As your child cruises down the driveway in their Power Wheels, you may be asking yourself, “Can this thing go any faster?” Fresh out of the box, Power Wheels can go up to six miles per hour. However, depending on the model you purchased, it might go slower than that. So how do you make Power Wheels faster?
You can make your Power Wheels faster by replacing the battery. By switching out the battery and replacing it with a more powerful one, you can reach speeds of up to 18 miles per hour. You could also install an electronic speed controller, which would increase the energy sent to the wheels.
Read on to learn more about how you can get the most out of your Power Wheels. With just a few alterations, you can turn a child’s toy into a high-speed cruiser.
How to Make Power Wheels Faster
Before we get into any further detail about tricking out your child’s toy, remember that Power Wheels are made with safety in mind. In general, Power Wheels are designed to reach speeds of six miles per hour. However, by adding a new battery or electronic speed controller, you could nearly double that.
Be sure to supervise your child at all times while they are using the device. With that being said, here are some innovative ways you can put the “power” in Power Wheels.
Change the Toy’s Battery
Depending on what model you purchased, your Power Wheels may have come with a six-volt or 12-volt battery. Your toy’s power source will control many things, such as how often you need to recharge the device and how fast the toy goes.
Per the Power Wheels user manual, to replace the batteries, take the following steps:
- Ensure that the battery you are using is compatible with your toy.
- Press the battery door button, which is located behind the driver’s seat.
- Open the battery door.
- Remove the old battery.
- Carefully insert the new one into the empty battery slot.
- Firmly connect the motor harness connector into the new battery.
- Close the battery door.
Before testing out the vehicle, ensure that your child understands how to adjust the car’s speed. While they are getting used to the increase in speed, be sure to monitor the vehicle for any leaks, sparks, or other troubling indicators.
Install an Electronic Speed Controller
Installing an electronic speed controller not only speeds your Power Wheels; it also allows you to remotely turn off the device and use a backup beeper.
Note: This option is not for the technologically challenged. You will need to have a basic understanding of how your Power Wheels’ circuit board works.
The specific instructions for this task will vary depending on what type of electronic speed controller you buy. For instance, the Stepless DC Motor Speed Controller will likely come with different specifications than another model. However, you can learn more about installing an electronic speed controller by watching this video.
Be forewarned that with some electronic speed controllers, your child may immediately go at top speed once the Power Wheels car turns on. Be sure to test out the device before you entrust it to your child.
Higher-Speed Power Wheels
Some Power Wheel cars are faster than others. If you would rather spring for a new device than toy around with your old one, here are some options:
The Power Wheels Dune Racer
Want to give your child a taste of what it’s like to ride in a dune buggy? Consider Power Wheels’ Dune Racer. Not only can it reach speeds of up to five miles per hour, but it also:
- Drives on grass, sidewalks, and rocky terrain
- Goes 2.5 miles per hour in reverse
- Comes with metal sidebars as an extra safety feature
The Dune Racer is suitable for riders 36 months to seven years of age.
The Power Wheels Jurassic World Dino Racer
Your child will be zipping down the street in no time on this dinosaur-themed mini four-wheeler. This is one of Power Wheels’ fastest models, as it can reach up to six miles an hour on its standard battery.
Powers Wheels’ Jurassic World Dino Racer also features:
- A power-lock brake system
- Parental controls
- Wheels that go 3 miles per hour in reverse
The four-wheeler also allows you to manually open and close the dinosaur’s mouth for an extra layer of fun.
The Radio Flyer Ultimate Go-Kart
The thing about some Power Wheels is that their shelf life is only a couple of years. Once your child grows out of it, it’ll be sitting in the garage with the rest of their toys of yore.
The Radio Flyer Ultimate Go-Kart is different. It is designed to accommodate your child until they are about eight or nine years of age. Additionally, it comes with three speeds, which are:
- Slow: 2 miles per hour
- Moderate: 5 miles per hour
- High: 8 miles per hour
It also comes with a parent-controlled speed lock, meaning that you can prevent the vehicle from reaching certain speeds.
In Conclusion
The easiest way to make your Power Wheels faster is to opt for a stronger battery. However, this is not as easy as it sounds. You may need to make small modifications to the toy’s engine, which may include soldering wires, removing some components, and playing around with the circuit board.
Your child’s safety should be at the forefront of your mind when looking to make your Power Wheels faster. You can learn more about how to maximize your child’s fun and safety by consulting your product’s user manual.