There’s something magical about watching your child find their passion, and for my daughter, it’s racing. You might remember from our TeamSport Cardiff adventure that she’s shown up ready to race, eager to improve, and more than a little competitive. This journey of ours, filled with laps around the go-karting track, is something I cherish deeply. So, when I stumbled upon the Ninebot Go Kart Pro, I knew it was time to bring a bit of the track home.
A Missed Childhood Classic, Finally Realised
As a kid, my daughter didn’t have one of those cute battery-powered cars – the kind you’d spot kids riding around in from stores like Smyths or the now-nostalgic Toys “R” Us. Back then, with limited space and budget, those little cars just weren’t feasible for us. But whenever we walked by one in the shop, she’d always want to climb in. Now, if she tries, well… let’s just say she gets rather stuck. But her enthusiasm never waned, and it left me wondering how to finally fill this gap.
Enter the Ninebot Go Kart Pro
At first, I thought about those balance boards – you know, the ones that come with seat attachments, promising a “go-kart feel.” But I quickly realised that, while they’re fun, they lack the authenticity and safety features of a true go-kart. And that’s when I found Ninebot.
If you’re unfamiliar, Ninebot acquired Segway in 2015, merging two electric mobility innovators. The Ninebot Go Kart Pro took my interest: an electric go-kart with a range of 25km (around 15.5 miles) and a top speed of 25mph. Equipped with a Bluetooth speaker that can play music or simulate racing noises, it’s built for a real racing experience. Best of all, it’s adjustable so adults can enjoy it too. This wasn’t just a toy – it was a miniature racing machine.
The first thing you’ll notice is the impressive build quality – it’s exceptionally well-made, down to the sturdy wheels. The steering is a bit heavy (unsurprising, given there’s no power steering), and you’ll feel the weight of this machine – it tips the scales at a hefty 50kg, so you’ll need to be cautious when moving it around. Given the challenge of getting it in and out of our outdoor shed, we actually had the shed doors configured to open onto the driveway, making it function like a mini garage. This setup not only saves garden space but also makes accessing the Ninebot far easier. Feel free to reach out to me on Instagram if you’d like to chat about sheds!
To emphasise, the weight really highlights the machine’s solid construction. It’s crucial to handle it carefully while driving to avoid any unfortunate collisions – for both your sake and for any nearby objects or people.
While the seat isn’t the most luxurious, it does offer enough support to keep you securely in place. Bear in mind, there’s no suspension, so the smoothness of your ride will depend heavily on the surface you’re driving on – expect a bumpy experience on uneven ground!
A “Real” Go-Kart Experience
The Go Kart Pro is designed with a detachable self-balancing board, which I haven’t removed yet – it’s far too much fun in its go-kart setup. We only use it on private land due to restrictions in the UK, so our usage is limited. For now, we’re staying on the lowest speed setting, which feels fast enough given her age and our limited track.
At the time of purchase, it was priced around £1,200, which felt like a big investment in fun. I’ve recently seen the price jump to nearly £2,000 in the UK – it seems its popularity is accelerating too! Not long after, Ninebot launched the Go Kart Pro 2, with upgrades like haptic feedback and even gear shifters, adding to the racing realism. While the upgrade sounds amazing, we’ve barely scratched the surface with our Go Kart Pro, so I think we’ll hold off.
That said, one feature did catch my attention – the option to connect the Go Kart Pro 2 to a gaming console or PC and use it as a racing simulator. I wonder if anyone’s found a way to make this possible with the first version. If so, I’d be all in to transform our garage into a makeshift racing sim for those rainy days!
The Ninebot Go Kart Pro at a Glance
Here’s a quick spec rundown for those interested:
- Origin: China
- Brand: Ninebot
- Model: Go Kart Pro
- Top Speed: 25mph with four speed modes (from Safety to Race)
- Range: 15.5 miles
- Wheel Size: 10 inches
- Features: Bluetooth speaker, adjustable for adults and kids
- Certification: CE
The Ninebot Go Kart Pro isn’t just a fun toy; it’s a window into the world of driving, competition, and joy we share on the track.
