Kite Buggies have foot rests, which have two main purposes. The foot rests allow the pilot to easily steer the buggy. Once seating in a Kite Buggy, steering feels quite familiar as recalls the reflexes we developed as kids to steer kids buggies and trolley; the foot rests also allow the pilot to lodge himself tightly into the seat so he is not pulled out of the buggy by the kite. 

Foot rests can be fitted with foot straps and grip tape to prevent the feet from sliding off the rests during extreme buggying action. Foot straps are usually not recommended for beginners. The seat of the buggy is a bucket style seat giving the pilot good side and back support. This is necessary as the driver has to transfer the force of the used traction kite into the buggy.

Kite Buggying Safety

Kite buggying and other traction kite activities can be classified as extreme sports. Wind is the only power source and can very unpredictable. An attitude of caution and respect towards the wind is essential, for the novice just as well as the advanced pilot. It is recommended to learn Kite buggying and basic safety rules of flying a power kite with a professional trainer.

Common advice is to start Kite Buggying with a relatively small kite in relatively low wind conditions (e.g. 2 to 3 m² kites in winds of force 2 to 3 bft) and progress to bigger kites or higher wind conditions as ability improves. Novices should first achieve and practice full control over their kite before considering the next step, the actual kite buggying.

Performing the sport, the kite buggy pilot has to always act responsibly and make sure to not harm bystanders or cause damage to the environment or property. Choosing a suitable kiting location with enough space and consistent wind is crutial.

All possible safety precautions should be taken to practice Kite buggying: protective clothing and an adequate helmet are a must. Helmets to be considered are downhill mountain bike helmets with chin guard (light, well ventilated, good field of vision) or paragliding helmets (light, relatively well ventilated, good field of vision).

A frequent cause of accidents is flying a kite too large for the wind conditions and experience of the pilot. In such a case buggy and pilot tend to be pulled downwind, often skidding and sliding sideways with a high risk of the pilot entirely losing control of kite and buggy. This can be avoided by flying kites small enough so that they allow the pilot to safely stop the buggy by turning it through the wind and driving upwind.  

As with all kite-flying activities, the kiting code of conduct applies.