This article was updated in December 2023 with new products and information.
Since vehicles have been hitting the streets, they've captured the hearts of kids worldwide. However, the driver's license requirement is quite the obstacle, along with that so-far-away 16th birthday. Luckily for them, the next best thing is available: ride-on electric vehicles.
Trucks, motorcycles, tractors, quads—you name it, there's a ride-on electric toy for every little one. If you're looking for a gift for the little car lover in your life, check out the best ride-on electric cars for kids, as chosen by the experts at your favorite automotive magazine.
Looking for more great gift ideas? Check out our Gift Guide for Car Lovers, Gifts for Jeep Lovers, Awesome Car Accessories for Under $35.
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There are plenty of different ride-on electric vehicles to choose from—ranging from John Deere tractors to Lamborghini supercars. Thankfully, the tech here has advanced to the point where an hour or more of fun can be had before your mini set of wheels needs a recharge. Whether you have one or multiple junior revvers to entertain, these toys are designed for both solo play and side-by-side fun. Many offer remote controls for parents, giving adults the power to make sure their little speedster doesn't plow headlong into a sandbox. All are great fun.
What to Look For in a Ride-On
If your kid is ready to take to the not-so-open road, here's what to look for in a kids electric car.
Speed and Age Limit
Ride-on electric cars come in all shapes and sizes. While it can be tempting to get something a child can grow into, there are safety risks involved with choosing one that's too large or powerful for your child to control easily. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for age and weight. Some cars offer multiple speeds, parental remote controls, and seatbelts.
Types of Ride-On Electric Cars
Kids ride-ons come in four main types: Side-by-side (SxS) cars have two parallel seats. ATV ride-ons have the rider straddling a center seat with a foot on either side. UTVs are single-seat, upright-seating variants of side-by-sides. Motorcycles are what you'd expect; toddler-oriented motorcycles usually have training wheels to keep the machine upright.
Batteries and Power
The majority of these vehicles are powered by rechargeable six- or 12-volt batteries that require some skill and tools to replace if they fail. The length of time they will run on a single charge varies widely, and, over time, all of them will lose some power.
Extra Features to Look For
Some of these ride-ons offer parental control of speed. A few come with a full-fledged video-game-style remote control. Is this really necessary for low-speed electric cars? It depends on your child's needs—and what you're comfortable with. As with the adult-size cars they emulate, today's ride-ons are increasingly likely to have modern features like Bluetooth, USB, or AUX ports to play music. Others have flashing lights, working doors, seatbelts, and horns.
Pros
- US-family owned
- Top-notch safety features
Cons
From 0ne of the most respected names in ride-on electric vehicles for kids comes this spectacular dune buggy with all-wheel drive. With its robust 24 volt 9AH battery and four driving motors (55W), your child will easily blast through various terrain, conquering concrete, grass, and dirt with ease. Independent suspension, rubber tires, comfortable seats, and steel and carbon fiber bodywork and chassis components make this one of the best-quality electrics on the market. It comes in multiple colors.
Ryder offers a full line of kids' electric ride-ons. They're not cheap by any stretch, but if you're looking for a top-of-the-line ride-on vehicle for your kid, this US-owned company makes some of the best on the market.
Pros
- Expert assembly available
- Max weight capacity: 61 pounds
Cons
- Not recommended for bigger kids
This replica Jeep sports LED headlights, lockable doors, a grid windshield, and "off-road" tires. It includes a parent remote, spring suspension, and a safe max speed of just 2.8 mph. Keep an eye on that 61-pound weight limit.
New for 2024: It now comes in nine color options including black, blue, green, red, tan, purple, green, grey, and white.
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best ride-on pink car
Best Choice Products Pink Ride-On Land Rover
best ride-on pink car
Best Choice Products Pink Ride-On Land Rover
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Pros
- Sturdy metal frame
- Max weight capacity: 128 pounds
Cons
- Larger and heavier than many other electric ride-on toys
Also available in black, white, or red, this adorable Land Rover Discovery SUV is pretty in pink and perfect for little ones who want to own the road—er, sidewalk. It features two-wheel suspension, a parent remote, and can cruise at either a low speed of 1.8 mph or a max speed of 3.7 mph. It also sports working LED headlights, a horn, startup sounds, and an AUX input so your little one can cruise in style. Best of all, it's got side-by-side seats for playdate fun.
It's designed for ages three and up and is roomier than most others; some reviewers say their six- and eight-year-olds still fit in it.
Best ride-on sports car
Kidzone Ride-On Lamborghini Aventador
Best ride-on sports car
Kidzone Ride-On Lamborghini Aventador
Pros
- Adjustable seatbelt
- Max weight capacity: 66 pounds
Cons
- Not well suited for larger kids regardless of age
There's not a junior auto enthusiast on the planet who hasn't marveled at the sleek lines and scissor doors of a Lambo. This officially licensed Aventador sports LED headlights, horn and engine sounds, a working suspension, water-resistant wheels, and hydraulic-powered doors that really swing open. Older kids can operate it independently using the steering wheel and pedal; for younger kids, parents can use the remote control to steer the toy.
Powered by two 25-watt motors and 12-volt rechargeable batteries, kids can enjoy up to two hours of ride time, with speeds up to 2.2 mph.
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Pros
- Removable window panels
- Two 35-watt motors
Cons
- Despite its size, the max weight capacity is just 66 pounds
This officially licensed G63 comes with tons of authentic touches, including exhaust pipes, body-detail decals, and opening doors that lock from the outside for safety. The seatbelt and soft-start design prevent kids from being startled by sudden acceleration. The spring suspension ensures smooth rides.
We really like that the side window piece can be removed as kids grow, extending the usable life of the toy.
Pros
- Different color options
- Customer service gets good reviews
Cons
- Not great on grass and dirt
This beautiful Bentley comes in red, black, and green, as well as white. It features working LED headlights, functional scissor doors, a high/low speed switch, and realistic engine noises.
Like all the best electric cars for kids, it also sports a remote control for parents to keep their little racer from driving away. With a top speed of about 3 mph, it offers a full hour of playtime, depending on speed and terrain. Recommended for kids three to six years of age, it has a weight capacity of 66 pounds.
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best Ride-On Pickup Truck
Kidzone Ride-On Chevy Silverado
best Ride-On Pickup Truck
Kidzone Ride-On Chevy Silverado
Pros
- Officially licensed product
- Five colors available
Cons
- Possible issues with remote control
This is an officially licensed Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss LT ride-on pickup truck. It features LED lights, startup sounds, and openable doors, with forward/reverse gears and Bluetooth connectivity. The maximum weight capacity is 66 pounds, suitable for ages 37-72 months.
best ride-on pickup truck for two
Power Wheels Ride-On Ford F-150 Raptor
best ride-on pickup truck for two
Power Wheels Ride-On Ford F-150 Raptor
Pros
- Lifted, with "mud" tires for realism
- For kids 36 months to 7 years
Cons
- Tricky assembly
For Ford F-150 families, try this awesome Raptor ride-on with a comparatively large max weight of 135 pounds. With "off-road" tires and a lifted body, young drivers can power over the roughest backyard driving conditions, including wet grass and mud. It sports a working tailgate, storage inside the dash, and a pretend radio with preloaded tunes, sound effects, and a microphone (?). The Power Wheels F-150 Raptor seats two, drives two speeds forward (2.5 or 5 mph max) plus reverse, and is equipped with Power Lock brakes and a parent-controlled high-speed lock out.
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Pros
- Two speeds
- Manual and remote control operation modes
Cons
- Seat may not be wide enough for two kids
Featuring sirens, speakers, and flashing police lights, this Fire Chief SUV gives children the most realistic experience of driving a fire truck. It's designed for kids aged 3-6 years with a maximum weight capacity of 67 pounds.
Best ride-on bulldozer
Kidsera Ride-On Tractor with Trailer & Front Loader
Best ride-on bulldozer
Kidsera Ride-On Tractor with Trailer & Front Loader
Pros
- Slow-start technology won't jump off the line
- 15.5-inch traction tires work on grass, dirt, gravel, or pavement
- Iron frame
Cons
- Pricier than others, but more fully featured
- Not recommended for toddlers
This 24V tractor is equipped with both a front loader and a detachable trailer. Kids can easily operate the front loader, making scoops, lifts, carries, and dumps from the driver's seat (which includes a seat belt). The powerful dual motor (with metal gears) feature high/low speeds plus reverse, up to 5 mph. Max weight limit is 65 pounds.
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Pros
- ATSM-certified
- Low center of gravity
Cons
- Not very realistic
Little bikers will love this chopper-style "motorcycle" (that's really a trike, so it won't fall over). It features a working, adjustable LED headlight, pedal operation, forward/reverse, and more. The only things missing are a black t-shirt and a goatee. Designed for kids 3 years and up, with a weight limit of 66 pounds.
Pros
- Comes with lights, sirens, and a push-to-talk radio speaker
- Spring-loaded suspension
Cons
- Wheels could be more robust
For chasing pesky bank robbers around the backyard, this ride-on police SUV is a great option. Complete with lights, sirens, a spring-loaded suspension system, and a push-to-talk radio speaker, it's got just about everything a budding police officer needs.
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Pros
- Comes in Camo or Red
- Wear-resistant polypropylene tires will not leak or burst
Cons
- Roll cage is for decoration only
This electric UTV for toddlers has realistic look, with working headlights, illuminated dashboard gauges, extra-wide tires, seat belts, lockable doors, and suspension. Operates at speeds from speed between 1.8-3.25 miles per hour.
Pros
- 6-volt rechargeable battery
- Foot pedal acceleration
Cons
- Tricky assembly
Aspiring construction workers will love this sporty set of wheels that's a perfect compromise between fun, style, and safety. It goes in forward and reverse at 2.5 MPH and features working headlights, a horn, and realistic engine sounds. Designed for one rider between 3 and 5 years old, with a maximum weight limit of 60 pounds.
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Pros
- Soft, wear-resistant wheels are great indoors and out
- Great Amazon ratings and reviews
Cons
- Battery life may not last
Adventurous kids will love this ride-on ATV. LED headlights, a kid-friendly wide seat, and a working horn create a fun and realistic ATV experience. Slow-start technology and enhanced braking make for a safe and comfortable ride.
Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port let your kid crank the tunes that drive their adventures.
best ride-on dump truck
Newquida Ride-On Dump Truck
best ride-on dump truck
Newquida Ride-On Dump Truck
This powerful dump truck features a wide seat made for two, a power-operated dump bed, pedal and remote control, Bluetooth speaker, horn, USB interface, working headlights, and a high/low speed function. It's suitable for kids 3-6 years up to 66 pounds.
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Pros
- Made in the USA
- Designed for ages three and up; max weight is 80 pounds
Cons
- Reviewers say the trailer is hard to attach/detach
Ever see a kids toy and wish you would've had one when you were that age? That's the way this mini John Deere has us feeling. This thing is remarkable! It's got two speeds—2.25 and 4.5 mph—plus reverse. (High speed can be disabled for beginners.) It operates via an accelerator pedal and has farm-like tractor wheels for traction on grass, dirt, gravel, or pavement. It also has a cool stake-side trailer and (get this!) a working FM radio.
All that's supercool, but as parents, we love the fact that it recharges in just two hours (claimed).
Jon Langston
Deputy Commerce Editor
Jon Langston is an avid motorcyclist and gear collector whose work has appeared in Men’s Journal, Cycle World, The Drive, Rider, Iron & Air, Motorcyclist, and more.
Collin Morgan
Commerce Editor
Collin Morgan is a Commerce Editor at Hearst Autos, where the former Rust Belt mechanic and gadget enthusiast presents the best gear for your automotive endeavors.