Depending on where you hail from, go-karting can be a prohibitive sport. The price for the go-kart alone would set one rethinking the sport and even if you can afford one, the machine will be a hassle to handle and too pricey for anyone to bear running it in their neighborhood. But thanks to a Rhode Island-based startup, Flatworks, owning and running a go-kart is no longer a dream for everyday person. Their product, PlyFly is a flat-pack self-assemble go-kart that comes complete with everything you need to build a fully functional go-kart that’s composed mainly of wooden parts. The kit comes in three boxes: precision cut wooden structural parts, other hardware and the engine. It comes with instruction to help you put together the pieces using everyday tool like mallet, sandpaper, powered screwdriver et cetera. Flatworks said it will take under a day to complete the assembly, regardless of your build skill level.
Two models are available, differentiated by its engine. The entry-level one is shipped with a 2.5 hp motor, which tops out at 17 mph, while the 4 hp variant offers up to 25 mph. Whichever model you opt for, it boasts a host of features which you will find in a regular go-kart, including triple rack and pinion steering, disc brake, adjustable seat that accommodates a large adult weighing up to 250 lbs, form filled tires, max torque clutch, smartphone mount for capturing action footage and displaying telemetry, and last but not least, a safety flag for increase visibility. Apart from the obvious power and speed, the key difference between the two engines is upgradability with the higher power motor capable of supporting live axle, as well as larger wheel upgrades. But which model to settle on really depends on your speed expectation.
While it looks like fun, especially the DIY portion and possible subsequent ‘tuning’ works, wood-based go-kart does have its safety concern, but still, it is a quick and easy way to get one started with go-karting before taking the plunge into the world of full karting. PlyFly was a successfully funded Kickstarter campaign that ended just recently, but fret not if you have missed (which you probably have if you’re reading this) cos’ you can still pre-order one from Flatworks website. Prices start at $790 for the 2.5 hp edition and $885 for the 4 hp model.
