Glider

A glider is a customization feature used in Mario Kart 7, Mario Kart Arcade GP DX, Mario Kart 8, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Mario Kart Tour. After a racer drives over a Glide Ramp, their selected glider automatically deploys, allowing them to float across gaps or over a portion of the track. The selected glider slightly affects the weight and acceleration stats, as well as the hidden air speed and air handling stats.

Mario Kart 7
Gliders first appear in Mario Kart 7. They may affect the weight or acceleration, or even the air speed and air handling. If players brake or get hit with an item while gliding, the glider retracts and the player falls to the ground.

The glider is utilized in the majority of racecourses in the game.

Mario Kart Arcade GP DX
In the Mario Kart Arcade GP series, gliders first appear in Mario Kart Arcade GP DX. They serve the same purpose as in Mario Kart 7. The glider is decided depending on the Kart chosen.

Half of the courses make use of the glider in this game.

Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Gliding returns in Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and functions exactly like it did in Mario Kart 7, though the glider can no longer be retracted. All gliders from Mario Kart 7 return except the Beast Glider and the Swooper.

Much like in Mario Kart 7, the majority of racecourses in Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe utilize the glider. There is also a sponsor in the game called Dream Gliders, which presumably provides the Gliders for the racers.

Mario Kart Tour
Gliders make their reappearance in the mobile installment Mario Kart Tour, functioning similarly to how they worked in Mario Kart 7, though parts are now acquired randomly through Pipes, which cost rubies. In addition, Gliders are sorted into three rarities: Normal, Super, and High-End, with the last ones being rarer, and overall being more powerful.

Super Mario Maker
In Super Mario Maker, the Kart Mario costume deploys a glider when jumping.

Paper Mario: The Origami King
In Paper Mario: The Origami King, Luigi uses his glider to reach Peach's Castle at the top of the volcano in his kart after Mario, Olivia, and Bowser discover the front door is locked. The glider can also be seen in the kart's Collectible Treasure.

Appearances in non-Mario media
In Animal Crossing: New Leaf, when the Kart item is interacted with, a glider comes out.

Mario Kart 7

 * North American website bio: This all-new addition to the Mario Kart arsenal utilizes blue boost ramps to activate your kart's glider and send you flying sky high. Steering in mid-air is vital to ensure a smooth landing.