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Published March 3, 2022
Finding What Age is Appropriate for Power Wheels
As a parent, your child’s safety is naturally the first concern when shopping for a toy. We all know that Power Wheels toys can be fun, but are they safe? We’re here to tell you that the answer is yes, and that no matter your child’s age, there is a strong chance you can find an amazing Power Wheels model for them to drive around in.
There are Power Wheels toys out there specifically designed for toddlers. At the same time, there are a number of options suited to older and bigger kids as well. There are a number of guides available here on our website to help you find a specific product. However, in today’s blog, we’ll be focusing in on discussion around what age is appropriate for Power Wheels. We’ll help you figure out what elements to watch for as you shop depending on your child’s age. Today’s blog will also cover some basic safety and maintenance tips, helping your family get the overall best experience from these toys.
Factors of Focus: Shopping for Your Child
Depending on how old your son or daughter is, the kind of Power Wheels you’ll want to buy will be radically different. Toddlers don’t yet have the full degree of control that older kids develop, so the best options for toddlers include seat belts, locking doors, low-speed modes, parental remote control and more. It’s important to think about your child’s maturity level and development to decide what age is appropriate for Power Wheels. As opposed to toddlers, older kids want to go faster with complete control over their own vehicle. When they are ready for that responsibility, you’ll know.
On top of safety, there are other considerations to think about as you shop around. Most important is durability. It’s no secret that these toys aren’t exactly cheap. While it’s easy to make the argument that the toys are worth it, that’s only true if they are built to last. Do your research before buying, taking into consideration the experiences of previous shoppers as well as expert reviews. If you like what you read, you can feel confident ordering the toy for your little one.
Varying Styles of Power Wheels Toys
When you start shopping for a Power Wheels model, you’ll immediately notice there are hundreds if not thousands of options available. Most of those don’t come from the actual Power Wheels brand. However, that doesn’t mean you should immediately discount those toys. While the Fisher-Price Power Wheels models aren’t unreliable, we’d often say there are even better choices out there. It’s important to shop around not just to find the right fit and safety features, but also to find a style that you and your child adore.
The most common kind of Power Wheels toy is probably the SUV recreation. It’s the go-to, especially for the main Power Wheels brand, but even for most of their competitors too. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with this style, it’s just one of many. There are sports car toys, trucks, tractors, construction vehicles, and even more “out of the box” options. Make sure to look around until you find something truly interesting!
Safety Tips for Parents
While each of these toys has to meet certain safety requirements in order to be sold in the United States, that doesn’t mean you don’t have work to do as a parent. Not every toy is going to be right for your child, so it’s important to think carefully about which model is best for them. Each product should have a recommended age for you to take into consideration, as well as a weight capacity that should be strictly followed.
On top of that, though, you’ll have to keep a close eye on them as they play with these toys, even just in the backyard. They are designed to be safe, but nothing can replace adult supervision, especially when it comes to younger children. As they get older and start moving towards faster toy vehicles, it’s not a bad idea to get them to wear a helmet. It’s a great habit to get into early on, and it can be a true life saver as they get older.
For a Longer Toy Lifespan, Battery Maintenance is Key
One common complaint we hear over and over concerning these toys is the battery dying earlier than expected. It is true that the 12V batteries included with these toys are often not of the highest quality. However, there’s another important factor at play. Many parents don’t closely follow the included instructions for the toys.
These 12V batteries always have a certain process that they should go through upon first use. That usually includes charging the battery for an extended period of time, and then draining it completely with use in the toy. Read through your included user manual carefully, and be sure to follow the instructions the first time you break the toy out.
On top of that, make sure not to leave the battery out in the cold for too long, or leave it sitting dormant for months at a time. Avoiding these things can help ensure your battery lasts for years to come!
Closing Thoughts
Now you know what age is appropriate for Power Wheels: any age! It’s just a matter of choosing a suitable toy. Even kids older than 10 can find some exciting options, but they most likely will be quite different from a standard Power Wheels toy. Continue browsing our site to find some options that might work for your child today! If you have any questions, leave them down in the comments.
