What’s the Best Battery for a Power Wheels?

Upgrading the battery on your child’s Power Wheels is one of the easiest ways to level up the fun factor. Whether you want longer playtime or some more speed, a good battery upgrade can turn an average ride into a mini performance powerhouse. 

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about batteries for Power Wheels and similar ride-ons—like the differences between voltage types, why higher amperage is a game changer, and some important safety tips.

Understanding Power Wheels Batteries

Most Power Wheels come with a 12-volt battery, although some smaller models use a 6-volt version. If you’re thinking about upgrading or modifying your child’s ride-on, it’s best to start with a 12-volt vehicle. Six-volt models generally aren’t equipped to handle upgrades and could leave you dealing with expensive repairs.

When you’re ready to take it up a notch, ML Toys offers custom 12-volt batteries designed for better performance and reliability. With these, you’ll get longer runtimes, some more speed, and a lifespan that can last up to five years. They’re also lighter, so they put less strain on the vehicle’s motor.

In terms of compatibility, we should note that not every battery works with every Power Wheels model, so it’s a good idea to check the size of your battery compartment first. You’ll want to make sure the new battery fits without needing any tweaks. ML Toys makes it super easy with our plug-and-play batteries—they connect right to your existing wiring without any hassle. Plus, they come with built-in in-line automotive fuses, so there’s no need for extra adapters or modifications.

Voltage: The Power Behind the Speed In A Power Wheels Toy

When it comes to upgrading, the battery’s voltage is what determines how much power your ride-on can deliver–and how fast it’ll go.

12-Volt Batteries: If you’re new to modifying ride-ons, a 12-volt battery is a great place to start. It strikes a good balance between safety and performance, making it ideal for younger kids or those just getting comfortable with their ride-on toy.

18-Volt Batteries: For something faster but still manageable, an 18-volt upgrade is a popular choice. It’s fast enough to give most kids a thrill without being overwhelming. ML Toys even offers 18-volt lithium batteries that really amp up the acceleration and power.

One thing to consider, however, is that lithium batteries can be a handful–they deliver a quick power surge that can wear down your toy’s switches, motors, and gears. But that’s why ML Toys developed asoft start module. This handy add-on smooths out the power delivery, protecting the vehicle while preserving the battery’s impressive performance.

24-Volt Batteries: If you’re looking for maximum speed and power, a 24-volt battery is the ultimate upgrade. It’s perfect for parents looking to give their kids the fastest, most durable ride-on experience. Just keep in mind—this level of power needs compatible motors, wiring, and the right safety measures to keep everything running smoothly.

Why Amperage Is Important

While voltage determines speed, amperage is all about runtime—basically, how long the vehicle can go before it needs a recharge. It’s worth pointing out that ML Toys’ 12-volt batteries have a higher amperage than standard Power Wheels batteries, giving you over 30% more playtime.

Think of amperage like the size of a gas tank. A standard Power Wheels battery might have 9.5 amp-hours, but ML Toys’ performance batteries pack 12 amp-hours or more. The result? Kids get to enjoy their vehicles for longer without having to make as many pit stops for charging. 

Choosing the Right Battery Type For Your Power Wheels 

When upgrading a Power Wheels, you’ll choose between two main types of batteries: sealed lead-acid (SLA) or lithium-ion. Each has its different advantages.

SLA batteries are the classic Power Wheels batteries. They’re affordable, reliable, and easy to maintain. Plus, they gradually lose power as they run low, giving kids a heads-up when it’s time for a recharge.

Lithium-ion batteries are lighter, charge faster, and deliver more power, but they do require extra care. For example, if a lithium battery discharges too much, it can become unchargeable—or worse, overheat and possibly even catch fire.

This is where we point out that ML Toys solves these issues with features like the soft start module, which we noted earlier, and batteries that come with low voltage cutoff protection, which keeps them safe and functional and helps them last even longer.

Tips for a Safe Battery Upgrade In Your Ride-On

Safety should always come first when upgrading a Power Wheels vehicle, and we definitely have a few important tips to share. First on our list: Pick the right motor. For 12-volt setups, that would be 550 motors, and for 18- or 24-volt upgrades you should use 775 motors. Next, the batteries need to be installed properly. ML Toys’ batteries are plug-and-play, which makes installation really simple. Just follow the instructions to make sure the battery is secure and working correctly.

Don’t get ahead of yourself by going overboard on amperage. Yes, more amps does mean longer playtime, but too much (anything more than 18 amp-hours) can put a strain on the vehicle’s electrical components. It’s best to stick with the recommended amperage levels to avoid overtaxing and potentially damaging parts. Finally, if you’re using lithium batteries, keep an eye on the charge levels from time to time to prevent over-discharge. It’s also worth investing in a charger with automatic shutoff so things don’t get too intense.  

Why ML Toys Batteries Stand Out

ML Toys makes upgrading simple and reliable with high-quality batteries designed for exceptional safety and performance. Our SLA and lithium battery options include longer playtime, delivering significantly more runtime compared to standard Power Wheels batteries. The soft start module really is a difference maker, too, in that it allows the vehicle to accelerate smoothly while protecting gears, motors, and switches from damage.

Our low-voltage cutoff is another innovation that makes lithium batteries safer and longer-lasting by preventing over-discharge. For example, it includes an LED indicator and alarm that sounds at 15.5 volts; and, when the voltage drops below 15 volts for more than 60 seconds, it automatically shuts off the power. Plus, these batteries are incredibly easy to install. You don’t need any special tools, and there are no tricky mods needed to get your battery hooked up and ready for action.      

Charge Up the Fun

Upgrading your Power Wheels battery is a great way to make it faster, more exciting, and longer-lasting. The key is finding the right battery that fits with your child’s vehicle and meets their skill and comfort level. Whether you go with a classic SLA battery or a lithium option with advanced features like ML Toys’ soft start module, you’ll be amazed at the difference.

Ready to take the next step? Check out ML Toys for top-quality batteries, chargers, and upgrade kits. Our team is always available to help you find the perfect setup for your ride-on!