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How I Built a Cheap Electric Go-Kart from a Hoverboard and a Few Amazon Parts

If you love tinkering with electric vehicles and pushing the boundaries of DIY projects, you’ll love this. I recently built a budget-friendly electric go-kart using parts from a hoverboard, a kettle car frame, and a universal controller I picked up on Amazon. The project wasn’t without its challenges, but the result was a functional and fun little machine that’s perfect for experimenting and learning.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through how I did it and why this project is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to learn about electric motors, controllers, and customization—all without breaking the bank.

What You’ll Need

Before diving into the process, here’s a list of parts and tools I used for this project:

Parts

Tools

  • Screwdrivers
  • Wire strippers
  • Multimeter (for voltage checks)
  • Drill (to create wire pass-throughs)

Step-by-Step Build

1. Preparing the Hoverboard

I started by flipping the hoverboard over and removing the screws from the bottom panel. Inside, I located the battery and checked its voltage using a multimeter. It read around 16V, so I charged it slowly back up to 24V to ensure it was functional and safe for the project.

Next, I cut and stripped the phase wires and Hall wires leading from the hoverboard’s hub motors. These wires would later connect to the universal controller. For a quick and easy connection, I used quick connects and wire connectors for the prototype stage.

2. Modifying the Hoverboard Frame

To route the motor wires neatly, I drilled small holes on both sides of the hoverboard frame. This allowed the wires to pass through the top of the board and connect directly to the controller. Clean wiring not only looks better but also reduces the risk of accidental shorts.

3. Wiring the Controller

With the motors ready, I connected them to the ChongXiao Universal Controller:

  • Motor Wires: The yellow, blue, and green phase wires from the motors were connected to the matching wires on the controller.
  • Throttle Connection: Using a 3-pin connector I had on hand, I hooked up the twist throttle. This allowed for precise speed control.
  • 3-Way Switch: I added a 3-way switch to toggle between eco mode and full speed. As long as the common ground wire was connected, the other two wires could be swapped to set speed levels as needed.

4. Testing the Motors

On the first try, I connected both motors to a single controller. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work. This controller wasn’t designed to handle two motors simultaneously. After some troubleshooting, I decided to disconnect one motor and secure its phase wires to prevent any unintended interference.

With just one motor connected, the go-kart came to life! While it wasn’t breaking any speed records, the concept worked perfectly, proving that with a little trial and error, you can create something functional and fun.

5. Securing the Components

I mounted the controller and battery securely to the frame to prevent movement during operation. The unused motor wires were insulated and tucked away safely. For added safety, I plan to install brakes in the next iteration of this project.

Why This Project Matters

This go-kart isn’t just about speed or performance—it’s about exploring the possibilities of DIY electric vehicles. By repurposing a hoverboard, which is a cheap and accessible source of hub motors, I was able to experiment and learn without worrying about damaging an expensive e-bike or scooter.

Here’s what I learned:

  • Hoverboards are a goldmine for budget-friendly DIY projects.
  • The right controller is crucial for making motors work seamlessly.
  • Trial and error is a natural (and fun) part of the process.

Plus, the joy of seeing my son zipping around on something we built together made all the challenges worth it.

What’s Next?

The go-kart still needs brakes, and there’s room for improvement in motor and controller integration. But this project proves that you don’t need a massive budget to build something functional and educational. Whether you’re new to DIY or an experienced builder, projects like these are an excellent way to develop your skills and explore the capabilities of electric vehicles.

Build Your Own Go-Kart: Parts List

Ready to start your own hoverboard go-kart project? Here’s a list of parts I used, along with links to where you can buy them:

Affiliate Disclosure: This blog contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!

Final Thoughts

This electric go-kart project started as a simple experiment and turned into a fun and rewarding build. Whether you’re looking to build something similar or just enjoy learning about electric vehicles, I hope this blog inspires you to roll up your sleeves and start tinkering. After all, the best way to learn is by doing!

Let me know if you have any questions or tips of your own—I’d love to hear from you. And don’t forget to check out my upcoming YouTube video where I’ll walk through the build process step-by-step.