Hauck Lightning Pedal Go Kart Review (2020)

At A Glance

Before we dive into the meat of this Hauck Lightning product review, we want to give you a brief overview of the features that you can expect should you decide to pick it up:

• Suggested age range: 2 to 11-years old.
• Maximum weight limit: 70lbs
• Adjustable bucket seat for a comfortable ride.
• Assembly required: Yes, but there is minimal assembly needed.
• 3-Point Steering
• 8-Ball braking system

The Size

This go-kart is reasonably sized. Holding up to 70lbs, it claims that it is able to easily accommodate anybody from the age of 2 all the way up to 11. This is accomplished by the comfortable, adjustable bucket-style seat.

For the most part, the Hauck Lightning accomplishes this. Obviously, there is always going to be a small amount of difficulty trying to design a go-kart for an age range this broad, particularly when children are going to be going through huge growth spurts around this time. We believe that this is one of only a few manufacturers that have attempted an age range this wide, so you really do end up with something that your child can grow into.

That being said, even if your child hits the weight limit, if they go through a sudden growth spurt at the age of 10 or 11, they are simply not going to be able to fit into the go-kart. We believe that the maximum age that they can really fit in properly will be about 8 or 9. Anything above that, and it can be a gamble.

Steering and Control

The Hauck Lightning makes use of a three-point steering system, and an 8-ball braking system. This means that it is incredibly easy to control and provides a safe ride too.

There are few children’s go-karts on the market that are as easy to control as the ones that Hauck produces. Your child will be driving like a pro in next-to-no time at all.

The brake is conveniently located to the right of the driver. This ensures that they can reach it quickly in an emergency. Of course, you may need to adjust the seat to ensure that your child can use it properly. 

Easy to Pedal

Perhaps one of the greatest challenges for the Hauck design team was to create a pedal go-kart that was easy to use by 2-year olds but still provide some sort of excitement for those that are a lot older than this.

Surprisingly, even though the go-kart is a bit larger than most other go-karts designed for toddlers, the youngest children should be able to propel this go-kart forward with ease. 

Comfortable

Some go-karts on the market have awfully uncomfortable seats. Children tend not to want to ride them for long periods of time. That isn’t going to be a problem with the Hauck Lightning. This particular go-kart boasts a bucket seat with a high back. This means that your children will be comfortable and safe, even when they are pedaling for hours on end.

Different Surfaces

There should be absolutely no issues on taking the Hauck Lightning out on a multitude of different surfaces. While it is unlikely to be able to tackle the most intense off-road terrain, it can deal with a few rocks and some heavy grass. It can also cope with being pedaled on the street, or even indoors (perfect for those younger children!)

It is worth noting that there is no built-in suspension with the go-kart. The tires are also coated plastic, although, for most riding, this is not going to be that much of an issue. However, do bear in mind that it is this ‘ lack of features’ that prevent the go-kart from being used in intense off-road conditions.

Assembly

The Hauck Lightning will need to be assembled a little bit ‘out of the box’. Although, Hauck always includes fantastic instructions for you to browse through. It probably shouldn’t take anybody more than thirty minutes to put the go-kart together properly.

Build Quality

Since this is a go-kart built for a huge age range, it is ‘built to last’. It is very tough to damage this go-kart, although some people report that the ch ain can fall off from time to time. However, that is a fix that takes mere seconds.

Pros

• Easy to adjust, and can accommodate a wide range of ages as a result.
• Quick and easy to assemble
• Smooth to ride.

Cons

• The wheels are hard plastic coated in rubber, which means the tires will wear down quicker.
• Maybe a bit small for children over the age of 10, despite stating it can hold up to 11. (We also have done some other great 10 year old pedal carts here)

Conclusion

This is a great entry level for Go Kart for most kids especially from the age range of around 5-10 years old. Some minimal gripes about the tires but we think it’s a smooth ride and quick to assemble, which for us is a great.