Frequently Asked Questions (UK)

Racing

For pricing at K1 Speed Canary Wharf, please visit our pricing page.

K1 Speed’s 20-horsepower electric adult go karts can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour – the fastest in the industry. The Junior karts can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour.

The junior minimum height requirement is 125 cm, while the adult minimum height requirement is 145 cm.

IMPORTANT: Meeting the height requirement is not a guarantee you’ll be able to race our karts. Drivers will be measured at the location and must be able to safely operate all elements of the kart. Final approval will be at management’s discretion.

Yes! Family go-karting races are available with a mix of Junior and Adult Karts, for ages seven and up.

For safety reasons, individuals who are pregnant are not permitted to race go-karts at K1 Speed. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

The minimum age requirement is 7 years of age. Junior karts are for ages 7-13 years old. Adult karts are 14+ (subject to meeting the height guidelines).

No, all karts at K1 speed are single-seaters. If your child is not at least 125cm and 7 years old, they will not be able to take part.

Yes, NHS staff, Military or Emergency Services may receive £5 off a single regularly priced Arrive & Drive race at K1 Speed Canary Wharf.

No, you do not need a membership to race at K1 Speed Canary Wharf; however, you will need gloves and a balaclava. If you do not bring your own in, you will need to purchase a Racer’s Pack for £6.

There is no specific limit on our karts, but those who are very tall, short, or heavier drivers may find the driving experience uncomfortable or may not fit the kart. We recommend the maximum weight for our adult karts is around 20 stone, and maximum height is around 6’7”. The junior karts have a maximum height of around 5’3”. We do have drivers that exceed these limits still race with us. You can pop down to the venue, and we can provide a kart test.

Check our video that addresses this question!

No, you do not need a driver’s licence to drive at K1 Speed.

A reservation is not required to race at K1 Speed. However, it is advised as we have limited spaces available per session. Bookings can be made at our pricing page. 

All of the go-karts at K1 Speed are 100% electric. This means faster acceleration and no noxious fumes – a win-win situation! We pride ourselves on our electric karts, visit a center and find out why!

Each location offers a unique track available only at that location, so there are some slight differences depending which K1 Speed you visit. However, the majority of our tracks are around a quarter of a mile in length.

K1 Speed is NOT like bumper cars. Our go-karts are much quicker, more responsive, and more expensive! That’s why we discourage any sort of contact with our karts out on the track. If we find someone intentionally bumping, they may be removed from the race.

No prior experience is required to race at K1 Speed. All drivers will be briefed on track safety, rules, flag/sign meanings, and kart operation prior to their first race.

While racing has its inherent risks, K1 Speed takes every measure possible to ensure all customers enjoy an authentic racing experience in a safe environment. All go-karts are routinely checked and serviced, our barriers are the safest in the industry, and any driver found not to be racing responsibly can be removed from competition to ensure the safety of others. Prior to each race, every driver is given a safety briefing that goes over track safety, rules, flag and sign meanings, and kart operation. In addition, each racer is required to wear an approved helmet with a full-face cover and equipped with a visor or goggles (provided for every racer).

Yes, you can wear your own helmet at K1 Speed as long as it is Department of Transportation (DOT), Economic Commission for Europe (ECE), or Auto Cycle Union (ACU) approved with a full-face cover and equipped with a visor or goggles. As long as it meets those requirements, show off your individuality while you race at K1 Speed!

Clothing must be comfortable. Before taking part, all drivers will need a balaclava (available for purchase from the venue) along with a helmet, which will be provided; any loose items of clothing will need to be removed. All drivers must wear closed-toe shoes that cover the whole foot, ideally trainers, no open-toe sandels, flip flops, or Crocs, no heels or wedges.

Unfortunately, we cannot allow any headwear, sashes, or scarves to be worn under the helmet. This is to reduce the risk of entanglement. All drivers with long hair will be required to wear a longer balaclava to ensure the hair is safely tucked away.

All you need to bring to K1 Speed is yourself, the card you made payment with, if you have prebooked, and ID to match the name on the card. Our venues are CASHLESS, so please ensure you have the appropriate means for payment. You will also need a balaclava and gloves, which we sell if you don’t currently own them. We’ll provide the helmet and kart!

All drivers under the age of 18 will need a parent or guardian to accompany them whilst they are in the venue. Anyone under 18 years old will need a parent or guardian to sign their waiver. This can be signed in the venue

The use of GoPros or other personal videos cameras while racing at our facility is prohibited, however you can rent Viewpoint video cameras at K1 Speed to record your races.

Wait times at K1 Speed can vary considerably based on location, time, day, and other factors. You’ll typically wait less during the week as opposed to the weekend.

You need to arrive 45 minutes before your race

We will always try our best to accommodate you; however, we can not delay a race. If you are late, you might not be able to take part in that session.

Yes! K1 Speed Canary Wharf also has full-motion race simulators. These can be used by participants over 10 years old

Yes! K1 Speed Canary Wharf has a Paddock Lounge which serves food and drinks, including beer, wine, and mixed cocktails.

Unfortunately, you can not bring outside food to our venues. Some exceptions can be made for individuals with serious allergies. Please give our sales team a call to discuss your options. We do allow birthday cakes or cupcakes to be brought for birthday sessions.

Each race at K1 Speed Canary Wharf lasts 15 minutes.

Yes, K1 Speed Canary Wharf serves alcohol. However, K1 Speed maintains a strict no drinking and driving policy. If you wish to enjoy an alcoholic beverage, you must do so only after you have finished racing – not in between races. BRINGING IN OUTSIDE ALCOHOL IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. If you are lucky enough to look under 25, you may be asked to provide proof of age. If we have reason to believe you are under the influence, you will not be allowed to race on the track.

Yes, typically all go-karts in a race will be similar in almost every way and are regularly maintained and serviced by our in-house mechanics.

Yes, you may reserve a time at K1 Speed Canary Wharf when you purchase your races online. You may also reserve a time over the phone. To make a reservation, a full non-refundable payment will be taken.

K1RS is K1 Speed’s proprietary scoring system that is used at all of its locations worldwide. The system rewards points based on each racer’s performance and how often that racer races at K1 Speed. Here’s the specific breakdown of points rewarded, based on category:

Every racer starts at 1200 K1RS points at the beginning of the calendar year and receives points for the following:

2 – points for each race
2 – points for each racer you beat
2 – bonus points if you had the fastest lap in your race
2 – bonus points if you had the fastest lap average in your race

To check on the current K1RS Points Championship leaderboard, please visit our National Leaderboard.

Locations

K1 Speed has over 100 locations around the world and counting! In the UK, K1 Speed is currently found in Canary Wharf, Central London. Soon, we’ll have a second location in Vauxhall.

Admission to K1 Speed is free if you’re looking to just spectate. Of course, there is a cost for the karting, food/beverages, merchandise, arcade games, pool tables, etc.

Yes, K1 Speed has franchise opportunities internationally. For more information, please visit our Franchise page.

K1 Speed currently does not offer sponsorships for drivers, however, our sister company, K1 RaceGear does offer sponsorships. Applications must be submitted between October 1st through February 28th. For more information, please visit: https://www.k1racegear.com/pages/sponsorship

Events

You need a minimum of 16 people to book a kids’ event, or 20 people for teen, adult, and corporate events at K1 Speed Canary Wharf. You can always race with less, but you will need to pay for at least the minimum quantity required.

There is no cost to simply come and spectate at K1 Speed. Only if you want to go on track will you have to pay. We encourage as many guests as you’d like to come and watch!

Group Events provide many benefits at K1 Speed over the Arrive & Drive option including: a reserved time, private racing for your group, awards for the top three finishers of the final race, and a race for position rather than time – plus other bonuses!

Yes, you absolutely can buy out an entire K1 Speed for your event! Inquire with our Group Sales department for more information about pricing and availability.

You can see our availability and make a booking from our pricing page. 

Check out our events and pricing on our Canary Wharf pricing page.

Gift Cards

No, K1 Speed Gift Cards never expire!

At K1 Speed, we offer e-Gift Cards that can be emailed to you. Note: e-Gift Cards take up to 24 hours for activation.

We now have a place where you can enter your recipient’s name and address! This way you don’t have to do any more work after you’ve made your purchase.

K1 Speed will email each card separately to your address. For example, if you purchased three e-Gift Cards, you will receive three emails – one email for each e-Gift Card purchased.

Any K1 Speed location can check your Gift Card balance – simply give them a call and the cashier at the front desk can help assist you.

Email your refund request to [email protected] and someone will get back in touch with you.