Can You Put a 24V Battery in a 12V Ride-On? What Parents Need to Know

Shopping for a 24V ride-on and wondering if a 24V battery will juice up your 12V model? Can You Put a 24V Battery in a 12V Ride-On? It might sound like a quick power boost, but it’s not that simple—and it’s usually not safe. Let’s break it down.

12V vs. 24V: What’s the Difference?

A 24V battery has twice the cells of a 12V—think two 12V batteries stacked together. Here’s how they stack up:

12V vs 24V Battery Comparison

12V Battery

Single battery system

24V Battery

Two 12V batteries in series

Key Differences

Power: 24V doubles capacity (e.g., 100Ah 24V = 2400Wh vs. 1200Wh for 12V).
Runtime: 24V lasts 1-1.5 hours; 12V runs 45-60 minutes.
Charge Time: 24V takes 10-18 hours; 12V needs 8-12.
Use: 24V suits bigger, off-road ride-ons; 12V fits smaller toys.

Warning: Swapping a 24V battery into a 12V ride-on can fry the motor or wiring—check the manual first!

Why Upgrade to 24V?

Parents eye 24V for:

More Power: Faster speeds (4-8 mph vs. 3-5 mph) and better hill climbs.
Longer Play: Up to 3 hours vs. 1-2 for 12V.
Efficiency: Less heat, more juice for accessories.

But here’s the snag: 12V ride-ons aren’t built for 24V’s extra oomph—think bigger size, weight, and strain.

Can You Do It? Risks and Reality

Technically, yes—but we don’t recommend it. A 24V battery in a 12V ride-on can:

Overload the motor, burning it out.
Melt wiring or the motherboard.
Void warranties and create safety hazards.

Most 12V toys can’t handle the space or stress of 24V. Check out this comparison:

Feature	12V Ride-On	24V Ride-On
Speed	3-5 mph	4-8 mph
Runtime	1-2 hours	1.5-3 hours
Terrain	Flat surfaces	Rougher ground

How to Upgrade (If You Dare)

Still tempted? Here’s what’s needed—but proceed with caution:

Tools Needed
Insulated screwdriver, wire strippers, multimeter, electrical tape, fuse holder

Steps
1. Remove the 12V battery.
2. Check wiring for wear.
3. Connect 24V battery with a fuse on the positive terminal.
4. Insulate all connections.

Safety Musts: Use gloves, add a 50-amp fuse, and never reverse polarity. But honestly? Get a pro—motors, gearboxes, and motherboards often need 24V upgrades too.

Costs to Consider

Upgrading isn’t cheap:

Item	12V Cost	24V Cost
Battery	£25-£40	£70-£100
Charger	£15-£25	£20-£40
Extras (fuse, wiring)	£24-£48

Total DIY: £100-£200. Pro install? Add £40-£80. Worth it? Maybe—if your kid needs the power and you’re okay with the risk.

Wrap-Up

Swapping a 24V battery into a 12V ride-on isn’t a plug-and-play fix—it’s a gamble. For safety and peace of mind, stick to the right voltage or call a pro. Rather skip the hassle? Check out our 24V ride-ons built for the job!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a 24V battery in my 12V ride-on?

Not safely—it can overload the motor and wiring. Stick to 12V unless you upgrade everything.

How do I make a 24V system with 12V batteries?

Connect two 12V batteries in series—positive to negative—but we don’t recommend it without pro help. See the diagram: connecting ride on car batteries