When I was a kid, I always wanted to have some kind of buggy on wheels or a cart that I could have fun rolling down the hill. Or even take turns with my brother bushing each other down the street. Now that my kids are that age, I decided to make a DIY Wood Go-Kart using the extra wheel I had laying around in the garage.

I wanted to make a very simple go-kart with stuff that I could find around the house or in a garage. I had some wheels and an old car seat, and that was enough for me to start. In the back of the car seat, I made the 2×6 platform longer so that someone could stand on it and push against the pavement. My son likes BMWs so I drew a BMW sign with headlights in the front on a piece of plywood. Kids really enjoyed riding it on the sidewalk and in the backyard.

The plans I created are very basic and could be easily changed or modified to something else if you have more material to work with. You also might be interested in the other projects I’ve built for kids: Sensory Table, Pucket Game and Triangle Peg Board Game. 

Wood Go-Kart PDF

$6.97

This PDF download includes Cut Diagrams, a List of Supplies, and 3D illustrations with detailed steps to build the project. Measurements are in imperial and not metric. Does NOT include SketchUp/CAD files.

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Wood Go-Kart

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Wood Go-Kart PDF quantity

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Note: Lumber dimensions are listed as nominal size.  See lumber sizes for actual dimensions vs nominal.

Disclosure: Some of the links on this page as well as links in “tools for this project” and “material list” sections are affiliate links. 

Dimensions

Step 1 – Cut and Assemble Main Frame

Take 2×6 and cut two pieces to 58″ in length. Then, take 2×4 and cut tow pieces to 11″ in length and attach it on both ends using 2 1/2″ wood screws. This will be the frame of the go-kart.

Step 2 – Cut 2×4 Board for Steering

Take another 2×6 board and cut it to 18″ in length. Place this board about 8″ from the front edge and drill a 5/8″ hole thru both 2×4 and 2×6 frame. The hole is slightly off-center to fit both the rod and the hole on 2×4.

Step 3 – Attach the Steering 2×4 to Frame

Attach this 18″ long steering board using a 4″ bolt and nut. Place three washers in between 2×4 and the 2×6 frame. This is to prevent 2×4 rubbing against the 2×6 when turning the wheels.

Step 4 – Attach Rod to Steering 2×4

Using Sawzall with metal blade cut 5/8″ threaded rod to 26″ in length. Place it on top of 2×4 aligning it in the center. Strap the rod to the 2×4 with plumbing metal strap using 1 5/8″ wood screws.

Step 5 – Strap Rod to Frame

Similar to step 4, cut threaded rod to 21″ long and strap it in the back of the frame to 2×6 with plumbing metal straps.

Step 6 – Attach the Wheels

Now put the wheels on. Make sure to have a washer and nut on both sides of the wheel.

Step 7 – Attach the Car Seat

Take a small 1/2″ plywood piece and attach it to the front of the go-kart for the car sign. Strap a car seat on top of a 2×6 frame, giving enough room for someone to stand in the back and push the kart. Drill a hole on each side of the 18″ long steering 2×4. Pull the rope through the hole with a knot on the bottom preventing the rope from coming out. You’re done with this DIY wood Go-Kart.