How to Make a Homemade Go Cart

A wooden self-propelled cart is much safer than a motorized one.

Go carting used to be a childhood pastime with little wheeled vehicles made from scraps found in the garage. These days, cart racing is a serious sport with some motorized carts able to do speeds of well over 150mph and looking more like Formula 1 vehicles than the wooden boxes of youth. There is still plenty of fun to be had with the lower-tech, self-propelled style go cart though, and rolling gently down a hill is certainly safer than careening around at top speeds.

Things You'll Need

• Wood in various lengths
• Nails
• Nuts and bolts
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Drill
• 4 wheels

Instructions

1. Locate the appropriate materials. Wood can be found from wood yards or recycling projects. Spoked wheels rescued from old prams and screws and nails can usually be found in the back of the garage or in a tool shed.

2. Draw or download a plan for your go cart, remembering to include a jointed axle for the front wheels to allow for steering.

3. Build the chassis starting with a thick length of wood, approximately 4 feet long. Attach the rear axle, another plank about 17 inches long nailed perpendicular to the longer plank.

4. Drill a hole in the front end of the chassis plank. Using a partially threaded nut, bolt and washer, attach the front axle. The partially threaded nut will give make the axle movement, allowing for steering.

5. Create the seating area by nailing two planks either side of the chassis plank, supported by the rear axle. The front of the seating area will be quite weak and will benefit from a cross bar running underneath.

6. Attach the four wheels using nuts, bolts and washers. A piece of rope can be tied to the front axle for steering, or the feet can be used.

7. Decorate and personalize your go cart with paint, varnish, stickers or decals.

Tips & Warnings

• Even self-propelled go carting comes with dangers so don't take unnecessary risks, such as going down huge hills or playing in busy roads.

References

• Kart Building: Wooden Go-Kart Plans :: How to build a simple wooden go-kart
• DIY Go Karts: Free Go Kart Plans

Resources

• Greenpower