BERG BFR explained: brake, freewheel and reverse
BFR is BERG's patented pedal hub. BERG says it stands for brake, freewheel and reverse: the rider brakes with the pedals and can reverse immediately after stopping, and can roll along without pedalling.
Every kart we stock has it, from the €299 Buddy to the €595 XL. This page explains the three modes and how to teach them.
The three modes
| Mode | What the rider does | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Brake | Pedal backwards while moving. | The kart slows and stops. It works like the back-pedal brake on a child's bike. |
| Freewheel | Keep the pedals still. | The kart rolls on without the pedals turning, so a rider can rest on a gentle slope. |
| Reverse | Stop, then pedal backwards. | Once the kart has slowed down and stopped, pedalling backwards drives it in reverse. |
Braking and reversing as BERG describes them on its Buddy page; the table is our own plain-English summary.
Teaching a child to use it
- Start on flat, firm ground with plenty of room and nothing to run into.
- Walk beside the kart and call "stop". The rider pedals backwards until the kart stops. Repeat until it is automatic.
- Practise freewheeling: pedal, then hold the pedals still and roll.
- Only once stopping is reliable, show reverse: stop, then pedal backwards.
- Introduce gentle slopes last, and keep an adult close to younger riders.
Looking after the hub
- Keep the chain clean and lightly oiled. Chains and tyres are wear parts.
- Store the kart under cover between rides.
- If the brake feels weak or reverse will not engage, stop using the kart and ring us. We stock genuine BERG spare parts.
The warranty, returns and parts page covers what to do if something goes wrong.
What else BERG fits to each frame
- BERG Buddy, 3 to 8 years: pneumatic tyres; seat adjusts to three positions; swing axle: the front wheels move up and down over bumps.
- BERG Rally, 4 to 12 years: pneumatic tyres and a swing axle; adjustable seat that grows with the child; parking brake.
- BERG XL, 5 years to adult: adjustable seat, long enough for an adult; large frame built for intensive use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does BFR stand for on a BERG go-kart?+
Brake, Freewheel and Reverse. BERG calls it a patented system: the rider brakes with the pedals and can reverse immediately after stopping.
Do all your karts have BFR?+
Yes. All 5 karts we stock, on the Buddy, Rally and XL frames, have the BFR hub.
What is BFR-3?+
A BERG manual for the XL frame refers to a three-speed BFR-3 version. BERG offers the XL and XXL frames with one or three gears. We stock the standard single-speed BFR XL.
Is there a hand brake as well?+
BERG lists a parking brake on the Rally. On every kart, the main brake is the BFR hub, worked by pedalling backwards.
Why does my child keep going backwards by accident?+
Reverse only engages once the kart has stopped. A child who back-pedals hard to brake and keeps going after the stop will start to reverse. Practise stopping and then taking the feet off the pedals.
Not sure which kart to buy?
Tell us the rider's age and height and who else will want a turn. We will name the kart we would choose and confirm when it can be with you.
Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm