We’re a growing group of CycleKart builders based in New Zealand, with active members in Auckland, Tauranga, Christchurch, and scattered across the rest of the country. We may be small, but with each event, more karts show up and interest continues to grow.
This group exists to support CycleKart building in New Zealand and to organise local CycleKarting events.
CycleKarts are motorised karts styled after roughly half-scale pre-WWII race cars and Edwardian classics. Each builder chooses an inspiration car, designs a scaled-down version—typically using 17” motorcycle wheels—then builds the chassis, body, and all mechanical components from scratch. A 200cc engine and CVT drive are added, and the finished kart is run in informal, competitive driving events.
This is a “build your own, drive your own” hobby. There are no kits or ready-made karts—it’s hands-on, creative, and ideal for tinkerers who enjoy solving problems and making functional art on wheels.
If your primary goal is budget motor racing, you might find better options elsewhere. You can race lawn mowers, derby cars, rally cars, or off-roaders with less time and effort than building a CycleKart. This hobby is about craftsmanship, style, and having fun in machines you’ve built yourself.
NZ Build Guidelines: View the guidelines
Local Builds Showcase: See local karts
If you're new to CycleKarts, we strongly recommend reading the original source material to understand what makes a CycleKart a CycleKart:
www.cyclekarts.com – The original site with the Stevenson Formula
Gittreville GP – Home of the CycleKart philosophy
🎥 CycleKarts Documentary on eGarage – One of the best introductions to the hobby
Huntsville GP – What is a CycleKart