What’s the Difference Between 6V, 12V and 24V Ride On Cars For Kids?

As specialists in ride on electric cars for children, at Electric Ride On Cars we understand it helps to know the difference between each option on the market. 

Choosing the perfect electric ride on car for your little ones doesn’t have to be difficult. Our guide to 6v, 12v and 24v ride on cars covers everything from age suitability and top speeds to how you can increase power and speed.  

We offer a variety of different voltage ride on toy electric cars to choose from, with speed depending on the size of the battery and motor.

How fast does a 6-volt ride on car go?

6-volt ride on cars are recommended for children aged between 2 and 3 years old. Typically these toy cars average a top speed of 2-3 mph depending on the weight of the rider and surface. 

It’s important that 6v electric cars are driven on hard, flat surfaces as they are unable to manage muddy or uneven surfaces. 

How fast does a 12-volt ride on car go?

As a popular option for parents, 12-volt electric ride on cars are suitable for children aged 4 to 6 years old. They can reach max speeds of 3-5 mph. 

The biggest difference between 6v and 12v power wheels is that 12v ride on electric cars can be used outdoors on flat surfaces and rough surfaces such as flat low cut grass.

How fast does a 24 volt power wheels go?

More powerful 24v ride on cars are suitable for children aged 7 to 8 years old and have top speeds of 4-6 mph. 

A huge benefit of the 24 volt power wheels option is that your little one can easily drive the car in the garden on grass, gravel and flat surfaces. Additionally, the rubber wheels provide more grip and control compared to 6v and 12v ride on electric cars.

Why would you upgrade a 12v battery?

Car modification isn’t just for adults! One of the reasons why you might want to upgrade a 12v battery is to improve the current power and speed of your electric car. 

More voltage means more power, creating an increase in capability. A 24v battery can make it easier for electric toy cars to go up a steep drive and travel along rougher terrains. On top of this, 24v runs much more efficiently as the wires are smaller compared to a 12v battery. 

Buying a spare replacement battery is an easy way to upgrade a 12v battery. Upgrading your battery from a 12v to 24v ride on should be done carefully and with caution. Make sure that an adult is always supervising your child at all times while using the vehicles when they have been upgraded.

How can I make my 12V faster?

Making a 12v ride on car faster makes your child’s favourite toy even more fun as they grow up. However, you need to follow some key steps when converting to make sure it’s done properly and safely.

Select the right battery brand and size

Check the battery size and brand to make sure you’re selecting the right replacement battery. A colour code system is usually used to easily show which one you need. You can either buy one 24v or two 12v batteries. 

Before you purchase anything, you need to make sure the new replacement battery will fit in your current kids ride on car. To do this measure the space under the hood and check the current battery stickers for dimensions.

Check the capacity of the motor

You need to make sure that any current motors can withstand a 24v battery as some might not, especially if you are converting. Sometimes it’s a good idea to buy a new 24-volt engine as well to replace a 12-volt engine.

Invest in new fuses

It’s also important to update the fuses as these will only be suitable for 12v and not a higher voltage. Fuses play a key role as they make sure no excessive voltage transmits to the circuit. You should look for 20 amp fuses as these can manage the higher electrical current.

Replace the Gearbox

As your ride on electric car will be able to go faster, you need to update the gearbox to match. These can sometimes be referred to as speed controller boards and they make sure that everything works as it should and controls the speed.

Check the seat belts

You need to ensure your little ones are safe, so adding seat belts might be a good idea. Have a look to see if the current safety belts are appropriate for your child and, if not, update these.

How do you change a 12V battery vehicle to a 24V battery vehicle?

To replace a 12v battery with a 24v battery in your power wheels you need to flip over the car and remove the wheels to access the battery and wiring. Upgrade the wiring to 12g wires carefully by removing the old ones one at a time and installing new wires. At this stage, you should also remember to replace the old fuses with new 20 amp fuses.

The next step is to change the motor to 24v to prevent overheating. Use a screwdriver to remove the current motor and double-check the new one is compatible and the right size. Place the new motor in and attach the wiring. 

After this add the new battery and correctly attach the wiring. Connect the fuse to the positive battery connection, crimp the wire connection and then use fuse holders. Remember to insulate any remaining wires for safety.

Two Batteries

You can also create a 24v battery by adding two 12v batteries. The best approach is to put the batteries next to each other and connect them to create an electrical series. 

You need to connect the positive terminal wire to one of the batteries and to the negative terminal of the other battery. This creates a connection bringing the car’s batteries together.

Find our guide on how fast are 6v, 12v and 24v kids electric cars are.

What are the Common Problems after a Conversion?

Some common problems often come from using the wrong materials. If you opt for the wrong battery or one that doesn’t suit the manufacturer specifications, it can cause issues during the conversion process. 

Another thing to look out for is power issues. This is usually caused by fitting motors that consume too much power in one go. It’s important to find a motor that has good consumption levels as a higher output of power can cut the battery running time. 

If you don’t upgrade other parts of the car with the battery, you may experience the motors overloading as well as burnt out wires and fuses. We always recommend using replacement parts for wiring and fuses to make sure everything runs as it should. 

It’s important to remember that more power and speed means more potential for children to fall, hit barriers and objects, and tip over. Make sure you supervise your child at all times in the vehicle and test any car properly following a conversion from 12v to 24v toy car.

Further Advice

From learning how to maintain your kids’ ride on car to buying a brand new vehicle for your little one, we’re here to help. At Electric Ride On Cars we sell a wide range of fun ride on electric cars including tractors, SUVs and 4x4s, and even kids electric motorbikes and dirt bikes for kids! Ride on cars are an incredible way to drive your kids development and show them how to learn and have fun. Explore the best places to ride dirt bikes and quad bikes and watch your little one as they enjoy time with their favourite toy.