Kid’s electric toy cars offer a fun and safe way for children to play and learn while they drive. These cars come in different shapes and sizes, with various features and accessories to match the needs and preferences of kids of all ages.
Buying a ride-on car can be a tricky process. But, with the correct information and guidance, you can find the perfect one to provide hours of fun and thrills for your little one.
This guide will answer everything you need to know about kids ride-on cars. We will cover the different types and features available, age appropriateness, safety considerations, and cleaning and maintenance tips to help you make an informed decision and ensure that your child has a safe and enjoyable experience.
What’s in this guide
- What are the recommended age ranges for kids’ electric cars?
- Kids’ ride-on car safety advice
- How fast do children’s electric cars go?
- How long does a ride-on car battery last?
- How to assemble a kids’ ride-on vehicle
- How much do childrens’ ride-on cars cost?
- The differences between licensed and unlicensed models
- Additional accessories
- Can kids’ electric cars be driven indoors and outdoors?
- Weight limits for children’s electric cars
- Kid’s ride-on car battery charging times
- Choosing the right ride-on car for your child
- Do children’s electric cars have a remote control for adult supervision?
- How to clean and maintain your kids’ car
- Can ride-on cars be used by children with special needs?
What are the Recommended Age Ranges for Kids’ Electric Cars?
Picking the appropriate car and following safety guidelines can ensure that your child has an enjoyable and safe experience.
Kids’ Ride-On Car Safety Advice
It’s also important to supervise children while they are using these toys and to ensure that the vehicles are used in a safe and responsible manner.
Additionally, we recommend regularly inspecting the ride-on for any damage or wear and following proper maintenance guidelines to ensure that the vehicle remains in good working order.
How Fast do Children’s Electric Cars Go?
The top speed of kids’ ride-on cars varies depending on the size of the toy and its voltage. Some 6-volt vehicles may have a top speed of just a few miles per hour, while others, such as 24v toys, may reach speeds of up to 8mph or more.
How Long Does a Ride-On Car Battery Last?
In order to get the most out of your battery, it’s important to follow proper maintenance and charging guidelines. This can include regular charging, appropriate storage, and always using a charger specifically designed for the battery.
Following these guidelines can help ensure that the battery stays in good working order and extends its lifespan.
How to Assemble a Kids’ Ride-On Vehicle
How Much do Childrens’ Ride-On Cars Cost?
The Differences Between Licensed and Unlicensed Models
The term “licensed” can be confusing regarding ride-on kids’ cars. In short, a licensed toy maker has paid a licensing fee to the manufacturer of the car it is replicating.
These toys are typically created with the guidance of the parent company’s engineers and often feature greater attention to detail in construction, paintwork, and electronics compared to unlicensed models.
However, it is important to note that this superior quality often comes with a higher price tag. An unlicensed ride-on toy may be more cost-effective if you’re on a budget or looking for a first-time vehicle.
While unlicensed cars can still be just as fun and safe, they may have a different level of style or finishing touches than licensed models. To distinguish the difference, it is relatively simple, licensed ride-on cars usually come with official badges and stickers. In contrast, unlicensed cars typically have words like “lookalike” and “inspired” in their name.
Additional Accessories
Training Cones and Traffic Lights
These accessories are fantastic for helping children develop their hand-eye coordination and teaching them essential skills like judging distances, braking at speed, and turning sharp corners without swerving off course. Plus, they transform any boring old driveway into a mini racetrack, instantly amping up your little one’s driving experience.
Stickers & Decals
From police badges to taxi signs, racing stripes to speedometer gauges, decals are one of the easiest ways to give a ride-on toy authentic flair. Our favourite vinyl stickers are personalised number plates as you can add the driver’s name and, on some, the flag of their national country. Now would seem a good time to mention that all of our cars come with free personalised number plate sticker kits!
Transport Handles
Make picking up and packing away your child’s car a breeze by mounting a transport handle to the rear. They also offer extra grip for you to grab and direct the vehicle if it looks like they might be heading towards trouble.
Can Kids’ Electric Cars be Driven Indoors and Outdoors?
To ensure optimal performance and traction on outdoor surfaces, it’s recommended to opt for a toy with EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) rubber wheels. These types of wheels offer improved grip and stability for a more enjoyable experience.
Weight Limits for Children’s Electric Cars
Kid’s Ride-On Car Battery Charging Times
Ride-on toys can be charged using a standard UK mains charger, but it is crucial to use the charger that came with the toy to avoid damaging the battery. Utilising an incompatible charger can negatively impact the battery’s ability to retain a charge.
Choosing the Right Ride-On Car for your Child
Here is a quick guide to help you pick the right vehicle:
- 6v batteries: For younger children, a 6v battery size is often recommended, as it typically allows speeds of up to 2-3 mph (varying based on the child’s weight). This battery size is suitable for smooth indoor or outdoor surfaces such as tarmac but not for more rugged outside terrains such as grass or mud.
- 12v batteries: The 12v battery size is the most widely available option in the market. It can achieve maximum speeds of 4-5mph on different terrains, including gravel and dirt tracks.
- 24v batteries: The 24v battery size is ideal for older children or more experienced riders seeking an adrenaline rush. These batteries can reach speeds up to 7mph, even on hilly terrain. A fun fact to note is that 24v batteries are more energy-efficient than 12v batteries as they consist of two lower-powered 12-volt batteries connected in series.
Get a Personalised Recommendation
Enter a your child’s age, weight and height, and our recommendation calculator will advise which type of car is most suitable for them.
Do Children’s Electric Cars Have a Remote Control for Adult Supervision?
How To Clean and Maintain Your Kids’ Car
Regular cleaning after use is vital to keep your kids’ electric car in great shape. A simple cleaning routine can do wonders for the longevity of your toy. Using a damp cloth or sponge, wipe down the car’s exterior, being mindful to avoid any electrical components or openings.
For particularly tough stains or grime, a mild detergent can be used to aid in removing dirt and debris. Afterwards, rinse the car thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth to prevent any water spots or damage to the paint. This will help keep your vehicle looking new and prolong its life.
Can Ride-On Cars be Used by Children with Special Needs?
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.