Hoverboards are such a cool toy, but mastering them can be tricky for kids sometimes. Do you have a hoverboard around your house somewhere, in the garage or a closet, gathering dust because your child had too many spills? Or are the kids just getting tired of it and looking for a new way to play with it? Try breathing new life into your hoverboard with a hoverboard go kart conversion kit!
Hover-1 Buggy Attachment
With a maximum weight capacity of 250 pounds, its length is fully adjustable to suit various heights, from kids to adults. It’s available in blue and pink and attaches easily to any hoverboard with either 6.5 or 8-inch wheels.
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How to Use a Hoverboard Go Kart
So what is a hoverboard go-kart used for anyway? It’s an excellent way for young kids who may not be able to balance yet to enjoy a hoverboard still, and even if you have mastered the balancing part, it’s still tons of fun for kids and adults alike! The go-kart attachment connects to the hoverboard with unique straps, turning your hoverboard into a go-kart with a seat and handle that can control speed and help steer.
Using a hoverboard go-kart is a straightforward process. Your kids should have no problem getting acquainted with the steering and maneuvering; however, we have some helpful guides to help. To get started, check out our guide on “How to Ride a Hoverboard.”
A Note on Safety
Hoverboards and hoverboard go-karts can be great fun, but as with any motorized vehicle, there is always an element of danger. It is vital to ensure your kids are well protected by using the appropriate protective gear to prevent accidents and injuries.
For a few safety tips, take a peek at our “Hoverboard Safety Guide.”
Most Common Hoverboard Injuries
A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics found that fractures, contusions, and sprains are the most common injuries, with head injuries rising.
Additionally, we created a fun guide of ideas and hoverboard games for your kids to keep them busy and entertained.
Notable Rules and Regulations You Should Be Aware Of
I always recommend checking your state’s local regulations about transportation devices such as hoverboard go-karts. Manufacturers usually supply a shortened list of rules and guidelines. However, it’s still the responsibility of parents to ensure their kids are aware of and abide by the rules of the road. Below are a few rules about the use of hoverboard go-karts:
- Proper age restriction: Many manufacturers recommend a minimum age range of 8 to 13 years, depending on the hoverboard go-kart’s design.
- Helmet protection: In some states, the law requires a child riding a hoverboard go-kart to wear a helmet.
- Restricted locations: Hoverboard go-karts may only be ridden in designated areas, such as parks or private property, with the owner’s permission. They are not allowed on sidewalks or public roads.
- Speed limits: In some states, speed limits are set for hoverboard go-karts, ranging from between 14 mph.
Do Hoverboard Go-Karts Offer Any Benefits to Kids?
Yes, they do. Hoverboard go-karts offer a variety of benefits to kids while they’re out having fun. Making this a worthwhile investment if your kids already enjoy using a hoverboard.
- Motor skills development: When kids ride on a hoverboard go-kart, they must use and develop their coordination, balance, and control, which all form part of gross motor skills.
- Encourages outdoor playtime: These go-karts are a wonderful reason for kids to get outside and explore their surroundings.
- Develops socialization skills: Hoverboard go-karts are an excellent way for kids to connect and socialize with friends while exploring and having fun together.
- Cognitive function improvement: When riding a hoverboard o-kart, concentration and focus are required, which will help to improve your child’s cognitive function.
Buyer’s Guide
Safety Features
The first thing to do is to check for any weight and height limitations required for the hoverboard go-kart. Also, consider whether the go-kart has other safety features, such as durable and solid construction, seat adjustability, or a hand brake.
Compatibility
Not all hoverboards are compatible with hoverboard go-karts, so ensuring that your hoverboard can accommodate a go-kart attachment is essential. Generally, the majority of manufacturers will provide a list of compatible models.
Weight Limit
Following the lower limit is essential if your hoverboard and go-kart attachment have different weight limits. For example, if you have a hoverboard with a limit of 150 pounds and purchased a go-kart attachment with a limit of 200 pounds, you should not sit in the attachment on the hoverboard if you weigh over 150 pounds.
Another thing to consider when looking at a hoverboard’s maximum weight capacity is the go-kart attachment’s weight. You must add it to the rider’s weight when determining if you are within the safe use zone. If the weight limit for the hoverboard and go-kart attachment is 200 pounds, and the go-kart attachment weighs 15 pounds, then the rider should not be more than 185 pounds. In this scenario, if the rider weighed more than 185 pounds, the weight of the rider plus the weight of the go-kart attachment would exceed the hoverboard’s limit of 200 pounds, putting strain on the board and its battery.
Comfort
Models with adjustable seas and footrests will help your child sit and feel more comfortable, regardless of height. Some premium go-kart models also have shock-absorbing suspension systems for more bumpy rides.
Ease of Maneuverability
Good maneuverability is important. Therefore it’s a good idea to consider models with easy-to-use steering, responsive braking, and good traction on different surfaces. These all influence how easy it would be for your kids to control the go-kart.
Wheel Size
If you own a hoverboard, ensure you know the wheel size because not every go-kart attachment will fit every hoverboard. Standard hoverboard wheel sizes are 6.5 inches, 8 inches, and 10 inches. Most 6.5-inch and 8-inch wheel hoverboards will fit the majority of go-kart attachments, but 10-inch wheels occasionally do not work. Even if the wheel size is correct, a few hoverboard models will not fit a go-kart attachment because the hoverboard has a small handle in the middle. Some models manufacturers have noted will not be compatible with attachments are the Swagtron T6, the Mega Wheel TW01S-1, and the Hover-1 Beast 10-inch wheel models.
Budget
Hoverboard go-karts usually have a price range of between $100 to $500, so decide on a budget beforehand to save time when comparing different models. Remember that a higher price tag doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best option for your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should my Child Wear a Helmet with the Seat Attachment?
Yes, definitely! Even from a short distance, a blow to the head can damage the brain or neck. Be sure to set a good example for your kids, and if you decide to have a turn on the go-kart, make sure that you always wear a helmet, too. It’s also recommended that children and adults wear elbow and knee pads when using a hoverboard, whether on its own or with the go-kart attachment.
Do the Go-Kart Attachments fit all Hoverboards?
This will depend on the hoverboard seat attachment you have chosen. Some models are compatible with nearly all hoverboards (except the type with a small handle in the middle). Others will specify which hoverboard they will work with, whether 6.5-inch, 8-inch, or 10-inch wheels. On our list, it’s noted at the beginning of each review what size hoverboard will work with each go-kart attachment.
Do Hoverboard Go-Karts Require Maintenance?
Keeping your go-kart attachment well-maintained will prolong its life. Detach it from the hoverboard after every use, and check the wheel to ensure it continues spinning freely. Keep a close eye on the Velcro straps that attach the go-kart to the hoverboard.
If the straps rub against the wheels or drag along the ground, they can degrade over time. For this reason, many hoverboard attachments come with extra straps. Check the straps carefully to ensure they are still in good condition whenever you use your go-kart.
How Do You Steer a Hoverboard Go Kart?
Most hoverboard go-kart attachments share the exact basic steering mechanism. You control them with two joystick-type handles, one on either side of the seat. The rider steers forwards, backward, left, and right by either pushing the handles down or pulling them backward. Generally, to make your go-kart attachment move forward, push both the padded foam handles down. If you want to go backward, pull both handles up. To turn left, push the right handle down, the left up, and vice versa if you’re going to turn right. Most go-kart attachments have a front wheel that freely spins 360 degrees so that you can turn in complete circles.
What Is the Maximum Speed and Distance a Hoverboard Go-Kart Can Go?
Your go-kart attachment can travel as far and fast as your hoverboard’s maximum limits, but the driver’s weight will affect how fast it travels. The maximum speed hoverboards offer can vary but is often between 5 and 15 miles per hour. The maximum distance hoverboards can travel will vary by model, but a standard maximum distance is around 12 miles.
Update History
11/08/2023 – Updated Top Picks List. Added table of contents, sections on how we picked our list of products and why our reviews should be trusted. Added product technical specifications and refreshed supplementary content.