Hey from PA

[BrianM]

Hi all. Just found this forum on a Bing search, thought it might be of some help as I plan to build a simple wooden "go-cart" for my 4yo grandson. I haven't done much research yet and thought this would be a good place to start.

I have diy wood-working experience, but never added wheels to anything. I assume that I will encounter problems somewhere along the line.

I also have an electric motor, sprocket and chain from a "Razor" scooter that someone gave me a few years back which I may try to incorporate.

I'm sure that I will have questions.

Thanks,
BrianM

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Just FYI, most purists here specify that it's a "go kart", but that's just our opinion.
With a low power electric scooter motor, a wooden go kart should be Ok, but if you're going over 10 mph, you'll need metal.

 

[BrianM]

Thanks for the welcome and info.

Yeah, this go cart will start out as a "coast down the hill cart" just be to see if he likes it, (although I can't imagine him not liking it.)

If I add the motor, I'll keep the top speed around 5mph or so. That'll be down the road. (Pardon the pun.)

 

[Texan]

Do yourself a favor and skip the wood. Sure it can be done, but not very practical.

For a 4 year old, I would start them off on a Power Wheels and then progress from there.

 

[BrianM]

Thanks Texan. With the little research I've done, I have to agree that it wouldn't be very practical. Especially since I just discovered the "Ackerman" steering system. There's no way that I would have settled for the "swivel from the middle" now that I've seen that. I can only imagine the headaches.

Thanks for the advice.