Suitable for kids of all ages, a remote control car for kids offer tons of fun! Kids will love making them zoom around, spin in circles, or perform stunts. Get two and race a friend, or take your car exploring off-road. Older kids and teens can get under the hood by learning about the components of the car and begin tinkering with replacement parts, customizing their car, and getting some hands-on learning done at the same time.
Which is the best remote control car for kids? What factors should you consider when you’re looking to buy one? Keep reading for our buyers’ guide, frequently asked questions, product reviews, and awards for the best remote control cars for kids.
If your kids are looking for something a little more tech-focused, I can definitely recommend checking out this list featuring the best drones for kids.
Force1 LED Remote Control Car for Kids
At less than thirty dollars the Force1 Tornado LED Remote Control Car for Kids is very reasonably priced and is an ideal entry-level remote control car for kids.
Buyer’s Guide
Speed
Consider the age of the child you’re buying a remote control car for when you look at the top speeds. Cars meant for young kids will have lower top speeds so even young kids can control them without too much difficulty. Cars meant for older kids or adult enthusiasts will be able to handle higher speeds. Generally, race cars will be able to reach higher straight-line speeds than remote-control cars meant for off-roading.
Handling
Handling refers to how well the remote control car responds to the controller, and how the controller works in terms of range and accuracy. Read product reviews carefully to determine that the car responds well to the controller.
Age Appropriateness
Remote control cars can be enjoyed by young kids, teenagers, and adults alike. When buying a car for young kids who are just learning, look for an easy-to-operate remote, lower top speeds, and a frame that can withstand a few learning curve crashes. For older or more experienced drivers, you can look for more powerful motors and higher top speeds. The most experienced drivers might even want to begin customizing their remote control cars to their specifications. This is truly a hobby that can be enjoyed by all ages.
Scale
The size of a remote control car for kids is often given in scale. A scale of 1/10, for example, means that the car is 1/10 the size of a full-sized car. The larger the second number in the scale, the smaller the car will be – just remember your fractions from math class! A remote control car with a scale of 1/20 will be one-twentieth the size of a full-size car, much smaller than a 1/10 car.
Battery Life
The average life of a remote control car’s rechargeable battery is around twenty minutes, but this can depend on a number of factors including what kind of terrain you are driving on and the temperature outside. To maximize driving time, make sure your battery is fully charged before taking it out. Some of the cars on our list come with two batteries that you can switch out to prolong your driving time, so it could also be an option to purchase a second battery if you’d like to drive your car for longer periods of time. Look for charging time, as well, so you know how far in advance you need to prepare your batteries.
Surface Versatility
Different cars can handle different surfaces. A racecar-style vehicle will drive best on flat surfaces like asphalt or concrete, and some entry-level remote-control cars for kids might be best to keep on this type of flat surface as well. If you want a car that can handle gravel, sand, dirt, and other rough surfaces, make sure that you choose a vehicle that includes off-road capabilities in the description. Some vehicles are waterproof as well and can handle surfaces like snow or puddles. If you take your vehicle offroading, make sure to clean it thoroughly when you’re finished in order to prolong its life.
Reception Range
Reception range means how far away can you stand from your car and have it still respond to the remote control. Depending on who you’re buying for, you might want to look for a smaller range or a larger range. A child playing with their first remote control car will want a smaller range, so they can keep track of the car easily, but a more experienced driver may want to be able to explore further.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Remote Control Cars Work?
Remote control cars are operated remotely via radio waves transmitted from a controller to the car. The controller will have some type of buttons or joysticks that instruct the car to go forwards, backward, speed up, stop, and sometimes additional commands to perform stunts.
How Fast Can Remote Control Cars Go?
This will depend on the motor in each different model of remote control car. There are cars on our list with top speeds ranging from 5 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour, so there’s quite a range! Generally speaking, less expensive cars designed for young kids will have lower top speeds than higher-end remote control cars.
How Old Should a Child Be to Play With a Remote Control Car?
Kids of almost any age can play with a remote control car, as long as they select a car that aligns with their abilities. There are remote-control cars designed for young kids that travel at lower speeds and are built to withstand many bumps as kids figure out how to use them, and there are also high-performance remote-control cars that travel at high speeds and can execute stunts. These cars are suitable for older kids or teens, as well as adults, who are more experienced.