The Smart Kart for the new decade!
Most F1 drivers began their careers on the kart track, which is why electric scooter specialist Ninebot has just given the next generation of drivers the ultimate headstart with their new, specced-out version of its design-winning electric go-kart named the Ninebot Go Kart PRO!
Fitted with drift-specific rear tyres and super-grippy fronts, the 2021 Ninebot boasts double the oomph of the old model, developing 6.4 horsepower (4800 kW) and 1.02 Gs of acceleration – enough to outrun a 150cc gas-powered go-kart in a head-to-head drag!
This ‘toy’ gets near-instant acceleration from 0 to the 37 km/h top speed thanks to a pair of wheel hub motors that allow for 70 pound-feet of torque! And given a generous 25 km range (from a 432 kW battery), you can hit this performance lap after lap – something most electric karts can’t do by the time their battery drops below 60%.
Beyond the grunt, it has the ability to skid around corners. Not the occasional random skid, with this kart, you can control when you skid thanks to the DAS – Drifting Assistant System! Via the Segway-developed mobile app, you can change the amount of power each of the two motors give as they’re independent of one another, meaning you can adjust the angles of your skids, and the way the kart drifts all together!
While gas-powered karts are known for their buzzing sounds, not so the electric karts. Ninebot sorted this with 8 watt high-power speakers that can deliver engine tones resembling a two cylinder, V8, or V12 engine! It can also be used as a standard Bluetooth speaker to play your playlist while tearing up the track!
There are four driving modes ranging from ’Safety Mode’ that limits the top speed to under 8 km/h, to ’Race Mode’ which unlocks your access to the top speed and allows you to go up 15 degree slopes with no stress!
All modes are changed though the mobile app, which also lets the user monitor the status and statistics onboard, and even customise the lighting scheme!
In addition to the app mods, the Pro model also includes a rear wing, adjustable seat and steering wheel, metal pedals, and reverse gear!
After 32000 km of on track testing and months of developing the prototype, this beast is now in production and available in a limited quantity of 1,000 units for $2599. A big price for a small machine that can be folded and thrown into your car’s boot or hatch – but we like the dollar to drift ratio!
