A bumper system for a go-kart has a plurality of bumper sections. The bumper section has a sufficient rigidity that displacement to one bumper section transmits motion to other bumper sections. A plurality of shock absorbers are provided, for example, rubber elements connected between the bumper sections and the frame. Consequently, impact at any one point is transmitted throughout the bumper system so that all the shock absorbers assist in absorbing the impact, rather than just the shock absorbers immediately adjacent the impact point. For the rear bumper system transverse motions guides are provided to support a rear bumper section, and to maintain the various bumper sections about a horizontal plane relative to the frame, while permitting the necessary horizontal motions, both longitudinally and laterally. The bumper sections may be connected together at their ends by pivots. Alternatively, the bumper sections may be continuous. The bumper sections may be formed from steel or a fibre reinforced composite material.