The 7 Best Kids’ Electric Cars for Fun, Safe Play

Electric ride-on cars offer an engaging, exciting driving experience for kids but in a safe, more controlled environment. From sleek pick-up trucks to classic wheels, these mini vehicles are designed to imitate the look and feel of a real car. Though these toys have been around since the 60s, your kids can enjoy the same kind of fun today with better technology, more current vehicle models, and features that make for the perfect daytime cruise.

It can be daunting to let your little one drive themselves when they haven't even hit double digits. Rest assured, these vehicles are safe and easy to operate. But to put your minds at ease, we looked into key factors like age-appropriateness, size and weight limits, remote controls, low-speed settings, and seat belts that can keep your kids protected. We’ve rounded up the best electric cars for a variety of ages with a range of capability, safety precautions, and enhancements to encourage outdoor play.

The Best Electric Cars for Kids

• Best for Young Adventurers: Power Wheels BBQ Fun Jeep Wrangler
• Most Realistic: Land Rover Ride-On Car
• Best Ride-On Truck: ReadyGo Chevy Silverado Trail Boss Ride-On Truck
• Best for Farm Kids: Peg Perego John Deere Gator XUV Ride-On Car
• Best Classic: Joywhale Classic Chevrolet Pickup Ride-On Toy

What to Consider

Type

There are different types of electric cars for kids that cater to different age groups and terrains. Side-by-sides have two seats in parallel, and can fit more than one rider. They’re usually modeled after real-life cars like trucks, luxury SUVs, and sports cars. They also typically have a lower speed range, are meant to ride on flat ground like sidewalks and driveways, and are generally a good fit for younger kids.

Off-road vehicles, like dune buggies and ATV-style cars, are designed for rugged outdoor use and are better suited to older children. These rides typically have larger, more durable grooved wheels that offer better traction for taking on grass, gravel, and dirt. Some models may offer higher speed settings than side-by-sides.

Safety

It’s important to select an electric car that meets age-appropriate safety requirements. Finding a model with the right weight capacity is a good place to start. Some electric cars can handle two riders up to 130 pounds, while others can only take on one rider weighing a max of 55 pounds.

Another consideration is speed. Models with lower speeds in the 1 to 5 miles-per-hour range and simpler controls are better for younger age groups. For older children, electric cars with speeds up to 5 or 6 miles per hour might be a better fit because they have more complex driving mechanisms.

Most models include seatbelts, and some offer parental controls to manage top speed level, steering, and braking from a handheld remote. Several of our selections on this list come with an included remote, or have control features built in to adjust manually.

We’ve included weight capacity and speed with each product listing below, so be sure to check the specifics of each car to determine whether it’s a good fit for your kid’s age and size.

Battery and Power

Most electric ride-on cars are powered by rechargeable 12-volt batteries. They often take between 12 to 18 hours to fully charge, and a majority of models have a run time of less than an hour with full power. It may take some skill and tools to replace the battery if it fails, and most will lose charge capacity over time. Some brands, like Power Wheels, offer a replacement battery in case you need a new one.

Extra Features

Today’s ride-ons are likely to have modern features like Bluetooth, USB, or AUX ports to play music. Others come with headlights, working doors, horns, and cargo space, so your kids can get a more immersive driving experience. Younger kids still developing their motor and STEM skills might do better without the extra distractions.

How We Selected

Back in the early 2000's, my sister and I had ride-on electric cars. They were Power Wheels Jeeps, hers a more rugged 4x4 style with black-and-red paint, Wrangler-type design features, and big tires. Mine was a Barbie Cruisin’ Tunes, equipped with a corded phone, pre-loaded radio, and semi-convertible top. We’d ride around the backyard or neighborhood as long as the cars’ batteries would last.

After reflecting on my own experience with electric ride-on cars, and reviewing our guide to the best car toys for kids, I looked for fun, easy-to-use machines from popular and established manufacturers with a track record of safety. I considered the price, features, speeds and parental controls of cars that fit a range of weight and age groups. I also took into account different styles and skill levels, and included a selection that is perfect for every kind of rider.