Forget the traditional hop-on, hop-off tour buses.
There’s a new way to explore London that brings the thrill of street karting into the heart of the city.
Aiming to replicate the unique experience of Tokyo’s street go-karting, Sachin Sikand and Rajan Kochhar have launched Karts of London, offering tourists a chance to drive electric go-karts through London’s streets, all while dressed in costume.
Inspired by Japan’s popular karting experience (but without infringing on any video game copyrights), this adventure lets you become the star of your very own urban racing game.
A Tokyo Idea Brought to London Streets
The concept took root during a trip to Japan, where Sachin first saw tourists driving go-karts through the busy streets of Tokyo.
“I thought, this looks like fun! Why not bring it to London?” Sachin shared.
What seemed like a great idea soon faced its challenges, though. With London’s unpredictable weather, busy roads, and strict regulations, the traditional go-kart just wouldn’t cut it.
But they found a solution in an unexpected source: the Renault Twizy, a quirky electric microcar with scissor doors, that would serve as a London-friendly replacement.
Overcoming London’s Road Challenges
London’s notoriously heavy traffic posed a major hurdle, as the city is even more congested than Tokyo.
According to data from TomTom, traveling 10km in London averages 33 minutes, with a snail-paced 11mph speed.
On top of that, the city’s infamous weather doesn’t exactly scream “go-karting territory.”
Add to that the mountains of regulations that make it almost impossible for traditional go-karts to legally hit the road, and it was clear the traditional method wouldn’t work.
Enter the Renault Twizy – an electric microcar designed to work with London’s laws and urban environment.
The Twizy: A Surprising Solution
Though it doesn’t scream “supercar,” the Renault Twizy was a perfect solution.
With its lightweight build and sporty handling, this little electric vehicle provides the thrill of go-karting, but with a few extra perks, like a roof to protect from rain.
The Twizy can reach 20mph in no time and is exempt from Congestion Charges and ULEZ fees – for now.
Its small frame and fun, quirky design make it ideal for maneuvering through tight spots in busy London traffic, but its lack of windows or a heater means it might not be the most comfortable ride when the weather takes a turn.
Taking to the Streets of London
With the Twizy ready for action, Karts of London offers tourists the chance to drive these little electric cars on a guided tour through the City of Westminster, past landmarks like the London Eye and through busy streets like New Bond Street.
For £100 an hour (or £120 at night), tourists get to cruise through the city in their very own mini go-kart, all while donning a costume for extra fun.
Drivers need only a full driving license, and after that, they’re ready to hit the road in their custom, bright yellow Twizy.
A Unique London Tour Experience
The experience feels far from traditional.
The drive itself is surprisingly nimble, with no gears to worry about and easy-to-use controls.
In addition to the unique ride, guests get a live commentary from Sachin over a walkie-talkie, offering anecdotes and insider stories about the city.
Driving a Twizy around London definitely makes you feel like a celebrity, with tourists snapping pictures of the unusual vehicles and passers-by even giving a thumbs-up or fist-bumps as the group rolls by.
A Fun but Authentic London Adventure
While the experience is certainly fun, it’s not without its quirks.
The Twizy can be a bit cramped for adults, with its small back seat that requires you to stretch your legs to the side.
The lack of power steering gives the car a distinctly go-kart feel, which can be a little more demanding than a traditional car.
And as for the walkie-talkie commentary – while it adds a personal touch, it’s not always the clearest, especially with cross-talk from other groups on the same channel.
Expanding Karts of London
Despite these small hiccups, Sachin and Rajan’s venture has already garnered positive feedback.
With over 800 customers in the past year and a glowing five-star rating on Google, the business is growing quickly.
There are plans to expand to Windsor in April and potentially more destinations in the future.
The pair are also looking into streamlining the experience further, ensuring that all technical kinks are worked out as they continue to develop the business.
Is This the End for Traditional Tour Buses?
While the classic tour bus isn’t about to be dethroned just yet, Karts of London offers an exciting alternative for those looking for something more interactive and adventurous.
For tourists seeking a thrilling, albeit slower-paced, way to explore London, Karts of London provides a unique, fun-filled experience.
Just be sure to dress warmly on a chilly day – the weather is always a gamble, and the Twizy’s lack of windows means you’ll be feeling every bit of it.
But if you’re ready to roll with the weather, this could be the new must-do activity for London visitors.