Safety equipment

The MightE powertrain is an electric kart power unit now used in UK Bambino karting and has been selected as the official electric powertrain supplier for the Motorsport UK Bambino Owner Driver Karting category starting from the 2024 season under a formal supplier agreement. 

Motorsport UK

MightE’s system uses a brushless electric motor paired with a lithium-ion battery pack to deliver performance broadly comparable to traditional petrol engines, with output and top speeds similar to the petrol-powered Comer C50 class. 

 The battery and motor are engineered to meet FIA-low-voltage safety standards, offering consistent and sealed performance across all units. 

Unlike petrol engines, the MightE electric powertrain requires minimal maintenance — there are no carburettors, spark plugs or engine rebuilds — and torque delivery is immediate, with consistent power throughout each session. 

The introduction of MightE reflects a broader shift in UK grassroots karting towards sustainable and accessible technology, with the electric powertrain designed to reduce mechanical complexity and focus competition on driver ability rather than mechanical tuning. 

Although petrol engines like the Comer C50 remain eligible in many regional and club events during the transitional period, the MightE electric unit is now the homologated electric option for Motorsport UK Bambino competition and is increasingly supported at national and club championship levels.

The Comer C50 is a 50cc air-cooled, two-stroke engine that has historically been used in Motorsport UK Bambino karting, the entry-level racing category for drivers aged 6–8 years.

The engine produces approximately 4 horsepower (when tuned) and uses a pull-start system with a centrifugal clutch, delivering controlled and predictable performance suitable for young drivers. It runs on a petrol and two-stroke oil mix and is known for its simple construction and mechanical reliability.

To ensure parity, the Comer C50 is run in a controlled, non-tunable format, with engines sealed and regulated to limit performance variation. This places the emphasis on driver development and racecraft rather than equipment advantage.

The Comer C50 is now classed as a legacy engine within Motorsport UK regulations. While it is no longer the sole or mandatory engine option for Bambino karting under Motorsport UK, it remains in use at many UK circuits and clubs, often alongside newer Bambino engine platforms.

Due to its widespread historical use, the Comer C50 continues to benefit from strong UK parts availability and technical knowledge, making it a common and accessible option for families entering karting at club level.

The IAME M1 is a 60 cc, single‑cylinder, two‑stroke kart engine designed for young and beginner drivers, commonly used in Motorsport UK Bambino classes (ages 5–8). It features a pull-start system, a centrifugal clutch, and a simple diaphragm carburetor, making it reliable, low-maintenance, and easy to operate. With modest power (~2 hp) and air-cooling, the M1 provides a safe, consistent introduction to karting, while Motorsport UK regulations ensure engines are used in a controlled and fair competition environment.