Kids electric ride-on car: Buying guide and instructions on how to use the various features.
A kids electric car needs to be assembled by an adult after going through the use manual. Its a good idea to go through the complete user manual at least one, the important things to know are – how to connect the battery, how to use the various features and the safety precautions.
Cars for Kids: Guide
Toy electric cars allow children to experience the fun of driving, but at a safe and controlled speed. These electric cars are designed for easy operation, just press the pedal and the vehicle will move forward and the car stops when the pedal is released. Kids love going around with parents in their car, and wish to have a toy that they can ride, just like dad/mom drive their car. Ride on cars are perfect for preschoolers, toddlers and older children, and lets them emulate their parents.
Most of these cars are designed to look like real vehicles while few others have a more whimsical touch. Additional features include lights and sounds. Some cars are even big enough for a passenger so two kids can ride together. There are many electric cars for kids available for you to choose from.
Kids can get behind the wheel of the classic Little Tikes Cozy Coupe Car, or rev their engine in one of our cool electric ride ons. Choose from a range of activity-packed ride on toys inspired by favorite characters. Besides cars, there are also quads and electric bikes to choose from.
Depending on the size of the car, the child may either sit on the top of the body of the car with the legs on either side, or if it is a bigger model, the child can actually sit inside the cabin (similar to a full size car).
These toy cars usually run on six- or 12-volt batteries. Check to see if the batteries are rechargeable and if a charger is included for added convenience.
Ride on Cars are attractive with colorful styling, and these cars are not just for boys, even girls have fun playing with ride on cars. These also help develop motor skills and dexterity in kids.
Popular brands of ride on cars include Fisher Price, Little Tikes, Smoby. Some of the most popular ride on cars are actually scaled down versions of popular sports cars such as Ferraris, Porsches and BMWs, and are just as desirable as their full size counterparts.
These ride-on toys require some assembling, so make sure an adult is around when the package is opened, to help with the assembling. Also, make sure, there are adequate number of batteries (in case the car needs batteries) or its fully charged before so that the child can give it a test ride.
As with any kids (that move), its better to supervise the children when they are using these toys. No amount of safety testing can predict how a three year old may use a ride on car, so its better to keep an eye on them.
Kids ride on cars make for fantastic gifts, be it Christmas or birthday presents; these come in a wide range of styles, sizes and prices.
Kids Electric Cars for Various Age Groups
- Age 0-2: Moves at speeds of around 2mph, supportive seats help avoid topples.
- Age 3-5: You have plenty of options to choose from in this age group. 6 volt car can touch speeds upto 2mph, 12 volt cars may touch 3.5mph, and 24 volt cars can travel up to 6mph. Some models also come with foot-pedal based operation. Cars for this age group look more car-like.
- Age 5-8: For this age range 12 to 24 volts is recommended. Cars for this age range can be used outdoor as well. These feature double motor systems and multiple gears, including reverse.
- Age 8+: For this age group, in addition to electric cars, yu may also conside Go-karts for kids.
Parental remote controls are available for almost all the kids electric cars.
What Comes With the Car
Here’s what you usually get when you purchase a kids electric car:
- Car (body), Steering wheel, Seat, 4 x wheel
- Battery, Charger, Remote control, User Manual
- Assembly pack (the necessary springs, bushings, screws)
About the Batteries
These cars run on Batteries. Make sure the batteries are connected properly before using the car for the first time (Check user manual on how to connect the battery).
The batteries are rechargeable (advisable that an adult does it).
Its recommended that you use the rechargeable battery and charger supplied with your vehicle. Its not a good idea to substitute the battery or the charger with another brand.
Recharge the battery after every use, and in case you don’t use the car often, charge the battery at least once a month.
Here’s a video that shows how to charge the battery of an kids electric car.
Replacing the Motor and the Battery
Most ride-on toys come with batteries, which you can replace; you can upgrade the batteries to make them a bit faster.
Here’s how to replace the motor and the battery.
- To access the motor, flip the ride-on car upside down to reveal the motor. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws and to remove the motor.
- You can choose from a wide range of motors, make sure you buy one that is the right size for your toy car.
- Place the new motor in the correct position and tighten the screws to secure the motor in place.
- Re-attach the wires to the motor. Carefully connect the negative and positive terminal to their respective ports (negative to negative and positive to positive).
- Once the wires are connected, insulate them using an electric tape.
- Use the appropriate battery (6V, 12V, etc).
- Test your ride-on car; the speed should increase a bit with the new battery installed.
Using the Electric Car
- Comes with a Power Button: Push IN to turn on. Push in again to turn OFF.
- Use the Steering wheel to steer the vehicle in the direction you want to move.
- All the required controls (forward, behind, etc) are located on the dashboard.
- Some cars may come with a Lever that you need to use to change the direction of the car (forward or reverse). Moving the lever forward takes the car forward, taking the lever backwards takes the car backward. To avoid damaging the motors and gears, avoid shifting the lever (do not do it frequently) when the car is moving.
- Press the pedal to drive; release it to stop the car. The cars usually do not come with brakes.
- Most kids cars come with Headlights, Sound Effects and other features. controls for these are located on the dashboard. When batteries are low, these effects may not work. For example, the music may sound muted or low in volume.
- Remote Control: Parents can control the car (if the child is trying to go very fast). The remote control also requires batteries. In order to use the remote control, you will need to pair it with the car (read instructions in the user manual on how to do it).
Watch: BMW i8 Kids Electric Toy Car Assembly & Testing
Safety
Its recommended that you keep an eye on the child when they are driving these ride on cars. Children under three years old should ideally not be using these electric vehicles.
Avoid taking the car out on the road or near drop-offs such as: steps, water (swimming pools), sloped surfaces, hills, wet areas, flammable vapors, in alleys, at night or in the dark could result in an accident. Its best to use these at home or in the garden.
These come come with seat belts; teach your child how to use them.
When the car is in motion, make sure the child (or any other child) does not touch the wheels or are near the wheels. Also make sure the child’s clothing or hair does not get caught in moving parts of the vehicle. Its also recommended that kids wear shoes when using the vehicle.
Electric cars for kids work best on flat surfaces, and are not-suited in loose dirt, mud, sand, gravel.
Maintenance
Once in a while you may have to lubricate the wheels.
Do now wash the car with soap and water.
Its also not a good idea to fiddle with the circuit or add/remove any electrical part/s.
Closing Thoughts
As you can see, its important to buy an electric car for your child that matches with your child’s interest and abilities, and also his/her age. You don’t want a very slow car for a slightly grownup kid, else s/he is likely to get bored. Its also a good idea to choose one that comes with parental control, lets you override the speed at which the child drives the car. This guide explores the various options available to you, and provides you with all the information you need in order to make an informed choice.
Funtoyworld is a family-managed website with me (Ben), and my wife doing most of the work. We are proud parents of two wonderful kids and love reviewing toys. We have a firm but friendly “democratic parenting” style and offer several practical suggestions backed by extensive research. Our own experience with raising two children prompted us to share our knowledge. Read more.
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