Indoor
Karting category
9 active venues
Battle Karting in United Kingdom
Battle Karting (most famously represented by the BattleKart franchise) is the newest evolution of the sport, blending electric go-karts with Augmented Reality (AR) technology. Often described as "Mario Kart in real life," this discipline removes the physical barriers of tires and kerbs, replacing them with projected tracks and interactive virtual elements. It is less about pure racing lines and more about strategy, power-ups, and immersive gaming.
Unlike traditional rental karting, Battle Karting takes place in a large, open hall with a specialized white floor. Dozens of high-tech projectors beam the circuit and game elements directly onto the ground.
The "Real Life Video Game": The karts are equipped with sensors that track their position 200 times per second. This allows the system to detect when you drive over a "Virtual Bonus" (giving you a missile or turbo boost) or when you hit a "Virtual Trap" (like an oil slick or bomb). When you fire a weapon, the kart you target will physically slow down or stop, mimicking the chaos of a video game.
Safety & Accessibility: Because the system knows where every kart is at all times, it features an Anti-Collision System that automatically slows karts down if they get too close. This makes it incredibly safe and accessible; helmets and race suits are often not required, making it a popular choice for corporate events and families who might be intimidated by traditional "Pro" karting.
Game Modes: It isn't just about racing. The projected floor allows for varying game modes:
- BattleRace: The classic "Mario Kart" style race with rockets and oil slicks.
- BattleSnake: A life-sized version of the mobile game Snake, where you eat fruits to grow your tail.
- BattleFoot: A virtual football match where you use the kart to push a virtual ball into the net.
9 kart tracks
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IndoorTeamSport Newcastle
Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear
IndoorTeamSport Preston
Bamber Bridge, Preston, Lancashire
IndoorTeamSport Stoke
Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire
IndoorTeamSport Liverpool
Liverpool, Merseyside
IndoorBattleKart Gateshead
Gateshead, Tyne and Wear
IndoorBattleKart Sittingbourne
Sittingbourne, Kent
IndoorBattleKart St Albans
St Albans, Hertfordshire
IndoorChaos Karts at Arcade Arena Manchester
Manchester, Greater Manchester
IndoorLevel X Middlesbrough E-Karting
Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Map locations are approximate.
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Battle Karting — FAQs
Yes, very much so. While they cannot use the official "Mario" branding, the BattleRace mode is clearly inspired by it. You drive over virtual boxes to collect weapons (rockets, turbo boosts, shields) and use them to slow down your opponents or speed yourself up.
At most BattleKart locations (like St Albans and Sittingbourne), helmets are not required. The advanced anti-collision system prevents heavy impacts, meaning you can race in your regular clothes. However, closed-toe shoes are still mandatory.
They are not designed for raw speed like outdoor "Pro Karts." The speed varies dynamically depending on the game state (e.g., if you get hit by a missile, you stop; if you get a boost, you speed up). The focus is on interaction and fun rather than setting lap records.
BattleKart venues typically do not have a strict minimum age, but they do have a minimum height requirement of 1.45m (approx. 4ft 9in) to ensure drivers can reach the pedals safely. This usually equates to children aged around 10-12 years old.
The system is designed to prevent this. If you get too close to another kart or a virtual wall, the karts will automatically brake or limit power to avoid a collision. This "safety bubble" allows for aggressive gameplay without physical risk.