Elena MatoranoCar and Driver
Driven electric cars are all the rage among kids these days. But it’s not just cars! Trucks, motorbikes, 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, take a look at the best electric cars for kids, as voted for by the experts in your favorite automotive magazine.
Our Top Picks
From Lambos to Land Rovers, dirt bikes to John Deere tractors, battery technology has advanced to the point where most rideable replica car can run for an hour or so, providing a lot of fun for small laps. And with that advanced technology comes a price point that is much more affordable than it was a few years ago. Some only offer solo play, while others allow side-by-side fun. Many offer remote control for parents, giving adults the power to make sure little Johnny Speedster doesn’t plow quickly into the sandbox. Everything was so much fun.
What to Look for in a Ride-On
If your child is ready to be taken out into the open, this is it what are you looking for in children’s electric cars:
Speed and Age Limits: Rideable electric cars come in all shapes and sizes. While it is tempting to get something that a child can grow up to, there is a safety risk involved with choosing one that is too big or strong for your child to control easily. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for age and weight. Some cars offer dual speed, parental remote control, and seat belts.
Types of Electric Ride-On Cars: Kids rides are available in four main types: Side by side The car, or SxS, has two parallel seats. ATV ride-ons have the rider straddling the middle seat with the legs on either side. UTV is a single seat variant, upright seating side by side. Motorcycle is what you would expect; Toddler-oriented motorcycles usually have training wheels to keep the engine upright.
Battery and Power: Most of these vehicles are powered by six or 12 volt rechargeable batteries that require some skill and tools to replace if they fail. The length of time they will run on a single charge varies greatly, and, over time, they will all lose power.
Extra Features to Look for: Some of these rides offer parental speed control. Some offer full remote control features, using a video-game style remote. Is this really necessary for low-speed electric cars? It depends on your child’s needs—and, more clearly, yours. Like the adult-sized cars they imitate, today’s vehicles tend to have modern features like Bluetooth, USB, or an AUX port for playing music. Others have flashing lights, working doors, seat belts, or horns.
