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ELECTRIC KARTS – THEIR TIME IS NOW!
By Peter F. Olesen, P.E.

The reality of battery-powered go-karts becoming a major element of indoor kart operations is here. Our firm has been developing track designs for both indoor and outdoor battery-powered concession go-kart facilities over the last three years. In the past ten months, we’ve noticed an increasingly strong increase in inquiries and client contacts for facilities that are based on battery-powered karts for both indoor and outdoor tracks.

For many people, the conversion in thinking occurs at the time they have an opportunity to drive a battery-powered kart. There are several features which seem to have almost universal appeal among the people we’ve talked to. These are as follows:

1. The ability to create an indoor facility minus the major air handling problems (and equipment) inherent with combustion engine-karts. This can result in a huge initial construction cost savings. It also avoids most of the environmental concerns of the local communities, as well as creating a far more comfortable environment for drivers, staff and spectators.

2. The battery-powered karts now on the market can be operated at varying speeds with the pressing of a button on the controller unit. This means a single kart can be used to serve different markets during a given day. This is especially true on the karts equipped with adjustable seat positions, which can be modified to handle both younger drivers and adults. Those karts that don’t have movable seats can utilize separate seat back cushions.

3. A number of manufacturers offer karts that comply with IRGA and ASTM recommended guidelines. This means they will be acceptable in states that have adopted either of the above standards or have created their own standard that emulate all or part of the two guidelines mentioned above.

4. For busy tracks using battery-powered karts, there is a need for two sets of karts in a dual pitting format to permit one set of karts to recharge while the other set is out on the track. The normal concession kart format of 3.5 to 4 minute runs would permit continuous operations to continue through the day. The added costs of the karts is offset for indoor situations by not having to invest in the more sophisticated (and expensive) air handling and heating equipment, plus a great reduction in engine maintenance. For outdoor facilities, the cost recovery time will obviously extend over a longer period of time.

5. The battery-powered karts have ample performance curves with outstanding low-end torque.

While the above elements are positive in comparison for the reasons stated, there are still a number of drawbacks for certain operations. They are:

A. The charge capacity of batteries currently on the market precludes running long enduro-type events that many adult groups desire. Battery-powered cannot currently run in long enduros for those facilities seeking to fully emulate outdoor competition karting events. For most track configurations, a seven minute maximum run time would be possible. A modified enduro format which would accumulate heat times could be run with drivers having to pull into the pits at the end of each heat. The major difference would be all karts being released from the pit at the same time and the determination of winners based on accumulated time.

B. While most of the track operators we’ve talked to have had good experiences in terms of battery life, the jury is still out in terms of projecting operating costs associated with battery life. Other than batteries, operating costs weigh in favor of the electric kart.

C. Super tight geometrics and steep grades on approaches to bridges on some indoor tracks can result in much heavier battery drains. In some cases, this could result in a reduced ability to maintain kart power over long busy days. We personally feel competitive and exciting tracks can be designed without incorporating bridges into them.

D. Unfortunately, not all electric karts seen at trade shows meet the safety standards we feel should be mandatory. Some lack properly designed and installed seat belts and roll bards. Other do not have effective drive train shielding to effectively prevent long hair or loose clothing from becoming entangled in the motor or drive belts. For those people seeking to develop a concession go-kart operation incorporating battery-powered karts, we suggest that they only consider those that meet the aforementioned guidelines as well as local and state regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over your local site.

E. One of the challenges facing concession battery kart manufacturers is the development of full bodied karts to resemble sprint, Indy, Formula or stock cars which enable track operators to sell sponsorship advertising on the karts themselves. The added weight works against the time karts can hold their charge. The lighter the kart and driver, the longer batteries will keep their charge.

We feel the future development of indoor tracks will revolve around battery-powered karts because of their environmentally friendly make-up. In the foreseeable future, outdoor facilities will continue to select conventionally powered concession karts because of their lower cost, the ability to purchase a wider variety of body configurations and the lack of major modifications to their existing facilities.

When selecting battery-powered concession go-karts, we feel it is important for the buyer to consider the guidelines developed by the IRGA and largely echoed in the recently adopted ASTM guidelines. These call for seat belts and roll bars. It is very important to maintain as safe an environment as possible.

OTHER INDOOR CONSIDERATIONS
By Peter F. Olesen P.E.

When entering the indoor go-karting arena, it is important to consider the following issues related to the construction of a new building or the renovation of an existing one.

1. Applicable state, county, and local building codes, regulations and ordinances
2. OSHA and public health codes, standards and regulations
3. Overall space available and configuration of that space
4. Column spacing, location of doors and stairways
5. Conditions of floors, existing lavatories and other space to be used
6. Existing air handling system and associated ventilation
7. Available electrical service
8. Ability of the building to accommodate additional attractions

Failure to become aware of all the conditions you will be required to address prior to beginning acquisition of the building or the design process, can result in unnecessary costs, time delays and possible rejections. Regardless of the karts or systems used, it is imperative that the developer makes certain that there are no prohibitions in terms of existing ordinances or building codes that could prohibit or impede the progress in building or opening a facility.

As part of the initial building selection and development of a business plan, it is important to have at least made an initial determination of the type and format of karting you wish to put into place. Electric karts can be used in a variety of scenarios, including the following:

1. Indoor Kart Racing –
This format can be designed as an indoor road course or as an oval. Current preferences seem to favor a road course layout, unless space limitations dictate an oval. Within this concept there are still many decisions to be made pertaining to method of operation, racing format, timing and scoring systems, marketing format, supplemental o support attractions, and related issues.

2. Indoor Family Go-Karting –
This format is normally developed with a road course layout, using less drastic curves than an adult racing course. Again, it is possible that space limitations will dictate an oval configuration. To maximize potential revenues, we feel that indoor family go-kart facilities should be supported by additional attractions.

3. Dual Operations: Indoor Kart Racing and Family Karting –
Under this concept, an operator can establish an operating format that is designed to accommodate both types of karts or karting operations. Depending on the specific karts used and the operating format adopted, it is possible to stagger operations during the day or to have separate daytime/evening operations for the two systems.

4. Which type of kart will be used? –
We understand that some indoor racing facilities using electric karts have had to double up their kart inventory to permit longer charging periods due to the drain on batteries. If the proposed method o operation requires longer race times, this could become a deciding factor in selecting a specific kart.

5. I already have a track running gasoline-powered karts, how can I change horses, so-to-speak? –
Assuming the track is smooth, well-maintained, has suitable barrier system and has geometrics that are conducive to the operation of electric karts, it is fairly simple to modify pit areas to accommodate the charging system.

6. What type of barrier system is to be used adjacent to the track? –
There are a number of different barrier systems available. Check out all of them to determine the best one suited for your particular facility.

7. Should the track design be prepared with islands in the pit area? –
The use of islands has long been a subject of discussion among a number of designers. At the present time more people tend to leave them out, whether as a convenience issue due to conflicts with building columns (as a high percentage of indoor tracks are currently being constructed in existing buildings) or in the misguided feeling that omission of islands increases safety in the pits.

We prefer raised islands because they separate the karts, making it far easier for guests to get in and out of the karts, provide a safe zone for pit personnel and, in general, make it far easier to maintain throughput. For those planning to use electric-powered karts, it provides a more controlled area in which to carry out loading, unloading and recharging.

Islands greatly reduce the potential for guests or staff members having their legs cut out from under them by careless karters, with potentially serious consequences. They also keep karts from getting entangled with each other and restricting entering and leaving the karts (such problems can greatly reduce the total throughput of your facility). Some designers feel that island increase the potential for sprained ankles and stumbles, and dismiss our concerns. Facilities are designed both ways.

As more electric karts are used indoors, especially those with pickup plates under the karts, the islands will become more popular. This is because it is easier to locate pick-up plates on the pit lane floor at positions that will permit karts stopping at the right locations to recharge. It also enables more controlled use of cord charging systems. As the battery systems of more karts become capable of taking quick charges and removing the need for dual sets of karts, the value of the pit islands should become more apparent.

8. Should a track be designed to operate in both directions? –
Reversibility permits a facility to offer two separate driving experiences. In the outdoor concession go-kart industry, many tracks have been quite successful in reversing the direction of operation on weekdays to increase business during historically slower periods. Offering a different driving experience could also benefit the indoor kart racing market.

To accomplish the reversible concept for indoor kart racing would require a modified timing system to accommodate the two directions of travel. This concept requires both ends of the pit being designed to serve as entrance and exit. Undoubtedly, it will require some modification to the timing system as well as an additional loop for any remote kart shutoff system.

9. What specific building code and zoning code elements will dictate final facility design and what local agencies must be dealt with? -
On of the first steps in planning any facility must be a visit to the local agency having jurisdiction over construction of the proposed facility. In most communities this will be one or more of the following:
a. Planning Department/Planning Commission
b. Public Works Department
c. Engineering Department
d. Community Development Department
e. Environmental Protection Agency

These agencies will have either local zoning ordinances, building codes or engineering standards that must be met prior to any project being approved. Depending on the zoning of your site, you may be required to attend planning commission, zoning boards, village, town, city or county board hearings as well.

Identify the bureaucratic process that is required to obtain required approvals. Identify the potential areas of delay or conflict that could arise because of your proposed project.

Take the time and expand the effort required to assure that your project is well thought out, based on sound information and supported by recognized community and staff leaders. Remember, failing to plan is planning to fail.

About the author: Peter Olesen is a Licensed Professional Engineer in eight states and president of Peter F. Olesen and Associates, Inc., 500 W. Central Rd, Suite 205, Mt. Prospect, Illinois 60056 USA. The firm provides consulting services to concession go-kart and Family Entertainment Centers clients. Project span 35 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico and Brunei. Services range from preliminary site evaluations, feasibility studies, concept development, master planning, design and construction engineering services for projects that include concession go-kart tracks, miniature golf courses, indoor and outdoor FECs and theme parks. These services apply to new facilities as well as renovation or expansion of existing facilities. Mr. Olesen has written many magazine articles on the industry and has made presentations at numerous industry seminars.

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