Buying guide for Best kids’ ride-on cars
What kid doesn’t want to cruise around the yard in her own vehicle? Ride-on cars appeal to children because they control the steering wheel.
When you shop for a kids’ ride-on car, you’ll likely find tractors, quads, and jeeps in all colors and sizes. Let us help you narrow down the options and find the ride-on car that's best for your child.
If you’ve got a music lover on your hands, look for a ride-on car that comes with an FM radio. Your child can adjust the station and volume, just like Mom and Dad.
Considerations
Battery life and charge time
A battery that quickly loses charge can frustrate both parents and children. Some batteries provide up to two hours of ride time on a single charge, while others may last 20 minutes or less. Charging a ride-on car battery could take as long eight to 12 hours, or even longer.
Voltage
Ride-on cars come with either a six- or 12-volt battery. The more powerful the battery, the faster the car can go. Most ride-on cars don’t perform well on hills, but if you have a yard or driveway with a slight incline, you may want to consider a ride-on car with a 12-volt battery.
Difficulty of operation
Some ride-on cars come with simple steering and very basic controls like “forward” and “reverse.” Others have an accelerator pedal, FM radio controls, and front and/or rear controls. Only you know what your child can handle, but keep in mind that he might get frustrated if the car is too difficult to operate.
Did you know?
Worried about safety? Some ride-on cars allow children to steer but also let parents take over with a remote control. With a remote, you can help your little driver avoid accidents and obstacles.
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Size
A ride-on car’s size dictates who can use it and where. Large ride-on cars will only work in a yard or driveway. Young toddlers may have a hard time reaching the pedals of a larger ride-on car. Some smaller models, (usually quads), can be ridden in the house.
Before purchasing, check the height recommendations for the vehicle to be sure your child is tall enough to use it.
Weight limit
Two-seat ride-on cars that hold 77 pounds could feasibly hold two younger riders. There are even some ride-ons that can hold up to 130 pounds, allowing much older children to play.
Your child will get more use out of a ride-on car with a higher weight limit. However, those with lower weight limits may fit smaller children better.
The power of a kids’ ride-on car is determined by how much voltage the battery holds. These can either be 6 or 12 volts, and we weigh the pros and cons of each.
The battery life of a kids’ ride-on car is of utmost importance when considering which option to choose. We assess how long each product runs before needing to be recharged.
Some kids’ ride-on cars are designed to look like real-world counterparts. We investigate if they perform as well as they look.
Certain kids' ride-on cars include fun extras such as an FM radio station or a horn, which is something we consider during our research.
While the battery life of a kids’ ride-on car is important, the charge time can be something to look into as well. We vet each option to see how long it takes to charge with the included components.
The size may determine when and where it will be ok to use a kids’ ride-on car. Some options may be compact enough to work indoors while others may only be for outside use. We do a deep dive into how big each option is.
Most kids' ride-on cars will include a weight limit so that parents can understand how long they can be used. We look for options that will perform well for small and big kids alike.
While most kids’ ride-on cars are electric, some may be pedal powered instead. We weigh the pros and cons of these designs and how well they work in a variety of situations.
Some kids’ ride-on cars may include seats for two children at the risk of limiting the speed, which is something we consider during our investigation.
Electric kids’ ride-on cars will usually include a reverse and forward option. We vet these products to see how easy they are to use for most kids.
Types of ride-on cars
Kids’ quads
Quads, with their four-wheel design and handlebar steering, are easy for many toddlers to operate. Those built for younger children often have a push-button start and stop that’s easy to use. There are quads built for the littlest of little riders all the way up to larger models that can accommodate two kids and pull a trailer.
Kids’ motorcycles
A kids’ ride-on motorcycle mimics the look and feel of a full motorcycle but run at a speed of two to three miles per hour. Kids’ motorcycles are easy to steer, but a child must be able to balance on it to stay upright.
Car/truck
Popular car and truck ride-ons are often made in the image of the full-size cars you see on the street. You might see a neighborhood kid tooling around in a child-size Mini Cooper, Humvee, Shelby Cobra, or Jeep. These ride-on cars have varying battery power and size.
Specialty vehicles
Ride-on tractors, fire trucks, and trains may not be as popular as quads, cars, and trucks, but they can be just as much fun. Many tractors have a bucket on the front for digging and excavating, while others can pull a trailer. Fire trucks may have a siren and working lights.
Fun extra features you might want to look for when shopping for a ride-on car are working headlights, a car horn, a siren, and foldable mirrors.
FAQ
Q. How much power do I need in a kids’ ride-on car?
A. These toys typically come with either a six- or 12-volt battery. Six-volt batteries can usually reach a top speed of two to three miles per hour and have a lower weight limit. Twelve-volt batteries may reach speeds of five to miles per hour, and some have a weight limit of 130 pounds.
The younger the child, the fewer volts you need. Five miles per hour may not sound very fast, but when you have a five-year-old at the wheel, you probably don’t want to give her much more speed than that.
Q. Can all ride-on cars move in forward and reverse?
A. No. Some ride-on cars have reverse, but others don’t. Cars intended for younger children often have one speed and direction: slow and forward. More sophisticated ride-on cars may have forward and reverse functions in more than one speed.
Q. Can ride-on cars be driven on hills, dirt, and mud?
A. To determine this, check the design of the toy – particularly the wheels. Plastic wheels without a tread pattern don’t do well on slopes or slippery terrain. You’ll probably need at least a 12-volt battery if you have a sloped yard or driveway.
