Children's Car Driving Experience

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If your child is under 10 years old, you can still entertain them with an electric car that gives them a realistic driving experience during playtime. Your child will enjoy driving around your driveway and mimicking your driving habits. Our buying guide contains the best electric toy cars, and they'll make a great gift for your child.

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Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, "wisdom of the crowd" assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

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Benefits of Electric Cars for Kids

No emissions. Electric cars are eco-friendly. They are fully propelled by electric engines, which, unlike combustion engines, don't emit toxic fumes. With these vehicles, your kids are contributing to a healthier environment.
Low maintenance cost. One of the major costs of car maintenance is fuel consumption. Electric car engines are independent of gasoline. This tremendously reduces the cost of maintenance.
Popularity. Electric cars are here to stay and are becoming more popular by the day. This has signified a huge need in the market that attracted more producers of electric cars for kids in the market. With more players in the market comes more innovative products, increasing your choices.
Safe to drive. The electric bikes for kids undergo the same stringent manufacturing and testing process as the electric cars for adults or the gasoline types. They are often equipped with security features, such as seat belts and limited speeds, to protect kids.
Noise pollution. Unlike gasoline engines, electric engines are quieter. As loud noise may cause hearing health issues to kids, electric cars are quite appropriate. With reduced noise comes with increased concentration, reducing accidents.

Types of Electric Cars for Kids

Sports Cars

Many kids' sports cars are licensed replicas of renowned sports cars. They have tastefully furnished interiors, with easy-to-use dashboards. The dashboards often have speed, reverse/forward, and start buttons. They may also have infotainment systems that have pre-recorded kids' music and stories. Also, depending on the model, some may use a tablet as a control panel. Kids' sports cars have expanded security features, such as a mechanism to control acceleration and deceleration, as well as Bluetooth-based parental controls.

Jeeps

Most kids' electric Jeep makers put a lot of effort in mimicking the adult Jeeps. They come complete with features such as rearview mirrors, taillight, and even wipers. They have tried to make them colorful and appealing for kids. With rugged tires, an electric Jeep can move around the yard or around pavements effortlessly. It is roomy enough to carry two toddlers and has enough cargo space for kids' luggage.

Trucks

Most electric trucks for kids are made of tough, long-lasting plastic materials. Kids can jump and play around without the risk of damaging them, unlike fragile sports cars. However, they have comfortable seats and adjustable seat belts for the comfort of the kid driver and the other occupants. They have automated motors that power the vehicle which enhancing the kid driving experience. With MP3 players, horns, and lights, a truck is a worthy choice as one of the best types of electric cars for your kid.

Top Brands

Peg Perego

This is a renowned Italian brand that has been in operation since 1949 in the USA. Other than the manufacturing of a variety of children's toys, it also makes kids' electric cars. One of its notable brands includes the Peg Perego John Deere Ground Force Tractor and Trailer.

Best Choice Products

The company, which is also known as Skybilliard Inc., was founded in 2002. It started off by selling pool tables before diversifying to other business lines, such as children's products. Its products include 6V Kids Ride On Truck and 12V Kids Police Car.

Power Wheels

The company dates back to 1984. It was born when Kransco, a toy company in San Francisco, acquired Pride of America, which used to manufacture battery-powered toys. Some of its products are the Power Wheels Jeep Wrangler and Power Wheels Dune Racer.

Electric Cars for Kids Pricing

Up to $100: Cars in this range have minimal features. They are rugged but lack interior padding, safety features, and entertainment systems that are standard in the upper price categories.
$100 to $250: In this middle-range, expect some safety and entertainment features.
$250 and up: This range of cars has extra features and comfort. They come with features such as forward and reverse mechanism, remote control operation, an MP3 player, AUX input, and USB port.

Key Features

Battery

The battery determines the running time of the electric cars, and some batteries take longer to charge than others. In the competitive electric car market, some manufacturers have resorted to installing low-cost batteries to lower the price. Moreover, the battery should have a high power to weight ratio. You want lighter batteries to avoid bogging down the car and reducing its performance.

Remote Control

Some children may be inexperienced in driving kids' electric cars. Therefore it could be challenging to operate the forward and reverse gears while minding other car controls. Such kids may need close monitoring. Ideally, an electric car should have a switch to alternating between manual operation and the remote commanding at the dashboards. With this functionality, parents are able to assist the new driver in safely controlling the car.

Rider Age

Most electric cars are made for a certain age and weight limit in mind. They are manufactured with this consideration for the appropriate enjoyment and safety of the kid. You may not want to buy an electric car that your child will surpass soon. Some sellers may be able to guide you as to the best electric car for your child's age.

Other Considerations

Safety Belts: Some electric car manufacturers incorporate features such as safety belts. They are especially valuable for new drivers. In case of a collision, seat belts prevent drivers from being ejected from the car. Notably, you should check if the seat belts have pretensioners that reduce slack and keep the occupants from lurching forward in a crash situation.
Entertainment System: For the maximum driving experience, your child may need an entertainment system. Some electric cars have incorporated MP3 functionality with a music and story player. Others have AUX and USB ports, which the child may use to play music directly from a phone while on the go. For safety and enjoyment when driving, the sound of the car is disabled when the music system is plugged in.
Key Start: Most electric cars for kids mimic real cars. Some manufacturers have therefore incorporated key start ignition to enhance the child's thrill of driving by having to start as a conventional car. The downside is that a child can easily lose the key. However, maintaining duplicate keys should be able to offset the stress in case one gets lost.

Best Electric Cars for Kids Reviews & Recommendations 2020

Best Overall

Peg Perego John Deere Ground Loader

Our top pick is Peg Perego John Deere Ground Loader—a small yet powerful vehicle that has a lot to offer and is suitable for children who are three to seven years old. The tractor speeds up to 4.5 miles per hour on high and 2.25 miles per hour at low speed. It also goes in reverse and has a lockout feature for young beginners. Overall, the vehicle is quite fast and fun to drive, and it's also safe for children.

The Peg Perego loader goes over all kinds of surfaces, including grass, dirt, gravel, and pavement. It features an accelerator pedal with automatic breaks and is built to last. The seat is wide, has flip-up armrests, and provides comfort on extended use. There's even a front loader that can scoop, lift, and carry items.

You might have a couple of issues with the assembly, though. The included instructions are not so helpful, and some of the parts are difficult to assemble. The holes on the steering wheel also might be challenging to line up and screw properly.

Best Value

Best Choice Products Kids Ride On Truck

If you're searching for an inexpensive alternative, you might want to take a look at this model from Best Choice Products. It's a stylish little vehicle that features realistic design and a lot of fun features. It's suitable for children who are between three and six years old and proves to be very entertaining.

The vehicle comes in smooth red and black colors, with LED headlights, a built-in horn, and an FM radio. There's also a parental remote control for maximum safety. The vehicle goes both forward and in reverse, has a parking function, and speed selection. It speeds up to 2.5 miles per hour and goes over different terrains. The battery recharges rather quickly for the ultimate driving experience. Also, you get to use an AUX outlet to connect your device and play your child's favorite tunes.

However, keep in mind that this is a smaller and slower car more suitable for toddlers. If you want something that can go at higher speeds and last longer, you'll have to look elsewhere. When it comes to the product itself, the only thing you could have an issue with is the remote control. It feels a little flimsy and requires careful handling.

Honorable Mention

Best Choice Products Kids Electric Lamborghini

This product is a great electric car for kids and is worthy of our honorable mention. It has an awesome design that includes swing-up doors like a real Lamborghini, which is appealing to kid riders.

With an AUX outlet, your children are fully entertained on their ride. This kids' electric Lamborghini has a top speed of 3.7 miles per hour. The speed is adjustable, which makes it possible to have younger kids ride it. Your kid can cruise around the yard while you watch, ready to assist with the remote control option. This car also has a built-in horn and LED light, which makes them visible to other people around them.

There are a couple of downsides. The remote control is of cheap quality and could easily break. Also, if overcharged, the battery may not hold a charge for too long.

Honorable Mention

Power Wheels Disney Jeep Wrangler

Disney Jeep Wrangler is one of those unique vehicles that never fails to amaze youngsters. It's designed according to Pixar Toy Story and suitable for children who are between three and seven years old. With such a realistically designed vehicle and so many accompanying accessories, your little ones will definitely have lots of fun.

The Jeep features two speeds and goes up to 5 mph in forward and 2.5 mph in reverse. It goes over all kinds of hard surfaces, including grass and gravel, allowing your children to drive freely. In case you're worried about your little one's safety, you'll be pleased with the power-lock brakes, parental controls, and a high-speed lockout.

When it comes to extras, the vehicle comes with a radio that emits phrases and sound effects. That allows children to have even more fun while driving the Jeep.

One of the main drawbacks of this product is the assembly. The vehicle comes in many parts, so be prepared to spend at least an hour putting them all together. Some buyers also complained about the vehicle is heavy. It might be a little challenging to transport and store it.

Honorable Mention

Best Choice Products Kids Ride On Truck

Here's another vehicle from Best Choice Products worthy of your attention. It's a ride-on truck available in several stylish colors and suitable for children between three and five years old. Although very compact, it's quite powerful and incredibly fun to drive.

The truck has a 12V motor and traction tires that go over different terrains with ease. Your little one will be able to drive freely and effortlessly. There are also adjustable seats, LED headlights, lockable doors, and a grid windshield. All these features and accessories make the vehicle realistic and more appealing.

You can let your child drive the vehicle manually or use a parental remote control to supervise the rides. The vehicle goes up to 2.8 miles per hour and features sturdy plastic wheels for more durability. It goes both forward and in reverse and allows you to play your own music through the built-in AUX outlet.

You might have issues with charging the vehicle, though. The battery is not very durable and takes quite some time to charge completely. Also, the included remote control is not very powerful. You'll have to stand right next to the vehicle or it won't work at all.

Honorable Mention

Costzon Ride On Truck

Costozon offers a stylish ride-on truck that proves to be ideal for children who are between three and seven years old. It's chic, safe, and fast enough to be entertaining. With a lot of extra features built in the vehicle, your child will have fun for many hours.

The vehicle goes up to 3.7 miles per hour and goes forward and in reverse. It comes with parental remote control and rugged construction for more safety and durability. The wheels are wear-resistant and made of sturdy materials that can withstand rides over different terrains. The soft-start function allows for smoother rides, and the wide seat ensures more comfort.

When it comes to the fun features, there's an MP3 player, an AUX outlet, a USB port, and a TF card slot. All of these allow you to connect your own devices to the vehicle and provide your child with an even more enjoyable experience.

The main drawback of this product regards the included instructions. They are vague and difficult to understand, so the assembly might take quite some time. Also, a lot of buyers didn't like the built-in radio. They complained about the weird sounds and songs coming through.

Honorable Mention

Goplus Kids Ride on Car

The Goplus ride-on car is a fashionable little vehicle that comes in vibrant red. It's ideal for children over the age of three and proves to be a lot of fun. With a simple yet realistic design, it's able to entertain little ones for hours.

The best thing about this particular model is a user-friendly interface. Children can easily figure out how to operate it, and there's even a power button for an easy start. The seats are quite wide and comfortable, and the pedal is easy to control. There's also an MP3 player for more enjoyable rides and an AUX jack you can use to connect your own device.

The vehicle also comes with parental remote control for more safety. It's rather easy to assemble and comes with clear instructions.

However, one of the things to keep in mind with this car is the fact that it's not very powerful. Younger children will love it, but it's not fast enough for older ones. The wheels are also not suitable for soft materials such as grass or mulch. Therefore, if you're looking for a vehicle your little one can drive in the backyard, you might want to check out some other options.

Honorable Mention

Moderno Kids Kiddie Roadster

The Moderno Kids electric car has a top speed of 4 miles per hour and offers two different speeds. It's suitable for younger children between one and three years old and provides an enjoyable driving experience. With a soft-start and electric brake system, it's also perfectly safe for the little ones.

The vehicle comes in several stylish colors, so you get to pick the one that suits your child best. It has LED lights, an MP3 player, an AUX port, and an SD card slot. The package also includes a parental remote control for more safety.

With all these features, the car proves to be a lot of fun but also safe and enjoyable to drive. The leather seats are soft and comfortable and the wheels are sturdy enough to go over different terrains. Overall, the vehicle proves to be of excellent quality and it will last for a while.

There are, however, a couple of things to keep in mind with this product. The first one regards the seat. You'll probably have to replace the screw underneath the seat with a longer one, as the built-in screw is short and causes wobbling. The battery life is also not very impressive, so you might want to get a back-up battery for extended use.

Tips

Ensure that your child always wears a helmet when playing on a kids' electric car. Monitor their play time carefully so that they don't wander onto a busy road.
Always use a remote control for children under 5 years old who may not know how to control their speed.
Do not leave the electric car sitting in the rain. The battery and electrical system may get damaged.
The best surface for riding an electric toy car is smooth asphalt. Most of these cars have plastic wheels and tires that can't handle serious off-roading.
Keep the car away from open water and muddy surfaces. Wipe it down when you want to clean it; do not hose spray it.

FAQs

Q: Can I enhance the speed of the electric car?

A: Most manufacturers don't recommend changing out the motor unless it's professionally done. Enhancing the speed of a toy car may drain the battery and can be unsafe for the child. You can expect a car with a 24-volt motor to run at a maximum speed of 6 miles per hour. If that won't work for you, you can buy a high-end model with a maximum speed of over 10mph.

Q: Is it possible to extend the battery life?

A: Yes; you only have to lower the speed at which the car is driven. Maintain the speed at about 2.5 miles per hour to get the most out of the battery. Topping off the battery when it's not fully drained will significantly shorten its life. Only charge it if you have to. You can also buy an extra battery and swap them out when one needs to be recharged.

Q: Are kids electric cars safe?

A: Yes, they are. Most are limited to maximum speeds of around 4 miles per hour, and it's therefore hard to get into a serious crash. Most are also able to be operated by remote control, so you can control your kid's movements as they ride.

Final Thoughts

Our top pick is the Peg Perego John Deere Ground Loader. It's fast, fun, and can go over various types of terrain.

For a reasonably priced option, consider the Best Choice Products Kids Ride On Truck .

Children's Car Driving Experience

Benefits of Electric Cars for Kids