Somewhere between a utility vehicle, a recreational kart, and an oversized cooler on wheels, the KoolerKart occupies a category of its own. Built by a California-based company called KoolerKartz, it is exactly what the name implies: a four-wheeled, motor-powered kart with a large ice chest built directly into its frame — designed primarily for outdoor events, beach days, tailgates, camping, and anywhere else cold drinks and a need for speed might coexist.
Each KoolerKart is custom-built to order at KoolerKartz’s facility in Fountain Valley, California, with buyers selecting their motor type, cooler configuration, colors, and add-on accessories before the build begins.
What it is
The KoolerKart is a four-wheeled off-road kart with a handlebar-style steering column and a large insulated ice chest mounted as the central body of the vehicle. The cooler is not an afterthought — it is structurally integrated into the kart’s frame, meaning the cooler is the kart’s body. Riders stand or sit at the handlebar in front, controlling speed and direction while the cooler behind them carries ice, cans, bottles, or gear.
The vehicle’s frame is a tubular steel construction with off-road shocks at all four corners, aluminum racing wheels, and large knobby tires suited for grass, gravel, sand, and pavement. Hydraulic disc brakes with a parking brake come standard. The handlebar setup uses ODI moto bars and a billet aluminum steering clamp.
It is, in the company’s own words, “the world’s most badass motorized cooler.”
Motor options: Electric or gas
Buyers choose between two powertrain options at the time of ordering.
The electric option is a 72-volt motor producing 8,000 watts of peak power. The company describes it as their highly suggested choice. It features a screen display showing speed and remaining battery, a reverse function, a top speed of 35–40 mph (about 56–64 km/h), and an estimated range of 25–30 miles (about 40–48 km) on a full charge. The motor is app-controlled, allowing the rider to adjust power, torque, and speed settings from a smartphone.
The gas option is a 212cc 4-stroke engine with electric start. It also reaches 35–40 mph and covers an estimated 20–25 miles per tank. Both powertrains deliver the same performance ceiling — the choice comes down to preference for electric convenience and app control versus the traditional feel and easy fueling of a small gas engine.
The weight capacity recommendation for either configuration is under 650 lbs (about 295 kg), covering rider, cargo, and cooler contents combined.
Cooler options
Two cooler configurations are available, and this choice significantly changes the personality of the build.
The first is an Orca 40 qt ice chest, built directly into the kart frame. The Orca is a high-performance roto-molded cooler in the same category as Yeti and similar premium brands. It holds up to 48 cans and functions as a traditional passive ice chest.
The second option is the Wet Sounds Shivr-55 — a 55-quart Bluetooth soundbar cooler that doubles as a premium audio system. The Shivr-55 includes a 200-watt internal DSP amplifier tuned for audio clarity at multiple volume levels, over 8 hours of playback on its built-in lithium-ion battery, and Bluetooth connectivity. This option turns the KoolerKart into both a mobile cooler and a portable sound system, which is particularly relevant for tailgates, beach gatherings, and events where a speaker setup would otherwise be a separate item to carry.
Both cooler options include cup holders built into the lid surface, visible in the product images.
Accessories and customization
KoolerKartz positions customization as a central part of the product. Frame color, cooler graphics, padding, lighting, and add-on accessories can all be specified at order. Past customer builds shown in the company’s gallery range from blacked-out tactical-style builds to bright yellow or metallic blue configurations, some with company logos applied to the cooler body — a feature the company specifically highlights as making the kart a potential advertising vehicle eligible as a business tax write-off.
Notable accessory options include:
LED underglow lighting, multi-color and multi-mode, controlled by a remote and companion app. The underglow system is standard on many builds and produces the distinctive glow visible at the vehicle’s base in nighttime photos.
LED light pods, forward-facing high-output lights for nighttime use, mounted on the front frame.
Whip lights, 6-foot flexible LED whips available in multiple colors and modes, also app-controlled. These automatically turn red when the brakes are applied.
KoolerKartz padding, available for the seating surface and floorboards. Custom color padding can be ordered for an additional $150.
Fishing rod holders, two rod holders installed and capable of holding any size fishing pole — positioning the kart for use at the lake, pier, or surf as much as at a tailgate.
Built-in USB phone chargers come standard on all builds.
Made in California, built to order
KoolerKartz describes its products as “American Made Masterpieces.” Each kart is built individually to the buyer’s specifications at their Fountain Valley, California location. The current build time is listed at 6–8 weeks from the time of order, reflecting the custom nature of each unit. Local pickup is available in Fountain Valley; shipping nationwide is available at a flat rate of $599, with a transit time of 3–5 business days from the ship date.
The company is also actively building a dealer network and accepts dealer applications through its website.
Practical considerations
A few things worth understanding before ordering:
The KoolerKart is not street-legal for road use in most jurisdictions. At 35–40 mph it is faster than most electric scooters or mobility devices, and it lacks the equipment — mirrors, turn signals, registration — required for on-road operation. It is designed for off-road, private property, and event use.
At its price point and performance level, it occupies a space similar to a recreational go-kart or a side-by-side ATV, with the added function of the integrated cooler. It is heavier and more powerful than a standard motorized cooler novelty item.
Financing is available at checkout through the KoolerKartz website.
Pricing and availability
The custom KoolerKart starts at US$5,299 (currently on sale from a regular price of US$5,599). Buyers can configure their build through an extensive online configurator, selecting from electric or gasoline powertrains, different cooler styles, wheel and tire packages, upholstery options, lighting upgrades, audio systems, and a variety of accessories. Because the vehicle is built to order, the final price varies depending on the selected specifications and options.
Orders can be placed directly through KoolerKartz’s website, where the full customization process is available. The company currently quotes a build time of approximately 6–8 weeks, with shipping and local pickup options available.
Source: KoolerKartz
