You’ve probably seen the videos of people sliding around parking lot corners in what looks like a prop from a Mario Kart live-action movie. That's usually the Ninebot GoKart Pro 2. But honestly, calling it just a "gokart" is kinda underselling what’s actually going on with this hardware.
It's a weird, high-tech transformer.
Most people buy it because they want to rip around at 26.7 mph, but then they find out it’s also a vibrating gaming rig for their PC and a self-balancing scooter for the grocery run. It’s an odd mix of "serious machine" and "total toy."
The Speed Myth and What Really Happens at 26.7 MPH
There is a lot of chatter about how fast these things actually go. Segway rates the Ninebot GoKart Pro 2 for a top speed of roughly 43 km/h (that’s 26.7 mph for those of us not on the metric system).
It feels faster.
When your backside is only two inches off the pavement, 26 mph feels like you’re breaking the sound barrier. The acceleration is the real kicker, though. It pulls about 1.02G. That’s enough to push you back into the bucket seat when you floor the pedal.
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You have four main modes to play with:
- ECO Mode: Caps you at 5 mph. Basically for kids or when you’re navigating a crowded driveway.
- Sport Mode: Bumps it to 11 mph. Good for learning how the steering ratio (which is a tight 2.1:1) responds.
- Race Mode: The full 26.7 mph experience. This is where you’ll spend 90% of your time.
- Manual Mode (M+-): This is new for the Pro 2. You use actual paddle shifters to "change gears," though it’s all software-simulated to mimic a gas engine's power band.
The range is quoted at 15.5 miles. Don't expect that if you're drifting every corner in Race Mode. If you’re heavy on the throttle, you’re looking at a shorter afternoon. Honestly, 10 to 12 miles is a more realistic "real world" expectation if you’re actually having fun.
The "Secret" Gaming Mode
This is the part that sounds like a gimmick until you try it. You can literally bring the Ninebot GoKart Pro 2 into your living room, prop the front wheels on the included stand, and plug it into your PC.
It becomes a giant controller.
The steering wheel has auto-centering. The seat has 360-degree haptic feedback. If you hit a wall in Forza or Assetto Corsa, the whole chassis rumbles. It even works with a Nintendo Switch for Mario Kart, though you might need a dongle and some patience to get the button mapping right.
Is it a professional Sim-Rig? No. A dedicated Direct Drive wheel from Fanatec or Moza will give you better "road feel." But those don't let you drive to the park afterward. The Pro 2 is the only thing on the market that bridges the gap between digital racing and physical G-force.
It’s Actually a Ninebot S Max in Disguise
Underneath all that gray plastic and the steel frame is a detachable self-balancing scooter. The "engine" is a Ninebot S Max.
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You can literally unbolt the back end, pop on a steering bar, and you have a standalone Segway. It's surprisingly practical if you live in a city. The S Max by itself hits about 12.4 mph and has its own separate range of nearly 23 miles.
Hard Truths About the Build
Let's be real for a second. This thing is heavy. It weighs about 108 lbs. If you live on the third floor of an apartment with no elevator, you’re going to hate your life.
The ground clearance is also tiny—only 1.8 inches. If you try to take this over a speed bump or a rocky path, you will hear a soul-crushing "crunch" as the underbelly scrapes. It’s a pavement-only beast.
Also, the rear tires are TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) drifting tires. They are designed to lose grip so you can slide. They will wear out. If you spend every Saturday doing donuts, you’re going to be buying replacements sooner than you think.
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Is It Worth the $2,500 Price Tag?
The Ninebot GoKart Pro 2 usually sits around the $2,499 mark, though you can find it on sale for $1,999 if you catch a holiday window.
It’s expensive for a toy. But it’s cheap for a gokart, a gaming rig, and an electric scooter combined.
If you just want to go fast, you could buy a used gas kart. But then you’re dealing with oil, gas, noise complaints from neighbors, and zero gaming features. The Pro 2 is for the person who wants the tech-heavy, "plug and play" version of motorsports.
Actionable Next Steps for New Owners
If you just pulled the trigger on one of these, or you’re about to, here is the move:
- Tighten the Velcro: The battery strap on the back can be finicky. If it’s loose, the battery can rattle, which is annoying and potentially damaging.
- Update the Firmware Immediately: Segway pushes updates through their app that often fix throttle lag or Bluetooth connectivity issues for the speaker.
- Check Your Local Laws: Most cities treat these as "Personal Electric Vehicles" (PEVs), meaning you usually can't ride them on main roads. Find a local empty parking lot or a dedicated kart track.
- Buy a Helmet: 26 mph is fast enough to cause serious problems if you flip it or clip a curb.
- Get the Stand Ready: If you plan on using it for gaming, make sure you have a long enough USB-C cable to reach your PC from wherever the kart is parked.
The Ninebot GoKart Pro 2 isn't just for kids. It’s built for anyone up to 220 lbs and 6'2" tall. Just make sure your driveway is flat.