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Published March 3, 2022
How to Make Power Wheels Faster – DIY Solutions
Sometimes, the standard Power Wheels setup just isn’t getting the job done. Finding something faster might be the way to go. If this situation sounds familiar, you’re in the right place. There are a number ways to consider on how to make Power Wheels faster. We’ll give you an overview of each, and a brief rundown of how the installation process works. However, remember to only take on something that is within your skill level. There are professionals out there who can upgrade your Power Wheels for you, so keep that in mind once when thinking about a course of action.
Along with the three most popular ways to improve Power Wheels performance, today’s blog will also spend some time discussing proper maintenance of these toys. They are already expensive, and upgrading them means you’re investing even more money into the toy. Taking good care of it is important so you can ensure it lasts for your children. We’ll also talk about some of the great benefits of these toys and answer some of the most common questions we hear before we wrap up. For now, spend some time learning how to make Power Wheels faster for your kids!
1. Battery Upgrade
The simplest and most direct way to improve Power Wheels performance is by upgrading the battery. There are a number of routes you can take to do this. For instance, you could add on another 12V battery, or you could replace the original battery with a 24V battery or something else. When thinking about how to make Power Wheels faster, this is the option we’d recommend if you don’t have a ton of technical knowledge but want to attempt an upgrade at home. It’s relatively simple even for beginners, and you should be able to find plenty of information online to help.
Another option to consider is a converter that lets you use a different type of battery. There are products out there that allow you to use a Black & Decker battery, DeWalt batteries, and other power tool batteries you may already have around the house. Whichever method you decide on, look around online to find detailed instructions on your specific upgrade. If you’re lucky, you may even find a video tutorial that will walk you through the process step by step. Just make sure to be careful and emphasize safety for you and your child above all else.
2. Speed Controller
Another way to improve performance in a Power Wheels toy is with a speed controller. This add-on is a little bit more advanced, and will require some more technical work compared to installing a different battery. However, there’s quite a big difference in the performance once it’s installed. A speed controller kit can add a pedal and brake system, increase speed, and give your child more realistic control over the vehicle. There may be additional parts to install, such as a battery monitoring system. Make sure to do your research to find out which speed controller may be compatible with your family’s toy, and to decide what kind of performance upgrade you need.
When the time comes for installation, we encourage you to consider having an expert involved. It may cost you more, but you’ll be able to sleep soundly knowing that a professional handled the job, and your child will be safer for it. Unless you’re very confident in your skills, the job can be a little overwhelming. However, the end results will be worth it, especially once you see the look on your child’s face as they zoom around in their new (old) favorite toy.
3. Custom Build
If a speed controller kit isn’t enough for you, it’s possible to fully customize a Power Wheels toy. This will give you a great degree of control over performance, letting you pick exactly how it will be built. The standard structure of Power Wheels aren’t exactly built for high performance. If you want the best results, you’ll need someone to fabricate a better body and install a number of performance upgrades including the previous options of a new battery and a speed controller.
There are so many ways to customize these toys, and it’s possible to really go all out. While this route can get expensive, you’ll have an unforgettable high-quality toy that can be passed down over the years. Unless you’re already a professional, we highly recommend hiring somebody for this job. There’s too much at stake to rely on a questionable at-home job for something this intensive.
Power Wheels Custom Upgrade Installation Tips
The biggest tip we can offer is to think long and hard about whether you want to attempt this upgrade at home or if you’d rather hire a professional. While it may seem silly, there are actually a number of experts out there who are willing and able to install modifications on these toys. Shop around your local area and you might be surprised at what you can find, and maybe for a cheaper price than you’re expecting.
If you do decide to try an install at home, we encourage you to do plenty of research beforehand. Learn about the model that you’re working with, because not all aftermarket upgrades may work for every model. You’ll want to figure out what kind of battery to buy, as well as decide on what other upgrades to include. Lastly, make sure to spend a lot of time focusing on the installation process. If you want the toy to remain safe, it’s important to follow each step with complete precision. That’s why we encourage most parents to opt for a professional install.
Maintaining Power Wheels Toys
We hear stories all the time about Power Wheels batteries that die out after a year or less of use. In order to avoid a situation like this, it’s important to properly maintain the battery. First of all, when you buy the toy, before your child can use it there are some steps you’ll need to take with the battery. It should include a set of instructions that tell you exactly what to do. Most likely, you’ll have to keep it on the charger for an extended number of hours, such as 12. See what your specific battery requires and make sure to stick to those instructions.
Another thing to do in order to keep that battery in good running shape is to keep it out of the cold for too long. It’s not uncommon to store the toy during the winter months, but be sure to bring that battery inside. It’s also a good idea to take it off the shelf every couple of months to run it down and charge it back up. This will help ensure the battery stays healthy.
Power Wheels – Toys for Kids of All Ages
For most families, a Power Wheels toy will only last a couple of years before the kids get too big or the toy breaks down. With the right performance upgrades and proper maintenance, you can ensure your kids don’t out-grow their Power Wheels toys for a long time. However, you have to consider which options are right for different age groups. The standard Power Wheels setup may work for toddlers and pre-school age kids. Once the kids get a little bit older, though, it’s very easy to become bored with the slow-moving standard battery.
Think about all the ways we laid out on how to make Power Wheels faster, and decide which route works best for your family. Keep in mind that different maturity levels can handle different driving situations, so it’s important to figure out which style of upgrade suits them. Some kids aren’t ready to handle driving a fast-moving vehicle, and that’s perfectly okay. It’s just important to decide on that before you make a final choice on an upgrade.
Developmental Benefits and Healthy Habits
Power Wheels are good for more than just a fun time in the driveway. They also have a number of positive benefits for kids, both for their development and for encouraging great habits. Young children are still learning about the world around them, and how their actions can affect it. These toys are great for developing those key motor skills, no pun intended. By putting their foot down on the pedal and feeling how that propels the vehicle forward, they’ll be learning without even realizing it.
Even as kids move past the early development stage, there are plenty of good reasons to keep these toys around. It’s not easy to break their attention away from screens these days. Whether it’s a phone, tablet, computer or television, there’s just so much media to consume, and it can grip them tightly. Showing kids that it’s possible to have an amazing time playing outside is a great way to break that hold. It’s also a great reason to install some upgrades on the toy. The more fun they have, the more time they’re going to want to spend playing outside!
Closing Thoughts
By now, you should know at least a few different ways on how to make Power Wheels faster. There are a number of ways you can consider, allowing you to decide which is right for your family. If you have any further questions, check out our FAQ down below and you may find the answers. To find some different Power Wheels options to customize, spend some time browsing our website and you’ll find a number of different guides. With some luck, your family could start having an incredible time in just a few short days!
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you go, you may have some lingering questions left. Below we’ll cover some of the most frequent questions that we hear from our readers. We hope we’re able to answer yours! If not, leave it for us in the comments and we’ll do our best to address it in the future.
Q: Which Power Wheels is the faster?
A: Most of the official Power Wheels models all max out at 5 miles per hour. If you decide to shop around outside the official Fisher-Price Power Wheels brand, you could find some models that go a little bit faster than that. However, you will have the most success with a custom upgrade.
Q: How fast do most Power Wheels go?
A: Most standard Power Wheels toys max out somewhere between 3.7 miles per hour and 5 miles per hour. It truly depends upon the specific model. Each product should have that information readily available so you can research before you buy. Some models out there have a higher max speed, but they can be harder to find. If you really want to increase performance, your best bet is to do a little custom work.
Q: Are custom Power Wheels safe?
A: While we’d like to automatically say yes, the true answer is that it depends upon the quality of the custom work done. That’s why it is so important to think about your own skill level and decide if you’re the right one to make these installations. If it’s something simple like a battery upgrade, that’s something that most parents can safely do at home. However, once you start getting into more advanced work, you may want to consider hiring a professional. Additionally, you’ll always want to keep a close eye on kids as they play with these toys, whether or not they have been customized.
