Razor launches Ground Force Elite electric go-kart, big enough for adult-sized fun
Razor has been hard at work expanding its electric vehicle lineup lately with larger, more powerful versions of its existing vehicles. The latest segment of the Razor fleet to get the extra big-kid treatment is showcased in the new Razor Ground Force Elite electric go-kart.
Razor describes the new electric kart as “a premium 36-volt electric go-kart for teens combining power and performance for the ultimate driving experience.”
But with its 200 lb. (91 kg) weight rating, it seems like you could already have your high school days in the rearview mirror and still make weigh-in on race day.
In fact, the kart’s minimum age rating of 13 years old shows this isn’t a kids’ toy, it’s a serious little electric go-kart.
The new Razor Ground Force Elite is part of a continued push by Razor to roll out teen- and adult-sized versions of its popular electric kids’ ride-on vehicles. That means that the Ground Force Elite also comes with better performance.
A top speed of 14 mph (23 km/h) is possible, which likely feels a lot faster when your cheeks are 2 inches from kissing the pavement.
Make sure you enjoy every minute of it, because the new electric go-kart is one of those things in life that are here for a good time, not a long time. With “up to 40 minutes” of run-time per charge, you’re going to want to savor every lap.
But before you dismiss this cart as a toy, consider that Razor has actually outfitted the thing with some decent features like an adjustable steering wheel.
As the company explained:
Designed to mimic the look of racing karts, it features a bucket seat with a lap strap, adjustable steering wheel, and foot pedal-activated disc brake that allows smooth and precise braking. This new go-kart is the perfect opportunity to bring home an experience normally reserved for the racetrack.
The Elite’s blow-molded design enables the chassis to flex, improving steering geometry and ride dynamics by allowing all four wheels to remain in constant contact with the ground. The tires are subtly crowned for reduced rolling resistance which improves battery life and the overall speed.
The electric go-kart is powered by a 36V system, though it uses a trio of lead acid batteries instead of higher-end and lighter lithium-ion batteries. While that choice results in a heavier kart (67 lb. or 30.5 kg) with batteries that don’t last for as many years, it also makes it safer for charging at home and reduces the kart’s overall cost.
Speaking of the price tag, the Razor Ground Force Elite is surprisingly affordable at $549, though Amazon seems to currently have it on sale for $547. Compare that to Segway’s adult-sized electric go-kart that launched at between 3-4x this price.
Razor’s vice president of design and development Ian Desberg commented on Razor’s strategy of expanding its market to a broader age range:
The Ground Force Elite is the newest, largest, and most exciting addition to our Ground Force range. It joins the perennial, mid-size Ground Force which has been in the Razor lineup for many years and soon we’ll launch an even smaller Ground Force Rad Rod for kids. Our goals center around getting the whole family moving and playing together, so accordingly, the Ground Force go-kart series has compelling and age-appropriate options for children, tweens and teens.
Razor has shown a focused interest lately in fleshing out its line of electric rideables with more teen- and adult-sized offerings.
The moped-style Rambler 12 and Rambler 16 electric bikes were recently joined by the new Rambler 20 for adult riders. While it features a similar styling to the smaller Ramblers, the new version has fully functional pedals, a 500W motor and a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h).
I haven’t yet tested out the Razor Ground Force Elite electric go-kart, but I have gotten my hands on several other new adult-sized Razor vehicles. Electrek readers might remember that in recent months I’ve tested both the Icon retro-styled standing scooter and the EcoSmart Cargo seated scooter. Razor also offers two other adult-focused rides with the Crazy Cart XL and Dirt Quad 500.
As the company expands further into the adult segment, developing larger versions of popular kids’ products, it appears that Razor has its sights set on competing against the larger market of adult e-bikes and recreational rideables.
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With its tire-blistering acceleration and record-setting performance, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra has been getting attention throughout the auto industry, impressing everyone who’s seen it. That “everyone” now seems to include the OG supercar brand, itself.
CarNewsChina posted pictures from a Weibo user that reportedly show a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra exiting the storied Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy. According to a Chinese blogger going by 西米露在博洛尼亚 (which seems to translate to “Sago Dessert in Bologna”), the prancing horse brand is actively benchmarking the Chinese hypercar for its own upcoming EV.
The SU7 Ultra was definitely coming from inside Ferrari’s facility. After verification, we learned this specific vehicle was officially purchased by Ferrari for testing, and the development of their next-generation electric platform.
Yet another Chinese auto blogger, 苏黎世贝勒爷, claims that Ferrari representatives visited Xiaomi headquarters last year, allegedly to discuss the joint development of next-generation high-performance EV motors.
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra made its debut last year, promising 1,548 hp, sub 2.0-second 0-60 mph times, and a top speed well over 200 mph – all at a price lower than a Tesla Model S Plaid or Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. The car sold out almost immediately after it was unveiled, racking up some 50,000 orders almost overnight.
The new electric benchmark
In the automotive world, “benchmarking” is a process in which car companies systematically tear down each others’ competitive products to compare everything from sound insulation, vehicle ride and handling, component materials, and even manufacturing methods against their own or against other industry leaders. The goal is to evaluate performance, cost, quality, and other key metrics, effectively figuring out “where they stand” in the market.
If Ferrari really did buy an SU7 to benchmark it against their own upcoming electric supercar, it’s more than just a curiosity – it could mean that the highest tiers of automotive innovation have shifted from West to East. Maybe forever.
Featured image via Xiaomi; sources throughout the post.
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We’re finally getting our first teases of the upgraded 2027 Chevy Bolt, built on GM’s battery/motor platform formerly known as Ultium. So far, so good for the vehicle, which will be revealed later this Fall.
Chevy took to social media today to tease the 2027 Chevy Bolt, saying, “You asked, we listened. The #ChevyBolt is back and better than ever. More this fall. 👀”
Chevy ended the original Bolt program with the 2023 model, which was loved by a loyal group of customers (including myself). Some of the major gripes, including charging speed and rear brake lights, already look to be addressed. Also, a new more aggressive fascia is debuting.
Electrek’s take
GM has done an incredible job keeping the 2027 Bolt under wraps. It will be the first GM vehicle with a native NACS port after the Cadillac Optiq-V, which we spied in Seattle last week.
Hopefully, the new Bolt will have improved charging speeds over and above the 54kW that previous Bolts adhered to. One possible downgrade is that the old Bolt’s amazing wireless CarPlay/Android Auto system will likely be replaced by GM’s move to Android’s built-in experience. For a few years, the Chevy Bolt was the most affordable long-range EV, and it won our 2022 Electrek car of the year for its versatility and price.
I would, of course, like to see the new Bolt as a hot hatchback, but GM CEO Mary Barra has hinted that it will likely take more of the EUV’s SUV form factor. Things like AWD options, SuperCruise, pricing, power and range are yet to be revealed, but stay tuned to Electrek for the latest on Bolt developments.
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On today’s test-acular episode of Quick Charge, it’s a new day and a new Chinese ADAS test for Tesla to conquer – but this one’s got a LOT more pedestrian carnage to parse through! We’ve also got some great e-bike deals from Retrospec and a bladder-busting Hyundai.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Retrospec – the makers of sleek, powerful e-bikes and outdoor gear built for everyday adventure! To that end, we’ve got a pair of Retrospec e-bike reviews followed up by the updated Hyundai IONIQ 6 with nearly 350 miles of range from its updated long-range battery. With that, Hyundai now has the longest range Korean EV on the market, while Texas is adding megawatts of battery energy storage to beef up its troubled grid, and it’s doing so faster and cheaper than ever before.
Plus: Quick Charge listeners can get an extra 10% off the price of their next awesome e-bike by using code ELECTREK10 at retrospec.com!
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If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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