Upgrade your ride-on toys!
Upgrade your ride-on toys!
March 19, 2025 6 min read
One of the things kids love most about Power Wheels is imagining themselves as real race car drivers–speeding around driveways and tearing across yards like a young Richard Petty or Mario Andretti. But what if you could help turn that fantasy into reality?
Welcome toPower Wheels racing, a hobby that blends nostalgia with hands-on engineering and the excitement of competition. Whether you’re a parent looking for a fun way to bond with your kids or an enthusiast who likes making things go faster, there’s something for everyone in this rewarding activity. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about modifying and racing these small but feisty electric vehicles.
Power Wheels racing is about taking stock ride-on toys–like the ones made by Power Wheels, Kid Trax, or Peg Perego–and modifying them for better speed, durability, and handling. This transformation means they aren’t just backyard toys anymore; now we’re talking about miniature race cars that are customized to perform far beyond their original capabilities.
Modifications can range from pretty simple upgrades, like swapping out the battery, to more extensive overhauls that include installing high-performance motors or reinforcing frames. The goal is to create a safe yet spirited racing experience that’s as much about putting it all together and showing off these custom-built machines as it is about the thrill of competition. In other words, the journey is half the fun.
Power Wheels racing also has a passionate community behind it. This group of builders, parents, and racers from all over loves sharing their knowledge and experiences. They’re very inclusive, and stay connected year-round through online forums, social media groups, and in-person events across the country—like “Toddlerdega” in St. Petersburg, FL, drag racing at Maple Grove Raceway (PA) and Lapeer International Dragway (MI), and even circle track racing at the Route 66 Dirt Oval in Joliet, IL, where Power Wheels are part of the season-ending Eve of Haunted Destruction that also features demolition derbies and trailer racing.
If you’re looking to get involved yourself, there are plenty of local organizations hosting Power Wheels races for kids. In the Midwest,Central Ohio Power Wheels Drag Racing puts on events for children ages 3-9, and generally does a great job of highlighting different racers, builds, and products.Oxford Power Wheels Racing runs drag races in different classes, both as standalone events like Battle at the Expo Center and Turkey Drags in Carlisle, PA, and as part of larger gatherings like Fast Life Fest at Cecil County (MD) Dragway. Otherwise, check with local race tracks, county fairs, karting venues, and monster truck shows–there’s a good chance you’ll find an event happening nearby.
Wait, back up…different classes? That’s right! Oxford Power Wheels Racing has developed specificrules for various drag racing divisions based on age, equipment, and modifications. The entry-level “Stock” class allows only 6v or 12v factory setups with no motor or gearbox changes. Kids as young as 3 months can participate with a parent controlling the vehicle remotely. Helmets are mandatory, and rubber or foam tire traction is permitted.
Moving up the ladder, the “Modified” class runs on 18v/20v drill batteries with additional rules, while the “Bracket” class features a full tree with dial-in times. At the top is the “Outlaw” class, which allows 24v-plus setups and requires reinforced components like a 100-plus amp circuit breaker, heavy-gauge wiring, a wheelie bar, and a mechanical brake system approved by the race director. Only experienced racers can compete, and they must wear extra safety gear, including a neck brace or HANS device, long sleeves, and gloves.
In some areas, municipalities are also getting in on the action. For example, the City of Portland, TX, hosts an annualPortland Power Wheels Grand Prix, where kids between the ages of 2 and 7 are invited to put the pedal to the plastic around a makeshift track in the Aquatics Center parking lot. The racing is divided into two classes for 12v sports cars, tractors, jeeps, and SUVs–Limited Pro Stock for the younger ones and Pro Stock for older kids.
These and similar gatherings are a great place to trade tips, show off builds, and enjoy some friendly competition. They’re really valuable for beginners, too, as they provide the perfect chance to ask questions, troubleshoot issues, and learn from more experienced hobbyists. Whether you’re a veteran gearhead or a total newcomer, there’s always someone willing to take the time to help you learn and refine your craft.
Before jumping into those modifications, though, it’s important to start with the right vehicle. Not all ride-on toys are cut out for the track. Plus, certain setups are better suited for different types of competition, whether that’s drag, road racing, off-road, or demolition derbies. That said, some models perform better than others when the green flag drops.
Power Wheels 12-volt vehicles are a favorite among enthusiasts because they’re relatively easy to modify and widely available. A word of caution, though: Steer clear of models that come with Smart Drive systems, like some Mustangs, which are harder to upgrade. Kid Trax 12-volt vehicles and Peg Perego models are also known for their durability, making them both good choices for performance enhancements.
The key is to pick a vehicle that can handle upgrades without having to worry about compromising safety or the car’s structural integrity. A solidly constructed chassis and a design that’s compatible with modifications will end up saving you frustration down the road.
Once you’ve picked out your vehicle, it’s time to start modifying it for racing. Most stock motors just aren’t built for performance, so swapping them out is a must. That’s where top-of-the-line775 Performance Motors come in. They deliver significantly more speed and are a direct fit for any ride-on that originally came with 775 motors. Plus, they work perfectly with all Power Wheels 7R gearboxes–no adjustments needed.
Speaking of which, modifying gearboxes is another way to maximize speed on the drag strip or road course.First Gear Delete & Dual 775 Motor Mounting Plates let you remove first gear, giving you a much higher top-speed gear ratio. These plates also work with ourPhoenix gearbox andKid Trax 12v gearboxes, and give you the option to run one or two 775 motors on a single gearbox. Just keep in mind that they draw a lot of power, so they’re not meant for long rides or everyday cruising.
Next up is the battery. Most stock ride-ons run on a 12-volt battery, but upgrading to a higher-voltage system will give you a serious boost. For ultimate performance, our36-Volt Conversion Kit is designed strictly for racing, whether it’s drag, oval track, or tractor pulls. It delivers over 20% more speed than the 24-volt kit, effectively blowing away the competition. Just remember, this pack is made for racing only, which means you’ll need to let the vehicle cool down after a few minutes of run time; otherwise, you could wind up frying motors, gears, and switches. Also, make sure the vehicle’s electrical system–wiring, fuses, and connectors–can handle the extra power. Pro tip: Install a 40-amp fuse or a self-resetting breaker to prevent overheating and damage.
Now that you’ve cranked up the speed and power, it’s time to reinforce the chassis. Stock ride-on toys aren’t designed for high-speed racing, so you’ll want to strengthen weak points, secure loose components, or even swap out plastic parts for metal. A stronger frame makes the vehicle safer and improves its handling and stability. Important note: Before you hit the track, test the car out in a controlled environment. That way, you can fine-tune any issues with speed, handling, or stability.
Safety should be the top priority, especially when kids are involved. Sure, it’s tempting to push for maximum speed. But these are children behind the wheel, so it’s best to keep things reasonable. Young drivers should always wear protective gear, too, including helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads. And never let your kids operate their ride-on during testing, racing, or really anywhere without an adult present to supervise and make sure everyone stays safe.
If you’re new toPower Wheels racing, the whole process might seem a little overwhelming at first. But don’t worry, because there are plenty of resources to help you get started. Websites likeML Toys offer detailed guides and pre-built upgrade kits designed for specific vehicles. These kits can save you time and effort by providing all the components you need in one convenient package.
Also, make sure you’re always sourcing high-quality parts from reputable suppliers. As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. Cheap or poorly made components might save you some money on the front end, but they’re more prone to failure and could end up ruining your build, or even causing accidents.
Speed might be the goal in Power Wheels racing, but it's not the only thing that should get you revved up. It's just as much about creativity, a little DIY mechanic work, and connecting with fellow enthusiasts as it is about crossing the finish line first. The real excitement comes from taking something ordinary and making it extraordinary. Whether you're upgrading a backyard racer for fun or competing in organized events, the thrill of bringing your custom build to life is the ultimate payoff.
If you’ve been bitten by the racing bug, there's no better time or place to start transforming your kid’s ride-on into a high-performance machine. And if you ever need a hand, the team at ML Toys is always here to help!