This remote speed control can also be used to limit young riders to a slow operating speed, while a race consisting only of adults is permitted a higher speed. In the event of an accident or an out-of-control racer, the track attendant can remotely slow or stop all vehicles on the track via radio control. Some karts have been fitted with hydrogen fuel cells. Electric karts powered by lead-acid batteries can run a maximum of 20–30 minutes before the performance is affected, while those powered by lithium batteries may last up to 2 hours on a single charge. Since they are pollution-free and emit no smoke, the racetracks can be indoors in controlled environments. PRD makes the PRD Fireball, a two-stroke engine delivering 28.5 hp (21 kW) at 15,580 rpm.Įlectric go-karts are low maintenance, requiring only that the lead-acid or lithium-polymer batteries of the karts be plugged into an array of chargers after each run. They run at up to 11,000 rpm, and are manufactured specifically for karting. There are also more powerful two-stroke engines available from manufacturers like Yamaha, KTM, Biland, or Aixro ( Wankel engine) offering from 15 to 48 hp (11 to 36 kW). They are adequate for racing and fun kart applications. Briggs & Stratton, Tecumseh (company closed in 2008), Kohler, Robin, and Honda are manufacturers of such engines. Power is transmitted from the engine to the rear axle by way of a chain (some rentals use a belt).įour-stroke engines can be standard air-cooled industrial based engines, sometimes with small modifications, developing from about 5 to 20 hp (4 to 15 kW). Traditionally, small two-stroke and four-stroke internal combustion engines are used in motorised go-kart racing. Further information: Kart racing Engines