Battery powered ride-on vehicles are an exhilarating toy that give a realistic edge to your child’s play.

The whirring of the electric motor will make them feel that they are behind the wheel of a proper vehicle, whilst you can be confident that speed is controlled to ensure safety.

Electric Ride On Car Features

Depending on vehicle type, battery powered vehicles are typically operated via accelerator pedals or twist-to-go throttles on the handlebars just like the real thing.  Most will have a front and reverse gear, with higher powered cars often including two speed controls.

Battery powered vehicles generally come in three power variations; 6V cars have a top speed of 3mph which is roughly walking pace; 12V cars have a top speed of 5mph which is a slow jogging pace; with 24v cars achieving speeds of 15mph which is roughly the average speed of an adult cycling.

Battery life can be between half an hour to two hours, depending entirely on the size of the motor (like normal engines higher powered vehicles use energy more quickly), the type of terrain being covered and the weight of both the child and the vehicle.  All vehicles are rechargeable, with most having external recharging points for ease of use.

Electric cars use strongly geared electric motors that act as brakes to ensure that once the accelerator is released the vehicle comes quickly and safely to a stop without skidding. Other safety features to look out for include safety belts and adjustable seating.

Most have large chunky tyres that mean that they can handle rougher ground. The 6V cars will run best on harder surfaces such as tarmac or concrete, with the extra torque offered by the 12V and 24V vehicles making them more capable on rougher terrain. However, these are not sophisticated all-terrain-vehicles so should not be used for significant off-road purposes.

The vehicles can come with a variety of additional features such as lights, mirrors and horns depending on specification.

Which Electric Ride On Car to Choose

When choosing your battery powered vehicle first consider the child or children you are buying it for.  We recommend that these vehicles be used from ages 3 years upwards as they will have the coordination and judgement to ensure they are able to safely operate the vehicle.  

Higher powered 24V versions are recommended for slightly older children who are more capable of operating them safely – remember, a 24V vehicle can reach speeds of up to 15mph, which requires a greater level of judgement and control.

Additional features such as lights and horns are at your discretion, but remember their use will reduce the battery life.

Electric Ride On Car Safety

If safety belts are a feature of the vehicle then it is highly recommended that they are worn.

On the faster vehicles we recommend that safety helmets be worn, along with long sleeve tops and trousers to protect against grazing in case of an accident.

Batteries can contain dangerous or corrosive chemicals and should not be tampered with.  Connecting the electric scooter to mains electricity for charging purposes should be supervised by an adult.

These vehicles can be used “on” and “off” road; however they are just toys and should not be used to attempt more difficult off-road terrain.  We also recommend that the vehicles do not attempt slopes either vertically or horizontally of greater than a 10% (or 1 in 10) gradient.

It is illegal and irresponsible to allow the operation of these vehicles on public roads.

All use of battery powered ride on vehicles should be supervised by an adult at all times.