Gift Guide: The Best Ride-On Electric Cars for Kids
Elena MatoranoCar and Driver
Ride-on electric cars are all the rage among kids these days. But it’s not just cars! Trucks, motorcycles, tractors, quads—you name it, there’s a ride-on electric toy for every little one. If you’re looking for a gift for the little car-lover in your life, check out the best ride-on electric cars for kids, as chosen by the experts at your favorite automotive magazine.
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From Lambos to Land Rovers, dirt bikes to John Deere tractors, battery tech has advanced to the point where most ride-on replica cars can run for an hour or more, providing tons of fun for little revvers. And with that advanced technology comes a price point that’s far more amenable than it was just a few years ago. Some offer only solo play, while others allow for side-by-side fun. Many offer remote controls for parents, giving adults the power to make sure little Johnny Speedster doesn’t plow headlong into a sandbox. All are great fun.
What to Look For in a Ride-On
If your kid is ready to take to the open road, here’s what to look for in a kid’s electric car:
Speed and Age Limit: Ride-on electric cars come in all shapes and sizes. While it can be tempting to get something a child can grow into, there are safety risks involved with choosing one that’s too large or powerful for your child to control easily. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for age and weight. Some cars offer multiple speeds, parental remote controls, and seat belts.
Types of Ride-On Electric Cars: Kids’ ride-ons come in four main types: Side-by-side cars, or SxS, have two parallel seats. ATV ride-ons have the rider straddling a center seat with a foot on either side. UTV are single-seat, upright-seating variants of side-by-sides. Motorcycles are what you’d expect; toddler-oriented motorcycles usually have training wheels to keep the machine upright.
Batteries and Power: The majority of these vehicles are powered by rechargeable six- or 12-volt batteries that require some skill and tools to replace if they fail. The length of time they will run on a single charge varies widely, and, over time, all of them will lose some power.
Extra Features to Look For: Some of these ride-ons offer parental control of speed. A few offer a full-fledged remote control feature, using a video-game-style remote. Is this really necessary for low-speed electric cars? It depends on your child’s needs—and, more forthrightly, your needs. As with the adult-sized cars they emulate, today’s ride-ons are increasingly likely to have modern features like Bluetooth, USB, or AUX ports to play music. Others have flashing lights, working doors, seatbelts, or horns.
