Go-karts are unique driving machines allowing users to zoom up and down a racetrack with no more than the push of a pedal. If you’re interested in owning or driving a go-kart, it’s critical to pick the right fuel source. Many go-karts use batteries, but do go-karts also use gas? What are the pros and cons of an addition of fuel?
Yes, most go karts use gas. However, more and more go karts are being swapped out for electric. The electric go kart is less maintenance and safer but requires more time to refuel. Gas powered go karts are still the most popular version.
If you’re interested in learning more about the pros and cons of using gas in a go-kart, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about the good and bad aspects of adding fuel to a go-kart, how long gas lasts in a go-kart system, and whether gas-powered go-karts are faster than those with an electric operating system.
Pros and Cons of Gas in Go-karts
As with any product, there are pros and cons to using gas in go-karts. It’s the older method of the two go-kart power styles today, so some flaws should be addressed along with the benefits.
Let’s dive deeper into the pros and cons of using gas go-karts. With electric models on the market, it’s critical to analyze the good and bad aspects of the traditional gas tactic to determine if it’s the right way to go.
Pros
Gas was the original way to power a go-kart for a reason. There are many good qualities associated with this tactic.
There are many benefits to using gas as the energy source for a go-kart.
A few of the most prominent include:
- Faster charge: It only takes a second to refill a gas tank, as opposed to an hour of charging.
- Lower cost upfront: Gas go-karts are cheaper right off the bat.
- Classic: You can’t beat the classic sound of a gas-powered engine.
- Wider availability: There are more gas go-kart options available on the market.
- Longer power life: Gas typically provides a longer drive than electricity in a go-kart.
These will add to your experience on a go-kart.
There are many reasons to choose gas as the primary source of power for your go-kart. However, there are also reasons to stay away from it. Let’s go over those next.
Here’s a cool video showing how powerful an electric go kart can be:
This is where we got our Offroad Go Kart Buggy for the kids off Amazon. We went with the Trailmaster buggy but they also have smaller karts and all electric options with great reviews.
Cons
We’ve discussed many good things associated with the gas-powered go-kart. Now, it’s time to look at the other side of the equation – the cons.
There are several issues with gas as a power source in a go-kart, too.
A few of the most obvious include:
- Safety issues: Gas can catch on fire and injure drivers.
- Lack of value long-term: Over time, electric options will take over gas.
- More maintenance: There are more components to care for in a gas-powered go-kart system.
- Less efficiency: Gas will not produce high rates of speed like electricity.
- Emissions: go-karts powered by fuel reduce harmful emissions, dangerous for the world and drivers.
These will take away from your time on the track and can even cause harm to the driver.
The biggest issues with gas go-karts stem from the emissions produced. Not only are they bad for the environment, but they are also bad for people to breathe in. Gas is also flammable and requires components that need serious maintenance from an expert.
Gas go-karts are still fun to drive, and you can’t beat that classic engine noise. However, electric go-karts are the future as society embraces fuel with fewer emissions and less complex operating systems with a higher rate of speed.
How Long Does Gas Last In A Go-kart?
A typical tank of gas will power a go-kart for up to three hours of fun, depending on different variables associated with the drive. Once the go-kart is empty, it only takes a few moments to fill up the tank and get it back on the track again for another three-hour session of excitement.
There are a few things that will impact how long a tank of gas lasts:
- Speeding: Hitting far over the recommended speed will reduce fuel levels faster.
- Acceleration: Quick accelerations will use more fuel than a steady pace.
- Braking: Harsh braking will mess with the capacity of the tank.
- Idling: Sitting with the gas running will wear down the fuel levels.
These will make a difference in how far a tank of gas will last with a go-kart.
Of course, no one likes to take it slow and drive to conserve their gas levels in a go-kart. When considering average driving speeds for a gas-powered go-kart, three hours is the average length a tank of gas will last.
Are Gas Go-karts Faster Than Electric Go-karts?
Electric go-karts are faster than their gas-powered counterparts. They also reach their top speeds much faster, as gas go-karts take a few moments to get vital components moving. Those behind the wheel of the electric option will be up and on the move much faster than those in older kart varieties.
Some go-karts use gas and reach speeds hit by electric karts. However, these varieties are much rarer.
This is where we got our Offroad Go Kart Buggy for the kids off Amazon. We went with the Trailmaster buggy but they also have smaller karts and all electric options with great reviews.
Final Thoughts
It’s possible to power go-karts with gas. However, there are many pros and cons to consider along the way. Although gas is an easier way to get immediate power and it’s cheaper upfront, it’s less practical in the long run, more dangerous, and requires higher levels of maintenance than the electric competitor.
We hope this information was helpful! If you’re interested in a go-kart, the energy source will make all the difference.
Whether you want one for your home or business or are looking to race some at a location with friends and family, the fuel source matters. No matter what you choose, you will have fun with the proper safety precautions.