Kids seem to be fascinated with fast moving toys, especially toy vehicles. The ones they can drive or ride on will always hold a special place for most children. Perhaps it’s the urge we feel when we’re young to imitate our parents. But whatever the reason, there is no doubt that kids electric cars make an incredibly exciting and fun gift for a child.
The range of battery powered ride on toys is astounding. You can find just about any children’s electric car model from Jeep to Mercedes Benz to Hummer and beyond. Tractors, planes and boats are also available. You could even buy your 5-year-old the Ferrari sports car you always dreamed of!
These electric ride on toys generally come with either a 6 volt or 12 volt rechargeable battery powering the motor. For younger kids age 3 to 5, a 6V battery may be the more appropriate option. Top speeds max out at around 2 1/2 mph in both drive and reverse. This level of power makes these electric toy cars less suitable for uneven ground. Hard, level surfaces like sidewalks, driveways and hard indoor flooring work much better.
Electric kids cars with a 12 volt battery can go around 5 mph. Older kids up to around age 7 or 8 will enjoy the extra power which provides the ability to traverse more varied surfaces including lawns and even slight elevations.
There are 24 volt battery operated ride-on toys on the market as well. Since some models of these electric ride on cars can reach speeds up to 15 mph, they can be dangerous for smaller kids. They cost a little more than the 12v models but their popularity among older kids make them a super special gift.
Whichever type of battery powered ride on toy you opt for, be sure to ask about battery life and performance. A good battery will run longer on a full charge than one of lesser quality. It will also last for many years and many recharging cycles. The time it takes using the charger to juice up the battery is also a factor. A full recharge can take anywhere from 8 to 20 hours. Battery life and performance will also depend on how hard the vehicle is driven and how well it’s cared for.
Some of the many brands of battery powered ride on toys available on the market include Power Wheels, Peg Perego and Fisher Price. You can find most models and brands online from retailers such as Amazon,com and Walmart.com. Ebay also has sellers of these electric toy cars. Prices vary from around a $100 to several hundreds of dollars and more. And be prepared. Shopping for just the right electric ride on toy can be a lot like adult car shopping. Many have options including mirrors, phones, horns, radios lights and sound. You can even find electric ride on cars that can be operated by remote control.
But as fun and engaging as kids electric cars can be, there is something to be said for activities that are more physical. For those parents who want to provide their child the experience a kids ride on toy can bring, but with a little healthy daily exertion added to the mix, a pedal go kart or other pedal powered vehicle could be something to check out. But know that it probably won’t have the same effect as an electric ride on car.
For kids 12 and older, a go kart or kids electric scooter might fit the bill nicely. Prices are reasonable and the excitement and adventure factor is right up there with the best of gifts.