to match every age, energy level, and style of play.
At Outdoor Toys, we stock a full range of both electric go karts and pedal go karts, so we know a thing or two about what makes each type great. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide which one suits your child best.
What’s the difference between electric and pedal go karts?
It’s all in the power. An electric go kart is battery-powered, meaning your child just presses the pedal and goes, no leg power needed.
A pedal go kart, on the other hand, runs entirely on kid power. Just jump in and start pedalling!
Why choose an electric go kart?
If your child loves cars, gadgets, and speed, an electric go might be just the thing. These ride on toys are powered by rechargeable batteries and usually come with cool features like lights, sounds, and even remote controls for parental peace of mind.
Electric go kart highlights:
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Ideal for kids aged 6+ (but our Super Kart Racer Electric Ride On Go Kart can be used by kids as young as 2!)
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Great for smooth, flat surfaces
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Speeds up to 5–10km/h depending on model
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Comes with safety features like seat belts and soft-start motors
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Less physical effort, more focus on steering and control
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Available in multiple variants to suit your child’s style
Just keep in mind: charging is required, and electric go karts aren’t always the best fit for rougher outdoor terrain.
Why choose a pedal go kart?
Kids' pedal go karts are a fantastic way to keep children active while they play. Perfect for younger kids (ages 3+), pedal karts help build strength, coordination, and confidence, all while having loads of fun.
Pedal go kart highlights:
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Encourages physical activity
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No batteries or charging needed, just pedal and play
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Easy to maintain
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Great for a wide range of surfaces, including grass
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Available in different sizes and styles to suit your child
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Ideal for children who love to be on the move
With strong metal frames, reliable wheel stability, and simple operation, pedal go karts are often parents' first choice for younger kids.
Electric vs pedal go kart – Which is better?
There’s no clear winner here, just the best choice for your child. Ask yourself a few questions:
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What age is your child?
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Do they prefer fast-paced fun or physical play?
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Where will they mostly be riding – indoors, in the garden, or at the park?
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Do they enjoy a challenge or an easy ride?
|
Feature |
Electric go kart |
Pedal go kart |
|
Power source |
Battery-powered |
Kid-powered |
|
Recommended ages |
6+ |
3+ |
|
Speed |
Higher – depending on model |
Lower – based on child’s effort |
|
Best for |
Smooth, hard surfaces |
Varied terrain including grass |
|
Physical activity level |
Low |
High |
|
Maintenance |
Needs charging, battery care |
Low maintenance |
|
Key benefits |
Tech, lights, sound effects |
Strength, coordination, no downtime |
Safety features to look out for
Both electric go karts and pedal go karts come with important safety features to keep your kids secure. Look for:
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Sturdy frames
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Stable wheels
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Easy-grip steering wheels
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Models suitable for your child’s age and size
Tip: Safety starts with a good fit. Always match the kart to your child's height and age range, and make sure to supervise them during play.
Shop quality go karts with Outdoor Toys
At Outdoor Toys, we stock a wide range of pedal go karts and electric go karts, plus spare parts and accessories to keep your kart in top shape. Whether you're buying for a birthday, Christmas, or just because, there's a go kart in our collection that's sure to bring a huge smile to your child's face.
And we don’t just stop at karts. We’ve got playhouses, climbing frames, trampolines, electric motorbikes, ride on cars, and all the outdoor toys your child needs to stay active and happy outside.