Choosing the right ride-on car for your child isn't just about fun and games.
It's about finding a balance between safety, engagement, and development.
As a parent, guardian, or educator, you're tasked with picking a toy that not only brings joy but also contributes positively to their growth.
So, what exactly should you look out for to ensure you're making the best choice for your little one?
"Remember, the safety of your child should always be the foremost consideration when choosing a ride-on car. Opt for models with robust safety features like seat belts and speed limiters to ensure a secure and enjoyable play experience." - RiiRoo
Safety First Ensuring your child's safety is paramount. Look for ride-on cars equipped with seat belts, speed limiters, and, importantly, parental remote control.
These features offer peace of mind, knowing that you can oversee your child’s playtime and intervene when necessary.
After all, isn't it better to be safe than sorry?
Related: 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying A Kids Electric Ride On Car
Getting the Size Right Just like clothing, ride-on cars need to fit your child perfectly.
It's crucial to select a car that aligns with your child's age, height, and weight.
This isn't just about comfort; it's about safety. An oversized or undersized ride-on car can pose risks, so always check the manufacturer's guidelines.
Related: Kids Ride on Toy Buyers Guide
The Power Behind the Fun Battery life is a key factor in uninterrupted play.
Opt for a car with a long-lasting battery, preferably one that offers at least an hour of continuous use.
Battery Type Average Charging Time Weight Lifespan Lead-Acid 8-12 hours Heavier Shorter Lithium-Ion 3-6 hours Lighter Longer
This aspect can significantly impact how often your child enjoys their ride-on car and for how long.
"Always monitor the charging of your ride-on car's battery and avoid overcharging. Proper battery care not only ensures longer playtime but also extends the overall life of the car." - Important Battery Care Tip
Single vs Dual Motor: What's Best for Your Child? Your choice here depends on your child's weight and the desired performance.
Dual motor ride-on cars offer steadier rides for heavier children, while single motor cars are suitable for lighter weights.
However, both can provide similar speeds, so weigh your options based on your child's specifics.
Quality that Lasts A ride-on car isn't just a toy; it's an investment.
You want something that can withstand the test of time and play.
Pay attention to the design - does it emulate a real car? Is it built to last? These considerations ensure you get the best value for your money.
Comfort is Key No child wants to ride in discomfort.
Choose a car with soft, cushioned seats, especially if you're opting for a model with longer battery life.
Remember, the more comfortable the ride, the longer they'll play.
A Car that Reflects Their Personality Ride-on cars come in all shapes and sizes, from sports cars to construction trucks.
Think about what excites your child.
Do they dream of being a police officer or a race car driver?
Matching the car to their interests can make a world of difference in their play.
Related: Different Types of Kids Ride-on Toy Accessories and Features
Learning from Others One of the best ways to gauge a ride-on car's performance and reliability is through reviews from other parents.
Their experiences can provide valuable insights into the specific make or model you're considering.
Balancing Cost and Quality Ride-on cars come in a wide price range.
It's essential to find a balance between what you can afford and the features that are important for your child's enjoyment and safety.
Remember, the most expensive option isn't always the best one.
Exploring the Options
By understanding these types and their unique features, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your child's age, interests, and your safety concerns.
Related: How Do I Transition My Child From an Electric Ride on to Petrol?
When selecting a ride on car, especially a battery-powered car, it's essential to understand the battery size and charging requirements.
Ride-on cars typically come with 6V batteries, 12V batteries, or 24V options.
Battery charging times vary; for instance, a 12V battery might take less time to charge than a 24V battery.
It's crucial to balance battery lifespan with daily usage needs, ensuring your child enjoys their electric toy car without frequent interruptions for charging.
When it comes to ride-on cars, the two main types of batteries you'll encounter are lead-acid and lithium-ion.
Lead-acid batteries, often found in traditional models, are heavier and have a longer charging time but are usually more cost-effective.
Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, are lighter, charge faster, and typically last longer, making them a great choice for more advanced models.
Understanding the type of battery in the ride-on car can help you manage expectations regarding performance and charging time.
Charging times can vary significantly between models.
Generally, lead-acid batteries may take 8-12 hours to fully charge, while lithium-ion batteries can charge in 3-6 hours.
It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure battery longevity.
Overcharging can reduce the battery life, so using a timer or charging overnight might not always be the best approach.
Also, consider the practicality of charging: will the car need to be near a power source, or can the battery be removed for charging?
Regular cleaning and inspection are vital for both licensed and unlicensed models of ride-on cars.
Maintaining these cars properly is essential for longevity.
Check components like the wheels and steering wheel as part of your routine maintenance.
Proper storage is key in maintaining your ride-on car, especially when considering indoor and outdoor use.
Store the car in a space that is free from extreme temperatures and moisture to prevent damage to the battery and the car's bodywork.
Battery care is critical for ensuring a long battery lifespan.
For ride on cars with lead-acid batteries, regular charging is crucial, even during periods of non-use, to maintain battery health.
In contrast, lithium-ion batteries used in some models require different care, such as avoiding complete discharge before recharging.
Check the Tyres Regularly Just like a real car, the tyres on a ride-on car can wear down over time.
Regularly check them for signs of wear and tear and ensure they are properly inflated (if applicable).
This not only ensures a smoother ride but also prevents accidents caused by tyre failure.
Whether you're choosing a dual motor 12V ride on car or a single motor model, understanding and maintaining the battery and the car's overall condition is essential.
Paying attention to battery size, charging times, and proper maintenance practices will ensure your child enjoys their electric toy car for years to come, while adhering to safety guidelines and ensuring age appropriateness.
Remember, investing a bit of time in maintenance can significantly extend the life and performance of your child's cherished ride-on car.
"When selecting a ride-on car for your child, always prioritise safety, suitability for their age and size, and quality of construction. Remember, the right choice ensures not just a fun experience but also contributes to your child's development and well-being." - RiiRoo
The ideal age for kids to start using ride-on cars typically begins from as young as 1 year old, with push-along cars suitable for toddlers. As children grow, around ages 3 to 8, they can transition to more advanced battery-powered or pedal cars, depending on their motor skills and interest level. It’s important to choose a ride-on car that aligns with the child's developmental stage for both safety and enjoyment.
Many ride-on cars are versatile enough to be used both indoors and outdoors. However, the suitability depends on the size of the car and the available space. Smaller, manual push-along cars are often ideal for indoor use, while larger, battery-powered models are better suited for outdoor spaces. Always ensure there is ample safe space for your child to play without risks of accidents or damage to home furnishings.
The choice between a manual (pedal) and an electric ride-on car depends on your child's age, physical abilities, and interests. Manual cars are great for younger children as they help develop motor skills and require physical activity. Electric cars, on the other hand, are more suitable for older children who can handle more complex controls and are looking for a more realistic driving experience. Consider your child's readiness for either type in terms of coordination and safety awareness.
Yes, during colder months or winter, special care should be taken, especially for electric ride-on cars. It's advisable to store the car in a dry, cool place to protect the battery and electronic components from extreme cold, which can reduce battery efficiency and lifespan. If the ride-on car won’t be used for an extended period, fully charge and disconnect the battery before storing. Additionally, check for any necessary maintenance or repairs before storing, so it’s ready for use when the weather improves.
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Check Out Our Kids Ride on CarsThough kids in general will not be very particular with their toys, as parents you should be. Play is so important in your kids social, emotional, physical and mental development so choosing your kids’ play things should be appropriate to their age, stimulating to their brains and most importantly, safe for them to play with.
As your kids start to grow, giving them the right toys will help them explore and develop more skills. But with the various toys out there, you may ask, what types of toys?
Aside from helping develop children's gross fine and motor skills, studies show that ride-on cars also help improve children’s spatial intelligence or visual thinking. As they explore their surroundings, their understanding of space widens. This skill often arises when they see potential bumps and learn how to manage the ride as they make turns, speed up or slow down.
However, with the varieties of ride-on cars in the market, choosing the right car for your little rider can be quite challenging.
“Should I get an SUV or a truck? What’s the best colour? Green? Red? Black...?”
“Is 1 seater okay or should I get the 2 seaters?”
“Can a 12v run for hours or should I get the 24v?”
As you ask more questions and options keep coming, you start to feel overwhelmed and chances are, end up undecided.
1. Number of Motors and Battery Size
The motor is what makes the car’s wheels move forward or backward. A normal ride-on car will have one motor on the back wheel but there are also cars with dual motors.
Dual Motor vs. Single Motor Cars
What’s the difference between a single motor and a dual motor car?
Dual or 2-motor
ride-on cars will have a motor on the back left wheel and a motor on the back right wheel. Moreover, dual-motor provides a smoother ride. If your rider weighs around 18kg - 25kg, dual motor cars are the best option as they can carry heavier children at a steady rate. This means the car will keep up its desired speed level even though the child is heavy.
Check out the Big 2-Seat Beach-Cruiser 12v Kids Ride-On SUV w/ Remote, available in Red, Black, Camo and Pink!
Single or one motor
ride-on cars normally have the same speed as the dual motor. However, it slows down with increasing weight. If you’re up for a great deal and your child is below 15kg, a single motor ride-on car will be sufficient.
Having a bigger battery size is always better. 12V is an ideal battery for ride-on cars. However, you will find 6V battery ride-on cars that are suitable for smaller children. Note that having a larger battery can make the car faster. 24Vs are rare but can be found on larger ride-on cars that can seat two children.
2. Age Appropriateness
It is very important to choose a ride-on car that is appropriate for your child's age. As parents you should always consider your child's age to know what car is appropriate for them, not only for their comfort but also for their safety.
Below is a guideline on children’s different ages and what to expect during these stages:
0–2 years old – This age group is very vulnerable to falls, as their motor skills are still in their early stages of development. Make sure the toy car has supportive seats and that the motor is low-powered. A car with a slow walking speed is good for this age. Most cars for this age are built for indoor use and have button systems instead of pedals like the Peg Perego Santa Fe Express 6v Ride-On Kids Train & Track.
3–5 years old –
Most children at this age range have already developed their reflexes and motor skills that they ride a more powerful vehicle of a normal walking speed. Some can even handle 12V or 24V cars, depending on their ability and excitement. Children from this age group also tend to go for toy cars that are more car-like. Ride-on cars for 3–5-year-olds often have foot pedals and sound effects built into the car to make them realistic.
5–8 years old – Starting age 5, children are capable of riding more advanced cars suitable to their coordination skills. They also like toy cars that look like the real ones. There are licensed versions of Fords, Jeeps, Ferraris, etc., which appear to be a favorite for kids this age. There are more features to stimulate their driving experience, and 24V is manageable to most like the Big 2-Seat Trail-Cat 24v Kids Ride-On Buggy w/ Remote - White.
3. The Driving Surface
Where you plan your kids to drive also needs some thoughtful consideration. To ensure a good driving experience, it is important to consider the surface or the space where the ride-on car will be driven on.
Some cars have plastic tyres which are great for flat and smooth surfaces such as the Audi R8 Licensed Black 12v Ride-On Kids Car. While others like the Big 2-Seat Beach-Cruiser 12v Kids Ride-On SUV w/ Remote - Black have EVA rubber tyres that work very well on grass, gravel and rocky grounds.
For off-road driving, you should be looking for a ride-on that has a great ground clearance and larger tyres to handle uneven and rough surfaces. Off-road ride-on kids’ cars should at least be 12v and operate even better when they have more powerful batteries such as 24v.
3. Design and Quality
When it comes to design, the options are endless! You will find tons of different styles of ride-on cars in the market. Just like real cars, ride-on cars have the SUV style, 4x4s, quads, pedals, and small kiddy ones that you push with your two feet.
For more high-end options, there are ride-on cars that are labelled as licensed. Their design mimics exactly that of its real car version, so sometimes they are tagged as “licensed replicas”.
Licensed ride-on cars have to pay licensing fees to the car manufacturing company, so their quality must be superior. Therefore you get a 2-in-1 advantage with a licensed ride-on car - design and quality.
4. Remote Control Enable
Expect your child to be enthralled when you give a toy with motion. So, for first time ride-on car parents, get ready to experience a heart racing scene especially when you think your kids will be driving out of control. This often happens to younger kids who may not be quite ready to understand the concept of acceleration and this is where remote control enabled cars come in handy.
Remote control enabled cars are great for beginners. Your kids can use a ride-on car as early as 18 months (some can start using it at the age of 12 months) depending on the size of the child. What’s cool about having the remote control function is that your child at a very young age, will be able to enjoy the car even though their feet don’t reach the pedals yet. And you will be assured that they are safe as you take full control of the car while they are seated.
One thing to keep in mind with remote control enabled cars is their frequencies. A lot of R/C cars might have the same frequency (27mhz or 41mhz) which could disrupt their playing. Make sure you are not around other R/C cars that have the same frequency unless the car comes equipped with a 2.4GHZ R/C.
The Hummer Style 12v Kids Ride-On Car w/ Remote has a 2.4ghz remote control. This enables the car to work even around other R/C cars.
As your child grows to about ages 3-5 they can start controlling the car with the pedals and steering wheel. You may also start loosening up and slowly give them their independence. But don’t throw the remote yet! You can display them in your kid’s room to remind them of their first car.
5. Number of Seats
Big ride-on cars can have 2 seats, but most ride-on cars come with just one. One of the concerns we often receive with two-seaters is not the functionality or the speed of the car but the parents’ concern with their kid’s constant fighting over who sits on the driver’s side!
Another issue with the two-seater is the size. Some 2-seater ride on cars claim it fits two, but in reality, it is a 1.5 seater! Depending on the size of the riders, two-seater cars may fit just 1 child. Moreover, two-seaters are usually found in larger ride-on cars like the SUV style or an off-roader.
If you are looking for more sporty cars like the Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes AMG, Bentley, or Porsche, a one-seater style is an ideal option, as it encompasses all the aspects of a sporty supercar.
One-seater cars also save space in your house or garage. On cooler days kids can drive these cars in larger open spaces inside the house. In addition, storing these cars is a lot easier than having the larger ones. Keep in mind the one-seater such as the Hummer, Mercedes, Lamborghini are pretty big in size but are still great for playing indoors as well as outdoors.
6. Shipping Arrangements
Before buying your ride-on car, make sure you read the fine print on shipping.
Take note that these cars are HUGE and shipping them out can range from $50 - $190 locally! Make sure the store you are buying includes their shipping with the price they offer.
Here at Kids Car Sales, we offer Free Metro Shipping to business addresses for bulky items. Another great thing that we offer is depot collection. This option will save you money and time so touch base with us if you want us to find cheaper freight options for you.
7. Warranty & After Sales Support
Here at Kids Car Sales, we strongly adhere to policies in relation to product guarantees. As a buyer, you can trust that all our products are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. To find out more about kids ride-on car warranties, check out our policies here.
We also take pride in our dedication to always deliver our best. For years, our customer support has strengthened our commitment to providing the extra mile service. We continue to provide quality products while building good relationships with our customers. We see to it that our after-sales service makes our products and services meet or even surpass our customers’ expectations
In summary, ride-on cars are not just playthings but it can be a great toy to boost your child’s independence and can carry your kids through many developmental stages. So it’s important to be as wise as possible when buying these toys for your little cruisers.
Aside from the things mentioned above, always make sure that the car you’re purchasing passes the quality standard and is equipped with a safety seat belt to promote safety awareness to your little riders.
Now, you’re ready to begin looking for the best ride-on car! You may also use our handy car finder to guide you in finding the perfect kids ride-on car. For more questions, our helpful customer service team is always ready to help. Contact us on 1300 79 42 40.
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