Upgrade your ride-on toys!
Upgrade your ride-on toys!
February 13, 2025 5 min read
When your kid gets behind the wheel of their ride-on vehicle, they feel unstoppable. But the reality is that stock models from Power Wheels, Peg Perego, Kid Trax, and others have their limits. Many struggle with steep hills or slow down in the grass, while off-road models can make for a bumpy, teeth-rattling ride on pavement. The good news? With the right modifications, you can turn your kid’s ride-on into a versatile machine ready to tackle any terrain. Here’s everything you need to know to upgrade a Power Wheels for different environments, from choosing the right model to installing performance-boosting mods.
Power Wheels come in lots of different varieties. Some are designed for smooth pavement, while others can take on rougher terrain. For example, sports cars like the C7 Corvette and Porsche GT3 are all about speed. They’re some of the fastest two-seaters available and are best suited for flat, paved surfaces. If you’re looking to take the fun into more challenging territory, you’re better off going with a different vehicle. A best-of-both-worlds option is the versatile Jeep Wrangler, which excels on pavement and off-road. It’s got a sturdy build and takes a wide range of modifications really well. At the other end of the spectrum, the Ford F-150 lineup of trucks are great for off-roading thanks to their aggressive tires and higher ground clearance; however, this also makes them bumpier on pavement. The bottom line: Definitely consider the base model you’re starting out with before moving on to modifications.
Tires and wheels make a big difference in how well your child’s ride-on handles different surfaces, and they can vary a lot between brands and models. Most Power Wheels (and other ride-ons) come with plastic wheels. Some people try to improve traction by adding bicycle tires or rubber strips, but we don’t recommend it. Here’s why: On a Power Wheels, the spinning tire acts as the clutch. If you stop it from spinning, you’ll end up shredding gears, burning out motors, and frying switches. That tire needs to spin freely. If the gearbox had an internal clutch, stopping the tire wouldn’t hurt anything–but it also wouldn’t make the car any faster, because the spinning tireis the clutch. Plus, replacing a worn-out plastic tire is much easier and cheaper than fixing an internal clutch. That said, you absolutely can swap out your stock tires for ones with more aggressive tread (like this one for Jeep Wranglers) or smoother street tread (like these for the Dune Racer Extreme and most F-150s), depending on where you’re driving. There are also plenty of replacement options for discontinued tires, and some, like this one for Kawasaki KFX Quads, even provide better traction than the originals.
The plastic frames on most ride-ons are pretty stiff, which means bumps and uneven surfaces can feel rough and jarring for young drivers. But upgrading the suspension–like adding shocks, installing lightweight springs between the axles and frame, or making other tweaks–helps absorb impacts, making the ride smoother and easier to handle. For example, this Rear Spring Upgrade Set for the Dynacraft Realtree 24V UTV softens the ride so much that the rear suspension barely moves when your kids take it off-road. Up front, aDouble-Sprung Front Suspension upgrade adds active motion, letting the front tires conform to the surface instead of bouncing in the air when they hit a pothole. This smooths out the ride and improves cornering as well. Other simple ways to make the ride more comfortable include adding thick foam padding under the seat to reduce vibrations. And, if your kid wants to tackle bigger obstacles without breaking a sweat, a lift kit provides extra ground clearance.
Most standard Power Wheels and similar ride-ons come with a 6V or 12V battery. Swapping in a 12V, 18V, or even a 24V upgrade can deliver extra juice. After all, the higher the voltage, the more power the motor gets, which means quicker acceleration, higher speeds, and better performance on tough terrain. Going from a 12V to an 18V or 24V system is straightforward enough as long as the battery and wiring harness are compatible. There’s also the option of upgrading to a lithium-ion battery. Some folks choose this route because lithium units are lighter, charge faster, and provide consistent voltage throughout their use, unlike lead-acid batteries. If you do increase the voltage, it’s important to also add a fuse between the battery and motors to avoid a fireworks show. Meanwhile, an Electronic Speed Control (ESC) kit lets you limit the top speed until your kid gets used to the extra zip. It also provides better responsiveness, gradually accelerating and braking the more you press each pedal. Just know that a higher voltage can put extra strain on stock motors, so you may be looking at a corresponding motor upgrade as well.
A bigger battery supplies more power, but adding stronger motors takes the excitement to another level. Some of the best motor upgrade options include 550 High Performance motors, which are compatible with 12V or 18V and fit in any vehicle that runs standard 550s with no modifications required. These deliver a significant speed boost without overheating. For even more power, the 775 High Performance motor upgrade offers a really good balance between speed and reliability. They’re ideal for 18V and 24V setups, and provide extra torque and durability for off-road adventures. (With high-torque motors, you get consistent speed and power when traveling on grass, dirt, or gravel, or over hills.) Also, when you upgrade motors, use metal pinion gears instead of plastic. This helps prevent stripping as the power level increases.
Upgrading your gear ratio is a great way to fine-tune how power gets transferred to the wheels. If you’re looking for more speed, try a smaller gear on the motor or a bigger one on the wheels. Either of these mods should increase the vehicle’s top-end performance. How about more torque for tackling grass or hills? A larger motor pinion gear can help give you some extra pulling power. Experimenting with different gear setups will help you find the right balance for different types of terrain. Just keep in mind that extreme changes can lead to overheating or extra motor wear. The good news:Reinforced gears are built specifically to handle the added power from motor and battery upgrades.
With the right modifications, you can transform a basic Power Wheels into a high-performance machine that’s equipped to take on all kinds of terrain. Whether you want more speed, better traction, or a smoother ride on rough surfaces, there’s an upgrade for that. Always remember, the goal is to create a fun, exciting, and safe experience for your child (and yourself). So if you ever need advice on modifying your kid’s ride-on, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team at ML Toys is here to help!