An electric ride-on vehicle for kids can be quite a memorable toy to have, especially for Christmas or as a birthday gift.
Seeing one can excite even the most serious and dullest of grown-ups. Especially when the electric car looks like the exact miniature version of the coolest, most amazing, and most expensive car or truck model there ever is.Â
It’s like a childhood dream come true for some!
So If you think your kid is ready for one or you just want to get one because darn it, it looks so lit AF, then read further to learn what are the best electric cars for toddlers and older kids.
But before that, let’s go through a simple guide first on how to choose the best electric vehicle for your children.
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We consider these 3 as the best battery-powered ride-on cars for kids, based on their features, performance, and real feedback from parents.
Costway 12V Kids Electric Ride On Police Car with Remote Control
Costway 12V 2.4G Electric Ride On Car with Remote Control
Best Choice Products Kids 12V Ride On Truck with Remote Control
Buying Guide on the Best Electric Cars for Toddlers and Older Kids
Here are some features you should consider when deciding upon the best-powered ride-on electric car for your kids.
Design
Let’s be honest here. Aside from the safety features, the design and look of the car is a top priority for parents.
Your kids won’t give a shit if it has fur or it’s a rainbow-colored vehicle.
As long as they can ride it, any type of electric car will do for them.
But for us parents, how it looks is a major buying factor.Â
We want something that looks cool, something that would wow the neighbors and make them green with envy enough to make them buy an electric car for their kid/s.
Something that has a realistic car feel to it.
So consider those that look like a mini version of the real deal, with working doors, sound and lighting effects, music, and wheels that look badass enough to be seen in a Fast and Furious movie.
This is your chance to fulfill a childhood dream and buy the vehicle of your dreams. So get something that would look so awesome parked in your garage or your home.
Age and Weight Limit
Some cars can be a tight fit for 2 kids or an older kid. While others are more spacious and can even accommodate a regular-sized adult!
So consider how many kids you have, and their height and weight when choosing an electric car.
Safety Features
Some come with seatbelts, double-sided locks, suspension, shock absorbers, and most importantly, a remote control override option.
There are some electric vehicles for kids though that don’t have those but are still suitable for children to use.Â
Kids aged 4 and up can listen to instructions better and can gauge if they’re going too fast or not. They are quick to react and can let go of the foot pedal, to stop the vehicle completely.
So take note of the age of your kids, their capabilities, and understanding and see if they would be okay with a car that has fewer safety features.
Batteries and Power
All of the ride-on cars listed here are obviously battery powered but they vary in charging times.Â
Some need a charging time of 8 hours while others will need to be charged for at least a whole day.
Some can easily be plugged into an outlet, while some need the battery to be taken out of the vehicle for charging.
Manufacturers will also give a warning not to get the battery or motor wet as it can damage its performance. So take note of those things when choosing your kids’ power wheels.
Speed and Traction
There are battery-powered ride-on cars that have a slow start feature so it gradually accelerates and it doesn’t startle your kid, especially when it’s their first time riding.
But some can quickly amp their speed or just accelerate immediately when stepping on the foot pedal.Â
This can give a whiplash and could be too much for a toddler to handle.
Other kids’ electric cars have 3 or more speeds, while some have only 2-speed options.
The best electric ride-on cars for kids though can go in all different types of terrain – asphalt, grass, pavement, cobbled roads, even inclines, and small hills.
So consider the area where your kid can drive their electric car and the speed and traction when choosing the best battery-powered ride-on cars.
Seat Size
Some electric vehicles can only fit 1 kid while some can be roomy enough or are meant to accommodate 2 younger kids.
The latter would be the best option to have, especially if you have a bigger kid or you have more than 1 kid.
Budget
Some parents would opt to buy a second-hand electric car as the new ones can be quite expensive.Â
But if you have the budget, going for a new one is so much better.Â
The battery is new, the car looks amazing and doesn’t look worn down plus you can get a warranty if it breaks down.
Quick Comparison Guide on the Best Electric Ride-On Cars for Kids
This is best viewed on a desktop. Here’s a quick feature comparison guide on the best battery-powered ride-on cars
Below is more detailed info on the best electric ride-on cars for kids.
Best Electric Cars for Toddlers and Older Kids
Costway 12V Kids Electric Ride On Police Car with Remote Control
Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Maximum Weight Capacity: 66 lbs / 30 kg
This battery-powered ride-on vehicle is meant for 1 kid and can be a tight fit for 7 yrs old and up. But some parents can fit their 2 toddlers in it!
It can be controlled by your kid using a foot pedal but it can also be used via remote control, which has a range of fewer than 10 meters.
It can go from 1.8 to 3 mph and has scratch-resistant wheels with an independent suspension system, suitable for all kinds of pavement.
It can go on gravel, grass, dirt yard, concrete, inclines and one parent even mentioned it can go through holes in the ground without a problem!
This power wheel has a slow start-up design, to prevent your kid from suddenly lurching forward.Â
Its other safety features include a suspension system for a stable and smooth ride, a safety belt plus doors with safety locks.
Other cool features include a police car mode – complete with a siren, flickering warning lights, and a speaker.Â
There’s also a music mode that lets you play music or stories.
This can be charged for 8-12 hours and can be used for 1-2 hours.Â
Some parents though have complained of its battery not working after a few uses.Â
Take care not to use this power wheel in the rain or let it get wet, as that will damage the circuit and motor.
Pros:
- Can be driven by a kid using a foot pedal
- Comes with remote control override option
- Can fit 2 small toddlers
- Does well in different kinds of terrain
- Includes police car and music mode
- Has working radio and LED headlights
- Has seatbelt, double-sided lock, and spring suspension
Cons:
- Has complains of not working after a few months of use
- Tight fit for kids 7 and up
Costway 12V 2.4G Electric Ride On Car with Remote Control
Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Maximum Weight Capacity: 55 lbs / 25 kg
This CPSIA ASTM certified electric car can also accommodate average-sized 6-year-old kids, and can even hold 2 small toddlers!
Older kids can drive it independently using the foot pedal.Â
But for younger tots, adults can take charge and use the remote control, which has a range of 2 feet.Â
It has 3-speed options and can go from 3 to 5 km/h.
It has a spring suspension for a smooth drive and a soft and slow start, lessening your worry of kids suddenly lurching forward when it moves.
Its wear-resistant and shock-absorbing wheels can go on different kinds of terrains.Â
It can’t drive in the rain as it can damage the car’s battery system but it can go on asphalt roads, brick roads, cement, wooden floors, even grass, and rocky roads!
Its doors can open and close like a real car so no need to lift your child up or for them to jump in.Â
It makes car sounds when starting, can play the music that is already programmed but also can connect via an audio cable (also included) to a phone or iPod, or MP3 player.
Plus it has a door safety lock and seat belt.
It also has a pulling handle so you can easily lift, drag and tow it when needed.
Its battery needs an 8-10 hour charging but that can hold for 2-3 hours.Â
Assembling is quite easy, according to some parents.Â
Some also mentioned that there’s a hack to replace its 12v battery with a 24v one, so it will go faster for older kids.
A few parents complained of its motor not working after a few weeks or that it’s made of cheap material.
But for most parents, it’s been an awesome treat for their kids.
Pros:
- Can be driven by a kid using a foot pedal
- Comes with remote control override option
- Can fit 2 small toddlers
- Does well in different kinds of terrain
- Includes working radio and LED headlights
- Has seatbelt, double-sided lock, and spring suspension
Cons:
- Has complains of not working after a few months of use
Best Choice Products Kids 12V Ride On Truck with Remote Control
Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Maximum Weight Capacity: 65 lbs / 29 kg
This constant bestselling kids’ electric car is recommended for 3 years and up, but some parents have used it for their 2 years old and younger kids.Â
Some can even fit their 2 toddlers even if it’s a one-seater car!
It can be operated by your little ones by foot pedal. But it also has a remote control override option, which has a range of 60 feet.Â
It also includes a seat belt along with a double-sided lock to secure your child.Â
Plus it has spring suspension with working LED headlights and a working radio, for that realistic driving experience!
This has to be charged initially though for 24 hours.Â
Then after that, it can be charged for 8-12 hours and can run for 1-2 hours.
Its speed ranges from 1.75 – 3.75 mph and can run on almost all kinds of terrains – carpet, asphalt, cement, driveways, public parks, hilly lawns, even inclines!Â
Some parents though are disappointed with its traction and have even shared that its motor stopped working after a few months of use.Â
But for most, it’s very durable and very capable.Â
It can be quite heavy and wide though, so it has to be kept in your garage to keep its motor and battery safe and dry.
Assembling can take a while as this comes in 2 boxes, delivered separately.
But for some parents, it’s worth it. Some said their kids have used it for years and can even be modified and upgraded with a 24v motor.
Pros:
- Can be driven by a kid using a foot pedal
- Comes with remote control override option
- Can fit 2 small toddlers
- Does well in different kinds of terrain
- Includes working radio and LED headlights
- Has seatbelt, double-sided lock, and spring suspension
Cons:
- Initial charge takes a full day
- Has complains of not working after a few months of use
- Too big and too wide to be fit through a regular door
Peg Perego John Deere Ground Force Tractor with Trailer
Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Maximum Weight Capacity: 85 lbs / 39 kg
This battery-powered ride-on car is ideal for toddlers and kids up to 7 yrs old.
But some parents shared that their spouse, who far exceeds the max weight capacity, has used it around the yard and it still worked perfectly fine!
It has a working FM radio and an adjustable seat that has flip-up armrests.Â
Plus it has a trailer that kids can use and fill with their toys and tools.
It doesn’t come with a remote control or a seat belt though.
But it does have an automatic brake and a 2nd gear lockout feature.Â
The latter feature regulates the speed, keeping it slow for toddlers, which can then be removed when they’re more capable of controlling the vehicle’s speed.
It can go at 2¼ mph and without the lockout, at 4½ mph on all kinds of terrains – wet grass, dirt, gravel, pavement, and even through mud and small hills!
It’s recommended to charge this for 18 to 24 hours. Which is a long time to charge!
But some parents said it lasted them a couple of days before they had to recharge again. Some said it’s only good for 30 mins or so.
If you want to guarantee a longer usage time for your kid, you can purchase its spare battery.Â
This allows for a few hours of nonstop driving for your little ones.
It can be hard to assemble it though, according to most parents but it can be worth it when you see your kid’s reaction while riding it.
Pros:
- Can be driven by a kid using a foot pedal
- Does well in different kinds of terrain
- Includes working radio and adjustable seat
Cons:
- No remote controlÂ
- No seatbelt
- Charging takes a long time
- Has complains of tires breaking and gears not working
TOBBI Licensed Mercedes Benz 12V Kids Ride On Car with Remote Control
Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Maximum Weight Capacity: 66 lbs / 30 kg
If you want a luxurious-looking electric vehicle, then you can’t go wrong with this impressive, highly detailed scaled-down version of the Mercedes Benz ride-on car.
It only has a 1 seater but some parents can fit their 2 young toddlers in it!
It has an adjustable safety belt, double lockable doors, quakeproof wheels, and a slow start design, guaranteeing a safe driving experience for your kid.
This suave-looking electric car also comes with LED lights, a power display, and an MP3 player. You can also connect your device by USB and TF interface to play music and stories.Â
It also has a pull handle and two additional folding wheels, making it easy to move and pull after your kids are done playing with it.
You can choose to let them operate it on their own or use remote control, especially if they are too young to understand how to drive it properly.
Initial charging takes 10 hours. Just remember not to overcharge the battery so as not to damage it.
It has some mixed reviews though about its battery performance, with some saying it can run for 4 hours while others can only use it for less than an hour.Â
A few said the battery doesn’t seem to work after a few uses.
It has a speed of 1.86-3.11 MPH and can run on different terrains – grass, pavement, sidewalk, asphalt road, brick road, etc.
Some parents say it’s easy to assemble and has some pretty straightforward yet detailed instructions.Â
While others thought otherwise and had to look for a youtube video on how to assemble it.
Pros:
- Can be driven by a kid using a foot pedal
- Comes with remote control override option
- Can fit 2 small toddlers
- Does well in different kinds of terrain
- Includes LED headlights, MP3 player, USB and TF interface
- Has seatbelt, double lockable doors, quakeproof wheels, and slow start design
Cons:
- Has complains of not working after a few months of use
- Tight fit for older kids aged 6 and up
Power Wheels Jeep Wrangler
Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Maximum Weight Capacity: 130 lbs or 59 kg
This awesome Jurassic Park-themed power wheel has a roomy interior and one parent even said it can fit her 4-year-old and 2 year old in it.
It can be a tight fit for long-legged and tall kids aged 6 and up though.
It has cool dinosaur sounds, a working light bar, room for sippy cups or a toy or two behind the seat, plus a door that can open and close, just like a real Jeep Wrangler!
It doesn’t come with a remote control nor a seat belt but it does have a power-lock break. This automatically stops the vehicle when your kid’s foot comes off the pedal.
You can also use the high-speed lock-out option, so your toddlers can only use the low-speed setting.
It can go from 2.5 to 5 mph but it has mixed reviews on where it can drive well.
Some parents said it can go on wet grass, asphalt road, and pavement with no trouble while some say otherwise.
Its 12v battery needs 18 hours of charging but can last for 4 hours, at initial use.Â
After that, your kid can ride on it for 1-2 hours.Â
Just remember not to overcharge it so the motor can work longer and your kid can still use this for a few more years.
Assembling it has mixed reviews from parents, with some saying it was easy to assemble, while others said it took them hours to put it together.
Pros:
- Can be driven by a kid using a foot pedal
- Comes with remote control override option
- Can fit 2 small toddlers
- Does well in different kinds of terrain
- Includes working radio and LED headlights
- Has seatbelt, double-sided lock, and spring suspension
Cons:
- Tight fit for older kids aged 6 and up
- No remote controlÂ
- No seatbelt
- Has mixed reviews on its traction
- Has mixed reviews on ease of assembly
- Too big and too wide to be fit through a regular door
Kid Trax Toddler Electric Quad Ride On Toy
Recommended Age: 18 – 30 months
Maximum Weight Capacity: 44 lbs / 20 kg
This electric vehicle for kids can only seat 1 rider but it’s entertaining enough for kids.
It has a push-button drive system, which can be a little harder to manage for toddlers.
Initial charging takes 18 hours then after that, you only need to charge it for 10-12 hours after each use. Your kids can use it for about 30 min to 2 hours depending on riding style and terrain.
Some parents mentioned that the battery life is incredible, as they haven’t charged it in 2 months and it’s still working fine!
It has only 1 speed of 1.5 mph, which is perfect for a young rider. It also features rubber traction strips to keep the ride smooth and steady.
It runs best on flat, smooth, hard terrain, not so much on grass.
It’s easier to assemble than most electric vehicles and it comes in various designs and popular cartoon characters that your kids would love.
Pros:
- Can be driven by a kid using a push-button drive system
- Has popular cartoon designs that kids will love
- Easy to assemble
- Includes rubber traction strips for a smooth and steady ride
- Easy to keep and store
Cons:
- No remote controlÂ
- No seatbelt
- Doesn’t perform well on different kinds of terrain
- Has mixed reviews on its battery not charging properly
Honorable Mentions for Best Kids’ Electric Cars
JOYMOR Kids 2 Speeds 12V Ride-on Truck with Remote Control
Costzon Ride On Truck, 12V Battery Powered Electric Ride On Car w/ 2.4 GHz Parental Remote Control
Most manufacturers would recommend electric cars for kids starting at age 3 yrs and up to 7 even 8 yrs old.Â
They would also advise on its maximum weight limit.
But some parents have used it for their younger kids, even as young as 1 year old.
Of course, these types of cars for younger kids always include remote control and more safety features.
FAQ on Best Electric Ride-On Cars for Kids
Are electric cars safe for toddlers?
Yes, they are, as long as the electric vehicle for kids has some safety features such as a seat belt, double-sided locks, and has a remote control override option.
How old does a kid need to be for an electric car?
Most manufacturers would recommend electric cars for kids starting at age 3 yrs and up to 7 even 8 yrs old.Â
They would also advise on its maximum weight limit.
But some parents have used it for their younger kids, even as young as 1 year old.
Of course, these types of cars for younger kids always include remote control and more safety features.
Are electric kids’ cars worth it?
Yes, absolutely! Some parents mentioned that their electric cars are still going strong even after a few years of use.
It’ll even be worth it if you get it as a first birthday gift for your kid. So they can enjoy it for years to come!
Hopefully its battery and motor still work after a few years.
Can kids drive an electric car on their own?
Yes, they can! Provided that parents are always there to supervise, they are in a relatively safe area, and they are old enough to operate the electric vehicle properly.
Helpful Tips on Battery-Powered Ride-On Cars
Buy second hand
The best kid’s electric ride-on car doesn’t have to be expensive and spankin’ brand new.Â
It can be a second hand or hand me down and your kid could give two cents about it – they just want to drive it!
So if the budget doesn’t permit it but you want to win the best Christmas or birthday gift ever, then turn to a used ride-on toy.
Assemble it early
Especially when it’s supposed to be a Christmas gift.Â
Other parents made the mistake of opening the box and deciding to assemble it on Christmas eve. Only to find that there are some missing or unfortunately for some, damaged items
It doesn’t happen often but make it the best ride-on electric car ever by having all the parts complete and intact before the gift-giving starts. So your kid can use it immediately.
Watch youtube videos
Assembly for some of these power wheels can be a pain in the ass.Â
Especially if the instructions are not as clear as expected or don’t include pictures.
There are some available youtube videos online to guide you on how to put it together. So ditch the manual and just watch the instructions online.
Be careful when charging
Take note of the manufacturer’s recommendation.Â
Other ride-on toys are okay for charging indoors but some require a lot of ventilation.Â
Some would recommend charging outdoors in a dry area.
Be also cautious with the battery charging time.Â
This is usually a common issue and if you overcharged it or let it go completely dead, the power wheel won’t be as efficient as expected. It can even stop working properly altogether.
Keep a lookout for sales and promos
Watch out for price hikes! Some of the best kids’ electric cars will become twice as expensive, especially during the holidays and Christmas season.Â
So if you found one within your budget, better snag it before the price goes up.
Remember – it’s not a real car
Most ride-on cars can’t do a tight turn and you’d need a large area to turn it around.Â
It’s probably done like that for the safety of the riders, so manage your expectations and just let your kid have fun with it!
Takeaway on the Best Electric Cars for Toddlers and Older Kids
The best electric cars for kids can provide tons of entertainment as well as teach them other skills and valuable learning experiences.
Driving requires kids to concentrate, be more independent and confident, be more aware of their surroundings, navigate properly, and to learn how to maneuver their way in different terrains.Â
So think of the life skills your kids can get out of it! Tell that to your spouse if they object to getting one for your kids! 🙂
Just remember not to push them so much if they’re not ready for it and to always take care of the electric vehicle’s battery and motor, for a better, longer riding experience.
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