Kids Electric Cars Buying Guide

Kids-Electric-Cars-Buying-Guide

If you’re new to kids’ electric cars, and you’re looking for info on what electric car is suitable for your child, then this is the guide for you. We’ll take a look at the different options available for different age groups, what kind of features and capabilities to expect, and how to decide which car is right for your child.

The key to choosing the right electric car for your child is matching the car to your child’s interest and abilities. What look do they want? A licensed replica of their favourite full-scale car, or a likeness of their favourite cartoon vehicle?

As well as the look, the power capabilities of the car are key. Too powerful and your child may experience anxiety instead of excitement, too little power and they may be bored. What about features? Do you need a parental remote so you can take over control?

This guide explores the many options available and gives you all the information you need to be able to make an informed choice. Happy driving!

Age 0-2

Very young children are still developing their motor skills, making them vulnerable to falls. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to invest in an electric car that’s specifically designed for this age group. Electric cars for 1 and 2 year olds are designed with a range of specialised features, including special supportive seats to help avoid topples. These cars are usually fitted with very low-powered motors, with speeds of around 2mph.

Unlike cars for older kids, which feature pedals and multiple speed settings, cars for this age group are usually controlled through a one-touch button system. They often come with a remote so that the parent can control movement, either taking full control or intervening when necessary to help avoid crashes and bumps.

Electric cars designed for 1- and 2- year-olds are generally designed for indoor use, preferably on carpet, as this
minimises the potential for injury if there’s a tumble. Make sure you check the specification of your chosen car to ensure you don’t allow your child to use it on unsuitable terrain. If you’re worried that your little one might disappear over the horizon on their electric car, then you might prefer to opt for a model which is restricted to a track. These can come in the form of trains, trucks and cars, and are a safe, secure way to give kids their first taste of powered travel.

Age 3-5

By age 3, most kids have developed the motor skills and reflexes necessary to master a more powerful vehicle, and electric cars designed for this age group tend to have more powerful motors, and are capable of speeds up to 6mph. Cars for kids age 3 and up also look more car-like, often featuring detailed bodywork. Licensed cars which feature the likenesses of vehicles from kids’ film and TV, such as Lightning McQueen from the Cars series, are also available. These cars are able to tackle outdoor terrain, allowing your child to drive on grass, gravel, sand, and even in the case of the more rugged vehicles ñ mud. Make sure you check the specification of the car to see how well it copes with the terrain in your area.

Electric cars for kids aged 3 and up often come with a variety of additional features, including FM radios, realistic engine sounds and foot-pedal based operation to more accurately simulate the experience of
driving a real car. Cars with space for a passenger are popular with kids, letting them take friends or siblings out for a spin. Parental remote controls continue to be available, letting you supervise and take control when you need to.

For this age range, the recommended power of the car depends on the child’s abilities. While 6 volts is sufficient for the majority of 3- and 4-year-olds, some older or more adventurous kids with more advanced co-ordination might be able to cope with a 12 or even a 24 volt machine. To give you an idea of the difference in speed between the different voltages, a 6 volt car is generally not capable of exceeding 2mph, while 12 volt cars tend to top out at around 3.5mph. Many 24 volt cars are capable of travelling at up to 6mph. There’s quite a range of electric cars available for this age group, so make sure you choose the power that best suits your child’s abilities and enthusiasm.

Age 5-8

At age 5, kids will be able to cope with a far more advanced electric car. Electric cars designed for kids aged 5 and up look even more like real cars. Licensed kids’ versions of a range of popular cars, including Jeeps, Lamborghini’s and Mercedes, are very popular among kids of this age group, and often come with a wide range of features designed to simulate the real driving experience.

For this age range 24 volts is recommended, although more cautious kids might find 12 volts perfectly adequate. Cars designed for this age range are able to be used outside on a variety of terrains, and many feature double motor systems and multiple gears, including reverse. Although parental remote controls are available in many cars designed for this age range, some more advanced vehicles do not have this feature.

For this age group, with their advanced reflexes and co-ordination, it’s wise to go for a car with a dual motor system, since this allows for multiple gears and additional power, which provide a more immersive and realistic driving experience.

Age 8+

At age 5, kids will be able to cope with a far more advanced electric car. Electric cars designed for kids aged 5 and up look even more like real cars. Licensed kids’ versions of a range of popular cars, including Jeeps, Lamborghini’s and Mercedes, are very popular among kids of this age group, and often come with
a wide range of features designed to simulate the real driving experience.

For this age group, with their advanced reflexes and co- ordination, it’s wise to go for a car with a dual motor system, since this allows for multiple gears and additional power, which provide a more immersive and realistic driving experience.