In the diverse world of automobiles, vehicles are categorized to meet a spectrum of needs and desires. For daily commutes, practical cars are abundant. For thrill-seekers, high-performance sports cars beckon. And for those yearning for off-grid exploration, robust Overlanding SUVs stand ready.
However, nestled between these well-defined classes lies a thrilling, lesser-known category. These are vehicles too performance-driven to be mere daily drivers, too compact and minimalist to be classified as sports cars, and certainly not designed for off-road adventures. Often dubbed exocars, motorcycle alternatives, or trikes, we’re embracing the term Street Legal Go Karts. These stripped-down speed demons aren’t just permitted on public roads; they represent the pinnacle of exhilarating, road-approved fun. Let’s dive into the best street legal go karts currently making waves in the market.
What Exactly Is A Street Legal Go Kart?
For the purpose of this guide, street legal go karts aren’t simply traditional go-karts retrofitted for road use. Instead, they are specialized, lightweight, open-top vehicles engineered for exhilarating, agile performance, often drawing comparisons to the go-kart experience. Legally, these machines are frequently classified as motorcycles due to their unique configurations and minimalist design.
These road-legal go karts are characterized by their spartan nature, prioritizing essential components for high-performance driving and little else. They embody the essence of “driver’s cars,” relentlessly focused on performance, typically fueled by potent powertrains and equipped with finely-tuned, track-inspired suspension systems. The fusion of a dramatically minimalist interior with a purely performance-oriented design often results in vehicles that seem more at home on a racetrack than on public streets.
Big Boy Toys: Key Considerations for Street Legal Go Kart Buyers
It’s immediately apparent that street legal go karts diverge significantly from typical road cars. Understanding the crucial aspects to consider when shopping for one is essential. Below, we highlight ten key elements to guide your purchase of a road-legal go-kart.
Engine: The engine is the heart and soul of any vehicle, and in a street legal go kart, its importance is magnified. It dictates performance and driving dynamics. Consider engine size, cylinder count, layout, cooling system, and aspiration (naturally aspirated, supercharged, or turbocharged). Many boutique manufacturers of road-legal go-karts source engines from larger automakers, making the origin of the powertrain a valuable point of investigation.
Transmission: A variety of transmissions can be found in street legal go karts, each offering distinct characteristics. Common types include manual gearboxes for driver engagement, sequential units for rapid shifts, and automatic transmissions, sometimes with paddle-shifters for manual control. The transmission choice significantly impacts the driving experience.
Running Gear: Beyond the frame, the running gear is pivotal to a street legal go kart’s performance. This encompasses the suspension setup and braking components. High-quality suspension ensures agile handling and road holding, while robust brakes are crucial for confident stopping power in these lightweight machines.
Power & Performance Capabilities: Horsepower and torque figures, combined with vehicle weight and gearing, provide a clear indication of a road-legal go kart’s capabilities. Performance benchmarks like 0-60mph acceleration, braking distances, and top speed offer tangible real-world performance metrics. These figures highlight the raw thrill and responsiveness these vehicles deliver.
Practicality: If practicality is paramount – think grocery runs or family transport – street legal go karts are not the answer. They are among the least practical vehicles available. However, practicality can vary even within this niche. Some models offer minimal storage like trunks or glove compartments, while others are entirely devoid of such amenities. This aspect greatly influences their suitability for purposes beyond pure driving pleasure, such as touring.
Weight: A defining characteristic of street legal go karts is their exceptionally low weight compared to standard cars. This svelte curb weight contributes to incredibly nimble handling and impressive power-to-weight ratios, resulting in exhilarating acceleration and responsiveness. Lightness is key to the go-kart-like agility.
Seating: Most road-legal go-kart models prioritize performance and minimalism, typically featuring single or dual-passenger seating. The comfort and spaciousness of these seating arrangements can vary substantially. For those planning longer drives, the seat comfort and cockpit ergonomics become important considerations.
Amenities & Creature Comforts: Spartan is the operative word for most street legal go karts. They are stripped down to driving essentials. However, the level of creature comforts can differ. Some may include stereos, infotainment displays, air conditioning, or power windows, while others offer none. Evaluate your comfort needs versus the minimalist ethos when choosing a model.
Build Quality: Unlike mass-produced cars, street legal go karts are almost exclusively crafted by boutique manufacturers. Build quality can, therefore, vary significantly between brands. Researching brand reputation through forums, blogs, and reviews can provide insights into the expected build quality and reliability.
Running Costs: Like any vehicle, operating, insuring, and maintaining a road-legal go-kart incurs costs. These can range widely. Some models may be straightforward to service, while others, particularly those with exotic powertrains or limited production, might require specialized and expensive maintenance. Factor in running costs beyond the purchase price.
Polaris Slingshot R
Polaris Slingshot R
Photo: Polaris Inc.
Pros
- Exceptional value proposition
- Disablable traction control for drifting enthusiasts
- Striking, hypercar-inspired aesthetics
- Economical running costs
- Extensive range of optional accessories and packages
Cons
- Firm, uncomfortable seating
Best Value Pick: The Polaris Slingshot, a familiar sight on roads, often prompts the question: “Who would drive such a vehicle?” The answer lies in experiencing it firsthand. Especially the top-tier R trim, the Slingshot is an undeniably fun street machine. Despite its somewhat unconventional appearance, reminiscent of a track vehicle from a miniature golf course, this topless trike is fully street legal, initially even classified as a motorcycle. It’s a pared-down racer, boasting 203 horsepower, 144 lb-ft of torque, and a lean 1,651-pound curb weight. Yet, it includes practical features like a navigation-equipped 7″ full-color display, upgradable interior with premium sound options, and a removable top for sun protection.
Explore our detailed Polaris Slingshot review here.
Engine: 2.0L Inline-Four
Power: 203HP & 144FT-LBs
Top Speed: 125MPH (electronically limited)
0-60MPH Time: 4.9 Seconds
Curb Weight: 1,651LBs
MSRP: $33,999
Vanderhall Santarosa GTS
Vanderhall Santarosa GTS
Photo: Vanderhall Motor Works
Pros
- Impressive 300-mile range
- Extensive customization options for wheels, paint, and upholstery
- Luxurious and comfortable interior
- Harmonious blend of modern and vintage design cues
Cons
- Lengthy charging duration
Best Electric Pick: The Vanderhall Santarosa GTS, successor to the Edison², represents the pinnacle of Vanderhall’s neo-retro, fully electric roadster lineage. This top-spec GTS model employs a reverse trike layout with a single rear-driven wheel and two front wheels. Power comes from a 132-kW electric motor producing 180hp and 216ft-lbs of torque, propelling the approximately 1,500-pound vehicle to 60mph in under four seconds. Beyond its agile performance and remarkable 300-mile range, the Santarosa GTS impresses with a handcrafted luxury interior that merges contemporary and retro aesthetics. Constructed with significant carbon fiber elements, it offers vast customization in upholstery, livery, and wheel choices. A hardtop roof is also configurable.
Engine: 132kW Electric Motor
Power: 180HP & 216FT-LBs
Top Speed: TBD
0-60MPH Time: Under 4 Seconds
Curb Weight: 1,570LBs
MSRP: $48,950
Morgan Super 3 Speedster
Morgan Super 3 Speedster
Photo: Morgan Motor Company
Pros
- Now available in the US market
- Modern iteration of a century-old British automotive legend
- Neo-retro “jet age” inspired design
- Wide array of optional accessories
Cons
- Modest 0-60mph and top speed figures
- Brakes lack ABS and servo assistance
Best Neo-Retro Pick: Founded in 1910 by Henry Frederick Stanley Morgan, the Morgan Motor Company debuted its first three-wheeled design just a year later. The Morgan Super 3 Speedster is the latest evolution of these iconic trikes, now available in the U.S. Built on an aluminum modular monocoque chassis, the Super 3 Speedster is powered by a forward-mid-mounted 1.4-liter inline-three Ford Dragon engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Producing 118hp and 111ft-lbs of torque, this naturally aspirated engine allows the neo-retro three-wheeler to achieve 0-60mph in seven seconds and reach a 130mph top speed. Morgan offers extensive personalization through a wide range of add-ons and accessories, allowing owners to significantly customize the vehicle’s appearance and character.
Engine: 1.4L Inline-Three
Power: 118HP & 111FT-LBs
Top Speed: 130MPH
0-60MPH Time: 7 Seconds
Dry Weight: 1,400LBs
MSRP: $53,938
Campagna T-Rex RR 2023
Campagna TRex RR 2023
Photo: Campagna Motors
Pros
- Powered by the Kawasaki ZX-14R superbike engine
- Under 1,100lbs weight
- Full roll-cage for enhanced safety
- Exotic carbon fiber bodywork option
- Removable storage pods with 92 liters of cargo space
- Sequential gearbox equipped
Cons
- Lacks power steering and traction control
Best Lightweight Pick: Campagna T-Rex, a product of a Quebec-based boutique firm since 1994, is a continuously refined, high-performance reverse trike. The latest iteration, the Campagna T-Rex RR 2023, features a chassis with a complete roll-cage and a suspension system with front dual wishbone and custom RR5 adjustable coil-over shocks, enabling it to handle up to 1.3 Gs of lateral acceleration. It’s powered by the high-revving 208-hp 1,441cc inline-four engine from Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX-14R superbike, coupled with a sequential six-speed transmission. Weighing under 1,100lbs, the RR-spec T-Rex accelerates from 0-60mph in under four seconds. The 2023 RR model boasts Italian-inspired, exotic bodywork, with a carbon fiber option. It includes V-shaped 10-spoke aluminum race wheels and custom Wilwood four-piston calipers. Additional features are removable waterproof side storage pods (92 liters), a backup camera, reverse, marine-grade sport seats, and an Alcantara Sparco steering wheel.
Engine: 1.4L Inline-Four
Power: 208HP & 116.5FT-LBs
Top Speed: 144MPH
0-60MPH Time: 3.9 Seconds
Curb Weight: 1,098LBs
MSRP: $68,999
Caterham Seven 620
Caterham Seven 620
Photo: Caterham Cars
Pros
- Classic styling with modern performance
- Race-developed cooling package standard
- Impressive top speed and acceleration
- Supercharged Ford Duratec engine with carbon covers
- Available in more affordable lower trim levels
Cons
- Dated design aesthetic
Best Continuation Car Pick: The Caterham Seven’s lineage traces back to the mid-1950s when Lotus created the original Seven as an entry-level model. It achieved legendary status in racing and automotive culture, even after Lotus discontinued it. Caterham acquired the design rights and began producing their versions. The Caterham Seven 620 is the pinnacle of decades of racing, engineering, and design refinement. It boasts an extraordinary power-to-weight ratio, thanks to its supercharged 310-horsepower four-cylinder Ford Duratec engine and a mere 1,344-pound curb weight. This combination results in sub-3-second 0-60mph times and a top speed approaching 150mph. Adorned with carbon fiber inside and out, the Seven 620 is a classic “continuation kart” with modern components, delivering exhilarating fun on track or street.
Engine: Supercharged 2.0L Inline-Four
Power: 310HP & 219FT-LBs
Top Speed: 149MPH
0-60MPH Time: 2.79 Seconds
Curb Weight: 1,344LBs
MSRP: $72,920
Ariel Atom 4
Ariel Atom 4
Photo: Ariel North America
Pros
- Ultra-spartan, purely performance-focused design
- Premium components from JRi, AIM, Brembo, Eibach, and more
- 320-HP Honda 2.0 VTEC Turbo engine
- Extensive upgrade options, including a 350-HP variant
- Faster than a Ferrari, higher lateral G-force than a Porsche GT3
Cons
- Traction control and limited-slip differential are optional extras
Best Track-Ready Pick: The Ariel Atom, across its generations, is defined by its absence: no doors, no roof, minimal body panels, and a cockpit stripped to bare essentials. This minimalism is key to its phenomenal driving dynamics, contributing to a featherweight 1,312 pounds. The Atom 4, the fourth generation, is propelled by a formidable 320-horsepower engine. Remarkably, the Ariel Atom 4 is fully street legal. Its turbocharged Honda-sourced four-cylinder engine delivers supercar-level performance with a 0-60 time of 2.8 seconds and a 162 mph top speed. Separated from the road by only a five-point racing seat, pushing the Atom 4 to its limits is a challenge for the bravest drivers.
Engine: Turbocharged 2.0L Inline-Four
Power: 320HP & 310FT-LBs
Top Speed: 162MPH
0-60MPH Time: 2.8 Seconds
Curb Weight: 1,312LBs
MSRP: $83,750
KTM X-BOW GT
KTM XBOW GT
Photo: KTM
Pros
- World’s first production car with a carbon fiber monocoque
- Comprehensive aero kit and carbon fiber bodywork elements
- Monocoque-integrated aluminum roll-bars, 2.5x vehicle weight capacity
- Turbo engine and 6-speed manual from Audi
Cons
- Premium price point
Best Overall Pick: The KTM X-Bow GT might visually echo the Polaris Slingshot, but significant differences abound. Notably, the KTM has four wheels and a considerably higher price tag, reflecting a substantial leap in performance and technology. The X-Bow GT boasts 300 horsepower compared to the Slingshot’s 173. It achieves a 143.5 mph top speed, 0-60 in 4.1 seconds, and benefits from a wider, lower center of gravity for enhanced stability and safety. As the first production vehicle with a carbon fiber monocoque, the X-Bow GT uses an Audi-sourced turbocharged five-cylinder TFSI engine and a six-speed manual gearbox. It features underside protection, ergonomic Recaro seats, and numerous other high-performance features. The KTM X-Bow GT caters to drivers seeking a substantially more advanced and capable street legal go kart experience than models like the Polaris Slingshot.
Engine: Turbocharged 2.5L Five-Cylinder
Power: 300HP & 309FT-LBs
Top Speed: 143.5MPH
0-60MPH Time: 4.1 Seconds
Curb Weight: 1,867LBs
MSRP: $139,000
BAC Mono R
BAC Mono R
Photo: Briggs Automotive Company
Pros
- Formula 1-style single-seater configuration
- 6-speed sequential gearbox
- Graphene-enhanced carbon fiber bodywork with full aero kit
- Highest HP-to-liter ratio for a naturally-aspirated road-legal production car
- Performance rivaling track-only vehicles
Cons
- Extremely high price
Best Single-Seater Pick: The Briggs Automotive Company’s Mono R, with its central single-seat layout reminiscent of Formula 1 cars, is among the most technologically advanced vehicles globally. Developed with an uncompromising approach, it features a near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution (49:51). The single-seater utilizes a 2nd-gen TIG-welded chassis cloaked in Graphene-enhanced, ultra-light carbon composite bodywork, complete with a full aero kit and a carbon fiber crash box. The cockpit-like interior includes a race-style display, fixed carbon fiber seat, and a custom carbon steering wheel. Riding on bespoke BAC x OZ Racing HRT alloy wheels, the Mono R incorporates top-tier components, including fully adjustable suspension and track-ready AP Racing brakes. BAC offers unparalleled customization options, allowing owners to personalize the Mono R extensively.
Engine: 2.5L Inline-Four
Power: 342HP & 243.4FT-LBs
Top Speed: 217MPH
0-60MPH Time: 2.7 Seconds
Curb Weight: 1,223.5LBs
MSRP: $244,335
The Allure of True Driver’s Cars
Best True Drivers Cars 0 Hero 630×420
Photo: Caterham Cars Seven 620
Intrigued by performance but seeking something slightly more practical? Explore our guide to the best true driver’s cars for a curated selection of minimalist, performance-focused vehicles available today.
