sports racing car
Kettcar vs. go-kart: What is the difference – and what distinguishes a pedal car?
A Kettcar for children is a practical means of getting around outdoors
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In the 1960s, the Kettler company brought the first pedal car with a chain drive and pedals onto the market: the Kettcar, a type of sports racing car for children that sold millions of times. But what exactly is a go-kart – and what criteria should pedal-powered vehicles meet?
In fact, there is no significant difference between a kettcar and a go-kart: in both cases it is a pedal car for children that is operated with pedals (or nowadays also with a motor). However, since the Kettcar is a registered and protected brand name, other manufacturers are not allowed to call their vehicles that way – which is why the name go-kart has become established. The question arises: Are the technical refinements of the sports racing car always the same, regardless of the name? The answer is: no. We explain the most important criteria.
This is what distinguishes a Kettcar for children
Most Kettcars for children look (almost) the same: Four wheels, a steering wheel, a saddle and two pedals are the common features that all pedal cars have in common. However, when it comes to the technical details, such as the tire quality and gear shift or the type of brakes, there are small to large differences from manufacturer to manufacturer. For parents who want to get their offspring a pedal car, these purchase criteria should be important:
- The seat should be adjustable so that the go-kart can be individually adapted to the size of a child (especially in the growth phase).
- The frame should be as wide and coated as possible, which gives the Kettcar more stability. Make sure the welds are well made.
- The handbrake should be able to stop both rear wheels. This gives the go-kart a balanced braking effect.
- A coaster brake should not be missing either, it is particularly important for small children to operate the Kettcar intuitively.
- The wheels do not have to have ball bearings, but they are much easier to drive with one. And another tip: Pneumatic tires are better for off-road driving and plastic tires for slippery surfaces.
- The gear shift is not a must, but it makes pedaling much easier, especially on uneven terrain and inclines.
- The freewheel mechanism is a practical additional function that allows a child not to press the pedals during a free ride (e.g. on a slope) or to let them rest.
Different price ranges: Kettcars in comparison
1. Go-kart by Actionbikes Motors
Suitable according to the manufacturer this go-kart with chain drive and handbrake for children from the age of three years – whereby the maximum load limit is 30 kilograms. The pedal car has a freewheel function and was equipped with an (adjustable) bucket seat and low-noise EVA tires that are said to be heat and aging resistant. The go-kart is also available in three different paint finishes.
2. “Batmobile” by Hauck
The “Batmobile” (for children from the age of four) by Hauck: Here the maximum load capacity is 50 kilograms, the go-kart also has plastic wheels with rubber profiles and a handbrake on both rear wheels. In addition to the adjustable seat, the pedal car scores particularly well with its futuristic-looking body, its sporty rims and the typical identifying feature of Batman: a bat logo.
3. ArtSport 2-seater go-kart
So that there are no arguments between siblings, they can also share a go-kart with a chain drive. All they need is a second seat – like this one Pedal car by ArtSport. Available in four different colors, the go-kart offers space for two people: with a load capacity of up to 80 kg (25 kg at the back). The car has air-filled tires with steel rims and a handbrake, a height-adjustable steering wheel, reflectors and wheel housings with a chain guard.
Savings tip: In the MyToys online shop you will receive a discount of up to 70% on children’s vehicles.
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