If your kids have a need for speed, and you have a need for keeping them safe, you have check out Actev Motors’ new Arrow Smart-Kart, one of the coolest ride-on toys I had the joy of seeing at NYC’s Toy Fair earlier this year. This high-end electric go-kart is definitely pricey but it uses some nifty technology to keep our little speedsters under control…without putting the brakes on their fun.
Made primarily for kids between the ages of 5 to 9, there is nothing “kiddie” about the looks of the Arrow Smart-Kart. The steel black frame and pneumatic rubber wheels give it the appearance of a lean, mean, driving machine, while two independent electric motors get it going all the way up to 12mph.
But what your kids can’t see is that you hold the ultimate control for their vehicle right in the palm of your hand, via an easy-to-use app for iOS and Android. Think of it as virtual cruise control for their go-kart.
Don’t you wish you had one for their scooters and skateboards, too?
For the newest drivers, being able to set a speed limit for the Arrow Smart-Kart is a great way to insure they learn how to control their vehicle before putting the pedal to the metal.
Parents can even set a virtual boundary in a parking lot or cul-de-sac to give kids some autonomy and a sense of freedom. But even without the boundary, there are ways to slow down the overzealous joy rider. Just activate a setting that slow the Smart-Kart down to a crawl if your little motorists try to drive it out of range of your phone. And with its collision-avoidance sensors, the Arrow Smart-Kart will even brake when it senses an object in its path.
Though my favorite feature has to be the big red STOP button on the app that will immediately cut power to the Smart-Kart should you need to. It’s way more effective than the old-fashioned way: Screaming.
The Actev Motors Arrow Smart-Kart go-kart pre-order package is (wait for it…) $599.95. This includes the Smart-Kart, battery and charger. An optional Formula Race-Car Body Kit, in silver or red, can be purchased separately. Shipping is expected for early summer 2016 if you can wait that long.
