The world of karting is the perfect way to enjoy your passion if you love cars, speed, and engines. You can compete on tracks, accelerate without hesitation, pamper your kart, and customise it as you’ve always wanted... But do you know how to start practising this sport?
You can head to a karting circuit and begin driving their vehicles, get to know their engine specs, and start rolling. The best part? It’s very easy to find a karting track near you. Just click here to explore all the options for driving a kart and experiencing the thrill behind the wheel.
At karting venues, you can also inquire about their driving courses, organised competitions, or even the cost of a season pass to drive one of their racing cars whenever you like.
Once you’ve discovered how exhilarating this type of driving is—and if you’re committed to turning karting into a full-fledged hobby—why not take the next step and buy your own? A second-hand kart is a great start; you can tweak it to your heart’s content and live out the best experiences in a car you’ve always dreamed of.
If you opt to buy your own kart, a 125 cc model is ideal for beginners. It’s more than enough to satisfy your need for speed, and maintenance is relatively affordable. Unless you have an accident, labour costs (for checking dozens of small components) will outweigh other expenses—though unexpected costs like tyre changes or rear sprocket replacements may arise. Generally, though, upkeep just requires regular attention and occasional check-ups.
The most convenient option when owning your kart is to rent a pit box at your nearest circuit, so you won’t need to transport the car every time you want to drive. Otherwise, you’d need a tow bar, trailer, etc.—unless you have suitable storage (like a garage) and prefer to avoid the annual rental fee. Long-term, however, leaving it at the track is often more economical. The first year may cost extra, but it pays off over time.
You could also choose to rent a kart whenever the mood strikes, unleashing your competitive spirit without commitment. That said, after trying a private kart (or a friend’s), rental karts might feel a bit "disappointing". While renting is cheaper (the price of a kart equals ~80 laps on track), the power of your own machine will far surpass circuit rentals.
So, if you’re serious about maximising this "toy’s" potential, buying a kart is a brilliant choice. As mentioned earlier, a used one works fine. 125 cc automatic karts come in many brands and models—your budget and desired "newness" in this market will dictate your pick. For starters, one in good condition under €2,000 is a solid option.
Once you own one and hit the tracks, your appetite for more will grow in crescendo. You’ll learn more about karts, discover new driving spots, and make friends in this world. In short: karts are addictive—seriously addictive!
