Looking for advice on what kind of ride-on car to get for your kids? You’ve come to the right place!
Car-inspired toys for kids are fast-paced, thrilling, and perfect for kids with a taste for adventure. Plus, they help kids develop their mental, physical, and emotional skills. It’s no wonder they’ve become increasingly popular in Australia in recent years.
But with so many options out there, how do you know what suits your family best?
We’ll cover the basics of the top three most popular power levels for kids’ electric toy cars, so you know what to look for based on what your kids love most.
Why is it So Important To Get The Power Level Right?
Because you need a balance between fun and safety! Power levels define the voltage of a ride-on car: a higher voltage means the battery system can process electricity more efficiently, so the car can be faster and more powerful.
More powerful ride-on cars are harder to control, but they reach higher speeds, and can add a sense of challenge and adventure to playtime.
Less powerful models are slower, easier to control, and easier to take over if something goes wrong. However, some kids won’t find them as exciting, as they’re missing out on some of that speed or the feeling of wind on their face.
If you’re not sure where the balance is for your kids, read on.
How Do I Decide Which Power Level To Get For My Kids’ New Toy?
That depends. Think about how your kids prefer to play, and how old they are. Different models are designed for different ages and play styles. When you're picking out a toy for your kids, you should think about:
-
Age and maturity: Older kids tend to understand safety rules, react quickly, control the steering and brakes, and respond to changing situations than their younger siblings. The more experienced your kid is, the more you can trust them with a more powerful model.
-
Personality: Adventurous kids are more likely to enjoy a fast-paced toy than shy kids, who might want something slower and steadier. Equally, make sure you know you can trust them to be careful!
-
Size and weight: Larger, more powerful vehicles can safely accommodate heavier, bigger (and usually older) kids, helping keep them safe and keep the toy balanced throughout playtime.
Getting the balance right is worth it: there’s nothing more rewarding than watching your kid tear around the garden to their heart’s content.
And play is important for any child’s development: according to The Conversation, play can help kids learn, process emotions, share with others, and make plans effectively.
12V Ride-On Cars
12V models are the smallest and slowest of the three options, making them safer and easier for younger children (3 to 6-year-olds). They have a top speed of up to 7km/h, allowing parents to keep an eye on their kids and step in if things go wrong.
They typically come with a few standard safety features, including safety belts or restraints. Some designs even have a ‘slow start’ feature so kids don’t shoot off into the distance without warning.
24V Ride-On Cars
24V ride-on cars are usually more efficient than their 12V counterparts, as they can deliver the same amount of power with a lower current, reducing the amount of energy lost through heat. They're bigger, faster, and more powerful, and can handle more powerful motors.
They also come with more safety and entertainment features to keep your kids safe and entertained for longer.
Some models use a 24V battery, and others use two 12V batteries in series. They're best for kids aged between 3 and 9, though you should always make sure your kids can reach the controls properly (as 24V cars tend to be bigger than 12V models).
48V Ride-On Cars
These cars are much faster, with a maximum speed of up to 28km/h. But that speed comes with a much higher age limit: they're typically designed for preteens and teenagers. That additional power often comes with an additional cost, but 48V models are bigger, stronger, and often have a longer battery life.
48V vehicles for kids aren't suitable for very young children, as they're harder to control.
Which Is Best For Your Kids?
So which power level suits your kids best?
12V vs 24V ride-on toys
If your kids are younger or have less experience with ride-on cars, a 12V model might be the way to go. It's also more affordable: ideal if you’re looking for a new toy on a budget.
12V cars for kids are also the slowest, and usually have the fewest additional features, so some kids might find them boring. If your kids are older or prefer to have several entertainment features in their toys, a more powerful toy might suit them better.
24V ride-on toys are faster, but they’re also more cost-effective. They offer a balance between price and power, and come with several safety features. 24V battery systems are more efficient than 12V systems, but they can take longer to charge (8 hours instead of 6).
24V vs 48V models
If you’re looking for something more powerful, consider a 24V or 48V toy instead.
48V battery systems are even more efficient, allowing these models to be much faster. They’re the perfect choice for preteens or experienced kids. They often come with remote parental controls, giving you the power to take over if things go wrong.
They also have a much longer battery life, so your kids can play for longer.
High-Quality Ride-On Cars from MC Wholesalers
Looking for the perfect gift for your kids? Get them a thrilling new toy from MC Wholesalers!
Whether you’re considering getting a 12V or 24V car for your kids, or even a 48V toy for a preteen or teenager, you’ll find what you’re looking for in our extensive collection. We sell a huge variety of toys for kids, from ride-on go-karts to luxury branded options like Lamborghini cars for kids.
Browse our range of ride-on vehicles today!