Gift Guide: Best Ride-On Electric Cars for Kids
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This article was updated in December 2023 with new products and information.
Since vehicles have been hitting the streets, they've captured the hearts of kids worldwide. However, the driver's license requirement is quite the obstacle, along with that so-far-away 16th birthday. Luckily for them, the next best thing is available: ride-on electric vehicles.
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.
Looking for more great gift ideas? Check out our Gift Guide for Car Lovers, Gifts for Jeep Lovers, Awesome Car Accessories for Under $35.
There are plenty of different ride-on electric vehicles to choose from—ranging from John Deere tractors to Lamborghini supercars. Thankfully, the tech here has advanced to the point where an hour or more of fun can be had before your mini set of wheels needs a recharge. Whether you have one or multiple junior revvers to entertain, these toys are designed for both solo play and side-by-side fun. Many offer remote controls for parents, giving adults the power to make sure their little 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 not-so-open road, here's what to look for in a kids 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 seatbelts.
Types of Ride-On Electric Cars
Kids ride-ons come in four main types: Side-by-side (SxS) cars have two parallel seats. ATV ride-ons have the rider straddling a center seat with a foot on either side. UTVs 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 come with a full-fledged video-game-style remote control. Is this really necessary for low-speed electric cars? It depends on your child's needs—and what you're comfortable with. As with the adult-size 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, and horns.
All Wheel Drive Ride-on Buggy
From 0ne of the most respected names in ride-on electric vehicles for kids comes this spectacular dune buggy with all-wheel drive. With its robust 24 volt 9AH battery and four driving motors (55W), your child will easily blast through various terrain, conquering concrete, grass, and dirt with ease. Independent suspension, rubber tires, comfortable seats, and steel and carbon fiber bodywork and chassis components make this one of the best-quality electrics on the market. It comes in multiple colors.
Ryder offers a full line of kids' electric ride-ons. They're not cheap by any stretch, but if you're looking for a top-of-the-line ride-on vehicle for your kid, this US-owned company makes some of the best on the market.
Ride-On Jeep
This replica Jeep sports LED headlights, lockable doors, a grid windshield, and "off-road" tires. It includes a parent remote, spring suspension, and a safe max speed of just 2.8 mph. Keep an eye on that 61-pound weight limit.
New for 2024: It now comes in nine color options including black, blue, green, red, tan, purple, green, grey, and white.
Pink Ride-On Land Rover
Also available in black, white, or red, this adorable Land Rover Discovery SUV is pretty in pink and perfect for little ones who want to own the road—er, sidewalk. It features two-wheel suspension, a parent remote, and can cruise at either a low speed of 1.8 mph or a max speed of 3.7 mph. It also sports working LED headlights, a horn, startup sounds, and an AUX input so your little one can cruise in style. Best of all, it's got side-by-side seats for playdate fun.
It's designed for ages three and up and is roomier than most others; some reviewers say their six- and eight-year-olds still fit in it.
Ride-On Lamborghini Aventador
There's not a junior auto enthusiast on the planet who hasn't marveled at the sleek lines and scissor doors of a Lambo. This officially licensed Aventador sports LED headlights, horn and engine sounds, a working suspension, water-resistant wheels, and hydraulic-powered doors that really swing open. Older kids can operate it independently using the steering wheel and pedal; for younger kids, parents can use the remote control to steer the toy.
Powered by two 25-watt motors and 12-volt rechargeable batteries, kids can enjoy up to two hours of ride time, with speeds up to 2.2 mph.
Ride-On Mercedes-Benz
This officially licensed G63 comes with tons of authentic touches, including exhaust pipes, body-detail decals, and opening doors that lock from the outside for safety. The seatbelt and soft-start design prevent kids from being startled by sudden acceleration. The spring suspension ensures smooth rides.
We really like that the side window piece can be removed as kids grow, extending the usable life of the toy.
Ride-On Bentley
This beautiful Bentley comes in red, black, and green, as well as white. It features working LED headlights, functional scissor doors, a high/low speed switch, and realistic engine noises.
Like all the best electric cars for kids, it also sports a remote control for parents to keep their little racer from driving away. With a top speed of about 3 mph, it offers a full hour of playtime, depending on speed and terrain. Recommended for kids three to six years of age, it has a weight capacity of 66 pounds.
Ride-On Chevy Silverado
This is an officially licensed Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss LT ride-on pickup truck. It features LED lights, startup sounds, and openable doors, with forward/reverse gears and Bluetooth connectivity. The maximum weight capacity is 66 pounds, suitable for ages 37-72 months.
Ride-On Fire Truck
Featuring sirens, speakers, and flashing police lights, this Fire Chief SUV gives children the most realistic experience of driving a fire truck. It's designed for kids aged 3-6 years with a maximum weight capacity of 67 pounds.
Ride-On Tractor with Trailer & Front Loader
This 24V tractor is equipped with both a front loader and a detachable trailer. Kids can easily operate the front loader, making scoops, lifts, carries, and dumps from the driver's seat (which includes a seat belt). The powerful dual motor (with metal gears) feature high/low speeds plus reverse, up to 5 mph. Max weight limit is 65 pounds.
Ride-On Chopper Motorcycle
Little bikers will love this chopper-style "motorcycle" (that's really a trike, so it won't fall over). It features a working, adjustable LED headlight, pedal operation, forward/reverse, and more. The only things missing are a black t-shirt and a goatee. Designed for kids 3 years and up, with a weight limit of 66 pounds.
Ride-On Police Car
For chasing pesky bank robbers around the backyard, this ride-on police SUV is a great option. Complete with lights, sirens, a spring-loaded suspension system, and a push-to-talk radio speaker, it's got just about everything a budding police officer needs.
Ride-on Electric UTV
This electric UTV for toddlers has realistic look, with working headlights, illuminated dashboard gauges, extra-wide tires, seat belts, lockable doors, and suspension. Operates at speeds from speed between 1.8-3.25 miles per hour.
Caterpillar Ride-On ATV
Aspiring construction workers will love this sporty set of wheels that's a perfect compromise between fun, style, and safety. It goes in forward and reverse at 2.5 MPH and features working headlights, a horn, and realistic engine sounds. Designed for one rider between 3 and 5 years old, with a maximum weight limit of 60 pounds.
Ride-On ATV
Adventurous kids will love this ride-on ATV. LED headlights, a kid-friendly wide seat, and a working horn create a fun and realistic ATV experience. Slow-start technology and enhanced braking make for a safe and comfortable ride.
Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port let your kid crank the tunes that drive their adventures.
Ride-On Tractor
Ever see a kids toy and wish you would've had one when you were that age? That's the way this mini John Deere has us feeling. This thing is remarkable! It's got two speeds—2.25 and 4.5 mph—plus reverse. (High speed can be disabled for beginners.) It operates via an accelerator pedal and has farm-like tractor wheels for traction on grass, dirt, gravel, or pavement. It also has a cool stake-side trailer and (get this!) a working FM radio.
All that's supercool, but as parents, we love the fact that it recharges in just two hours (claimed).
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