Power Wheels and battery-powered ride-on toys are something of a right-of-passage for kids. They let kids gain a sense of freedom and drive like Mom and Dad — plus, they are super fun! My first experience with a battery-powered vehicle was a yellow trike then onto a replica of the monster truck Big Foot — creating memories that I still have decades later. So let's take some time to look at the best Power Wheels and other battery-powered ride-on toys for all situations that let kids hit the open road or get work done.
Hit the dunes
This ride is a great vehicle for a starter or for a kid that's a seasoned speedster. With a lower center of gravity, younger kids feel safer, yet it won't feel slow for the veteran drivers. So your kids can live out their own racing adventure at 2.5 or 5 mph. This one also has power lock brakes and room for two, as well as a 12V battery. With its beefed-up off-road tires, your child can ride wherever their heart desires.
Truck yeah
Whether your little one wants to be the next ranching tycoon or just help you with work around the yard, the Kid Trax Dodge Ram 3500 Dually Longhorn Edition does it all. With amazing features like dual opening doors, a manual dump bed, and Power Trax rubber traction tires, this rig will let your kid feel in charge. Especially with the turbo diesel engine sounds and the light-up roll bar.
Girl Power
Classic Disney princesses take on the classic Power Wheels Jeep Wrangler featuring princess art and colors throughout. There's even a pretend radio that says phrases from Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, and more. There's a storage area in the back to keep adventure supplies while on royal adventures.
Hit the trails
The Uenjoy 12V Off-Road UTV is the perfect ride for your little one's off-road adventures with its spring suspension system, large grippy tires, and a seatbelt for added safety. There is even a sound system in this thing! Its got USB, SD card, AUX port, and Bluetooth for listening to the latest Kid Bobz. With the included remote, you can even drive it around like a big RC car — but with people in it.
For big work
For the little one that really wants to help out on the family grounds, there's the Peg Perego John Deere Ground Loader. This 12-volt tractor with loader has an adjustable seat with flip-up armrests and high traction tires to make sure that there's no slippage when the hard work calls. The icing on the green cake is the functioning loader that lifts, dumps, and digs.
To protect the neighborhood
Thwip! Fans of Spider-Man will love to chase down the villains on the Kid Trax Spider-Man ATV. With the 12V battery and variable speeds from 2.5 to 5 MPH, the baddies won't stand a chance. Zipping around on the Power Trax tires, your child will be able to go everywhere the criminals try to run. As a future Spidey in training, this ATV is set up for solo missions to let your child's imagination run wild.
The next level
The Razor Dirt Quad is built tough and is the closest thing to a full-fledged ATV you can find. It has 13-inch pneumatic tires, a brush bar, and even rear suspension with a coil shock. This vehicle is made to hit the trails, zipping along at a top speed of 8mph using the hand-operated throttle. Designed for ages 8 and up, and up to 120lbs, the Razor Dirt Quad is begging for some off-road fun.
For the teens
For ages 13 and up, this dirt bike is perfect for getting your kids started on off-roading. It has large tires, a hand-operated rear brake, and a battery life of up to 30 minutes. It can reach a top speed of 14 mph and can handle up to 140 pounds. Not bad for the price.
Riding in luxury
When your little one wants to explore the neighborhood in style, then look no further than the Best Choice Products Kids Land Rover. They'll be riding high in this two-seater that offers a smooth ride with 4-wheel suspension and working LED headlights. This ride even lets your child listen to their favorite tunes with the built-in sound system. Should your kid not entirely be ready to drive themselves, there's a remote for you to control the ride.
The work horse
When it's time to get work done on the family homestead, nothing will help your little one feel more included in the chores than the Peg Perego John Deere Gator XUV. This 12V side-by-side has a brush guard on the front when work calls in the tall grass and a large dump bed with functioning tailgate. With speeds of 2.25 and 4.5mph, your little one will be able to get where they need to with no troubles — there is a high-speed lock-out just in case.
Budget pick
This off-brand electric vehicle is your best budget option, with its ATV style and great color options. It comes with two-speed options like other electric toy cars, and its tires have deeper treads for wet grass and rougher ground. There's also a simple switch for forward and reverse, and it steers just like a bike.
Pretty in pink
The Uenjoy Maserati GranCabrio has real working LED headlights and taillights, dual opening doors with locks, and spring suspension to make for a smooth ride. It seats one, has a seatbelt, and there's even an AUX port and Bluetooth, so your kids can listen to tunes on the "radio." When your child is done driving themselves, you can take over with the included remote.
Let's ride!
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Power Wheels and other electric kids cars are great ways to get your young ones started on their driving skills in a safe and fun way. It's hard to beat the Power Wheels Dune Racer (opens in new tab) when it comes to getting out and driving from just learning or a kid that's been through the mud before. Though when "just driving around" doesn't quite cut it, then the Peg Perego John Deere Gator XUV (opens in new tab) is the one to look at for getting that little bit extra from the vehicle.
Regardless of what style driving or theme your child is into, there is an electric vehicle out there to let them feel like a big kid in their small ride. Just like when as adults, we got our driver's license and can finally drive — little ones get a sense of freedom. Then there are my kids who love to drive an just want to "go fast, Dad!"
