First build

[Donthaveaclue]

Hi all
Im from the UK and have a burg peddle go kart I'd love to make it powered for my boy..

Im opting for electric as i think a petrol motor will be too antisocial
So because I'm broke as hell I'm hoping to build it really cheap.

Im thinking of using 2 washing machine motors with 12v batterys but I'm not sure how meny batterys I'd need and what speed controller I'd need how whould I work it out
Cheers all hope you can help

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

My gut tells me going electric is not the cheap alternative here. But I am, by nature, anti-social. So load, smoky, smelly things don't offend me or people I like.

 

[Donthaveaclue]

Yeah it might end up being the more expensive way but I'll salvage what I can. I'd stick a 125 engine in it but my boy is only 10 and wants to play out with it so will definitely get to much attention

 

[Functional Artist]

A washing machine motor (unless it's a DC motor) is not a good option for a go kart
(unless you have a really, really long extension cord)

There are 48V 1,000W kits available for ~$125.00
...& (4) 12V SLA batteries ~$25.00 ea. (x4)
...plus misc. (fuse, holder etc.) ~$25.00

So, you could have your son cruising along "quietly" for ~$250.00

* FYI: some kits even have a 3-speed switch
...& some have a reverse function

 

[Donthaveaclue]

I could probs buy 1 for that here lol
There's loads ov videos on you youb on how to make a washing machine motor run on 12v however I may have sucured a 1600w and controller at a very good price

 

[ONE-EYE]

Haha good luck with that! Good sealed batteries get expensive! Plus, you're probably going to need more than one. Getting them mounted and wired correctly and figure out how to keep them charged and worry about the drain from the weather....jeeze! I'd quit worrying about what everyone else thinks and go old school. Heck I only had to fill up my Tillotson 212 about once every 4-5 days of riding. Super cheap, reliable, and only one battery to start it and run lights and radio...

 

[Rat]

Yeah it might end up being the more expensive way but I'll salvage what I can. I'd stick a 125 engine in it but my boy is only 10 and wants to play out with it so will definitely get to much attention

You'd be surprised how quiet a Honda CRF engine can be without sacrifices to power, the Lifan and other Honda clones are no different.
Personally I'd say go with a (Semi) horizontal cylinder 125, and make it a shifter kart. Added bonus being you can get them relatively cheap with either a full manual trans, or a manual with a semi-automatic clutch.