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FIRESTORM
FIRESTORM
Firestorm is an amazingly fun go-kart with many unique features and lights as well as a powerful 4kW drive system. Being nearly 3 years old and driving over 300 miles, this go-kart has withstood the test of time and is very reliable. It has been exhibited at two Maker Faires and it will hopefully continue to inspire the next generation of go-kart builders.
GREEN LIGHTNING 2.0
GREEN LIGHTNING 2.0
This futuristic go-kart combines aspects of both aerospace and automotive engineering with its sleek shape and large rear thruster. Green Lightning has a dual-mode drive system that uses a high-torque motor to drive the wheels on startup and then disengages to accelerate further under the thrust from the 400mm electric Jetfan.
SKYFIRE
SKYFIRE
Skyfire was my first all-metal go-kart built almost entirely out of bolted together Aluminum tube. It was very fast and maneuverable, but it was still extremely heavy from the massive Lead-acid batteries that powered the 3kw motor. Skyfire was disassembled in 2022 after nearly 3 years of driving, with most of its parts being used to build Firestorm.
PLYWOOD FLYER
PLYWOOD FLYER
This go-kart was built out of a single plywood sheet and was driven by a 2kw motor. It was the first go-kart to have a suspension system but lacked many of the features found on today's designs. It was retired in 2019 due to the plywood de-laminating and the wood suspension frames causing the wheels to sometimes fall off.
GLOWRIDER
GLOWRIDER
This brightly lit go-kart was all show and no speed. Built back in 2017, it only had a 350 watt motor and could barely go more than 10 mph. To make up for its lack of power, I fitted it with color-changing LED under lights as well as a completely unnecessary fake jet nozzle in the back with a fog system and orange rings of lights to look like an afterburner flame.
FIRST ELECTRIC GO-KART
FIRST ELECTRIC GO-KART
This was my first ever electric go-kart, built around a 350 watt power system kit. It had only 3 wheels and tipped over frequently warranting additional side casters for turns. This go-kart taught me a lot about electric power systems and opened the door for more advanced models.
THRUST VEHICLES
GREEN LIGHTNING 1.0 - An evolution of the 7kw aircar with a pointed frame and larger wheels. would later be modified into Green Lightning 2.0 for more overall drive power.
7KW AIRCAR - This small thrust vehicle used contra rotating propellers inside of a bucket-based housing and was able to reach impressive speeds without any direct drive motor.
FIRST AIRCAR - This was essentially a propeller powered furniture dolly with a basic steering and brakes. It barely had enough thrust to move but it was a fun proof of concept.
THE BEGINNING
There were no motors. Just wood, wheels, and a big hill.
In the early days of building go-karts, I would rely solely on gravity and the help of family to push these large wooden creations to the top of the greenbelt path. These simple vehicles being little more than plywood and lawnmower wheels would speed down the hill, fully decked out with features including flashlight headlights and electroluminescent wire. These wooden carts were important learning tools that made the motorized versions possible, but they were often too big or heavy to reasonably lug back up the hill.
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