BERG go-kart buying guide: seven questions before you buy
Most kart questions we get by phone come down to the same seven. Answer them in order and the choice between the Buddy, the Rally and the XL usually makes itself.
1. Who will ride it?
Start with the rider's age and height. BERG's guides are 3 to 8 years (100 to 130 cm) for the Buddy, 4 to 12 years (110 to 150 cm) for the Rally and 5 years to adult (125 to 190 cm) for the XL. Height decides at the edges of each range. The age guide works through every year.
2. Who else will want a go?
Brothers, sisters, cousins and parents all want a turn on a new kart. One kart for several riders needs a frame whose guide covers all of them. With an adult or a teenager in the mix, that means the XL. With a three-year-old and a ten-year-old, no single frame of ours covers both.
3. Where will it be ridden?
On private ground only: a yard, a driveway closed to traffic, a private lane or a path. Never the public road, however quiet. BERG's tyre guide says slick tyres are meant for paved surfaces and off-road tyres for dirt tracks. Wet grass is hard work on any pedal kart, especially for the youngest riders, so a firm surface gets far more use out of it in an Irish winter.
4. How will it stop?
All 5 karts we stock have BERG's BFR hub: pedal backwards to brake, keep the pedals still to freewheel, and pedal backwards once stopped to reverse. The Rally also has a parking brake. Before a child rides anywhere with a slope, make sure they can stop on command. Our BFR guide explains how to teach it.
5. Where will it live?
A kart is a steel frame with a chain, so it lasts longer under cover: a shed, a garage or a car port. Measure the space before you buy, especially for the XL. Pneumatic tyres lose pressure over a winter of standing, so pump them before the first spring outing, and keep the chain clean and oiled.
6. What do you want to spend?
Our karts run from €299 for a Buddy to €595 for the XL. Other pedal karts sell in Ireland for less. A BERG costs more; in return you get an adjustable seat, the BFR hub, pneumatic tyres and genuine BERG spare parts, which we stock. The prices page lists every kart and what the price includes.
7. Who puts it together?
Our karts arrive boxed for home assembly, with BERG's manual. We supply and deliver; we do not assemble. Allow an evening and a second pair of hands, and do it before Christmas Eve if the kart is a present. In-stock karts are delivered within 48 hours and delivery is free.
Revenue's guidance on buying from outside the EU
If you are weighing up a kart from a shop in Great Britain, read Revenue's page on buying online from outside the EU first. Import VAT is due and customs duty can be too. Revenue's 2026 announcement on customs rules spells out that this includes goods from Great Britain. Our prices include VAT and the karts are already in Ireland.
To talk it through, ring 01 960 1641, Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a BERG go-kart worth the money over a cheaper one?+
It depends on how long it needs to last and how many children will ride it. A BERG frame adjusts as a child grows, carries BERG's BFR hub, and genuine BERG spare parts are available, so one kart can serve several children over several years. For a single summer's use by one child, a cheaper kart may do.
Should I buy second-hand?+
A used BERG can be good value. Check the chain, the tyres, the steering and that the BFR hub brakes and reverses properly. We sell genuine BERG spare parts if something needs replacing.
Is it cheaper to buy from a UK website?+
Compare the delivered price. Our prices are in euro with VAT included and we deliver from stock in Ireland. Revenue's guidance is that goods ordered from outside the EU, including Great Britain, carry import VAT and can also carry customs duty. You pay those on top of the price.
Can a pedal go-kart be used on the road?+
No. A pedal kart is a toy for private ground. Keep it off the public road and keep an adult close to younger riders.
Do the karts come assembled?+
No. They arrive boxed for home assembly, with BERG's manual. If something in the manual is unclear, ring us.
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