The Best Kids’ Electric Cars of 2024 - Electric Cars for Kids

From ATVs to pick-up trucks, these models let your little ones ride safely in style.

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Electric ride-on cars offer an engaging, exciting driving experience for kids but in a safe, more controlled environment. From sleek pick-up trucks to classic wheels, these mini vehicles are designed to imitate the look and feel of a real car. Though these toys have been around since the 60s, your kids can enjoy the same kind of fun today with better technology, more current vehicle models, and features that make for the perfect daytime cruise.

It can be daunting to let your little one drive themselves when they haven't even hit double digits. Rest assured, these vehicles are safe and easy to operate. But to put your minds at ease, we looked into key factors like age-appropriateness, size and weight limits, remote controls, low-speed settings, and seat belts that can keep your kids protected. We’ve rounded up the best electric cars for a variety of ages with a range of capability, safety precautions, and enhancements to encourage outdoor play.

There are different types of electric cars for kids that cater to different age groups and terrains. Side-by-sides have two seats in parallel, and can fit more than one rider. They’re usually modeled after real-life cars like trucks, luxury SUVs, and sports cars. They also typically have a lower speed range, are meant to ride on flat ground like sidewalks and driveways, and are generally a good fit for younger kids.

Off-road vehicles, like dune buggies and ATV-style cars, are designed for rugged outdoor use and are better suited to older children. These rides typically have larger, more durable grooved wheels that offer better traction for taking on grass, gravel, and dirt. Some models may offer higher speed settings than side-by-sides.

It’s important to select an electric car that meets age-appropriate safety requirements. Finding a model with the right weight capacity is a good place to start. Some electric cars can handle two riders up to 130 pounds, while others can only take on one rider weighing a max of 55 pounds.

Another consideration is speed. Models with lower speeds in the 1 to 5 miles-per-hour range and simpler controls are better for younger age groups. For older children, electric cars with speeds up to 5 or 6 miles per hour might be a better fit because they have more complex driving mechanisms.

Most models include seatbelts, and some offer parental controls to manage top speed level, steering, and braking from a handheld remote. Several of our selections on this list come with an included remote, or have control features built in to adjust manually.

We’ve included weight capacity and speed with each product listing below, so be sure to check the specifics of each car to determine whether it’s a good fit for your kid’s age and size.

Most electric ride-on cars are powered by rechargeable 12-volt batteries. They often take between 12 to 18 hours to fully charge, and a majority of models have a run time of less than an hour with full power. It may take some skill and tools to replace the battery if it fails, and most will lose charge capacity over time. Some brands, like Power Wheels, offer a replacement battery in case you need a new one.

Today’s ride-ons are likely to have modern features like Bluetooth, USB, or AUX ports to play music. Others come with headlights, working doors, horns, and cargo space, so your kids can get a more immersive driving experience. Younger kids still developing their motor and STEM skills might do better without the extra distractions.

Back in the early 2000's, my sister and I had ride-on electric cars. They were Power Wheels Jeeps, hers a more rugged 4x4 style with black-and-red paint, Wrangler-type design features, and big tires. Mine was a Barbie Cruisin’ Tunes, equipped with a corded phone, pre-loaded radio, and semi-convertible top. We’d ride around the backyard or neighborhood as long as the cars’ batteries would last.

After reflecting on my own experience with electric ride-on cars, and reviewing our guide to the best car toys for kids, I looked for fun, easy-to-use machines from popular and established manufacturers with a track record of safety. I considered the price, features, speeds and parental controls of cars that fit a range of weight and age groups. I also took into account different styles and skill levels, and included a selection that is perfect for every kind of rider.

The kids have watched dad grill, so now it's their turn. The Power Wheels BBQ Jeep is a traditional side-by-side seating electric car, but with a few unique features.

A Jeep-branded Frisbee mounts on the hood for a quick game in between drives. In the back, there’s a removable play barbecue set complete with five pretend food pieces for their very own tailgate. This is a low-speed choice for younger ages, so it only reaches 5 miles per hour in forward and 2.5 miles per hour in reverse on both hard surfaces and grass.

Parents can also limit the vehicle’s top speed, or power lock the brakes so it can’t be used without parental supervision.

Your little one can help you clean up leaves and brush this fall with the John Deere Gator XUV. The tailgate and cargo bed has a fully functioning dumping mechanism, and there is a trailer hitch so you can attach additional towing accessories like this Adventure Trailer.

When the accelerator isn’t in use, an electric brake is applied automatically, and parents can choose between 2.5 or 5 miles per hour for the top speed. You can adjust the seat to accommodate kids of various sizes, and the car fits two riders. Keep in mind that the rear tires may be prone to slipping on loose surfaces, unless there is weight in the cargo bed.

This officially licensed ride-on Land Rover has a lot of the same features as a regular vehicle, like auxiliary input for tunes, working LED headlights, start-up music, and a horn. The car can fit two riders, and they can cruise at a max speed of 3.7 miles per hour.

The two-wheel suspension and treaded tires allow for a smooth ride and can handle a little bit of rough terrain if being used outdoors. Your child can operate the vehicle manually, or you can guide them on the road with the included 2.4GHz remote control.

Similar to our previous John Deere pick, this front-loader boasts a unique set of features and gadgets. Like the Gator, it has automatic brakes, a two-speed system with reverse gear, and the option to lock the top speed to ensure safety for younger riders. There is also a rear hitch that's compatible with other accessories.

The tractor has a working FM radio and a massive bulldozer attachment up front, so kids can pick up cargo, transport it to their destination, and dump the haul.

It's important to note that the front-loader is manually controlled and has no motor, so the bucket might droop down if overfilled.

With built-in dual motors and thick, durable tires, this scale version of Chevy’s premium Silverado 4x4 is a good companion for pint-sized, off-roading adventures.

The truck is fully loaded with interactive features like a horn and engine sounds, the ability to play MP3 tracks via a USB slot, external lights, and a fully functioning tailgate. It offers a two-speed gear box, driving at 2.5 miles per hour and 5 miles per hour to accommodate beginner and advanced riders.

Parents can control the vehicle with an included adult remote to support steering, speed, and braking, and it can be used up to 100 feet away.

This single-passenger ride-on car is styled to look exactly like a 1950s Chevy truck, complete with a usable storage bin, functional doors with locks, and a lap belt to keep your child safe on the road.

Though it gives off an old-timey, classic look, the truck still comes chock full of technological goodies, including light-up headlights, and a working radio that can play music from FM signals or via a connected bluetooth device.

There are three changeable speeds, the lowest being 1.2 miles per hour and the highest 2.5, which can also be controlled from the included parental remote.

We do recommend checking that this car aligns with your child's size before buying, due to its lower weight capacity.

If your pre-teen has a need for speed, then this go kart dune buggy might be right up their alley. It's powered by two 12-volt batteries, and can reach up to 9 miles per hour on easy 0ff-road trails, and is a good option for older kids with more advanced driving skills.

The padded bucket seat, roll cages on the side, and seatbelt keep riders safe and secure during their escapades. The rear disc brake is a rare feature on a kid’s electric car, but offers better control. A thumb trigger controls the variable speed and durable, thick tires ensure the buggy can maintain traction on pavement, grass, and dirt.

Amber is a Reviews Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on home, appliances, tech, and gaming. She also occasionally contributes lifestyle content to Best Products, Runner's World, and Bicycling. In her free time you can likely find her trading trinkets at an EDM festival, watching bad reality TV shows, or cuddling with her two cats.

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