Your guide to this review today is by product expert Nick Bulanda
Published February 7, 2022
CONTENTS
It's not always easy shopping around to find a gift for a toddler. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, friend of the family, or something else entirely, it can be difficult finding a toy that's both safe and plenty of fun. A Power Wheels vehicle is a fantastic choice.
Power Wheels toys are miniature vehicles that will fit easily and snugly fit a child. From there, the little one can drive around the backyard, basement, or even down the sidewalks with close adult supervision. The toys are tons of fun, providing countless hours of entertainment that won't get boring like many other toys.
However, not all Power Wheels models are specifically made for toddlers. Many of the options are simply too big, or offer too much power for such a young child. It's key to find a Power Wheels model specifically designed for toddlers.
That's where we come in. At Ride Toy Zone, we know more than our fair share about toys. We've put together a guide that will give you a look at the 10 best Power Wheels for toddlers. Each entry features a link to the product, as well as a review courtesy of our team. Take a look at each one and decide if it could be right for the little one you're shopping for.
After our list, stick around to read our buying guide. In it, we'll provide more information on choosing the right Power Wheels model. We'll provide you with a closer look at battery life and maintenance, as well as what factors should come into your decision-making process. Finally, we'll end off with a FAQ section. Here we'll do our best to answer any lingering questions or concerns you may have about these toys. Good luck on your search!
Top 10 Power Wheels for Toddlers
Our pick for the best overall Power Wheels for toddlers is this impressive Jurassic World model. It’s a recreation of the Jeep Wrangler, a legendary off road vehicle that has an iconic design. Kids will love spending time inside this toy, with exciting dinosaur sound effects to play around with. The official recommended age for the toy, like many other Power Wheels models, is 3 through 7. However, with the optional slow driving mode activated, as well as close supervision from an adult, we believe toddlers can have plenty of fun with this toy, and safely.
The toy is an official Jurassic World product, not a knock-off. This means all the decals will make your toddler feel like they’re really inside the movie they love so much. This Power Wheels model utilizes a 12V battery, giving it a good amount of kick when the child is ready for it. Additionally, as long as you take good care of the toy, you can count on it to last for quite a long time. Be sure to check out our battery maintenance tips below in our buying guide if you want the best results.
Overall, it wasn’t hard to rank this as the best Power Wheels choice for young children. Who doesn’t love dinosaurs after all? If, for some reason, this option wouldn’t be a great pick for your little one, don’t give up. The rest of our list has plenty other options for you to consider.
Key Features:
Official Jurassic World Merchandise
Dinosaur and Chase Sound Effects
Max Speed: 5 mph with 2.5 mph Setting
Supports up to 130 lbs.
Specification:
Brand: Power Wheels
Model: FRC33
Weight: 48.4 lbs.
If you are willing to spend a little extra for something really special, we encourage you to check out this awesome Chevy Silverado toy. Like many of the other recommendations on our list, this isn’t an official Power Wheels model. However, there are plenty of great alternatives out there from other companies, and that includes this pick.
A great amount of attention has been paid to get the details of the Chevy Silverado Trail Boss LT correct here. Kids will also enjoy the use of the LED headlights, as well as both Bluetooth and wired MP3 capabilities for music. The vehicle even includes two seats and can support enough weight for two toddlers to fit inside safely.
On the topic of safety, there’s a lot to love here. The toy includes a remote control that allows parents to drive, letting your child (or children) have a fun time while staying safe. There’s also shock-absorbing suspension, an adjustable seat belt, and locking doors.
With a full charge, you can expect this vehicle to last up to 2 hours. In order to get that full charge, it’ll take about 8 to 12 hours, meaning you can easily plug the battery in overnight and let it charge. Just remember to take it off the charger when it’s fully powered. Otherwise you’ll reduce the lifetime of the battery.
We’re confident that kids are going to love spending time playing with this truck. That’s even more true if they love pickup trucks, like the Silverado! Try it out and be sure to let us know how it goes for your family.
Key Features:
Official Chevy Silverado Trail Boss LT Recreation
Bluetooth and MP3 Capabilities
Parental Remote Control for Enhanced Safety
Supports up to 66 lbs.
Specification:
Brand: Kidzone
Model: B097DKT2WY
Weight: 47.6 lbs.
This next toy is a fantastic option for parents on a tighter budget. Despite being available for less than $100, this quad ride on toy offers endless hours of fun for toddlers. It’s designed specifically for younger children, utilizing a 6V battery and supporting only 44 lbs. of weight. While this does mean it’ll likely only last a year or two before your child out-grows it, they will have a very good time while it lasts.
Once again, we have a dinosaur theme. It seems to be a favorite among many kids, so it shouldn’t be hard to see why that’s the case. This time, instead of Jurassic World, the toy is simply themed around a green T-Rex, complete with a toy skull attached to the front. There are still sound effects for the child to enjoy, adding to the fun.
If safety is a concern for you, this toy is a good pick. It only gets up to 1.5 miles per hour, ensuring your toddler can’t get too far away from you. This toy is excellent for getting kids used to riding, and can help in the development of their motor skills, no pun intended. Try it out, especially if you’re looking to spend less than several hundred dollars.
Key Features:
Dino Skull Bumper
6V Battery
Fun Sound Effects
Supports up to 44 lbs.
Specification:
Brand: Kid Trax
Model: KT1592AZ
Weight: 11 lbs.
With our next toy, we go back to the original Power Wheels brand. If your child is a fan of Barbie, they’re probably going to love this off road quad-styled ride on toy. You get the reliability and familiarity of Power Wheels at a fair price, with a design oriented towards younger kids. For safety, you can expect to find an optional low-speed mode that parents can turn on. Additionally the toy features power lock brakes, helping keep the child safe.
While the product is from Power Wheels, it’s definitely on the lower end of their price spectrum. This is overall a good thing, but you will have to give up a few features found on some of the more expensive models. That includes a safety belt, which can’t really work with the quad design. However, the toy is still safe, so that shouldn’t be too much of a concern. If you’re a fan of what this model has to offer, go ahead and pick it up for any Barbie fan.
Key Features:
Official Barbie Merchandise
Reliable Power Wheels Tires
6 mph and 3 mph Driving Modes
Supports up to 65 lbs.
Specification:
Brand: Power Wheels
Model: GWT19
Weight: 56.1 lbs.
Here we have another toy on the more affordable end of the spectrum. That will definitely be appreciated by parents looking to get a lot of value on a low budget. Another quad-style model, the vehicle features official Paw Patrol licensing from Nickelodeon. If your little one is a big fan of this cartoon, they’ll love driving around on the toy all the time. That’s why you’ll want to keep the battery charged up as often as possible.
With a top speed of only 1.5 mph, this is another excellent Power Wheels for toddlers. It’s another 6V battery, the less-powerful option. That means it’s faster to charge, and of course the product comes with the charger included. Unlike many other ride on toy models, this product uses foot pedal operation. This will help your child get used to the system for the future, and eventually you’ll be able to move on to larger Power Wheels toys when they are old enough. For now, this is a strong starter option for toddlers.
Key Features:
Official Nickelodeon Paw Patrol Merchandise
6V Rechargeable Battery
Top Speed of 1.5 mph
Supports up to 44 lbs.
Specification:
Brand: Kid Trax
Model: KT1591AZ
Weight: 11.8 lbs.
Next up is another toy from Kid Trax. Once again it’s an officially-licensed product, but for a completely different company this time around: Disney. Does your child love Minnie Mouse? If so, this quad ride on toy is for them. By now, you should be familiar with the design. This is another 6V model, so the max speed is a safe 1.5 miles per hour. The rubber power trax tires will also add to the safety of the toy.
Assembly should be a piece of cake, only taking up a few minutes of your time without any frustration. Additionally, you can find a one year limited warranty on the vehicle itself, with a six month limited warranty on the battery. As long as you follow all the directions and properly maintain that battery, it should last you quite a long time. Give this toy a try and see if your child takes a liking to it. We’re confident they will!
Key Features:
Official Disney Minnie Mouse Merchandise
Rubber Traction Strip Tires
Max Speed of 1.5 mph
Supports up to 45 lbs.
Specification:
Brand: Kid Trax
Model:
Weight: 6.2 lbs.
One of the more popular and varied manufacturers that offers toys similar to Power Wheels is Best Choice Products. Their models have tons of great features, and can be found at a fair price. This Jeep-style toy is a perfect example.
It features a remote control system, making it a great option for parents who want to control the vehicle with their toddlers inside. On top of that, you’ll also find both safety straps and lockable doors, offering another layer of safety to the toy. There’s even a spring suspension system to help keep the vehicle stable. The max speed of the toy is 3.7 miles per hour, ensuring it doesn’t move too quickly either.
There’s some great entertainment options inside as well. You’ll be able to connect a phone to the toy via Bluetooth, allowing you to play whatever music you’d like. As the child gets older, they can even pick their own tunes with your help! This is a great option, despite not coming from a recognizable household brand. Give it a try!
Key Features:
Jeep SUV Styling
Parental Remote Control
Safety Belt and Lockable Doors
Supports up to 128 lbs.
Specification:
Brand: Best Choice Products
Model: B072865HYJ
Weight: 45 lbs.
In our number eight slot, we have another ride on toy from Best Choice Products. It’s similar to the last item on our list is a number of ways, but there are a few important differences as well. The most obvious change is the color, which is pink for this toy. Additionally, this SUV is smaller than the last option. That could make it a better choice for toddlers, and it has the added bonus of being more affordable.
At the same time, the toy still offers the most exciting features. You’ll have the parental remote control, auxiliary MP3 music capabilities, and a set of durable plastic tires. The max speed is 2.8 miles per hour, and there is a seat belt as well as LED headlights. If all of this sounds right for your child, go ahead and buy them this impressive pink SUV. When it’s well taken care of, it’ll last for years until they’ve outgrown it!
Key Features:
Working LED Headlights
Spring Suspension System
MP3 Music Capabilities
Supports up to 61 lbs.
Specification:
Brand: Best Choice Products
Model: B01N7B2Q4J
Weight: 45 lbs.
Is there any vehicle more stylish than a Lamborghini? Let your child drive around in luxury with this official recreation of the Lamborghini Aventador from Kidzone. You’ll even find the legendary hydraulic doors that the vehicle is known for.
The toy includes a set of LED headlights, dual 25W motors, and an adjustable seat belt among many more features. The tires are wear-resistant, and will be able to handle pavement, grass, interior floors and more. There’s even a remote control for those who are fans of that feature.
Despite the Lamborghini’s reputation for speed, this toy only offers a max speed of 2.2 miles per hour, making it safe for even toddlers. They’ll even be able to play with the working horn as they drive! Give this toy a shot if you love the style and think the toddler will too.
Key Features:
Official Lamborghini Aventador Recreation
Iconic Hydraulic Doors
Parental Remote Control
Supports up to 66 lbs.
Specification:
Brand: Kidzone
Model: B097DK9H93
Weight: 39 lbs.
With the final item on today’s list, we go back to the classic with another Power Wheels model. This time, it’s theme is the beloved Disney film Frozen. It’s yet another Jeep Wrangler recreation, and features a useful storage area in the back. Here kids can store their favorite toys and pretend they drive a real Jeep of their very own.
While this is still a fantastic model, it does lack some of the features we enjoy from other models. However, with official music and sound effects from Frozen, many toddlers won’t care about those other features. The toy includes power lock brakes for safety, but similar to the other Power Wheels models it doesn’t include remote control. As long as that’s okay with you, go ahead and try this toy out for your child!
Key Features:
Official Disney Frozen Merchandise
Radio Featuring Songs from Frozen
Rear Storage Area
Supports up to 130 lbs.
Specification:
Brand: Power Wheels
Model: CLD96
Weight: 62.5 lbs.
Power Wheels for Toddlers Buying Guide
By now, you should have had an opportunity to go over our recommended list of Power Wheels and related products. We picked each option on our list for different reasons. Some are particularly suited towards toddlers, while others work for a variety of ages and simply have a good reputation. Hopefully you were able to pick an option off our list that works for the little one you have in mind.
However, it's definitely understandable if you'd like to keep searching. There are countless Power Wheels for toddlers out there. It makes total sense to want to look over a huge variety before making a final decision.
We've put together this buying guide with that in mind. Read through it and you'll find a better understanding of what to look for as you shop. In our Factors of Focus section, we'll go over the most important qualities to find in these toys. If you find an option that meets all of these factors, there's a very good chance it'll work great for you.
After that, we'll go over some details regarding the battery for these toys. That includes maintenance tips, as well as some general information that will be useful for you to know. Our team will offer some advice and information regarding safety as well, which should help parents protect their young ones while using these toys. Finally, we can provide information on the developmental benefits of these toys before wrapping up with a useful FAQ. We hope our guide helps you choose the right Power Wheels model for your child, so good luck!
Factors of Focus: Best Power Wheels for Toddlers
There are several important factors that we would keep in mind as you shop for these toys. First and foremost should be safety. Above all else is protecting your child. When searching for a set of Power Wheels, especially for a toddler, keep an eye out for useful safety features like a remote control and safety belts. Not all of these models feature these. While they aren't required, they do add a layer of safety that's good to have around. It's also important to remember the safety basics, such as a low top speed and a stable set of wheels.
In addition to safety, longevity and durability should be an important factor to keep in mind. You don't want to spend several hundred dollars on one of these toys only for it to break three months down the line. Be sure to read customer reviews to see what other buyers have to say. The batteries can be notoriously finnicky on these products, so that's an especially important category to note.
Finally, you'll want to think about what the child will like. While toddlers are usually happy with any kind of toy, it's not too early for kids to start to develop certain likes. For example, does your toddler particularly enjoy dinosaurs, or Barbie dolls? There's a good chance that there's a Power Wheels model for whatever it is they enjoy. Look around until you find one that they're sure to love!
Power Wheels Battery Maintenance
One thing that many people know about these toys is that the batteries don't have a great reputation. While this is true, there are actually some things you can do to help ensure that battery keeps running great for a while to come. Many folks don't bother to read the instructions that come with the toy. While this is understandable, for the best results we recommend reading it!
The manual will tell you specific instructions for first-time use. Each battery is different, so we can't give you any universal directions. However, most batteries require you to charge them for a specific period of time before use. Make sure to do this if you want the battery life to last!
Additionally, do not leave your batteries out in the cold during the winter. This can make them hard to start back up when the time comes. If you plan on leaving the battery sitting for an extended period of time, store it in a room temperature place. Also take it off the shelf once in a while, run it and charge it back up. Doing this will go a long way in keeping that battery intact.
Power Wheels Toddler Safety Tips
Any time a child is using one of these toys, it's very important that an adult is around watching them closely. No matter how old they are, you've got to remember that these are moving vehicles with working motors. While they are safe for kids to use, it must always be under a careful eye.
Additionally, be sure to take advantage of any of the safety features found on the toy. Most products have multiple speed settings, so find the right option for your child. You'll also want them to use the seat belts if they are any included. Above all else, though, is parental supervision. Nothing can replace that.
Developmental Benefits of Power Wheels
This may come as a surprise, but these toys can be used for more than just simple fun. They will actually help your child develop early skills that will become important later in life. This ranges from understanding cause and effect reactions, to depth perception and even basic motor skills. While in this case we mean "motor skills" as in the movement of the body's muscles, it also applies to motor as in the engine of a vehicle!
There are many wide-ranging benefits to these toys, and they can even help kids start to love spending time in the backyard as opposed to early computer habits. Buy one for your toddler and see how they take to it!
Power Wheels for Toddlers Frequently Asked Questions
Before you head out, we recommend checking over this final section. In it we will attempt to answer some of the most commonly asked questions we hear concerning these toys. If there's still something you're wondering, there is a good chance you'll find the answer here. You can feel free to leave us a comment if there are any lingering doubts, and we'll do our best to address it!
Q: Are Power Wheels good for toddlers?
A: While the usual recommended age for Power Wheels begins at 3, we do believe these can still be great gifts for toddlers. The important thing is choosing a model that is the right fit. It's also important to know your child and what they're capable of handling. Additionally, it's a matter of keeping a close eye on them as they use the toy. As long as you follow all of these steps, and you use your best judgment, ride on toys can be great for toddlers.
Q: How old should a child be for Power Wheels?
A: The official recommended age varies from product to product, but even that shouldn't be the only determining factor for your child. Without knowing your child, it's impossible for us to accurately answer this question. Only a parent really knows what their child can handle safely. We encourage you to take the recommended age from the manufacturer into consideration along with your own judgment as a parent.
Q: How long should Powered Wheels for toddlers last?
A: If you take care of the battery the right way, and nothing happens to break on the vehicle itself, you should expect these toys to last at least a solid 2-3 years. After that point, you may need to buy a new battery, but this could be a positive thing anyways. The standard batteries often pale in comparison to some of the aftermarket options. If you get a good battery and take care of it, it's easy to ensure these toys last for multiple waves of children, letting you pass it on to younger siblings or other family members after your child gets too big.
Q: Are Power Wheels safe?
A: In short, yes. However, it is important to remember that these are still moving vehicles. Any time your child is playing with it, there should be adult supervision. Additionally, some of these toys offer more safety features than others. It is up to you to find the model that has the right set of features for you and your child's needs. This could include a safety belt, or a parental remote control. There are plenty of options out there, so it's just a matter of finding the right fit.
