Occupant Restraint Design for Commercial Go-Karts 1999-01-1294

Performance standards are proposed for occupant restraint systems intended for use on commercial go-karts. Criteria for these standards are developed through an analysis of the design and operating environment of the typical go-kart and an examination of government statistics on go-kart related accidents. It is proposed that such systems be capable of restraining an occupant inside the occupant compartment of a go-kart during a 25 mph barrier collision. Any such design must also be capable of fitting occupants ranging in size from a six year old child to an adult and must be capable of use by a child without adult supervision. It is further proposed that go-kart restraint systems should not increase the threat of entanglement. The paper concludes with an analysis of a practical example a go-kart restraint system and its performance in a crash test.