The 5 Best Electric Cars for Kids: Reviews and Complete Buying Guide

Children always want to do whatever the adults are doing. Sometimes this is beneficial when it is chores like sweeping or doing the dishes, but kids also want the excitement of being an adult. One of their favorite activities is driving, or at least pretending to. To entertain you kids and help them develop fine motor skills, you can now purchase realistic toy electric cars for kids.

These cars can cruise through the grass or on the driveway with ease. They have been a popular toy since the 1980s, and are a great way for younger children to have safe but exciting fun. To help you find the best electric car for your kids, we’ve identified some of the best models and included a buying guide so you know what features to look for. Any one of these options would be a great way to spend the afternoon with your kids.

1. Power Wheels Dune Racer

The Power Wheels Dune Racer is a sleek, attractive model designed to seat two older children. The maximum weight capacity is 135 lbs., and the car is able to hold children as tall as 5’4 comfortably. It is available in multiple colors with the official lizard green being the most popular. This Power Wheels is designed to look like a traditional dune racer complete with bars along the sides for extra protection.

The wheels on this model are made of durable plastic that can withstand bumps and scrapes. The interior features a 12 volt battery with 18 hours of life, and a charger is included so you can recharge as needed. The car is able to drive either 2.5 or 5 mph when going forward, and can reverse at 2.5 mph. This model is not remote controlled, so your kids will be in charge of where they go.

One excellent feature in the Power Wheels Dune Racer is the inclusion of power lock brakes to help children control their journey. The Monster traction system also improves the smoothness of the ride and ensures the vehicle does well even on wet grass or in mud.

A warranty is available with this model but is not automatically included. The full dimensions are 25 x 46 x 15 in., and the dune buggy weighs around 69 lbs.

Things We Liked

• Carries multiple passengers
• Multiple speeds
• Includes brakes
• Durable wheels
• Reverses

Things We Didn’t Like

• The wheel axles can be difficult to install
• Long charging time

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2. Best Choice Products Ride On Jeep

Jeeps are a popular choice for children because they are stable, meant for all types of terrain, and just plain fun to drive. This Best Choice Products Ride On Jeep is a fan favorite because it combines tons of excellent features without breaking the bank. For example, the body is durable and non-toxic, painted in a plethora of colors. The wheels are made of real rubber and are 14 in., helping kids travel through terrain without having to worry about being thrown off by the slightest bump.

This electric car also has one of the most realistic designs available. There are functioning LED headlights, an adjustable seatbelt for improved safety, and a 12V motor. The motor is capable of going 3.7 mph. Drivers can choose between three speeds: slow, medium, and fast.

This is one of the only electric cars to include manual and remote control settings. When driving, your child can go forward. When you are in control, you can move forward and reverse with ease. The Best Choice Products Ride On Jeep is meant to hold one passenger with a maximum weight of 65 lbs. The interior has a spring suspension system, and there is a plug-in for an AUX cord so your kid can play their favorite music while they explore.

The car’s full dimensions are 45 x 31 x 31, and it weighs 45 lbs. It is recommended for children three years of age and older.

Things We Liked

• Manual and remote controlled
• Seatbelt included
• Multiple speeds
• Real rubber tires
• Spring suspension system
• Includes headlights and AUX plug-in

Things We Didn’t Like

• Average customer support
• Only a 90 day warranty available

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3. Kuntai Electric Car for Kids

The Kuntai Electric Car is a powerful option that mirrors popular car manufacturers, including Mercedes Benz. It is designed to hold two children and has a maximum weight limit of 88 lbs. It has an average run time of 1-2 hours and needs to be charged for 12 to 18 to function properly. The design is suitable for kids between the ages of 1 and 6. The wheels are one of the best features, as they are made of real rubber.

The Kuntai Electric Car has both manual and remote controls. So, the children can either use the wheel, pedal, and brake, or you can be in charge of where the vehicle goes. The maximum speed is 2-5 km/h, and there are two separate speed settings. Parents interested in this electric car should know that it uses the metric system instead of the imperial system, so the mileage will be displayed in kilometers rather than miles. Some assembly is required upon purchase.

Besides these basics, the Kuntai features real LED headlights and a taillight. The doors are realistic and can even be locked. Plus, there are seatbelts for both seats to improve overall child safety. There is also a radio, a USB port, and an AUX plug-in so your children can listen to their favorite tunes on the go.

Things We Liked

• Manual and remote control
• Two spacious seats
• LED lights
• Music settings
• Rubber wheels
• Modeled after real cars

Things We Didn’t Like

• Moderately expensive
• Long charging time

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4. Peg Perego John Deere Ground Force Tractor

Not every child wants to be a racecar driver. Instead, many of them want to be farmers. The Peg Perego John Deere tractor is a cute and realistic version of a legitimate tractor. It even comes with a trailer where kids can store their toys and pretend to be transporting animals or crops. While the tires are made of plastic, they are large and durable, able to travel through grass and mud with ease. There are two speeds available, and children will be able to go forward and reverse. The speeds are 2.5 and 4.5 mph. It is possible to lock kids out of 4.5 mph until they are experienced enough to handle the faster speed.

This Peg Perego Tractor has a working FM radio so kids can listen to music while they ‘work.’ The seat is adjustable and even has flip-up armrests. The interior features a 12-volt battery with an included charger. Is it suitable for children between the ages of 3 and 7 and can handle up to 70 lbs. Every part is made in the United States, directly in Fort Wayne, IN.

Things We Liked

• Includes a trailer
• Has functioning brakes
• Multiple speeds
• Parental speed controls
• Working radio
• Durable design

Things We Didn’t Like

• Radio requires separate batteries
• Hard to replace the battery

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5. Best Choice Products Kids RC Sports Car

Sports cars are another popular choice for electric cars for kids. This model made by Best Choice Products is flashy yet classy, and features many of the great features of other models from this manufacturer. For example, this car once again includes a 12 volt battery, two varying speeds, and seat belts. It also makes realistic engine sounds and is remote controlled so parents can make sure the children are safe while playing.

There are also a couple of other desirable features, including a built-in AUX outlet, separate manual controls, and realistic LED lights. The maximum weight capacity is 66 lbs. The maximum speed is 2 mph, and the running time is 1 to 2 hours. The battery will need 8 to 10 hours to reach a proper charge. The wheels are plastic, and some assembly is required.

Things We Liked

• Sporty appearance
• Radio included
• Durable wheels
• Seatbelts
• Realistic sounds

Things We Didn’t Like

• Assembly is difficult
• Slow

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Buying Guide for Electric Cars for Kids

Electric cars are great toys for kids, but there are a few key features you should consider before settling on a model. Because of their internal components, it’s important to make sure you are getting a good deal and a great product. To do so, you need to look at the individual characteristics that make up the vehicle.

Before you choose an electric car for your kids, stop and consider the battery life, size, designated age for the riders, overall speed, and operation method of the vehicle. You should also look at included safety and entertainment features.

Battery

Battery life is essential. It controls how long your children will be able to play before the vehicle needs to be charged once again. Because of the competitive nature of the electric car market, it is common for dishonest manufacturers to use small, lightweight batteries in an attempt to improve vehicle speed. You want to avoid these models.

Instead, search for a battery that is lightweight but powerful enough to operate the electric car. The ideal battery is the 12 volt because it meets these characteristics and is also simple and easy to replace. A good battery life for a toy electric car is 12 to 18 hours of continuous use. It will require this much charging time to be ready to go once again.

Size

Size determines how many children will be able to ride in the vehicle, and can affect how well your kids fit inside. You could also consider size to mean weight capacity.

Electric cars will vary considerably, so think about how old your children are, how much they weigh, and how long you would like them to be able to play with their new toy. Some models will only be able to hold between 45 and 65 lbs. Others can go up to 130 lbs. without difficulty. Remember that larger and more durable electric cars will tend to be more expensive, and make a budget accordingly.

Designated Age

Age is not as important as the weight capacity of your chosen vehicle, but it can affect the appearance of the car. Some electric cars are meant for toddlers and really young children. These models tend to be more cartoonish and will have slower speeds, lower weight limits, and fewer special features.

If you are buying for older kids, try to find a model that would suit the interests of their age. Do they want a car that looks like one they like in real life? Do they want to be able to listen to music while they drive? Would they be comfortable driving themselves?

You also want to avoid buying an electric car that your children will outgrow within a year. Sometimes it’s okay to buy a little older and wait for your kids to mature into the toy so they can enjoy it for longer.

Speed

We all know what speed is. It is how fast the toy car will travel with the proper number of passengers. Speeds for electric cars are variable and depend on the vehicle’s size, weight capacity, and target audience. In general, toys for toddlers will only go between 2.5 and 4 mph. Some models intended for older children can reach between 5 and 6 mph, while those meant for the oldest age group can reach 10 mph.

Before making a decision, remember that most cars do not go from zero to top speed. There is usually an intermediate setting you can use if you are worried about the children injuring themselves. Some vehicles are also remote controlled, so you can be in charge of speed and direction.

There is little risk of injury from accidents or bumping into objects in the yard.

Method of Operation

This refers to who gets to control the vehicle and make it move. While you might assume the kids will always be in control of the car, this is not the case. Electric vehicles meant for toddlers and young children are often remote control. You or another adult gets to be in charge of the vehicle and can control its speed and direction so the kids remain safe.

If you have older children, then you can pick an electric car that allows the driver to make decisions. Most still have some safety measures in place to reduce accident and injury.

Extra Features

Finally, check out any extra features the car boasts. Sometimes, as an extra safety measure, a larger car will have built-in seatbelts. These improve stability and can help your kids stay in the car when they brake, accelerate, or accidentally bump into something.

Another, newer, feature to consider is the presence of a radio. Some modern electric cars have fully functioning radios and Bluetooth which allows your kids to listen to their favorite songs while they cruise around the yard.

Finally, sometimes the car will have a traditional key start. This can give your kids more of a realistic experience, and it also gives you more control. If you keep the key, then you don’t have to worry about the children sneaking the toy out and getting into mischief without supervision. The only downside is you will have to pay for a duplicate if you lose it.

Best Toy Electric Car Brands

Toy electric cars have been a popular staple for decades. They hit American markets in the 1980s and have only increased in popularity since their invention, peaking in 1999. However, proper toy electric cars are considered a niche and are therefore not made by many manufacturers. Too much specialization and engineering is needed to make the car function properly. Plus, only a few top brands are able to license big vehicle names such as Mercedes Benz or Audi.

When you are shopping for the best electric car for your kids, we recommend sticking with the larger brands. These vehicles often come with warranties, are made out of more durable materials, and have customer service policies you can count on when you need them.

Power Wheels

Power Wheels is a popular toy brand that specializes in making high quality electric vehicles for children aged 1-12 years. Because this brand is dedicated to a specific product, they have over 30 years of experience in the industry. This means they create safe and reliable vehicles which can be ridden again and again without breaking down.

Power Wheels operates out of the United States and has its main office in San Francisco. They are one of only a few brands which strives to make its vehicles as realistic as possible. When you buy a Power Wheels car, you are getting one with a radio, doors that open and close, and even hoods and trunks that can be adjusted. This is an excellent brand if you enjoy realism in all of its forms.

Best Choice Products

This sounds like it would be a dedicated Amazon brand, but Best Choice Products is a company located in Southern California. It focuses on making a broad range of products including toys, games, garden furniture, and other outdoor and patio related items. Best Choice Products is an excellent choice for parents who want a reliable manufacturer for their children’s toys because the electric cars are manufactured locally in the United States and use materials that have been tested and deemed safe. Plus, Best Choice Products tend to be affordable and available to regular families.

Peg Perego

This is a popular Italian brand that makes high-quality toy electric cars for children of all ages. They are particular about their manufacturing and design and strive to make durable, long-lasting models. Ever since 1949, Peg Perego has headquarters in the United States. The company has an exclusive deal with John Deere, making them a great provider of toy tractors for children that are farmers at heart.

FAQs

Q: Are electric cars for kids safe?

A: Yes. The majority of electric cars designed for children have a maximum speed of 4 mph. This prevents too many serious crashes or injuries. The cars are also only designed for softer, more navigable terrain. Depending on the model you are interested in, it might also be possible to get a car that uses a remote control. This allows you to determine where your kids go, since you will be the driver while your children ride in the car.

Q: Are there electric trucks and jeeps?

A: The term “electric car” is broad and just refers to any electric vehicle children can sit in and pretend to drive. They can take many forms, including trucks, jeeps, tractors, and ATVs. You can find just about anything that suits your child’s preferences.

Q: Is it safe to get the electric car wet?

A: Electric cars keep most of the components inside so they are not exposed to environmental hazards. It is unlikely your kids’ electric car will be damaged by some mild rain or splashing from a hose. However, if you want the toy to last, you need to store it inside a garage.

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

A: The majority of manufacturers do not recommend trying to change the settings programmed into the vehicle. You should not attempt to make the car go faster than it has been made to do. The majority of cars for small children will only go 4 mph, while some faster models can reach 6 to 10 mph.

Q: Can I extend the battery life of the car?

A: The only way to expend the battery life of the toy is to operate it at lower speeds to conserve energy. This will get you and your kids more use out of the vehicle so you can have fun for longer.

Verdict

Sometimes slime isn’t enough to keep the kids entertained. There are many excellent electric cars out there that can keep your children entertained for years to come. Our personal favorite is the Power Wheels Dune Racer because it is sporty, powerful, and also safe for children of all ages. However we also like the Peg Perego John Deere Ground Force Tractor because it is unique, has space for toys, and is more durable than similar toys.

However, whichever car you choose, you are guaranteed to get to spend more time outside with your kids and less time cooped up indoors. Just remember to have plenty of snacks ready and be prepared for demands for more rides.