Let’s be honest with ourselves. Those kids that grew up with ride-on electric cars were always the coolest kids around, or at the very least, had the most popular birthday parties on the block. That’s because kids electric cars are one of the most exciting toys that you can possibly get.
After all, what could be more fun than cruising the sidewalks in your very first set of wheels? Whether it is a mini-Maserati or a little Lamborghini, the newest fleet of electric toy cars offer a surefire way to put a smile on your kids face. They also encourage the imagination and help develop important physical coordination skills.
Today, these toy cars are more affordable than they have ever been, giving more and more children access to crazy amounts of fun. Today we’re walking you through 40 of the best electric cars and ride-ons for kids, breaking it down by safety, speed, and most importantly, style.
Best Kids Electric Ride-On Cars & Trucks This Year
If you have a kid ready to get behind the wheel and go, they might find it hard to wait until they get their driver’s license. Luckily, they won’t have to wait long with these incredible ride-on cars and trucks. These electric vehicles are an excellent way for kids to have a realistic and safe driving experience that’s made just for them.
Cyber Style Electric Ride On Truck
This ride-on vehicle from Modern-Depo looks like it flew straight out of a futuristic movie, with angular lines and a dark windshield and windows. Four durable wheels and dual 35W motors deliver driving capabilities over multiple terrains, with speeds between 2.2 and 3.1 miles per hour. There’s also a seatbelt and lockable doors for increased safety. You can choose between gunmetal gray, silver, or blue, and young riders can listen to several preloaded songs or connect their own playlists via the USB or AUX inputs. It has a max load of 80 pounds and also comes with a remote control function. *This is not affiliated with Tesla.
Exotic Dakott Lamborghini Gran Turismo
Does your little one have a need for speed? Look no further! This realistic electric toy supercar is sure to turn heads around the neighborhood. The Dakott Lamborghini Gran Turismo has everything a kid could ever dream of — sleek exterior finishes, 4-wheel drive, a music player to jam music and so much more! It’s perfect for ages 3 to around 5/6 and has two separate speeds, so kids can choose to go for a nice slow stroll around the block or do some serious racing on the streets.
Licensed Electric Ride On Bugatti
Your kid will have the most stylish ride on the block with this licensed Bugatti from Costzon, featuring speeds up to 5 miles per hour. A slow-start feature keeps things safe, along with a safety belt, comfortable seat, and wear-resistant wheels. The 12V rechargeable battery provides continuous fun for two hours, and ample storage space means your young driver can bring their favorite toys with them wherever they go. The electronic display also features a TF port, USB slot, MP3 input, and song change and volume controls. It’s available in blue, pink, and white.
Jeep Electric Ride-On For Kids
Here we have one of the most feature-packed ride on toy cars that money can boy. Not only is it incredibly stylish, but the Best Choice Products Ride On Truck also has such niceties as an MP3 player, LED lights, and fully functional double doors making this one of the more realistic kids cars available. It even has a four wheel spring suspension system, providing for a remarkably smooth ride, even if it is just a few laps around the backyard. Don’t trust your youngster with the keys just yet? Then you will appreciate the remote control function, which allows you to control the fun from a safe distance.
USPS Mail Carrier Truck
Kick the imaginative play up a notch with this electric ride-on mail truck from Kid Trax. If your kid loves to pretend to pick up and deliver packages and mail, then this is the vehicle for them. It looks like a real mail truck and comes with a mailbox and three plastic envelopes. The truck features a mail slot, working headlights, a horn, and even an MP3 input so your kid can play their fave tunes as they deliver the mail. It has a max weight load of 60 pounds and also features rubber traction strip tires for a smooth and comfortable ride.
Two-Seater Licensed Land Rover Ride On
Best Choice Products gives kids the opportunity to bring a friend along for the ride with this two-seater licensed Land Rover, with a maximum weight capacity of 128 pounds. It features two-wheel suspension and durable, treaded tires that keep the ride smooth and comfortable. Kids can also choose to cruise at a leisurely 1.8 miles per hour or zip along at 3.7 miles per hour. Storage space under the hood provides room for kids to bring their favorite toy or some snacks, and a working horn, LED headlights, and realistic sounds make for an authentic driving experience. Kids can also listen to their favorite tunes as they ride with the available AUX input and multiple colors available.
Licensed Lamborghini Aventador Electric Car
Your kid will feel like hot stuff cruising in this licensed Lamborghini Aventador that features swing-out doors just like the real things. This stylish ride-on from Kidzone allows young riders to operate that vehicle using the pedal or steering wheel, but parents also have a remote-control option. Two powerful 25W motors and 12 V batteries allow for one to two hours of drive time with speeds up to 2.2 miles per hour. There’s an adjustable seatbelt, and the maximum capacity is 66 pounds. It’s also available in a ton of colors, including bright green, pink, orange, blue, and more.
Rock Wheels Bentley EXP12 Ride On
Ever think you’d see the day when your five-year-old would be cruising around in a Bentley? The licensed Bentley EXP12 from Rock Wheels makes it possible with this electric ride-on luxury vehicle. A light-up dashboard, LED headlights, taillights, and various sounds create a realistic driving experience for young riders. You have options to control the car with a remote control or let kids operate the Bentley manually, with speeds up to 3.1 miles per hour. It has a maximum load capacity of 66 pounds and features a 4-wheel suspension, speed selection, and an emergency brake function.
Kidzone Lamborghini Urus Electric SUV
This kid-size recreation of the real thing makes this officially licensed Lamborghini Urus a top-notch toy for kids ages three to six. It comes in blue, yellow, red, pink, white, and many other colors, so you can choose the one that fits your child’s personality the best. Kids can select between low and high speeds, reaching up to 2.5 miles per hour. Built-in music, LED lights, and other fun features add to an exciting driving experience. The 12V rechargeable battery charges in 8 to 12 hours and provides lots of playtime for kids ready to hit the road.
Lamborghini Sian Roadster Ride On Sports Car
The Lamborghini Roadster from Kidzone comes in multiple colors and is loaded with exciting features, like a backlit dashboard, hydraulic doors, LED lights, and Bluetooth capabilities. Kids can drive independently, with a 3-point harness providing a safe ride as they zip along at up to 3 miles per hour. Or parents can choose to use the remote control feature for more interactive time with their little one. The four wheels have spring suspension and can take this car onto various terrains, including grass. The maximum weight capacity for this ride-on is 55 pounds, and the battery recharges in about 8 to 10 hours.
Modern-Depo Police Cyber Truck
Modern-Depo also has a police version of their cyber truck, complete with flashing lights, siren, and the same futuristic stylings. Bright LED headlights and rear lights ensure that riders stay visible if enjoying a drive after dark. Plus, the remote control function allows parents to take over to provide an extra layer of safety. With an easy assembly process, your kid can start cruising and chasing down the bad guys in about 20 minutes. The battery allows for a continual drive time of up to two hours and speeds up to 3.1 miles per hour. It also has lots of legroom, so your kid can ride in comfort.
Costzon Lexus LC500 Electric Car
If your kid has a need for speed, check out this Lexus LC500 ride-on from Costzon that has up to three speeds. Kids have two speeds to choose from in manual mode, and the remote control mode provides a third option. There’s also an MP3 port, USB slot, working lights, and built-in stories and music to provide entertainment as your kid cruises. An adjustable seatbelt and safety lock keeps your young driver secure and realistic details like a working horn add to the authentic experience. The run time is about 40 minutes before needing to recharge the battery, and the max load is 66 pounds.
Police SUV Vehicle
Kids will love to act out their dreams of being a police officer with this awesome police truck from Costzon. It’s loaded with features, including an intercom, microphone, headlights, horn, music, flashing lights, a siren, and remote control capabilities. The 12V battery keeps going for one to two hours and recharges in 8 to 12 hours. Drivers can reach speeds up to 3 miles per hour, and safety straps and locks provide the necessary security. The vehicle has a weight limit of 66 pounds and has an extra-wide seat for ultimate comfort and stability.
Real Rigs Toddler Fire Truck
The Real Rigs Toddler Fire Truck lets kids live out their firefighting dreams with this interactive ride-on. It features over 100 sound effects, phrases, music, and a moving mouth and eyes. The firehouse has lights and water sounds and working headlights add to the fun. It reaches speeds up to 1.5 miles per hour and is ideal for kids 18 to 48 months. It has a maximum rider weight limit of 44 pounds and even comes with a precious stuffed Dalmatian pup pal.
Chevrolet Silverado With Bluetooth
Check out this cool-looking jeep ride-on if your kid prefers a more rugged ride. It’s an officially licensed Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss LT with realistic start-up sounds, LED lights, and operable doors. It’s durable and sturdy, with a maximum weight load of 66 pounds, and ideal for kids ages 3 to 6 years old. Storage space in the rear of the vehicle makes it possible for the driver to bring along a snack or other goodies. A shock-absorbing suspension system and wear-resistant wheels provide a comfortable and stable ride. It also comes with various speed options and a remote control function.
Ride On BMW i8
Costzon presents a realistic kid-version of the sleek and stylish BMW i8, with a forward and reverse shifter, opening doors, and multiple speeds. The included multi-media center features an MP3 port, USB slot, TF card slot, and built-in music and stories. Wear-resistant wheels provide a smooth and stable ride, and a slow-start function prevents sudden, jerky acceleration issues. Kids can operate the vehicle using the pedal and steering wheel or let parents take over with the remote control. The included rechargeable battery and adaptor get things recharged in about 8 to 12 hours.
Classic Chevy Bel Air
Take playtime back in time with this recreation of the classic 1957 Chevy Bel-Air in blue or pink from Kid Motorz. The officially licensed Chevy comes with gleaming chrome wheels and accents and a chrome grille, and it can reach speeds between two and five miles per hour. The car is designed for one rider with a maximum weight load is 66 pounds, and the 12V battery runs for about one hour before needing a recharge. Electronic sounds and dashboard stickers add to a realistic and authentic driving experience.
Volkswagen Beetle 12V Kids Electric Ride On
The only problem with getting your child a miniature electric Volkswagen Beetle is that it just might look better than your own car when they are parked side by side in the driveway. Sure, only one of them is going to be allowed on the highway, but as they say, you don’t need to be street legal to have real street cred. All of the best toy electric car features are present here, including a fully functional sounds system and double lockable doors. Parental control mode utilized a 2.4G remote control with three separate speed options.
TOBBI Mercedes Benz Unimog
The Unimog U500 by TOBBI is hands down one of the hottest electric ride on toys this year. This realistic looking Mercedes Benz sports a one seater that goes up to 5 MPH, depending on a variety of factors including, but not limited to the surrounding environment, battery charge and weight of rider. What we absolutely love about this electric ride on toy is that it has actual LED lights, so your kid can ride it at night — of course with parental supervision! Other features we also love are that is has a remote control, to help steer your little one in case they need assistance and a full music panel that is Bluetooth enabled!
Best Choice Products Electric Sports Car
The speed-hungry youngster with a penchant for upper-class style will appreciate this zippy little sports car for its double-speed, rechargeable 12V engine. Their parents, however, are going to appreciate how startlingly affordable this model is in comparison to its competitors. In fact, it is less than half the cost of many of the toys on this list, making it the perfect starter car for your girl or boy. At 2 miles per hour, this certainly isn’t the fastest model in the lineup, but that could be exactly what you need for the slightly younger child who isn’t ready for highway speeds.
Mercedes-Benz SL500 12V Kids Ride-On Car
One of the biggest fears that parents might have about electric toy cars is that they might be too dangerous for their child. While safety concerns simply come with the territory of parenting, you can rest assured that these are some of the safest electric toys that you can get. This little 12V Mercedes-Benz, for instance, not only features a remote-controlled parental mode, but also is one of the only models on our list to include a working seatbelt and double-lockable door design, so there’s no worry of them falling out while moving. We love the clean white paintjob, though it likely won’t stay clean for long after a few laps around the backyard racetrack.
Costzon Kids Audi TT RS Electric Ride-On Car (12V)
This licensed Audi TT can go from zero to three in five seconds. While that kind of speed can’t be considered fast nor furious, it is the perfect amount of go for your average kid-on-the-go. This model in particular has some pretty good zip to her, perhaps due to the slightly lighter body style. The auxiliary input allows you to plug in any tunes that you like, but the built-in electronic cruising song is the perfect companion to a guided neighborhood cruise. The remote controlled mode makes it just as fun for parents as it is for kids, while providing an additional level of safety for boys and girls who aren’t quite ready to drive by themselves.
Maserati GranCabrio 12V Electric Kids Car
The streets of childhood are long and wonderful, but they certainly don’t last forever. Let your kid cruise them in style in a Maserati GranCabrio, which is perhaps the most elegant looking ride on our list. No doubt a gift like this would be one long remembered, and due to the included parts warranty, it will be long-enjoyed as well. Bright headlights and tail lights are an attractive upgrade, but the real winning point here is a super-smooth 4-wheel suspension that performs as well on the beach boardwalk as it does around your living room.
Uenjoy 12V Ferrari FXX K Kids Electric Ride-On
There are a few things that make this little Ferrari one of the most realistic toy renditions of real-life sports cars. There are the swing-up butterfly doors, sure to woo even the coyest of 3rd graders. An authentic leather seat serves as an indicator of overall quality. And small, chic headlights provide a bright yet subtle note of style to a care that certainly doesn’t need any more of it. One safety feature that we have not discussed yet is the Slow Start mechanism available on most Uenjoy cars. This prevents the toy from accelerating too fast, which could cause your kid to fall backwards or injure their neck. It’s especially important for the Ferrari, which can hit 3.5 mph.
Mercedes Benz 300SL 6V Electric Kids Car
You’ll never find a better deal on a Mercedes Benz than right here, that’s for sure. At just over a hundred bucks this is one of the better deals we’ve seen, making this a great gift option for any kid in your life. It’s one of the only 6V models we looked at, which does cause a slight reduction in top speed capability. But let’s face it … sometimes you don’t want them going too fast anyway. For particularly young children ages 2-3 years old, this little Benz represents the perfect opportunity to step into the world of electric cars without going nuts on speed and cost.
More Of Our Favorite Electric Ride On Toys For Kids
When it comes to electric ride-on vehicles, you can find much more than cars and trucks. If you want your kid to have a bit more unique driving experience, there are construction vehicles, motorcycles, and many more styles. Plus, with options for all age ranges, from toddlers and up, your little one can enjoy these ride-on toys sooner rather than later.
Kid Trax Caterpillar D9 Bulldozer
If your toddler is all about construction vehicles, digging, and building, then don’t pass up this awesome ride-on. It’s a Caterpillar bulldozer for a single rider and has a maximum weight load of 55 pounds. Rubber traction strip tires help it ride smoothly on various terrains, and it can move forward and in reverse to up to 2.5 miles per hour. To ramp up the imaginative play, it even comes with boulders and a hard hat so your little tyke can ride safely. They’ll especially love that they can really work the dump bucket and the realistic sound effects.
Peg Perego John Deere Ground Force Tractor With Trailer
The best way to prepare your child for a life on the farm is with this fully-functional John Deere Ground Force Tractor, one of the coolest toys that we have seen in years. It features a detachable trailer so your kid can start hauling crop as soon as you start the “engine”. Or if you’re lucky, they’ll use it to clean up their room. A 2nd-gear lockout feature allows parents to remain in control of the speed of the vehicle, but once you child is old enough you can open up that 2nd gear so they can really start cruising.
Electric Ride On Golf Cart For Kids
Time to hit the green and tee off with this realistic looking electric golf cart. It features a working horn, canopy, and a back-up buzzer. It’s the perfect ride-on for an aspiring young golf pro, and it even comes with a set of clubs and a flag marker that easily fits in the rear storage area. The 6V battery delivers almost an hour of continuous run time, and an easy gear shifter for selecting between forward or reverse drive makes it super simple for kids to operate. The recommended age for this golf cart is 36 months to 7 years.
Radio Flyer Ultimate Go-Kart
This ultimate go-kart from Razor means kids can race and cruise to their heart’s content with confidence and style. It’s loaded with features that deliver a smooth and safe riding experience, including rubber traction front tires, a racing flag, a seatbelt, and a parent-controlled speed lock. You can choose from three forward speeds; 2.5, 5, and a sweet 8 miles per hour. The go-kart can also travel in reverse at 2.5 miles per hour. It comes with a 24V battery and charger and can deliver up to 45 minutes of continuous use. Razor recommends this go-kart for 3 to 8-year-olds and a maximum weight limit of 81 pounds. You can snag one in red or pink.
Costzon Ride On Chopper Motorcycle
Kids will feel super cool when they strap on their helmets and go for a joyride on their very own motorcycle. The Costzon Chopper is a motorized trike with a working horn, adjustable headlight, and forward and reverse functions. The low-gravity design and three wheels provide stability, and the overall look delivers an authentic motorcycle vibe kids will love. The kid-approved seat features a backrest to maintain maximum comfort and security, and easy controls mean it’s a breeze to operate. Wear-resistant wheels can travel on multiple surfaces, including asphalt, brick, and more. It comes in blue, red, white, and pink.
Electric Ride On ATV 4-Wheeler
Best Choice Products gives kids an ATV experience with this rugged 4-wheeler with large-tread tires and a stylish design. The 4-wheel suspension means riders can take on multiple terrains, including dirt, grass, sidewalks, and more. A working horn and LED headlights make things realistic and fun, while a Bluetooth function lets kids jam to their favorite tunes while tackling the terrain. It has a 12V battery with a 1.5-hour runtime and can reach speeds of 3.7 miles per hour. It’s available in several colors, including orange, red, black, and pink.
Nighthawk Ride On Toy
This fun ride-on lets kids reach speeds up to 6.5 miles per hour while using side handlebars to maneuver and turn. You can steer simply by leaning right or left, and a tall red flag adds to the fun plus helps with visibility. You can set out small cones or similar obstacles to create a challenging course for more experienced riders. It’s recommended for kids 6 years old and up with a maximum weight of 110 pounds. It comes with a charger, and kids can ride for up to two hours on the 12V battery before needing to bother with a recharge.
Bumper Buddy Electric Bumper Car
Check out this ride-on motion that lets kids enjoy cruising up to 1.25 miles per hour and also comes with a remote control option. The five-point harness keeps riders safe and secure and can adjust as your child grows. The sift bumper protects walls and doors, and the wheels can move easily on various surfaces. The manufacturer states that the bumper car ride-on is best for kids 18 months up to 8 years, as long as they can fit comfortably in the seat. Kids can race, do 360-degree spins, and choose from two-speed settings. It’s available in blue or pink.
Disney Frozen 2 Quad Ride On
Give your little girl the ride of her life with this sweet quad ride-on featuring Queen Elsa from Disney’s Frozen. It has an easy to operate push-button drive system, so little ones can get moving with no problem. It’s ideal for riders 18 to 30 months and up to 44 pounds, with top speeds of 1.5 miles per hour. It comes with a 6V battery, charger, and traction strip tires for a smooth and stable ride. Kid Trax also offers similar quad vehicles in other styles, including Minnie Mouse, Princess Pink, Spiderman, and Tow-Mater.
Paw Patrol Toddler Quad Ride On
If you have a toddler in the home, you’ve likely binge-watched Paw Patrol at some point. (Probably much more than once.) This quad vehicle features the show’s popular characters and comes in various colors. Kids can ride up to 2 miles per hour and can only move forward. The rubber traction tires provide a stable and smooth riding experience. The 6V battery comes with a charger. It seats one rider, with a maximum weight of 44 pounds. The recommended ages are 18 to 30 months, and push button acceleration makes it super easy for toddlers to operate.
Razor Power Rider 360
This futuristic-looking three-wheeler has a chain-driven motor, push button throttle, and hand-operated braking system. It’s also from one of the most trusted ride-on brands, Razor. Folding foot pegs make it easy to get on and off this sweet ride, and riders can reach whopping speeds of up to 9 miles per hour. You can also cut 360-degree turns on rear caster wheels. The 12V sealed lead battery provides up to 40 minutes of continuous use and charges in about 12 hours. This fast ride-on is best for kids 8 and older and no more than 120 pounds.
Razor MX350 Electric Dirt Bike For Kids
This off-road kids electric dirt bike features real motocross frame geometry and pneumatic knobby tires that can tackle all terrains, even muddy conditions. It’s a great starter for new riders, with the MX350 scaling things down a bit for riders up to 140 pounds. The recommended age is 13+, as the rear-wheel, chain drive, and high-torque deliver a speedy and powerful ride. Riders can reach speeds up to 14 miles per hour on this baby. It comes with two 12V sealed lead-acid rechargeable batteries for up to 30 minutes of continuous use. You can choose from faster models as your rider gets older and more experienced. There’s a MX500 model for riders 14+ (max of 175 pounds) and a MX650 that can reach 17 miles per hour for riders up to 220 pounds and 16+.
Razor Crazy Cart
It’s time to get a little crazy with the Razor Crazy Cart drifting machine, an excellent way for kids to zip and zoom solo or race each other. It comes in two speeds; a low speed of 2.5 miles per hour recommended for kids 6 and up and a high speed for kids 8 and older that can reach 8 miles per hour. The cart showcases a simple drift system that lets drivers maintain control of the steering wheel at all times. The rear caster wheels deliver just the right combo of drift and drive, so riders can seamlessly move between the two.
Toddler Quad Ride On Single Seater
The Mossy Oak Quad ride-on for toddlers looks ready to head through the forest on a rugged adventure. Let your young driver take it for a spin at speed up to 1.5 miles per hour, with an actual foot pedal to accelerate like the big boys. It also has working headlights that add to the authenticity of the driving experience and make things extra fun. It’s a good fit for kids 18 to 30 months with a maximum weight load of 44 pounds. It comes with a charger and 6V battery that delivers lots of run time. They also have similar models in yellow and a cool dump truck design.
Power Wheels Dune Racer (Green)
Move aside fancy sports cars. The Dune Racer is here, the top-of-the-line electric toy car from Power Wheels. And unlike the Maserati or Lamborghini we looked at above, this beast of a vehicle has big burly tires with remarkable traction. That makes it possible to operate on soft and slippery surfaces, like a wet patch of grass for example. It also reaches a relatively blazing 5 miles per hour, which is perhaps the fastest top speed in its class. The price is a bit higher than most competing toys, but the extra speed and traction is more than worth it if your kid is already shaping up to be the adventurous type.
Buyer’s Guide: How To Shop For The Best Electric Cars and Ride-On Toys For Kids
Even if you could only pick from one of the ride-on vehicles on our list, chances are you might get a little flummoxed. Deciding which ride is best for your kid is almost as hard as buying a new car for yourself, but only because of how many options there are.
Just like real-life cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles, there are different colors, styles, and extra features to consider. You’ll need to factor in many different things before you make the jump.
In addition, there are important safety aspects that come into play when you are dealing with an electric toy of this size.
Fortunately, we’ve got all the info you need to learn how to choose an electric ride-on car, truck, or toy.
Size
There isn’t a whole lot of variance in how big these toy vehicles are. Although, some types, like the bumper cars and the Nighthawk, are smaller than a large ride-on quad car. But, for the most part, they are all about two feet wide by four feet long and somewhere in the vicinity of two feet tall.
However, some vehicles have a single bucket seat for one passenger, while others have a double seat for two passengers. A two-seater car is a good idea for households with more than one child and, of course, any other time that your youngster wants to pick up a friend for a cruise around the neighborhood.
While most of the one-seater ride-ons are fine for children even as young as two years old, you don’t want to put a child that young in one of the bigger rides, such as the Power Wheels Dune Racer.
As usual, it is always best to pay attention to recommended age levels, and beyond this, to pay attention to how well your child fits in the seat and if there is any significant danger of them falling out.
Power Source
The large majority of electric ride-on cars and toys run on 12-volt power, which is a standard for kids’ toys. Not only is 12V power quite safe compared to other methods such as gasoline or a higher voltage, but it is also rechargeable. That means that you can plug the electric car into an outlet overnight and have it totally ready to go come morning, no additional batteries required.
There are a few 6V models on our list, and they are just a bit less common. These are usually on more affordable models that are geared towards a significantly younger kid, around two to three years old.
Rechargeable Battery
Being able to recharge the battery is a lot better than having to buy endless supplies of AA’s, but it has its drawbacks as well. Depending on the speed and terrain, some of these batteries can run out of juice before your kid does.
While it is certainly an option to purchase multiple batteries and simply swap them out when one goes dead, also consider the possibility that the limited run time might make for a good built-in play clock. In other words, if the battery is dead, it might be time to go inside and start on that reading homework.
The flip side of a relatively small battery supply is that they can often be charged pretty quickly, about 4 to 5 hours in most circumstances.
Remote Controlled “Parent Mode”
Here is a nifty feature that is available on most, but not all, models of electric toy cars and other ride-on toys. It allows the whole vehicle to be controlled by a remote control, thus bypassing the onboard driving system and giving power to the parents.
The most obvious benefit of this feature is allowing very young kids to enjoy driving an electric truck or vehicle even if they aren’t old enough to operate it. It can also be quite useful in public spaces where you don’t want them inadvertently speeding into the road or a busy intersection.
These remote controlled systems usually have an effective range of about 40 feet but can be hindered by obstructions like walls & hills.
Remember, not every electric ride-on toy has this remote-controlled compatibility, so be sure to check the product specifications before you make a purchase.
Working Doors vs. Stationary Doors
When it comes to electric cars and trucks, most come with doors to simulate the real thing. Depending on what kind of price range you are looking at, you can either get a car with working, opening doors or one with doors that are sealed shut.
Getting “real” doors adds to the overall realism of the experience, and they have the added benefit of being locked from the outside during operation to help prevent your kid from falling out.
Sealed doors (walls, really) serve to keep the wandering toddler in the seat and not tumble out during operation. It is also quite simply a way to save a significant amount of money, so if you’re looking for a more affordable option, perhaps you can skip the real doors.
Wheel Types
By and large, the wheels on these electric ride-ons are not inflated with air like real tires are. Instead, they are simply made of a hard and dense plastic that can handle simple terrain like carpets, kitchen floors, wood porches, and sidewalks.
Not only does the lack of pressurized air make the toy safer for kids, but it also means that there is virtually no maintenance required to keep the vehicle running in tip-top shape.
One of the common complaints that come in about many ride-on cars, karts, and trucks is that the wheels are too smooth to work on grass. It is true that, for the most part, these toys don’t work very well on grass or wet ground. However, if your kid is five or older, they might enjoy the increased traction of the wheels on the Power Wheels Dune Racer, which is specifically designed to work on grass.
Licensed Car Brands & Models
In case you haven’t noticed yet, a lot of the toy cars on our list are modeled directly after real cars. A lot of the time, they are modeled after particularly expensive cars, like Lamborghinis and Maseratis.
Other available brands include Volkswagen, John Deere, and Audi, to name only a few. If you are looking for a particular model of electric toy car, then spend some time shopping around. It is likely that you will be able to find just the one that you are looking for.
Additional Safety Features
For anyone still on the fence about buying a ride-on toy for their kid, here is a brief description of all the available safety features on the most recent fleet of toys:
- Safety Seat Belt – Almost all models include some form of safety belt, but there are some models that do not. This is something you want to have for obvious reasons. While the vehicles themselves do not generally go fast enough to cause a serious accident, there are plenty of other things that can happen unexpectedly, and a seat belt is the best way to stay safe.
- Slow Start Feature – Although generally seen on Uenjoy products, this is a feature that can be found on probably two-thirds of all the electric toy cars and trucks on the market. What this does is introduce electric power to the motor quite gradually so that even if your kid slams on the gas pedal, they won’t be tossed backward like a rag doll. Instead, the vehicle will start to move gradually and softly, greatly reducing the chance of injury.
- Double-Sided Locks – The ride-on toys that have moving doors will generally also have locks on those doors. No, this isn’t so that little Billy can lock his ride up when parked on the bad side of town. It’s actually for parents who want to ensure that the doors stay shut during operation. If a door opens accidentally, the child is at risk of simply tumbling out.
Top Speed
We don’t think this is going to come across as a surprise to anyone, but these toy cars were not intended to go very fast. One day, your child might get taller and will be ready for the more coveted go-karts and rides on our list that can reach 14 MPH or more. But until then, they are going to have to settle for something that is a bit safer, not to mention capable of being chased down in the event of a rogue driver.
The general range in speed capability is between 2 and 5 miles per hour. However, there are a lot of factors that will affect just how fast your kid will be able to go. This includes the weight of both the vehicle and the kid, the type of driving surface, and the charge level of the battery.
Electric Ride On Toys For Boys vs. Ride Ons For Girls
It might be easy to assume that electric toy cars, trucks, motorcycles, and go-karts are more of a boys’ thing, even when you remember all the bright pink models that are out there designed for girls.
However, it is somewhat outdated to think that toys such as these are gendered in this traditional sense. In fact, researchers at Indiana University-Purdue have demonstrated that toy cars, traditionally thought to be boys’ toys, elicited the highest quality of play among girls.
The takeaway? Don’t worry so much about boys vs. girls when it comes to electric ride-on vehicles. After all, how many women do you know in real life that are driving pink cars?
So Which Electric Ride-On Car Or Toy Should You Buy For Your Kids?
While the decision-making process involved in buying your kid a new electric vehicle can be intimidating, we can at least be grateful that it’s not as bad as the real car buying process. Can you imagine if these things were sold on a big lot by high-pressure toy salesmen?
Fortunately, most if not all of the process can now be handled from the comfort of your home computer. By now, you should have all the tools and information that you need to make a truly informed decision.
In case you’d rather hear it from the quasi-experts, we do have a few suggestions.
For the sporty type toddler, the Lamborghini Aventador is in a class of its own. If you’re looking for something more of a classic luxury, the Bently EXP12 is hands-down your best bet. But for the more adventurous soul, we think either the Cyber style truck or Jeep are perhaps the most rugged vehicles on the list. Let us know what you think of our list!