Glider

A glider is a customization feature used in Mario Kart 7 and Mario Kart 8. Its main purpose is to allow the player to float safely across gaps or though tracks. Gliders only affect the weight and acceleration stat, along with the hidden air speed and air handling stat.

Mario Kart 7
Gliders first appear in Mario Kart 7. They affect 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, they cancel their glider.

Mario Kart 8
Gliding returns in Mario Kart 8, and functions exactly like it did in Mario Kart 7.

Trivia

 * The Super Glider, Peach Parasol, Flower Glider, Paraglider/Parafoil, and Gold Glider are the only gliders to appear in both games.