What’s the Difference Between 6v, 12v & 24v Kids Ride-On Cars?

Over the past few years, electric cars designed for kids have gained immense popularity as a fun way to keep children active and away from electronic devices.

When purchasing an electric car for your child, it’s crucial to understand the varying voltage levels available, specifically 6v, 12v, and 24v. Each voltage level offers distinct features and capabilities and selecting the appropriate one that suits your child’s age and abilities is vital.

This article will outline the differences between the 6v, 12v, and 24v electric car models, including their speed, power, and safety considerations. This way, you can make an informed choice when purchasing an electric car for your little one.

What’s in this guide

How fast do 6v, 12v & 24v kid’s electric cars go?
What are 6v children’s ride-on cars?
What are 12v children’s ride-on cars?
What are 24v children’s ride-on cars?
12v vs 24v ride on toys
Popular 6v, 12v and 24v kid’s electric cars
Which battery voltage is right for your child?
FAQs

Part One

How Fast do 6v, 12v & 24v Kid’s Electric Cars Go?

Generally speaking, the higher the battery voltage, the faster a kid’s ride-on car can go. A 6v car typically has a maximum speed of 2-3mph, while a 12v vehicle can reach speeds of up to 5-6mph. A 24v car, on the other hand, can go even faster with maximum speeds of up to 8mph.

It’s important to note that the car’s speed can also depend on other factors such as weight, terrain, and weather conditions.

This table provides a side-by-side comparison of the maximum speeds of 6v, 12v, and 24v toys:

Voltage	Max Speed
6v	2-3 mph
12v	3-5 mph
24v	4-7 mph

Part Two

What are 6v Children’s Ride-On Cars?

Usually smaller ride-on cars and motorbikes, a 6v toy generally produces the lowest maximum speed. They can be driven outside, although we would advise they are better suited for indoor driving on a flat surface, as they may find uneven surfaces challenging to navigate. Additionally, many 6v ride-on kids’ cars are equipped with safety features such as seat belts and remote controls that allow parents to control the car’s speed and direction.

How Fast does a 6v Ride On Go?

The maximum speed of 6v ride on toys is typically 2-3 mph, making them ideal for young children and toddlers still learning to balance and control their movement. This low speed also makes them safer as it reduces the risk of injury in case of an accident.

To summarise

6v ride-on cars are ideal for children aged 2-4, as they are slower, smaller, and safer than 12v vehicles. They have a weight limit of 20-25 kg and have fun features such as LED lights, horns, and MP3 music players. These toys have a maximum speed of 2-3 mph and take less time to charge, with the first charge taking 10 hours and subsequent charges requiring 8 hours.

Part Three

What are 12v Children’s Ride-On Cars?

12v ride-on toys are the most common on the market. They deliver the perfect speed and acceleration for children aged between 3 and 6-year-olds.

These cars come in various shapes and sizes, including sports cars, emergency service vehicles, jeeps, motorbikes, trucks, tractors, aeroplanes (yes, aeroplanes!) and even the odd fairground waltzer car!

How Fast does a 12v Ride On Go?

One of the main benefits of a 12v ride on car is its increased speed compared to a 6v car. The maximum speed of these cars is typically 5-6mph, which makes them more suitable for older children who have outgrown their 6v toy. This increased speed makes them more engaging for children who have mastered the basics of driving and are ready for a new challenge.

12v cars are suitable for indoor and outdoor driving; however, without EVA rubber tyres (which stands for Ethylene Vinyl Acetate), they may struggle with steep climbs and wet surfaces outside.

With double the amount of cells as 6-volt cars, 12v ride-on toys produce greater power and generally provide one hour of continuous driving from a single charge.

To summarise

Kid’s 12v ride-on cars are a fantastic upgrade from 6v vehicles. Offering higher speeds and more fun they come in various designs, making it easy to find one that appeals to your child. With a higher battery capacity, 12v toys have a maximum speed of 5-6 mph and take longer to charge, with each cycle taking 10 hours. The battery usually lasts for around 1 hour of continuous driving.

Part Four

What are 24v Children’s Ride-On Cars?

Equipped with exciting features such as LED headlights, MP3 players, EVA rubber tyres, and realistic engine sounds, these 24v cars are perfect for indoor and outdoor use. They can tackle challenging terrains with ease.

How Fast does a 24v Ride On Go?

24v ride on cars are the ultimate choice for parents and can achieve speeds of up to 8mph. Designed for older children aged between five to nine, 24v electric cars typically run on two 12v batteries with lower power. This results in greater energy efficiency and longer battery life, ensuring your child can play with it for an extended period.

To summarise

Kids’ 24v ride-on cars are appropriate for ages 3-9. They typically feature two seats, EVA rubber wheels, and attractive designs, such as sports cars and SUVs. They are known for their speed, with a maximum speed of 8 mph, but take longer to charge compared to lower-powered toys. The first charge after purchase requires approximately 10 hours, and subsequent charges take the same time. A fully charged 24v ride-on car usually offers 1 to 1 hour 30 minutes of continuous driving time.

Part Five

12v vs 24v Ride On Toys

Both 12v and 24v ride on toys offer similar features, but each has its advantages and disadvantages; here’s a quick run-through of the main differences:

Battery life: 24v cars typically last longer than 12v cars from a single charge.
Speed: 24v cars tend to have a higher maximum speed than 12v cars.
Cost: 12v cars cost less than 24v cars. You won’t have to pay as much for a 12v car.
Size: 12v cars are generally smaller than 24v cars, making them easier to store and transport.
Safety: 12v cars are safer than 24v cars. The voltage is lower, so the top speed is usually also lower.
Charging: 12v and 24v take roughly the same time to charge.

Part Six

Popular 6v, 12v and 24v Ride On Cars

6v, 12v, and 24v kids’ ride-on cars are available in many sizes and designs, here are our most popular models organised by voltage:

6v kids cars: Vespa scooters and smaller cars.
12v kids cars: Range Rovers, Lamborghinis, Tractors and even Bumper Cars!
24v kids cars: Larger SUVs and supercars.

Which Battery Voltage is Right for your Child?

Enter a your kids age, weight and height, and our recommendation calculator will advise which battery volateg is most suitable for them.

Age (years)

Weight (kg)

Height (cm)

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FAQs

How fast does a 6v kids ride on car go?

The maximum speed of 6v ride on toys is typically 2-3 mph, making them ideal for young children and toddlers still learning to balance and control their movement.

How fast does a 12v kids ride on car go?

One of the main benefits of a 12v ride on car is its increased speed compared to a 6v car. The maximum speed of these cars is typically 5-6mph.

How fast does a 24v kids ride on car go?

24v ride on cars are the ultimate choice for parents and can achieve speeds of up to 8mph.

12v vs 24v ride on toys

Battery life: 24v cars typically last longer than 12v cars from a single charge. Speed: 24v cars tend to have a higher maximum speed than 12v cars. Cost: 12v cars cost less than 24v cars. You won’t have to pay as much for a 12v car. Size: 12v cars are generally smaller than 24v cars, making them easier to store and transport. Charging: 12v and 24v take roughly the same time to charge.

About the Author

Hannah Hill

Entrepreneur, and mother of three. Hannah is a toy expert with 20+ years in the online toy industry, founding the Kidaroos website that sells 10,000+ toys per year. Hannah is always looking for new, innovative ways to keep everyone's kids active and energised in a world full of screens and social media and has been featured in publications such as Authority Magazine.