Hobbies And Interests
Bicycle Go Kart
Motors that attached to bicycle wheels to power the bikes were sold years ago. With one of those motors a bicycle could reach speeds of fifteen miles per hour. A similar concept can be used to build a go kart by converting a bicycle. The advantages include the low cost of a used bicycle. One of the central disadvantages is that it requires a larger drive shaft to be functional. If the wheel is too large and the drive shaft too small, breakdowns are likely.
Wooden Go Karts
Another inexpensive option for a go kart is to make one out of wood. Wooden go karts not only excel in terms of low building cost, but they are also generally easier to build. Customizing a wooden go kart can be easier because it doesn't require metal working or welding. While a wooden go kart might not be as durable as a steel version, with proper care it can last a long time.
Other Ideas
An old riding lawn mower can serve as the chassis for a go kart. Sure, the mower has some extra body work and a mowing blade, but it's not all that far removed from a go kart to begin. Another vehicle that is, in many ways, similar to a go kart before modification is a golf cart. A golf cart chassis and drive system could serve well as the beginning of a go kart project.
Safety
A go kart is a motorized vehicle running at higher than human speeds. For that reason, a poorly designed go kart presents a threat to safety. Ultimately the type of calculations necessary to determine the safety and viability of a design are best left to engineers. Numerous go kart designs are available, many of which can be modified slightly for your project. Don't risk injury by winging it. Research designs and look into proper construction techniques.