After building 12 different kinds of go-karts in the last 25 years, this question has been asked to me in numerous instances: "How Do You Build A Go Kart?" You can click on pedalkarts.com to buy pedal kart.
The most important thing to do is go through a sequence of steps:
Imagine it in your mind
– Print it out on paper
– Examine it
– Procure Materials
– Fabricate
Test
Tweak
– Paint
– Start from scratch
This sounds simple, isn't it…
1. Make It Up In Your Head
The initial step of "design the idea in your mind" is really trying to figure out all the possible possibilities:
-Number of People
– Engine Size
Clutch Type
Drive System
Suspension Type
– Component Sizes
Material Type
Expected Terrain
2. Write It On The Paper
The next step is to record all of the variables onto paper. It is best to sketch out your go kart, preferably in a scale drawing style. If you are able to use an electronic device that is perfect, or else, I would use an old piece of paper to scale the go-kart by 1 inch equals 1 foot. It is easiest to put it in the real world on the floor of the garage or in the shop.
3. An analysis of The Go Kart
The process of analyzing it is the most important step due to the belief that they have the right idea and are able to design the go-kart any way they want.