How Do You Make a Power Wheels Faster?

Power Wheels and similar ride-on cars deliver a fun-filled experience that lets kids explore the thrill of driving in a scaled-down package. Parents and enthusiasts are getting in on the action, too, tweaking and modifying these vehicles to boost their speed, toughness, and ability to handle all types of different terrains.

If you’re looking to upgrade your Power Wheels for more power, you’ll find plenty of ways to do it. But, as with real cars, trucks, and UTVs, it’s important to start with the right model and understand which components will deliver the performance boost you’re after.

Choosing the Right Power Wheel Vehicle for Modifications

Modifying a ride-on car isn’t just about swapping parts–it starts with choosing the right foundation. There are tons of inexpensive ride-on cars available, but not all of them are built to handle upgrades, especially when it involves more power and speed. Cheaply made vehicles may have weak gearboxes, low-grade wiring, or subpar electronics, any of which can torpedo a modification. 

In terms of durability, safety, and stability, we’ve found that 12-volt Power Wheels (except the SmartDrive models), 12-volt Kid Trax vehicles, and Peg Perego vehicles are your best bets. These brands have sturdy frames, solid electronics, and dependable gearboxes equipped to withstand the additional power and strain that come with modifications.

Inspecting the Power Wheels or Ride-On Vehicle Before Modding

Before jumping into upgrades, take a good look at the condition of your Power Wheels to make sure it can handle the work ahead. Even a small issue in a stock vehicle can turn into a major problem when you add power. Start by inspecting the rear axle–any bends here might seem minor, but they can lead to melted gearbox housings if you start adding RPMs. Look closely at the frame, too, especially around the rear axle mounts and gearbox area. White stress marks are a sign that the frame has already seen some wear and tear and may not be able to tolerate the added force of modifications. 

Tires need to be in good condition, too, since excessive wear can lead to broken gears. And don’t forget the wiring–if it’s dry or brittle, it’s probably corroded inside, which means it could have trouble handling the additional amp draw that comes with more power. Finally, if the vehicle is over three years old, definitely consider replacing the switches. They’re inexpensive, and they’ll do a much better (read: safer) job of handling the new setup.

Upgrading A Power Wheels Battery for Speed & Runtime

When it comes to making your Power Wheels faster and adding runtime, upgrading the battery can be a game changer. Most Power Wheels come with a 12-volt Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) battery. Stepping up to a higher-voltage battery increases the speed, while raising the amp-hours gives you more playtime. For example, upping the voltage to 18 or 24 volts provides a significant boost; just make sure the motor can handle it. Increasing your amperage–e.g., upgrading to a 12-amp battery–can provide about 30% more runtime vs. standard batteries. If you’re combining batteries, be sure to use the same brand, age, and amperage so you don’t run into issues with uneven discharge and overheating.

Modders will sometimes experiment with using lithium batteries from power tools. While these batteries can deliver some pretty impressive power increases, they may be more trouble than they’re worth. For one, they have much higher discharge rates than SLA batteries. This sudden, intense jolt can roast tires, burn out motors, and strip gears. Unless you’re really experienced and confident handling lithium batteries, SLA is probably the safer choice for ride-ons.

Enhancing Motor Performance For Your Power Wheels or Ride-On Toy

The motor gives your Power Wheels its muscle, and upgrading this component helps the vehicle accelerate quicker and reach higher top speeds. Most ride-on cars come with stock 550 motors, which are designed for 12 volts. While some people push these motors up to 18 volts, they’re generally not built for those levels and may burn out quickly as a result. 

If you’re looking for a modest speed increase without going overboard, consider upgrading to 550 Performance motors, which can run up to 18 volts and bump up your speed by 10-15%. However, if you’re aiming for more serious torque and durability, check out a 775 Performance Motor. These units provide substantial speed gains and perform well at 24 volts–a solid option for more ambitious setups.  

The Importance of Gear Upgrades To Make A Power Wheels Faster

Gearing modifications may not seem as exciting as batteries and motors, but when it comes to delivering reliable power to your wheels, the gears are where it’s at. Most newer 12-volt Power Wheels models come with a 7R gearbox, while older versions may have a discontinued “#7” gearbox. If you’re looking to go beyond stock performance, an upgraded gearbox like the Phoenix is our No. 1 pick. The Phoenix fits directly into vehicles that use the #7 or 7R gearbox, but is capable of handling significantly more torque and horsepower thanks to its five-gear design. 

A word of caution: Moving from one brand’s gearbox to another can be tricky, since not every brand is built to handle the added power. We recommend starting with one of the models listed in the Upgrades by Vehicle section of our website, as these have proven to be top performers.

Proper Tire Selection Can Impact Your Power Wheels' Speed

Another key area to consider when modifying your Power Wheels is the tires. Here’s what you’ll want to remember: The tires that come with a ride-on vehicle are specifically designed to match its original power level and intended terrain. Changing things like the tire diameter, for example, throws off the gear ratio, which can strain or potentially damage the motor. Also, ride-ons don’t have a clutch system–they rely on the spinning tire as a type of clutch. So, while upgrading to rubber or spiked tires may give you better traction, it eliminates that natural “clutch” effect. And if you stop the tire from spinning, you’re going to rip up gears and burn out motors and switches. The bottom line is you really shouldn’t modify the original tire material. 

That being said, you can definitely get good performance out of upgraded tires. You just need to match them to the type of terrain the car’s going to be driven on. For instance, Monster Traction tires are great for off-road but can feel bumpy on pavement. Mustang tires, on the other hand, deliver a smoother ride on flat surfaces but don’t have great traction on dirt.

Picking the Right Modification Path

Looking at your overall modification plan, make sure it’s in line with both your budget and the level of performance you’re hoping for. If the goals are top speed and durability, a 24V conversion kit paired with a Stage IV or V motor/gearbox assembly is ideal. The Stage IV setup is best for off-roading, while the Stage V does really well on smooth surfaces. For a more budget-friendly option, an 18V conversion kit with a Stage III motor/gearbox assembly can provide a solid boost without going through too many modifications. A lot of people like to install the 18V kit first, using the stock motor until it wears out; then, they’ll upgrade the motor once it fits within their budget.

If you’re just starting out, a Stage I motor upgrade on a 12V vehicle is a simple, safe way to add some extra speed. The boost is enough to make the car more fun and competitive without risking the extra wear and tear that comes at higher stages. Whichever path you take, think about including a brake reduction module, which increases the stopping distance and makes braking a lot smoother.

Enjoy the Road Ahead

Upgrading your child’s Power Wheels or other ride-on vehicle can be a fun, rewarding project that adds a whole new level of excitement to playtime. Whether you’re installing a stronger battery, a faster motor, or more rugged tires, each modification makes the ride more enjoyable–and memorable–for your son or daughter. So go ahead and start customizing! And if you have any questions along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts for guidance on which mods will help deliver the perfect ride.