E-Kart for kids project

[vorkerman]

Hello all!

This is a great forum and I've already learned so much. I'm planning to start a build on a kart for my kids (4.5 and 3), planning only to let the 4.5 year old drive at first. Having read quite a bit I'm thinking a 500-750 W range, but first things first! Anybody else in Canada? If I order a motor from the states, is there duty? Anybody know any good Canadian sites to order from? I've checked kijiji and not coming across much in my area.

I'm looking forward to this and thanks in advance for any input/advice. I'm going to keep reading in the meantime and ask questions as I have them. Just trying to plan things out for now.

 

[landuse]

Welcome to the forum!!

 

[Poboy kartman]

Welcome to the forum....and you're not the only Canadian here...at one point there...in fact at one point we had a little competition going to see which we were gonna have more of: Canadians or Texans...

The site owner is from Austin, Texas...but my cyber buddy is a moderator from California.....err.....Canada.....

 

[vorkerman]

Thanks for the welcome!

Well hopefully one can share their experience with getting parts!

Does everyone always use a stock speed controller? Has anyone ever used an Arduino to either control the motor (via a Hbridge or some other controller) so that they could control some other things?

I mean, even the other things I'm considering could be done without a micro but thought it would be a fun experience even if overkill!

 

[drm]

A micro would be cool!

I started with a 2 seater kart frame that did not have an engine and modified it for electrics. I have 2 boys: 6 and 4. The 6 is learning fast. I have a Kelly controller and slowly increase the speed as confidence increases. Get a controller that can grow with the kids!

I recently found a razor groundorce kart for my 4yo. It needed batteries but was able to get it for $35. Going to look at another tomorrow so all three of us can race.

Not sure what the used kart market is in Canada but there are deals to be had in the US if you are patient.

Don't forget helmets and seatbelts too! Keep us posted on what you find.

 

[vorkerman]

Hey DRM, thanks for the feedback, and I checked our your kids Kart, pretty sweet! Currently I'm torn between waiting for some welding help from my father-in-law to make a frame, or just making it out of wood (some guy on another site had a sweet painted wood one. Not as strong, but quicker/easier for me to get it built likely... ).

Your kids look taller than mine, though around the same age. Just wondering what the cart size was and the proportions? I'm trying to plan right now, and not sure what length to width to make it... and how much room I need in front of the pedals and behind the seat (for motor + batteries, etc). Also, what size wheels did you use? I was thinking either 4.10 or 13 in. I'm thinking the 13in will be overkill.

Two questions for anyone... do the chains come in different sizes (as in lengths) or do I have to plan the spacing between the motor and axel (or wheel) sprocket accordingly? The other question is the steering. I'm asuming it mounts... is it a bar inside a tub? How do you mount it up near the actual wheel if it needs to turn?

I'm an electrical guy, so mechanical is not my strongest point

Thanks for any feedback!

 

[vorkerman]

Also, as far as a motor goes, I've seen MY1020 mentioned numerous times as a good motor for a kart. I've also seen a few places that say the Unite motors can fail rather early due to heat or other issues... do people who have used them here recommend them?

Thanks!

 

[ghost civic]

I cant say I have experience in building a electric kart, but my son who is 5yo has a razor electric dirt bike. He has the least powerful version...the 350watt 24v one. It goes 14mph, which is fairly quick. The small motor means it takes off slow (even though the throttle is on/off) and build up speed at a nice pace...not a rocket, but not crazy slow either.
I would think that a small kart frame would weight a bit more than the dirt bike. All that said, if were going to build a small kart I think I would get the electronics from a razor 500mx dirt bike. It has a 500watt motor and runs on 36v. I think that bikes weight limit is 150 pounds and it is a bit faster than the 350 as well. So even if a kart weights a bit more than the dirt bike, I would think the 500watt motor on 36v would make the kart scoot around fast enough for a young kid.
Unless you want this kart to be something they will use for many years, that kind of setup should be enough. If you wanted to make it so you can up the speed as they get older, then a higher watt motor that you could later add more voltage to would make sense.
I am hoping to find a really small/light kart frame and a 500mx dirt bike used and combine the 2

 

[vorkerman]

Thanks Ghost Civic. After doing some research, I'm in agreement. I'm thinking 750-800 W, to allow for future growth. Maybe even 1000W depending on prices (with shipping to Canada).

We shall see, but sounds as if you are in agreement. Appreciate the feedback! I'm leaning towards 36V.... but I do have to go through the math in the sticky post once I get a better idea of what my frame size/weight will be.

 

[drm]

Hey DRM, thanks for the feedback, and I checked our your kids Kart, pretty sweet! Currently I'm torn between waiting for some welding help from my father-in-law to make a frame, or just making it out of wood (some guy on another site had a sweet painted wood one. Not as strong, but quicker/easier for me to get it built likely... ).

Your kids look taller than mine, though around the same age. Just wondering what the cart size was and the proportions? I'm trying to plan right now, and not sure what length to width to make it... and how much room I need in front of the pedals and behind the seat (for motor + batteries, etc). Also, what size wheels did you use? I was thinking either 4.10 or 13 in. I'm thinking the 13in will be overkill.

Two questions for anyone... do the chains come in different sizes (as in lengths) or do I have to plan the spacing between the motor and axel (or wheel) sprocket accordingly? The other question is the steering. I'm asuming it mounts... is it a bar inside a tub? How do you mount it up near the actual wheel if it needs to turn?

I'm an electrical guy, so mechanical is not my strongest point

Thanks for any feedback!

The manco kart was stock. i will take some measurements when i get home today. my kiddos were a year younger in those pics. they are roughly 45lbs and 55lbs now and have plenty of fun riding double.

the my1020 came with a #25 sprocket; the kart had a #35 sprocket. i found #35 sprocket for the motor on amazon, bored it out and welded it to the my1020.

as for the steering...i think you are asking how to make the steering linkages/geometry up front?? again, i used a stock kart and all that was taken care of.

the hardest part of my conversion was mounting the electric motor to the chassis. the kart had a mechanical brake that works great for the speeds we are running.