Kart pedals and throttle cable: setup, rules and checks
Updated: 3 days ago
Throttle and brake are the only controls you use with your feet, and you use them in every corner. A pedal that does not return, a sticking throttle cable or a pivot with play cost you time and, with the brake, safety. Here is how kart pedals are made, what the regulation says and how to set the throttle cable on the Rotax.
In short Under the CIK-FIA technical regulations kart pedals must never protrude in front of the chassis, bumper included, the throttle pedal must have a return spring and the link between throttle pedal and carburettor must be mechanical. Pedal extension kits may only be used if supplied by the chassis manufacturer, and the brake control must be doubled for safety. The throttle cable is set so that with the pedal released the slide closes fully and with the pedal pressed it opens completely.
Kart pedals: how they are made
• Throttle pedal: on the right, linked to the carburettor by the throttle cable: Maranello complete throttle pedal 2.0.
• Brake pedal: on the left, linked to the braking system by the rod: Maranello complete brake pedal 2.0.
• Pivot: the axis the pedal turns on. It must have no play: Maranello forged pedal pivot.
• Return spring: brings the throttle pedal back to rest when you lift your foot: Maranello right throttle pedal spring.
What the CIK-FIA regulation says about pedals
The CIK-FIA technical regulations set precise rules for kart pedals, and scrutineers check them.
• Position: whatever their position, pedals must never protrude in front of the chassis, bumper included.
• Return spring: the throttle pedal must have a return spring.
• Mechanical link: the link between throttle pedal and carburettor must be mechanical, that is the throttle cable.
• Pedal extension kits: they may only be used if supplied by the chassis manufacturer, like the Maranello pedal extension kit for Maranello chassis.
• Double brake: the brake control, that is the link between pedal and braking system, must be doubled for safety. This is the job of the Maranello brake safety cable.
Pedal extensions and footrest: the right position
If the driver cannot reach the pedals properly, the solution is the manufacturer's pedal extension kit, which brings the pedals closer to the seat. The footrest gives the foot a fixed support when it is not pushing: Maranello adjustable footrest.
With your legs slightly bent you must reach full travel on both pedals without moving on the seat. How to find the complete position is explained in the guide to the kart driving position.
Throttle cable: fitting and setup on the Rotax
On the Rotax the throttle cable links the pedal to the slide of the Dell'Orto VHSB 34 XS carburettor.
• The cable: it is the complete Rotax throttle cable with sheath, part 297122, a genuine spare of the EVO carburettor group.
• On the carburettor: the cable goes into the Dell'Orto throttle cable fitting, part 261270.
• On the pedal: the cable is locked with the Maranello cable clamp, well tightened.
• Setup: with the pedal released the slide must close fully, so the idle stays steady. With the pedal pressed fully it must open completely, without the cable staying under tension beyond full travel. For carburettor tuning read the Dell'Orto VHSB 34 XS guide.
Kart pedal checks before every run
• Throttle return: press and release the pedal: it must return by itself and the slide must close.
• Throttle cable: no frayed strands, sheath not crushed and without tight bends, clamp tightened.
• Brake: safety cable fitted and pedal not reaching the end of its travel. For the full system read how to check kart brakes.
• Pivots: no side play on the pedals.
Genuine spare parts for pedals and controls
As an official authorised Maranello Kart and Rotax dealer we only handle genuine spare parts. If you do not know which part your kart needs, message us on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Is the throttle pedal return spring mandatory?
Yes. The CIK-FIA technical regulations require the throttle pedal to have a return spring, and the link between pedal and carburettor to be mechanical.
Can I fit a pedal extension kit on my kart?
Yes, but only if it is supplied by the chassis manufacturer. On a Maranello chassis you therefore use the Maranello pedal extension kit.
How do I set the kart throttle cable?
With the pedal released the carburettor slide must close fully, with the pedal pressed fully it must open completely without the cable staying under tension beyond full travel. The cable must be locked with the clamp well tightened.
Source: CIK-FIA technical regulations (art. 4.4 and 4.12.2), Maranello Racing List 2026 and Rotax 2026 spare parts list.
Questions about this topic?
Message us on WhatsApp: we answer personally, with the experience of people who live at the track. And if you want to drive a real racing kart, with Arrive & Drive you get into one of ours, ready on track. The right spare part? You will find it in the shop.
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Read also: Kart driving position: seat, pedals and steering wheel → · Dell'Orto VHSB 34 XS: complete setup → · Kart brakes: checks and pads →
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Author: Sergio, TKS RaceLab | Published: 18 October 2026
TKS RaceLab is the Italian online store dedicated to karting: spare parts, accessories and everything you need to get on track. With Arrive & Drive you arrive at South Garda Karting (Lonato), Franciacorta, Cremona or Ala and find your kart ready to go. No hassle, just driving.
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