Disclosure - we were given the Go Kart featured in this review for the purpose of this post. All opinions are honest and my own.
If you're looking for a classic kettler go kart (aka the original Kettcar) that gets the kids outdoors and smiling, this hands-on review has everything you need: what it's like to ride, who it fits, assembly, safety tips, and a quick buying guide covering delivery, shipping costs, and returns so you can avoid hidden costs and enjoy a transparent ordering process with total peace of mind. Much fun incoming!
The purpose of this review
We've been testing a Kettler pedal car (with steering wheel, hand brake and chain drive) in typical family conditions-school-run pavements, park paths and a little bit of grass-so you know exactly what to expect before it arrives at your door.
Quick verdict
- Ride & build: Sturdy steel frame, proper chain drive, reliable hand brake, and grippy pneumatic tyres feel "real"-more go-kart than toy.
- Fit: The adjustable seat means younger children can hop on now and keep riding as they grow. On many models the seat/height guidance is 4-8 years / ~100-130 cm with a 50 kg max load, and there's a freewheel switch for coasting.
- Value: Easy assembly + durable parts = good value. If you're nostalgic for the original Kettcar, the newer Retro and Evolution models keep the look while updating safety and comfort.
What it's like to ride (from the kids' point of view)
The steering wheel gives great control and the dual-rear-wheel brake bites evenly, which helps on small slopes. Air tyres roll smoothly over tarmac and short grass; flick the freewheel lever and little legs get a breather on the downhill. It's simple, confidence-building fun that feels more "big kid" than a trike.
Specs snapshot you'll commonly see on Kettler models: hand brake acting on both rear wheels, adjustable seat (grows with the child), pneumatic tyres and a freewheel selector.
Fit & sizing: who is a Kettler go kart for?
- Height & age: Many models suit roughly 4-8 years (100-130 cm). Always check the availability of the item and size guidance on the specific product page.
- Younger children: If your child is on the smaller side, the adjustable seat is the hero feature-bring them closer to the pedals and move it back as they grow. Freewheel mode helps nervous riders start with confidence.
- Second hand: Hunting a bargain? The used market for Kettlers is active and you can still find spares like chains, tyres and steering wheels.
Assembly & upkeep
Out of the box, assembly is straightforward (wheels/frames are pre-assembled on some models). Keep tyres topped up and check chain tension occasionally (the chain is typically fully enclosed for safety). If needed, the SUZUKA AIR assembly manual is easy to follow.
Safety essentials (quick wins)
A go-kart ride is still a ride-helmets first, please. For even more peace of mind, see our quick read on staying safe on family bike rides (great helmet-fit tips and visibility ideas).
Handy Amazon UK picks
Buying guide: delivery, returns & avoiding hidden costs
1) Final price & paperwork
Ordering direct from KETTLERShop? They state the price at checkout is the final price-no additional charges on delivery-and that they "take care of all the necessary paperwork and costs", which makes for a seamless shopping experience without surprises. (Always double-check at checkout for your desired destination country.)
2) Current delivery times & shipping method
- Many children's and game products show 1-2 weeks as guidance; during peak periods you may see delays of 2-3 days. You'll get a shipment number after goods issue is booked so you can track the status of the delivery. Package shipping is typically via DPD; large items (like table tennis tables or a play sofa) may involve different carriers.
- With DPD you can track and, in many regions, get a predicted time window on the day of delivery.
3) Specifying a delivery date
For some bulky items (notably table tennis tables) KETTLERShop mentions a specific desired delivery date service in Germany for an extra fee and notes they can specify the day, not the time window; they also ask for a domestic telephone number so the shipping company can coordinate. For other countries, availability differs-check before ordering.
4) Returns, revocation & return costs
- KETTLERShop's policy reflects EU rules: you can cancel within 14 days; return costs are deducted from your refund and depend on destination/item (see the seller's revocation instructions). In the "event of an effective exercise of the right of revocation," those terms govern who pays.
- EU consumer guidance confirms the 14-day cooling-off period and outlines your rights on repairs/refunds-useful if you ever need it.
5) Import sales tax, duties & "respective costs" (UK buyers)
If you're importing to the UK, import VAT (and possibly customs duty) can apply, often collected by the courier unless the seller handles it at checkout. As a rule of thumb:
- Goods over £135: expect to pay VAT to the delivery company; duty may also apply based on the commodity code.
- £135 or under: VAT is usually included at checkout for marketplace sales.
Always check your final basket for any additional charges that could be incurred-including customs duties-before hitting pay.
Tip: If you're ordering bulky items (like table tennis tables), plan for the longest delivery time during Christmas; many retailers offer 2-man delivery to the door - with placement to a safe spot, but availability varies by carrier and country.
Kettler today: the Kettcar is back
KETTLER's modern Kettcar Retro and Kettcar Evolution bring back the iconic look with up-to-date safety and comfort. If you grew up with one, you'll love watching your kids relive it-maybe even adding a custom number plate to make it theirs.
FAQs
Is the Kettler go kart a pedal car or a dirt bike alternative?
It's a pedal car (chain-driven, no engine), so it's quiet, safe for parks/paths and a brilliant energy-burner-very different from a dirt bike.
How hard is it to assemble?
Most families manage in under an hour. Some models arrive with frame and wheels pre-assembled; the official assembly guides help if you're stuck.
Where can I get parts if something wears out?
Spares pop up at specialist shops (chains, tyres, wheels, steering wheels) and the second-hand market is active.
Related posts you might like
- What Every Parent Should Know About Staying Safe on Family Bike Rides - simple safety wins for helmets, visibility and group rides.
- 7 Backyard Activities Kids Of All Ages Will Love - set up a DIY obstacle course and let them race their Kettcar through it!
- Free Fall Fun Bingo Game Printable - turn autumn outings (with the go-kart in tow) into a game.
Final thoughts
If you want screen-free play that feels exciting but stays safe, a kettler go kart is a brilliant Christmas gift idea. The adjustable seat, enclosed chain drive and sturdy braking make it a keeper; plus, there's a thriving spares/second-hand scene that keeps older models rolling for years.
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Iain Maciver says
being out and about with the kids going through our local castle grounds plenty walking tracks
We Made This Life says
This sounds lovely!
Susan B says
Walking in the park and along tree lined footpaths, collecting leaves, cones and conkers and making collages with them at home.
We Made This Life says
We do this too!
karen von says
I love playing in the fallen leaves with the kids and dog - fun for the whole family !
We Made This Life says
Me too! I pop my wellies on and join in with the leaf kicking!
Linda McGarrigle says
I love the crisp clear mornings xx
We Made This Life says
Me too, shame it's grey here today!
Anthony Harrington says
his autumn we have moved from the London suburbs to a little village on the South Coast and we are very happy.
We Made This Life says
That sounds lovely! I hope you are happy in your new home x
Laura Turner says
toasting marshmallows over the bonfire.
We Made This Life says
Ooh funny enough we only do this in summer evenings, I've never tried it in autumn, I bet it is a lovely thing to do though
Laura Loo says
We love going out for walks and coming back to a nice fire
We Made This Life says
That sounds amazing, I can't wait to have a working fire in our house one day
Ruth Harwood says
Love love love kicking up the fallen leaves like a 41 year old going on 4... lol!!
We Made This Life says
Yep me too!
kelly wheelhouse says
I love the changing colour of the leaves and going for long walks through the beautiful colours!
We Made This Life says
The colours of autumn are so pretty aren't they!
Sally Collingwood says
We moved and retired, best autumn ever
We Made This Life says
That does sound pretty perfect!
Kelly Hirst says
I Love the colours of autumn - the gorgeous orange and gold in nature
We Made This Life says
Definitely, the colours are just beautiful aren't they
cheryl hadfield says
I love to go on family winter walks in Autumn, the changing colours and perfect autumn scenes
We Made This Life says
That's lovely, I really like autumn walks too.
Jennifer Toal says
Halloween love it
We Made This Life says
Ooh absolutely, I love Halloween too!
lesley renshaw says
Autumn is my favourite season. I love all the warm colours nature offers. I love that the sky is bright but the air is crispy just like the leaves on the floor which are so tempting to kick to hear them rustle under your feet. I love that the wasps have all died off! But most of all, I love the smell of log fires and cosying up when the night’s draw in x
We Made This Life says
You're right, I don't miss the wasps either!
jodie w says
I love visiting the place we got married at in autumn, outside the venue there is the most amazing vast oak tree and the leaf kicking is the best.
We Made This Life says
It's the same outside the church where we got married, it's most beautiful in Autumn!
Samantha O'D says
The extra sleep i get because its darker in the mornings
We Made This Life says
Lucky you! I've been waking up earlier for some reason!
kimneville1 says
Going for walks and taking in the changing of the colours of the trees and surroundings and warming up with a hot chocolate by our log fire
We Made This Life says
Ahh I'm so jealous about your log fire! I really want one!
Emma Fox says
I love getting out the autumn/winter clothes and boots and going out for walks in the crisp cool air 🙂
adrian price says
WE love winter walks with our daft dog sandy
Elizabeth Smith says
Walking dogs amongst fallen leaves is always a favourite. Seeing this go-kart with really strong winds outside reminded me of the time my brother and I attached a sail to our homemade go-kart. Luckily we lived in a quiet cul-de-sac where the only car per household was at work during the day because tacking (zig-zagging) across the road in order to go against the wind might have been recognised on the Norfolk Broads but has yet to be entered into the Highway Code
K Comer says
The kids playing in the fallen leaves in the park ❤
Beverley Cousins says
Love walking in the country side with the family, collecting leaves and making leaf bowls & paintings with the children. Plus jumping in the piled high leaves! lol
Kristyn Harris says
I enjoy long country walks in autumn with my family!
mandydoherty65 says
Kicking through the fallen leaves with my grandchildren
Julie says
I love the extra hour when the clocks go back!
Natalie White says
Hunting for conkers!
Allan Wilson says
Love the changing colours of Autumn.
Teresa Sheldon says
Love wrapping up warm and all of us going for a walk with the dogs to the woods, crunching through the fallen leaves burying each other in the leaves and looking and seeing the fabulous shapes twists and turns of the bare trees then it’s home for hot choccie
Sandra Fortune says
Love visiting the large park where we live taking our little grandson have great fun playing in the leaves and collecting things there's the play area and lots to go round on his little bike weather permitting he's asking for a go kart for Christmas . Thanks for the chance to win one
Caroline Shepherd says
Going for walks and coming home with pockets full of conkers!
Sam Fernley (Happy Homebird) says
We love going to a little church that has a harvest festival with corn dollies decorated everywhere and then we collect some pumpkins from the pumpkin patch too.
Carol Boffey says
the leaves falling
Naomi Williams says
Love going for a walk in the woods with all the family
Kirsteen Mackay says
I really love the changing colours in the leaves, the crisp air for an invigorating walk. I really love being outside in autumn, especially in the forest or on the beach.
Natalie Gillham says
I enjoy the Autumn and winter festivities x
Natalie Crossan says
I enjoy the crisp morning walks with my dog and my little girl too