It’s always a fun time to be a kid.  You get to roam around and play all day, just bursting with so much energy. One of the best past times a kid can use to release this big jolt of energy is playing with an electric toy car.

The kid with the electric car is the king of the playground. It’s the best toy you can get your hands on that gives them the freedom to ride around the outdoors with a level of safety. 

If you want to please your child with an original gift, then an electric toy car is your go-to present. 

There’s a huge variety of electric toy cars in today’s market, and with it comes different types of batteries.

Not only is it great for entertainment, owning an electric toy car is a great way of relieving stress, calming down a child, and teaching them to develop their motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving skills.

When purchasing a brand new electric toy car, you’ll often encounter 12v ride on toys and 24v ride on toys. 

What do 12v and 24v mean? 

The ‘V’ in 12V and 24V stands for ‘volts’. It’s a unit to measure electrical power and refers to the power needed to run the car’s motor. 

The concept is simple, the higher the number of volts, the more powerful the car. Cars with higher voltages will be faster and have a greater ability to cope with rough surfaces.

Benefits of 12v Kids Car

A 12v Electric Kids Car is great for the following scenarios:

✔It works better outdoors

✔Can ride well on tarmac, grass, and gravel surfaces 

✔Perfectly suited for kids aged 3-6

Drawbacks of 12v Kids Car

A 12v Electric Kids Car has the following disadvantages:

✔It still requires a relatively level surface for best performance

✔Draws twice the current than what a 24v motor uses

✔Not adapted for steep drives

Benefits of 24v Kids Car

Here are the benefits of getting a 24v Electric Kids Car

✔It can tackle any type of terrain

✔Perfectly suited for kids aged over 6

✔Prolonged battery life compared to 12v cars

✔24v voltage system will allow up to 4 hours of nonstop fun

Drawbacks of 24v Kids Car

Here are the limitations of a 24v Electric Kids Car

✔Caution must be observed if the child riding is under 6 years

✔24v power rides are suitable for kids that are more experienced in riding toy cars

Also Check:

Which is faster, 12v or 24v? 

Between the two, a 24v car runs faster than a 12v toy car. A 12v electric kids car runs only at 4mph while a 24v electric toy car runs faster reaching up to 6mph.

Giving your kid the chance to drive an electric power wheel is one of the best ways to cherish their childhood memories. A 24v electric car will allow your child to explore the car in different terrains while also enjoying the fun for longer periods of time. Whereas, 12v electric car let’s say for example, an Audi R8 Spider, gives you a safety limit on speed and control while continually developing their imagination and motor skills. 

Buying an electric toy car is a great choice for those who want to teach your child the basic rules of the road. Plus you give your kids the chance to enjoy his or her ride-on car around your yard or park. 

Whether you choose a 12v or 24 power wheel, it’s best to think over your child’s needs and experience before purchasing an electric toy car. 

With our quick guide, you’ll be on your way to choose the best way to determine the electric car motor that suits them best.

What’s the Difference Between 6v, 12v & 24v Kids Ride-On Cars?

By Hannah Hill
March 23, 2022
(Updated: February 6th, 2024)

Over the past few years, electric cars designed for kids have gained immense popularity as a fun way to keep children active and away from electronic devices.

When purchasing an electric car for your child, it’s crucial to understand the varying voltage levels available, specifically 6v, 12v, and 24v. Each voltage level offers distinct features and capabilities and selecting the appropriate one that suits your child’s age and abilities is vital.

This article will outline the differences between the 6v, 12v, and 24v electric car models, including their speed, power, and safety considerations. This way, you can make an informed choice when purchasing an electric car for your little one.

Part One

How Fast do Power Wheels Go?

Generally speaking, the higher the battery voltage, the faster a kid’s ride-on car can go. A 6v Power Wheels typically has a maximum speed of 2-3mph, while a 12v Power Wheels can reach speeds of up to 5-6mph. A 24v Power Wheels, on the other hand, can go even faster with maximum speeds of up to 8mph.

It’s important to note that the car’s speed can also depend on other factors such as weight, terrain, and weather conditions.

This table provides a side-by-side comparison of the maximum speeds of 6v, 12v, and 24v toys:

mph

Part Two

What are 6v Kid’s Ride-On Cars?

Usually smaller ride-on cars and motorbikes, a 6v toy generally produces the lowest maximum speed. They can be driven outside, although we would advise they are better suited for indoor driving on a flat surface, as they may find uneven surfaces challenging to navigate. Additionally, many 6v ride-on kids’ cars are equipped with safety features such as seat belts and remote controls that allow parents to control the car’s speed and direction.

How Fast does a 6v Ride On Go?

The maximum speed of 6v ride on toys is typically 2-3 mph, making them ideal for young children and toddlers still learning to balance and control their movement. This low speed also makes them safer as it reduces the risk of injury in case of an accident.

To summarise

6v ride-on cars are ideal for children aged 2-4, as they are slower, smaller, and safer than 12v vehicles. They have a weight limit of 20-25 kg and have fun features such as LED lights, horns, and MP3 music players. These toys have a maximum speed of 2-3 mph and take less time to charge, with the first charge taking 10 hours and subsequent charges requiring 8 hours.

Part Three

What are 12v Kid’s Ride-On Cars?

12v ride-on toys are the most common on the market. They deliver the perfect speed and acceleration for children aged between 3 and 6-year-olds.

These cars come in various shapes and sizes, including sports cars, emergency service vehicles, jeeps, motorbikes, trucks, tractors, aeroplanes (yes, aeroplanes!) and even the odd fairground waltzer car!

How Fast does a 12v Ride On Go?

One of the main benefits of a 12v ride on car is its increased speed compared to a 6v car. The maximum speed of a 12v ride on car is typically 5-6mph, which makes them more suitable for older children who have outgrown their 6v toy. This increased speed makes them more engaging for children who have mastered the basics of driving and are ready for a new challenge.

12v cars are suitable for indoor and outdoor driving; however, without EVA rubber tyres (which stands for Ethylene Vinyl Acetate), they may struggle with steep climbs and wet surfaces outside.

With double the amount of cells as 6-volt cars, 12v ride-on toys produce greater power and generally provide one hour of continuous driving from a single charge.

To summarise

Kid’s 12v ride-on cars are a fantastic upgrade from 6v vehicles. Offering higher speeds and more fun they come in various designs, making it easy to find one that appeals to your child. With a higher battery capacity, 12v toys have a maximum speed of 5-6 mph and take longer to charge, with each cycle taking 10 hours. The battery usually lasts for around 1 hour of continuous driving.

Part Four

What are 24v Kids Ride On Cars?

Equipped with exciting features such as LED headlights, MP3 players, EVA rubber tyres, and realistic engine sounds, these 24v cars are perfect for indoor and outdoor use. They can tackle challenging terrains with ease.

How Fast does a 24v Ride On Go?

24v ride on cars can achieve speeds of up to 8mph on a smooth flats surface. Designed for older children aged between five to nine, 24v electric cars typically run on two 12v batteries with lower power. This results in greater energy efficiency and longer battery life, ensuring your child can play with it for an extended period.

To summarise

Kids’ 24v ride-on cars are appropriate for ages 3-9. They typically feature two seats, EVA rubber wheels, and attractive designs, such as sports cars and SUVs. They are known for their speed, with a maximum speed of 8 mph, but take longer to charge compared to lower-powered toys. The first charge after purchase requires approximately 10 hours, and subsequent charges take the same time. A fully charged 24v ride-on car usually offers 1 to 1 hour 30 minutes of continuous driving time.

Part Five

12v vs 24v Ride On Toys

Both 12v and 24v ride on toys offer similar features, but each has its advantages and disadvantages; here’s a quick run-through of the main differences:

• Battery life: 24v cars typically last longer than 12v cars from a single charge.
• Speed: 24v cars tend to have a higher maximum speed than 12v cars.
• Cost: 12v cars cost less than 24v cars. You won’t have to pay as much for a 12v car.
• Size: 12v cars are generally smaller than 24v cars, making them easier to store and transport.
• Safety: 12v cars are safer than 24v cars. The voltage is lower, so the top speed is usually also lower.
• Charging: 12v and 24v take roughly the same time to

  charge

  .

Part Six

Popular 6v, 12v and 24v Ride On Cars

6v, 12v, and 24v kids’ ride-on cars are available in many sizes and designs, here are our most popular models organised by voltage:

• 6v kids cars: Vespa scooters and smaller cars.
• 12v kids cars: Range Rovers, Lamborghinis, Tractors and even Bumper Cars!
• 24v kids cars: Larger SUVs and

  supercars

  .

Which Battery Voltage is Right for your Child?

Enter a your kids age, weight and height, and our recommendation calculator will advise which battery volateg is most suitable for them.

Age (years)

Weight (kg)

Height (cm)

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FAQs

How fast does a 6v kids ride on car go?

The maximum speed of 6v ride on toys is typically 2-3 mph, making them ideal for young children and toddlers still learning to balance and control their movement.

How fast does a 12v kids ride on go?

The maximum speed of a 12v ride on car is typically 5-6mph.

How fast does a 24v ride on go?

24v ride on cars can achieve speeds of up to 8mph on a smooth flat surface.

12v vs 24v ride on toys

Battery life: 24v cars typically last longer than 12v cars from a single charge. Speed: 24v cars tend to have a higher maximum speed than 12v cars. Cost: 12v cars cost less than 24v cars. You won’t have to pay as much for a 12v car. Size: 12v cars are generally smaller than 24v cars, making them easier to store and transport. Charging: 12v and 24v take roughly the same time to charge.

About the Author

Hannah Hill

Entrepreneur, and mother of three. Hannah is a toy expert with 20+ years in the online toy industry, founding the Kidaroos website that sells 10,000+ toys per year. Hannah is always looking for new, innovative ways to keep everyone's kids active and energised in a world full of screens and social media and has been featured in publications such as Authority Magazine.