Editing Go-kart (section)

=== Engines ===


Four-stroke engines can be standard air-cooled industrial based engines, sometimes with small modifications, developing from about {{convert|5|to|20|hp|0|abbr=on}}. [[Briggs & Stratton]], Tecumseh (company closed in 2008), Kohler, Robin, and [[Honda]] are manufacturers of such engines. They are adequate for racing and fun kart applications. There are also more powerful two-stroke engines available from manufacturers like [[Yamaha Motor Company|Yamaha]], KTM, Biland, or Aixro ([[Wankel engine]]) offering from {{convert|15|to|48|hp|0|abbr=on}}. They run at up to 11,000 rpm, and are manufactured specifically for karting. PRD makes the [[PRD Fireball]], a [[two-stroke engine]] delivering {{convert|28.5|hp|0|abbr=on}} at 15,580 rpm.

[[Electric go-kart]]s are available, requiring only that the batteries of the karts be plugged into an array of chargers after each run. Since they are [[pollution]]-free and emit no smoke, the racetracks can be indoors in controlled environments. 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. Some karts have been fitted with [[hydrogen fuel cell]]s.<ref>[http://forze-delft.nl/about/forze-3 Forze hydrogen karts] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514205951/http://forze-delft.nl/about/forze-3 |date=2014-05-14 }}</ref> High-performance electric go-karts for amusement parks and indoor tracks may have external electronic controls in the event of an accident or other hazards, in which the track attendant or the race referee can remotely slow down or stop all vehicles on the track via radio control. This external 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. These controls can be applied to both electric and combustion-engine karts.

In some countries, go-karts can be licensed for use on public roads often referred to as street tracks. Typically there are some restrictions; in the European Union, a go-kart modified for use on the road must be outfitted with headlights (high/low beam), tail lights, a horn, indicators, and an engine not exceeding {{convert|20|hp|abbr=on}}.