As times, technology and vehicles alike have evolved, so too have children’s toys. Gone are the days of the Cozy Coupe, now it’s all about children’s ride on cars. Now your mini doppelganger can have their very own version of the car you drive - that’s right, you can indeed even buy them brand specific!
While it’s all fun and games for your children, as a parent your main concern and priority will of course be their safety. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide for you breaking down all you need to know about 24V ride on cars, including their benefits, safety features and how age appropriate they are.
Keep on reading below to learn more.
How Safe Are Electric Toy Cars?
Safety Features
Just how the cars we drive have implemented safety features, ride on cars also feature these. It is understood that parents want their little ones to be safe, so that they can enjoy themselves to the fullest without being put in harm's way. Afterall, though these cars may be small to us, for a child they are comparatively big, still, and could certainly cause harm should an accident occur without considered safety precautions being in place.
As essential in any car, electric toy cars also feature seat belts to keep your children secure when inside. Even though the cars are relatively small and have a limited speed, the seat belt will offer them protection just in case any accidents happen (i.e. small crashes or turning too fast).
For better visibility these cars also feature LED headlights and taillights, allowing your child to enjoy their driving practice all year round in the day and at dusk. This doesn’t just mean they can see what they’re doing better, but lets you keep tabs on them, too.
Finally, perhaps the most favoured safety feature by parents, many ride on cars come with a parental remote control. This allows you to control the speed that the car goes - which we will go on to discuss in more detail for you in the next section.
Speed Controls
As previously stated, lots of electric toy cars come with parental controls so you have power over the speed of the car whilst your child is in it. Whilst some of these allow for either remote operation or manual operation and offer you the option to choose between the two, others allow you to override the operation of the car from the remote. Doing this means you can intervene if your child is going too fast or is struggling to control the car.
In terms of how fast these ride on cars go, this will vary depending on which you get. In general, they are likely to range from as low as 2km/h up to 8km/h, however some will also come with a ‘drift mode’ that can range between 10/13km/h.
Age & Weight Restrictions
All ride on cars will come with their own age and weight restrictions. Do not ignore these, as such guidance is provided with child safety in mind.
Age ranges are often provided as a guidance in relation to weight; for example, some larger cars with two seats may be suitable for one slightly older child around 5/6 years of age, or two smaller children around 3/4 years of age. The maximum weight that electric toy cars are typically able to hold typically stands around 35-40kg for slightly larger models, however those with a smaller stature or smaller battery are more likely to hold a maximum of 25-30kg.
Whilst the age range is there as a guidance, it is the weight that you should be more focused on, using your own judgement as a parent to decide if you think your child is responsible and capable enough to operate one at their age.
Always check the recommended age and weight of the car you plan to buy before you go through with your purchase, checking that it is suitable for your child.
Different Types of Children’s Ride On Cars
What’s the difference between 12V and 24V ride on cars?
You will likely note that most ride on cars on the market will be either 12V or 24V, but what’s the difference between the two and which will be the most suitable for your child?
The voltage of an electric toy car signifies its power capabilities, which then reflects the speed it is able to achieve.
12V ride on cars tend to reach a maximum speed of 8km/h. They are ideal for slightly younger children, but those who have the dexterity and comprehension to be able to manoeuvre one of these cars confidently. They are ideal for both indoor and outdoor driving, though are better used on level ground rather than to navigate (particularly steep) inclines.
In comparison, 24V ride on cars have more power, meaning an increase in capabilities. They can reach top speeds of 12-13 km/h and are much better suited to travelling over wet surfaces and rougher terrain (such as gravel) as well as having the power to go up steep hills. This makes them perfectly suited to slightly older children, being the upgrade to take their driving skills to the next level.
On a technical level, 24V batteries use smaller wires than those in 12V batteries, meaning they will also run more efficiently.
Brands
Is your child a mini petrolhead? Do they have a favourite make of car? If so, then you’ll be pleased to know that they can have their very own ride on car from this make - they are even produced as different models!
Perhaps you own your own Land Rover and love the idea of your child having their own mini version, or maybe they are a big Lewis Hamilton fan and would be thrilled to drive their own Mercedes - well, with ride on cars, both are possible!
Accessories
From practical pieces to enjoyable extras, separate accessories can also be purchased along with your ride on car. If you need a new remote or one of the wheels of the car needs replacing, then these can be bought individually, so that your child can still have fun, practise their skills and take their Mario Kart tournaments to the next level, all without compromising on their safety due to faulty equipment.
Battery packs are also replaceable; though they typically require charging, if you find that yours is not working as it should be or you wish to upgrade from a 12V to a 24V pack, then you will easily be able to buy one and replace it yourself.
In addition to these fundamental accessories, some ride on vehicles come with their own tailored accessories to further enrich your child’s enjoyment and imagination. For example, some electric tractor toys can be bought with a compatible trailer to carry around their toys or learn the farming life, whilst a ride on fire engine may include a toy fire extinguisher. Such accessories as these not only stimulate imaginative play, but they may even inspire your child’s future career path!
To create opportunities of key teaching moments, you also have the opportunity to buy a light-up toy traffic light, educating them early on traffic safety as a driver and as a pedestrian.
Ride On Carz 4 Kidz
Most of us have the opportunity to learn to drive at the age of 17, but why not start your child as early as 7? In fact, they can start learning even younger than that when you buy them the right ride on car! Perfect for improving their coordination, dexterity and spatial awareness, electric toy cars don’t just help to develop your child’s core skills, but they make for a fun-filled playtime for your little one.
Whether you’re looking for a smaller 12V car for your littlun, or a larger 24V drift car for your slightly older child, Ride On Carz 4 Kidz has the ideal vehicle to suit what you’re looking for. We stock a range of branded electric vehicles for your kids, including but not limited to Ford, Lamborghini, Mercedes and BMW ride on cars, as well as accessories to go along with these.
For more about the products we sell, get in touch with us today by calling us on 01138 240433.
