Power kites are generally used in conjunction with a vehicle, such as in kite surfing (on a surfboard), kite buggying (on a purpose-built 3-wheeled cart), kite skating (on a skateboard or roller skates), or even kite skiing (on, of course, skis), plus KiteATB (on an (All Terrain Board/Mountainboard/Landboard). Also popular is kite jumping, using a power kite to pull the jumper tens of feet above the ground in a controlled leap, this is helped with a seat harness pulling the flyers middle rather than arms.

Kites of related design are used for sailing, including speed sailing. The world record in the early 1980s was reportedly held by a kite-powered boat.

Power kites should be flown with caution, in clear safe areas, and with the proper safety equipment. People flying beyond their capabilities or in unsafe conditions can easily be carried off, with the risk of collision against water, buildings, terrain or power lines. Stationary vertical objects are the most dangerous. Even in water, a helmet is recommended when flying a power kite, because a gust can lift one very quickly, to great heights. On land, serious power kiters use a full set of pads as well.