Kite Buggy


Here’s something with a cutting edge for sports lovers, fun seekers, and those looking for something new and different: the Kite Buggy.

 The kite buggy is actually an old invention dating back several centuries in China. Its use was promoted by George Pocock in 1827 but only was commercially introduced in the United States and the United Kingdom in the 1970s.

A far cry from the “Charvolant buggy” the modern kite buggy is made of strong, durable and lightweight materials. It has one front wheel and two rear wheels.  It has pneumatic tires with almost frictionless bearings to enable high speeds. It sits one person and is pulled by a traction kite.

The power kite or foil is made from high quality materials like sleeved dyneema bridles and a chikara canopy.  It has four lines which are controlled by the pilot seated in the buggy. 

To ride a buggy, place your feet on two foot rests on the front.  This steers the buggy to the right or left using either of your feet.  The foil or power kite is then harnessed to your body, and you control the foil with two handles where two lines are attached to each. Before flying the power kite, it is advised that you practice and get acquainted with the controls first.

Launch your kite before going into the buggy. Then when the power is strong enough, slowly move towards your seat. Positioning the kite directly overhead lessens the power. Then slowly and gently try to dip the kite in front to the power zone.  This should start the buggy rolling.

Braking is done by moving the foil into a zone where it exerts less pull or by turning the buggy sideways.

The costs involved in operating a kite buggy include the cash outlay for the buggy (US$ 500 or more), the foil (US$ 100 up) and accessories such as gloves, clothing, wind meters, backpacks, helmets, pads, body armor, lessons, DVD and security locks. 

The top speed attained for a kite buggy is 72.8 miles per hour by Luk Stanek.  Since the buggy can easily reach speeds of 45 miles per hour, it is important to wear protective gear.

Special options include getting bigger and more powerful kites, specialized wheels for soft sand, wet sand, bumpy terrain, uneven gravel roads, etc.  Other options include getting splashguards, side frames, wide rear axles, double wheel axels, etc. to gear up your buggy to competition style.