While Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane is undergoing a facelift due to construction, new attractions are being added to activate interest in the park.

The most recent edition is the pedal karts, which can be rented near the Skating Ribbon.

Jonathan Moog, the director of Riverfront Spokane, spoke about the edition of three pedal karts.

“They are four-wheeled bikes, with a low-gear ratio,” Moog said.

Moog said the inspiration for the carts came from the Happy Hollow Park & Zoo in California, where Moog was previously employed.

“The karts are easy to operate,” he said. “They have a primary front seat that can be moved back and forth to accommodate the driver.”

There’s even opportunity for the whole family.

“Additionally, they have a back seat, which can accommodate a toddler up to 60 pounds,” Moog said.

The pedal karts were purchased and put in to use just recently on Sept. 22. The pedal karts cost about $600 each.

“They have been a good investment for the park and we are recovering the cost of the investment of those already,” Moog said.

Moog said the additional revenue earned from the pedal karts will be put back into programming and other initiatives for the park.

Helmets are provided at no cost, if you choose not to bring your own and must be worn throughout the park due to the city helmet ordinance. Failure to wear a helmet could result in a fine of up to $68. Citations can be written by Spokane police officers or the Riverfront Park Rangers.

“The pedal karts are not street legal,” Moog said. “So they need to stay in Riverfront Park, or on the Centennial Trail.”

Moog said the karts are still in the test phase, and the department plans to add additional karts next year.

“In fact, we are looking at possibly adding a quad, family-sized bike that sits four people and is motor assisted. We may add that next year, or the year after,” he said.

The pedal karts are maintained by two electro-mechanical technicians who also maintain the Sky Ride, the Looff Carrousel, as well as the other mechanical rides.

Moog indicated the pedal karts will remain available for use as long as the weather stays nice, or until the end of October.