Suppose you’ve decided to give your child the most awesome toy of all time, a ride-on car! You might find yourself in a sea of new jargon. As it’s a big purchase, you want to ensure you get the perfect one, depending on the design, specs, and user. So, if you’ve been wondering what all this jargon means while trying to decide which car or buggy is the perfect match for your child and that they would get the most use out of, keep reading!
Voltage: 12v vs. 24v
The v stands for Voltage, which is the battery power. You’ll find that most ride-ons come with 12v or 24v.
12v Ride on Cars - This is the most common entry-level battery power on kids’ ride-on cars. This is a good choice of car for younger children and those who will mainly be driving on flat surfaces such as pavements and driveways. These ride-on vehicles will usually reach a top speed of 3-5 mph if it’s not on too steep or uneven ground.
24v Ride on Cars – With twice the battery power, a 24v car, buggy or drift kart is more suitable for older kids or is ideal for kids that love off-road adventures. If there are siblings, then many 2-seated options are 24v to allow more power to carry two kids simultaneously. In addition to the speed being a little faster, typically between 5-8mph, they also offer longer run times and greater torque to handle rougher terrain.
Which one should you choose?
If your child is younger and mainly drives on flat surfaces independently, then a 12v electric kids’ car will be enough. But if you’re looking for something with more power that drives a bit faster and will be taken out on off-road adventures, possibly with an extra friend or sibling, then a 24v buggy like Titan Toys 24v buggies is recommended.
Drivetrain: 2-Wheel Drive vs. 4-Wheel Drive
The drivetrain controls where the power of the motors is being distributed between the vehicle's wheels. ‘
2-Wheel Drive (2wd) – In a 2wd ride on a car or kids’ jeep, the power runs 2 out of the four wheels. Usually, this would be the rear wheels. If your child is driving on flat and even surfaces, this is a more affordable and battery-efficient choice for an electric car.
4-Wheel Drive (4wd) – As you probably guessed, 4WD means the power is dispersed equally to all four wheels. This makes it an ideal choice for off-road adventures as it creates better traction, stability, and handling. The performance of a 4-wheel drive buggy, for example, will mean that the kids can drive through different terrain and even handle inclines better.
Which one should you choose? Again, this is very dependent on where your child will be driving. If the terrain is more hilly, grassy or muddy, then it’ll be worth spending the extra money on a 4WD such as the Licensed Can Am Maverick 4WD Kids Ride On Jeep or one of the 24v Buggies.
The Power of Motors: What Does 200W Mean?
The wattage rating of a motor, such as 200 watts (W), indicates the power and performance of the motor:
30W Motors – This is the wattage used on many smaller electric cars for kids, such as the 12V Lamborghini Huracán Performante. These motors deliver an adequate speed and force for smooth surfaces and light use. Perfect as a first car for younger children.
200w Motors – These motors are more powerful and generate incredible speed and torque. With higher Watt power, the car can deal with a heavier load and stricter terrain, meaning this is a better option for older kids or those looking for more adventurous drives through steeper inclines and more challenging off-road terrain. You’ll often find that 2-seated buggies or cars like the Licensed 24v Range Rover Vogue Kids Electric Jeep have higher wattage ratings to accommodate the extra weight load.
What difference does a powerful motor make?
Stronger motors, such as 200W ones, provide more torque, which is crucial for overcoming resistance when driving on uneven or sloped surfaces. It also means a smoother and more powerful driving experience, especially for larger and heavier ride-on cars designed for older children.
Choosing the Right Ride-On Car for Your Child
The main things to consider when buying a kids' ride-on car are:
- Age and weight – As a first car when they are younger, a 12v 2wd kids ride on will be more than enough to carry them. You might want to consider the 12v BMW M4
- Terrain – If you mainly vent through smooth surfaces such as pavements or park walking paths, then a 2WD with 30w motors will suffice. Still, if your child is looking for tougher adventures like grassy hills and muddy trails, you should look at 4WD with 200w motors like The Neo 24v 4wd Off Road UTV Ride On Buggy.
- Adventure Level – When the big adventure is the primary goal, go for 24v batteries, powerful 200w motors and 4WD, and most terrains will be tackled! Check out the Licensed 2x24v 4wd Can-Am powered by four powerful motors!
There are other, more practical things to consider when buying a sizeable expensive toy like a ride-on car, like where it will be stored. How can it be charged while not being in the way, etc? However, knowing these standard technical terms, which not everyone may know, will help you make an informed decision. This will ensure you can ensure your kid gets the best driving experience based on how they will be using the ride-on car.
