From lawn-cruising Jeeps to tiny supercars, we break down everything you need to know before buying a ride-on toy!
By: Tali Ditye, Ph.D., Co-founderMommyhood101 independently tests and curates baby gear to help you make informed decisions. If you buy products through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
From lawn-cruising Jeeps to tiny supercars with working lights and Bluetooth, today’s ride-on toys are way more than "Power Wheels."
This guide breaks down voltages, speed, safety standards, features, batteries, sizing, warranties, and our pro tips, so you can pick the perfect first set of wheels for your kiddo (and your yard)!
Wondering what to buy? Check our list of the best Power Wheels and ride-on toys of the year!
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- Quick Overview: Voltage, Speed & Age
- Popular Brands & What They’re Known For
- Key Features to Consider
- Safety Standards, Fit & Safe Riding
- Batteries, Charging & Care
- Fit, Sizing & Weight Limits
- Surfaces & Terrain: Grass vs Pavement
- Run Time, Charge Time & Maintenance
- Warranty & Replacement Parts
- Recalls & What to Check Before Buying
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources & Further Reading
Quick Overview: Voltage, Speed & Age
Voltage is the easiest way to match a ride-on to your child and yard.
Higher voltage generally means more torque and a higher top speed.
This table guides you through how to pick an appropriate voltage for your child:
| Voltage | Typical Top Speed | Best For | Typical Ages | Use On |
| 6V | ~2–3 mph | First ride-on, small/young riders | 2–4 yrs | Indoor/driveways, smooth pavement |
| 12V | ~3–5(6) mph | Most kids, most yards | 3–7 yrs | Pavement and short/firm grass |
| 24V | ~5–8 mph (model-dependent) | Older kids, hills, thicker grass | 5–8 yrs (check model) | Grass, gentle hills, mixed terrain |
Note that higher voltage models tend to be more expensive, but they also tend to future-proof the toy against a growing child.
Popular Brands & What They’re Known For
Here are some of the most popular ride-on toy brands on the market:
- Power Wheels (Fisher-Price / Mattel): Classic 12V models, ~2.5–5 mph, broad 3–7 yr age range, great replacement part ecosystem.
- Ryder Toys: Small US-based brand with 12V/24V UTVs, go-karts, and premium battery options.
- Peg Perego: John Deere tractors & Gators; solid traction tires, two-speed 12V options, good parts support.
- Kid Trax: Licensed vehicles (Dodge, Ford, Disney, etc.), 6V and 12V, realistic features and lights.
- Moderno Kids: Feature-rich 12V/24V models with parental remotes, "soft start," EVA tires, leather seats on premium trims.
- Best Choice Products: Budget-friendly 12V range with remotes, Bluetooth/MP3, lots of colorways.
- Rollplay: Innovative designs (e.g., Nighthawk), 12V options up to ~6.5 mph; owned by Goodbaby Holdings.
Key Features to Consider
Here are some of the most important features to consider when picking a ride-on toy for your child, why each feature matters, and what to look for:
| Feature | Why It Matters | What to Look For |
| Parental Remote | Lets you steer/stop for beginners or crowded spaces. | 2.4GHz remote with remote STOP, manual override, pairing indicator. |
| Soft Start & Electric Brake | Prevents jerky launches; smoother, safer control. | "Soft start"/"gradual acceleration," electronic brake. |
| Tires & Suspension | Traction on grass and ride comfort. | EVA "rubber" tires or knobby plastic tread; spring suspension on 12V/24V. |
| Seats & Capacity | Comfort and safety; 2-seaters share weight limit. | Adjustable seat, 2-point belts; realistic combined weight caps (often 100–130 lb). |
| Audio & Lights | Engagement and visibility. | LED lights, working horn, Bluetooth/MP3/FM. |
| Drive Modes | Matching skill level and terrain. | Low/High speed lockout; forward/reverse; "park." |
The best Power Wheels will have most if not all of these features, but also tend to be relatively expensive.
A good example is the full-featured Ryder Buggy - see our review here!
Safety Standards, Fit & Safe Riding
Look for compliance with U.S. toy safety and charger standards, age-appropriate sizing, and good riding habits.
✔ ASTM F963 (Toy Safety) labeling and instructions included; age grading matches your child’s age and skills.
✔ Charger safety: Class 2 battery charger (UL 1310) with proper voltage/plug; use the OEM charger only.
✔ Stable geometry: Lower seats and wider track reduce tip risk; four wheels are generally more stable than 2–3 wheels.
✔ Speed control: Start in "low," enable parental remote if available, and limit to flat, traffic-free areas.
✔ Protective gear: For higher-speed/24V or sporty designs (e.g., sit-low "Nighthawk"), add a kid helmet and closed-toe shoes.
✔ Supervision: Treat ride-ons like bikes/scooters: no streets, slopes, pools, pets, or driveways with cars backing out.
Batteries, Charging & Care
Most mainstream ride-ons ship with sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries (e.g., 6V/12V/24V). Some premium models or aftermarket kits use lithium-ion packs.
| Battery Type | Pros | Trade-offs | Notes |
| Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA) | Affordable, robust, predictable "slow fade" as charge drops. | Heavier, fewer cycle life, longer charge time. | Baseline for most OEM 12V systems. |
| Lithium-ion (various chemistries) | Lighter, faster charging, more cycles, steady output. | Higher cost; may increase stress on motors if not matched; needs correct BMS/charger. | Use only if the manufacturer supports it or with expert upgrades. |
OEM systems are tuned around a specific battery type, charger, and motor. Stick with the manufacturer’s setup unless you know what you’re doing.
Battery Care Tips
✔ First charge: follow the manual (often 8–12 hours) before first use.
✔ Don’t deep-drain routinely; recharge after play and store with a full charge.
✔ Off-season: top up monthly; store in a cool, dry spot; avoid freezing temps.
✔ Use only the OEM Class 2 charger; avoid fast-chargers not specified by the brand.
✔ Replace with the correct voltage and capacity; match connectors and fuse where applicable.
Fit, Sizing & Weight Limits
Fit is more than age on a box. Check seat-to-pedal reach, belt position, and combined rider weight (for 2-seaters). Many 12V two-seaters list ~100–130 lb maximum combined capacity, while budget single-seaters can be ~55–65 lb.
✔ Feet can reach pedal with slight knee bend; back rests against seat.
✔ Lap/waist belt sits low and snug; no shoulder harness unless provided by OEM.
✔ If you need two kids to ride, verify the combined weight limit and seat width.
Surfaces & Terrain: Grass vs Pavement
Grass tends to wear down batteries and demand a lot of torque.
6V models are happiest on pavement; 12V can handle short, firm grass; 24V helps on thicker grass and gentle hills.
Knobby tread or EVA "rubber" tires improve traction and noise. We put rubber in quotes because these tires are just a slightly softer plastic. True pneumatic tires are very rare on ride-on toys.
Run Time, Charge Time & Maintenance
Expect run times to vary dramatically as a function of how many kids are on the toy, what the surface is like (e.g., grass versus concrete, flat versus hills), and how high capacity the battery is.
| Spec | Typical Range | What Changes It |
| Run Time | ~45–120 minutes per charge | Rider weight, terrain (grass!), speed mode, audio/lights, battery health. |
| Charge Time | ~8–12 hours | Battery chemistry/capacity and charger output. |
| Maintenance | Low | Keep tires inflated (if pneumatic), tighten hardware, clean connectors, store indoors. |
Warranty & Replacement Parts
Warranties vary by brand/model (often 90 days–1 year for vehicle, shorter for batteries).
Power Wheels and Peg Perego have robust parts availability; other brands often sell chargers, batteries, wheels, and remotes separately.
Before buying, confirm the parts store and manual availability for your exact model number.
Recalls & What to Check Before Buying
✔ Search the CPSC recall database for the brand/model before purchase.
✔ Match the charger model/ratings to the vehicle and battery; avoid third-party chargers unless verified compatible.
✔ Confirm latest firmware/remote pairing notes (if parental remote).
✔ Inspect wiring and connectors on arrival; look for pinched wires, loose bullets, or melted housings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Power Wheels still the standard?
They’re still a top choice for durability, parts support, and simple 12V setups. But competitors like Ryder, Peg Perego, Kid Trax, Moderno Kids, Rollplay, and Best Choice Products offer compelling features (remote control, soft-start, EVA tires) and licensed styles.
What speed should I expect?
Most 12V ride-ons list ~2.5–5 mph with low/high speed modes; 6V are ~2–3 mph; some sporty 12V designs can reach ~6–6.5 mph; 24V models can push toward ~7–8 mph, depending on load and terrain.
Do I need a parental remote?
It’s great for toddlers and first-timers. Look for a 2.4GHz remote with a dedicated STOP button and manual override so you can hand over control gradually.
How long will the battery last per charge?
Plan for about 1–2 hours of mixed play on 12V models. Grass, hills, passenger weight, and blasting music cut that down.
Lead-acid vs lithium: worth upgrading?
Lithium packs are lighter and charge faster with more cycles, but only use them if the manufacturer supports it (or you’re doing a well-researched, matched upgrade). Mismatched lithium upgrades can overstress motors or electronics.
What safety standards should I look for?
ASTM F963 compliance for toys and a Class 2 (UL 1310) battery charger. Always follow the instruction manual’s age grading and use zones.
Can two kids share a "two-seater"?
Yes, as long as the combined rider weight doesn’t exceed the posted limit and both riders can sit with belts on and feet inside the cabin.
Sources & Further Reading
For parents who want to dig deeper into product safety standards, testing regulations, and expert guidance on battery-powered ride-on toys, the following trusted organizations provide reliable, up-to-date information:
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) – ASTM F963 Requirements Overview
Details the core safety specifications that all U.S. ride-on toys and electric vehicles for children must meet. - CPSC Toy Safety Business Education Portal
Explains toy safety labeling, design, and electrical system requirements for manufacturers and consumers. - CPSC Age Determination Guidelines for Toys and Consumer Products
A detailed guide on appropriate age labeling, ride-on dimensions, and risk factors for children under 12. - ASTM International – F963 Standard for Toy Safety
The official document outlining construction, mechanical, electrical, and chemical safety requirements for toys. - CPSC Recalls Database
- Check for recent recalls on Power Wheels, Kid Trax, Peg Perego, and similar ride-on models before purchasing.
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Toy Safety and Injury Prevention
Offers pediatric safety tips and data-driven guidance on toy-related injuries and safe play environments. - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Child Passenger & Play Vehicle Safety
- Helpful for understanding small-vehicle crash dynamics and visibility around driveways and sidewalks.
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – Toy Safety Tips
Pediatric guidance on safe toy selection, supervision, and injury prevention for toddlers and preschoolers.
