Upgrade your ride-on toys!
Upgrade your ride-on toys!
January 22, 2025 5 min read
Your kid’s ready for their first Power Wheels…. Exciting times! There’s so much to like about these scaled-down cars, trucks, and ATVs, whether they’re encouraging children to explore the outdoors, building motor skills, or letting little imaginations run wild as real-life race car drivers, police officers, construction workers, or adventurers.
But don’t reach for the credit card just yet–there are still a few things to consider before buying a ride-on vehicle. It’s not just about picking the coolest looking car, or a miniature version of mom or dad’s dream machine. This could very well become your child’s favorite toy for the next several years, so it’s worth choosing one that’s ideal for their age, abilities, and interests.
Ride-on vehicles come in a variety of models, each with their own unique features and capabilities. Take thePower Wheels C7 Corvette–a sleek single-seater that’s built for speed on smooth, flat surfaces. Then there’s the versatilePower Wheels Jeep Wrangler, which comes with durable tires that perform equally well on grass and asphalt. Or, you could opt for something like thePower Wheels Dune Racer orBaja Trailster, both of which seat two and are designed for off-road adventures on grass, gravel, or dirt.
Today’s ride-ons are packed with features to ramp up the fun, from working headlights and realistic engine sounds to illuminated dashboards and Bluetooth connectivity. With so many options, it really comes down to what your child will enjoy the most.
All ride-ons have age recommendations, too, that help you select a vehicle to match where your child is at developmentally. Just like you wouldn’t hand the keys to a Lamborghini Huracán STO to a beginner driver, you wouldn’t want your 3-year-old behind the wheel of a ride-on meant for older kids. You’ll also want to pay attention to weight limits, since overloading it can strain the motor and shorten the car’s lifespan. The key here is to choose a vehicle that fits your kid’s current size while leaving some room for growth.
In addition to providing youngsters with endless entertainment, ride-ons can be a blast for parents to modify. If you’re open to getting your hands a little dirty, look for models that are easy to customize and upgrade. Most kids love adding personal touches to their rides (and resources likeML Toys make it easy to add speed, power, and style). Oh, and don’t forget about storage–you’ll need a place to keep the vehicle so it’s safe and out of the way.
At this point you may be wondering, “How much does a ride-on vehicle cost?” The short answer is it varies, depending on the brand and model you choose. In terms of manufacturers, some of the best and most durable vehicles are made by Power Wheels, Peg Perego, Kid Trax, and Dynacraft. The less expensive models typically retail for around $150, while some of the pricier ones can run in the $500 to $600 range (or more). For reference, a popular model like the Jeep Wrangler retails for around $300.
In addition to the vehicle’s base price, you’ll also want to account for future expenses. These include things like replacement parts, maintenance, and any modifications you may decide to make. For example, batteries, chargers, and tires will eventually need to be replaced. And you’ll have to do some regular maintenance–checking the battery, making sure parts aren’t wearing out, etc.–to keep your child’s vehicle in good working order. Plus, if you plan on upgrading the vehicle’s looks, performance, or safety, that can add to the overall cost as well.
When it comes to speed, most ride-ons start out pretty mild, topping out at around 2 to 5 mph. This is usually plenty for younger children; older kids, however, might want more, and that’s where upgraded motors and batteries come into play (more on that shortly). The idea here is to match the vehicle’s speed to your kid’s age and skill level.
The vehicle’s battery also factors into its speed and runtime. Ride-ons usually come with 6V, 12V, or 24V batteries, which generally take between 8 to 10 hours to charge. A fully charged Power Wheels battery should last between 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the volts (higher voltage typically means more runtime), how much weight the car’s carrying, and the type of surface it’s riding on. For example, a 12V vehicle that runs for an hour on flat, dry asphalt may get closer to 45 minutes on grass or dirt.
Upgrading your kid’s ride-on can really level up the fun factor! Installing a higher-voltage battery–for example, converting a12V vehicle to 18V, or going from12V to 24V–is a great way to increase performance. Just keep in mind that you may also need to make some other modifications so the vehicle can handle all that extra power.
High-performance motors can deliver more torque and speed as well. But you’ll have to pair them with sturdier components, like steel gears, so they don’t wear out too quickly (since plastic gears have a hard time keeping up with the added power). When their kids are ready for a boost, a lot of parents like ourElectronic Speed Control kit, too, which allows you to upgrade the speed in any brand of ride-on car.
Tires are another popular modification. Upgrading to rubber tires or adding special traction bands can significantly improve the vehicle’s grip and handling, especially if it’s running on slick or uneven surfaces. Stock tires are fine in some situations, but they often wear out faster and don’t always provide the best traction.
Kids love personalizing their ride-ons, and there’s no shortage of accessories to make them really stand out. Fromcustom lighting tohood air scoops,stickers, and more, the options and combinations to transform these vehicles are almost endless.
Safety should always be top of mind, and most Power Wheels vehicles come with seatbelts or harnesses to keep kids firmly in place. But if a model you like doesn’t have one, don’t worry–you can usually get them retrofitted. To help minimize the risk of injuries, encourage young riders to wear helmets, too, along with elbow and knee pads. Most importantly, you want playtime to be safe and fun. This means supervising your kid whenever they’re in the driver’s seat, especially if their vehicle has been modified for higher speeds. And make sure they have safe riding areas that are far away from traffic, swimming pools, and other potential dangers.
If you want the ability to take control of your kid’s ride-on, many models can be connected to remote controls that adjust the speed, help with steering, or stop the car altogether in an emergency; a cutoff switch that shuts off the car’s power can be added as well. A number of vehicles also have speed limiters that let parents set a maximum speed based on their child’s skill level. These and other safety features are designed to give you peace of mind while your little one enjoys their favorite ride.
Buying a Power Wheels or similar vehicle for your kid is an investment in fun, adventure, and parent-child bonding. To get the most out of it, choose a car (or truck, ATV, tractor, etc.) that matches their age, size, and abilities. Think about the surfaces they’ll be riding on as well, and whether they’d be happier with a one- or two-seater. And don’t forget about upgrades–there are so many different modifications available, the only limitation is your child’s imagination! If you have any questions along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our experts are always available to help you find the perfect ride.