How Fast Do Ride On Toys Go? [A Parents Guide]

If you're in the market for a kid's ride-on toy you're probably asking yourself the question - "Just how fast do these toys go?" and that's a very good question.

Choosing the right electric toy for your child can be challenging, but knowing how fast they go may sway your choice of toy.

This article will go through the different types of ride-on toys (such as cars, boats, tractors, scooters, UTVs, go karts, quad bikes and motorbikes) and how fast they go.

The information will then be combined with a safety guide that can help parents feel more informed about the right toy for their child based on how fast it goes.

The toys will range from 6V, 12V, 24V, and 36V ride-ons, the speeds will be measured in mph.

Toys designed for kids aged between 2 and 5 years of age generally use 6V and 12V batteries. These toys generally travel up to a speed of up to 4 mph.

Toys designed for kids aged from around five upwards generally use 12V to 36V batteries, which provide a much faster ride experience up to speeds of up to 10 mph or more on some models.

Why are they so popular with kids and adults alike?

Ride-on toys are becoming much more popular with kids and adults alike.

This is due to the feeling of freedom that they provide, often in environments where it would be dangerous for a child (or adult) to ride on their own such as busy streets or near roads with no sidewalk space.

Kids can use their new ride-ons from the safety of their house and garden.

Why Do People Purchase Them?

These ride-on toys tend to be more popular around birthdays and Christmas.

They are also purchased by parents, grandparents and uncles and aunts a lot. We think it is because the wow factor they achieve when your kid opens the box for the first time.

Are These Toys Safe?

Absolutely! The vast majority of these toys come with a seat belt, and some have a battery safety cut-off switch to stop them if the rider becomes unresponsive (normally found on higher performance ride-ons).

However, it's important that you always make sure your child wears their seatbelt even when riding on this type of toy (which is likely why they're there in the first place).

Even though the speed increases with voltage and motor size (we'll explain later), the toy doesn't go too fast so that if your kid falls off they'll do some serious damage.

The speeds tend to increase on the petrol ride-ons available since there is a lot more power and torque.

How To Calculate The Speed

If we're being totally honest, the speed of the toy will vary considerably depending on the angle of incline, ground conditions, and weight distribution.

To give a rough idea of how fast your ride-on toy should go at its fastest setting we recommend this equation:

For example, if you're using an electric toy with 24V batteries that has 300 rotations per minute, the toy should be able to go at 12 mph.

In most cases, these speed recommendations are for children ages six and up. For kids under this age, we recommend a slower ride on of no more than three miles per hour.

Size Of The Battery

The speed of the toy depends on two factors. The size of the battery and also the size of the motor. The bigger the battery and motor, the faster the toy will go in basic terms.

Weight of The Rider

You also have to take into consideration the weight of the rider. It will be harder to go fast if there is a heavier rider on the ride-on. That's why it is so important to purchase the correct-sized ride-on toy.

Most Popular Voltage

The most popular voltage of a kid's ride-on toy is 12V. This is because it's the perfect speed for this age bracket of toys parents purchase for their kids.

24V Ride on Toys and Above

24V ride-on toys are becoming increasingly popular with parents.

These are very fast, and the popular brands that sell these toys recommend a certain weight limit for their riders.

Another reason why they are popular is down to the power of the motors.

The motors are much more powerful and will generally be used for both one-seater and two-seater ride-on toys.

We're finding that our two-seater models are becoming more and more popular. In essence they can be used by kids of different ages and also used as a shared experience too!

The Amount of Charge

The vast majority of ride on toys used lead batteries. And just like any other battery out there, performance is lost with age.

The initial charge might be enough for hours of play, but after time it's about half an hour and less (depending on usage).

There are ways to get around this limitation - swapping the lead battery out with another.

This means purchasing an additional battery and charger, but it's a small price to pay for the hours of play you'll get out of your ride-on toy.

Quick Facts on Speed of 6v, 12V, 24V, 36V & 48V ride-on toys

6V Ride-on Toys = usually up to 2-3mph+

12V Ride-on Toys = usually up to 4mph+

24V Ride-on Toys = usually up to 6mph+

36V Ride-on Toys = usually up to 15mph+

48V Ride-on Toys = usually up to 18mph+

Where can I purchase a new ride on Toy?

There are several retailers where you can purchase ride-on toys such as Outdoor Toys, The Toy Centre, Ride-on Warehouse, Kids Electric Cars, Smyths Toys, Argos, RideonToys4U, and The Toy Shop.

Wrapping Up

The average speed of a ride-on toy is about 5 miles per hour. This may vary depending on the size and shape, but this is an accurate range for most toys.

It can be hard to find out how fast your specific model will go because there are so many different factors that affect the speed such as weight restrictions or inclines in the ground.

We hope you have found this article helpful in your decision-making process.

If you need any help, please feel free to contact us for more information or assistance.

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