Best 12v & 24v Kids Ride-On Cars for Back-to-School Fun
As the Summer is over, and the kids are back in school, you, as a parent, might be delighted to escape the daily sibling wars, the work/summer club juggling, and constantly having to dish out snacks. It could also feel bittersweet, as it's nice to be flexible in the mornings during the holidays; there are fewer musts to keep track of, and no school homework to stress over. Hopefully, the kids have enjoyed being outdoors as much as possible, soaking up (safely) the Vitamin D on offer. As we quickly move towards Autumn, we are here to help you find creative ways to encourage kids to still benefit from everything the outdoors has to offer. What better way than exploring the very best kids' electric cars and their features?
Why Kids Love Electric Ride-on Cars
From a very early age, children love to copy what adults do. It could be cooking in their toy kitchens, taking care of their baby dolls, but something most of us do a lot these days is drive around in our cars. They could be fast, they make sounds, they come in all shapes and sizes. How often do we, as parents, sit with little toddlers as they learn to talk, and point out the different colours of cars driving by? With their own 12v ride-on car, they could enjoy manoeuvring all by themselves. The thrill of having this large toy do precisely what they want it to! Today, realistic kids' ride-on cars are an excellent way for children to role-play and develop creativity, independence, problem-solving skills, and other essential skills.
Choosing Between 12v and 24v Ride-on Cars
As you enter a new era of kids' toys, one of the first questions you may encounter is whether to choose a 12V or a 24V ride-on car. This refers to the size of the kids' battery-powered car, and when selecting the right one, it will depend on how, where, and by whom the kids' electric car will be used.
What is the difference?
The 24V buggies and other vehicles typically feature more powerful motors and are better suited for the upper range of speeds. 12v electric cars will be ideal for younger kids driving on flat surfaces such as smooth walkways and pavements. In comparison, the larger 24v cars can usually power through more challenging terrain and steeper hills while carrying older children.
The runtime may also differ slightly between the 12V and 24V, where you can go out on longer adventures with the larger ones. Another difference between the two is the speed at which they can travel. Naturally, the bigger battery will typically reach a faster speed.
You might have already guessed it, but the 12V electric cars are usually a more affordable option and a perfect first step into entering the joys of driving. The 24V Buggies is more of a luxury ride-on car for kids.
Age and Weight Recommendations
When purchasing a new car, be sure to check the description, which should typically indicate the vehicle's recommended age. The rule of thumb is that 12V Licensed cars are suitable from the age of two, with a maximum weight capacity of 30kg, while 24V cars are generally suitable from the age of three and can be used until the child reaches around 50kg.
Top Features to Look For
The market for kids' electric cars has grown year after year, with new models being introduced alongside those of real-world car makers. Although they will come with updates of colours and features specific to the licensed brands, there are some features you should pay extra attention to.
Ride on Car Safety Features Every Parent Should Know
The car should come with a child seat belt. Not only is this an important safety feature, but it also fosters a future safety-conscious child who will have the importance of using seatbelts ingrained in them from an early age. It’s a bonus that kids love to click and unclick the seatbelt!
The cars should also feature soft start and stop technology to prevent jerky movements that can cause whiplash. The vehicles also automatically brake as soon as the foot is off the pedal.
Parental Remote-Control Options
Titan Toys kids' cars all come with a parental remote control. This means that the kids can safely get used to how the vehicle works while the parent is controlling it. As their confidence grows, you can switch it over to manual driving. In manual drive mode, the parent can still use the emergency brake through the remote in case of danger, as this override function should still be available. We highly recommend purchasing ride-on cars with parental remote control for added peace of mind.
Music, Lights and Realistic Designs
Other, less important features, but more appealing to kids, include ride-on cars with music and lights, such as realistic headlights or police sirens. Built-in music where you can often connect your own through a USB port, and the absolute coolness of the very real-world licensed car designs. This could be the specific lights, grills or even the scissor doors for some supercars like this McLaren.
Single vs. 2-Seater Kids Electric Cars
Most 2-seater cars will have at least a 24V battery, which is strong enough to carry either two children or older kids. If you have just one child and you are looking to maybe go for short walks around the neighbourhood on smooth pavements, then a single 12V kids’ car will be ideal. If you have more than one, we can, based on our experience, highly recommend a 2-seater ride-on vehicle or even a buggy. This is another excellent way for children to learn how to share and take turns driving while still enjoying the ride from the passenger seat.
Ride-on Cars for Back-to-School Gift Ideas
Heading back to school doesn’t have to mean leaving the fun behind—especially with the latest ride-on cars designed for kids. These pint-sized vehicles combine style, safety, and excitement, making them perfect for morning driveway adventures or weekend play. Maybe they even have the opportunity to drive all the way to school! Whether your child prefers a sporty speedster or a cosy cruiser, there’s a perfect back-to-school ride-on toy for everyone! If you are considering back
Affordable Kids' Electric Cars
As mentioned earlier, smaller-sized cars with 12V batteries are usually more affordable. Just like in the real car world, new models and updates arrive regularly, so that you can find a last season discount on licensed cars. Check out Titan Toys' 12V section and find your child’s future dream car. If you're looking for a well-priced 24V model, consider the Dirt Traxx Tipper Buggy or the Blaster TT 1000.
Luxury Models for Kids
With new models come new upgrades that add a touch of extra luxury. Some cars will come in a painted finish instead of the standard plastic colour. There could also be an option for a leather seat. It all depends on how much you are willing to spend for that extra! If luxury is what you are after, you should check out the G wagon XL with leather seats and extra authentic floor mats! These are the best ride-on cars for 5-8-year-olds who are more careful with their belonging and have already built up some driving confidence.
Outdoor Fun: Making the Most of Your Ride-on Car
Outdoor fun will be extra exciting when kids can turn everyday play into thrilling adventures. This could be by tackling garden obstacle courses or going up and down the driveway chasing pretend robbers. Outdoor ride-on toys for kids could be the answer to keeping them outside, enjoying fresh air, and promoting improved mental health for the whole family.
Conclusion: Picking the Perfect Back-to-School Ride-on Car
A kid's electric car is suitable for all year round and could be the perfect incentive for going back to school to continue outdoor adventures. Select the vehicle that best suits the types of outdoor activities your family enjoys, and be sure to review all safety features and weight/height recommendations.
