This Grandfather Made a Wooden Electric Go-Kart From Scratch

Years ago, Ron Hoffman designed a PWM motor controller for wheelchairs, which was primarily used as a technology demonstrator. Now that his grandkids are old enough, he’s been able to put this know-how to a different use, building a PWM controller that actuates two 12V motors to propel a homemade electric go-kart.

Hoffman’s requirements included the need to operate in forward and reverse, along with a two-second delay between the two modes to allow it to stop — or at least slow down — before applying reverse power. There’s also a beeper to signify it’s in reverse, and if something goes wrong with this wiring, it defaults to the forward direction still get home. The circuit diagram is laid out in the project write-up, with a bill of materials and source code for the PIC16F684 microcontroller that runs the kart.

While Hoffman's post focuses on the electronics and controls part of the build, the physical construction itself is quite interesting as well. The kart is made primarily out of wood, including the chassis and components like the steering wheel and the rear wheel attachment plates. The front wheels turn left and right via a linkage system, providing what should be hours and hours of mobile fun for the kids!