• Which pedal mechanisms do BERG Go-Karts use?
As you can see from the categories in the sidebar to the left, there are several different mechanism styles for BERG pedal go-karts. The Automatic Freewheel style (BERG AF) is no longer being produced, but these old-style go-karts can drive both forwards and backwards. The new style is Brake, Freewheel, and Reverse (BFR) – this means that the go-karts can reverse from a standstill, with a back pedal coaster brake to stop and the freewheel system keeping the pedals still while the wheels are in motion.
There are several types of BFR Go-Kart to choose from, including E-BFR, which provides pedal support via an electrical motor. There’s also E-BFR-3 models, which have three gears to make them even faster and more powerful. When you want to keep things simple, direct drive go-karts have a single gear with a rear-axle brake, making them easier to operate for younger go-kart drivers.
• What does the BERG Go-Kart BFR system mean?
There’s no need to be confused by the newer BFR Go-Karts – they’re simply an upgrade from the older models! The BERG BFR system makes it simple to understand which type of frame, gears, and motor you can expect a model in each category to have. These BFR ratings apply to the larger BERG Go-Karts, for children 5 years old and up (and fully grown adults, where specified).
The standard BFR go-karts have an XL frame and can easily brake and reverse via the pedals. For faster speeds, they’re available with three gears as BFR-3 go-karts. The XXL BFR go-karts are the same, but with an XXL reinforced and extended frame, making them more comfortable for taller and bigger users. Then you have the E-BFR go-karts, which feature an XXL frame plus an electric motor with a rechargeable battery for extra pedal power. Again, you can upgrade to three gears with E-BFR-3 go-karts.
• Which BERG Go-Kart is best for my child?
It’s easy to find the best fit for your child using the age range filters. Then, you can click on a specific model and check the weight and height restrictions (if any) to make sure that it’s suitable for your child’s size. For a child’s first go-kart, they can learn to push and pedal with a BERG Go2 from as young as 10 months old.
From 2 to 5 years, the BERG Buzzy range is most suitable, or they can discover the sporty racing style of a BERG Reppy Go-Kart from 2.5 years old. From 3-8 years old, kids can get a bit bigger and bolder with the BERG Buddy range. For a lightweight and adjustable pedal go-kart, the BERG Rally range is suitable for children between 4 and 12 years old.
When kids get to 12 years and above, including teenagers, they can benefit from the bigger frames and more advanced driving systems of BERG BFR models. Adults can use most of these large go-karts, too, meaning that parents can drive along with the kids for family fun. There are lots of colours, themes, and accessories to choose from, including streamlined racers, cool off-roaders, and even John Deere tractor-style go-karts!
• Can adults use BERG Go-Karts?
Go-karting isn’t just for kids – adults are welcome to get in on the fun, too. That’s why BERG manufactures plenty of larger models with XL and XXL frames, suitable not just for taller teenagers but also big enough for a fully grown adult to sit in and drive safely.
Generally, most XL and XXL BERG Go-Kart models are suitable for anyone over 5 years old, weighing up to 100kg, with adjustable seats to accommodate heights up to 200cm. That said, be sure to check the product specifications before selecting and ordering a BERG Go-Kart to ensure you’re within the age, weight, and height limits of your chosen model.
While smaller models for kids tend to come pre-assembled, the larger adult-friendly BERG Go-Karts require some assembly upon delivery. The good news is that when you order certain models from Wicken Toys, you can also select the option of FREE installation. Where available, eligible postcodes will be listed on the product page.
• How to maintain a BERG Go-Kart?
Like any outdoor play equipment, you should regularly check over your child’s – or your own! – BERG Go-Kart to ensure it stays in safe working condition. It can be fun to make these routine checks feel like an MOT for a real vehicle, and you could even make a checklist to use:
- Are the tyres still hard, or do they need pumping up?
- Are there any loose screws that need tightening with a screwdriver?
- Does the steering wheel move easily in each direction, or do you need to oil the ball bearings?
- Is the go-kart still the right size for the rider, or do you need to adjust the seat?
- Can you safely do an emergency stop, or do you need to lubricate stiff brakes?
- Is the go-kart clean, or could it use a wash with some soapy water and a soft cloth?
When checking the tyre hardness and how well the steering wheel and brakes function, you should carefully do a slow test lap on the go-kart and make a note of any issues. Be sure to fix any problems you find before the go-kart is used again at higher speeds.
• Can you add BERG Go-Kart accessories?
Picked out an exciting new go-kart for you or your child, but want to personalise it a bit? We stock a variety of BERG Go-Kart accessories in our online store, so while not all accessories are compatible with all models, you’re sure to find something suitable for your chosen go-kart.
You could add a cute little storage basket to the front of a BERG Buzzy, or attach a cool-looking roll bar to the front of a BERG Farm or BERG Off-Road model. There are lots of fun play accessories, too, from a number plate kit to a two-tone horn.
For children who want to play at being on a farm or working in construction, larger attachable accessories include lift buckets, pallet forks, and bulldozer blades. Front lifting units and rear lifting units are sold separately to attach these to the front or back.
Similarly, you can also tow a trailer behind you, with either a standard two-wheel trailer, a two-wheel tipping trailer, or a four-wheel tandem trailer in small or large sizes.
When it comes to safety, adding a small flag on a flexible pole to the back of the go-kart can help to make it more visible – as can adding a raised safety light to the back axle. A blue cover is also available for the orange safety lights for playing pretend as police in hot pursuit!
If you want to be able to bring someone else with you on your go-kart rides, you can also purchase a BERG Go-Kart passenger seat for certain large frames that can bear the extra weight. They’re available in a range of colours and styles to suit different model designs.
Best of all, when you purchase them at the same time as your BERG Go-Kart, you could receive a huge discount on your accessories! This will be noted on the product page if the offer is applicable.
