8 Best Power Wheels for Kids

1. Nickelodeon Shimmer & Shine Lil’ Quad (Best Budget)

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5.0

Our Best Budget pick goes to the Power Wheels Nickelodeon Shimmer & Shine Lil’ Quad. It’s pretty colors and cute design catch the imagination of toddlers, especially little girls.

• Best feature 1: Toddler-friendly features
• Best feature 2: Brightly colored with cute graphics
• Plus points: Restricted speed limit, built-in footrests, simple one-button push operation
• Minus points: Kids soon outgrow the car, poor turning circle

What We Like about the Shimmer & Shine Lil’ Quad

The Power Wheels Nickelodeon Shimmer & Shine Lil’ Quad is a perfect first-time toy vehicle. The makers have created it with youngsters in mind, hence the toddler-friendly features. First impressions are important at this age, and there’s plenty of WOW factor for little eyes. The maximum forward-only speed is just 2 mph (3.2 km/h) which is reassuring for parents.

All the young driver does to move forward is push a button—that’s it. And to stop they just take their finger off. This toy car has a sturdy low-rider base that makes it easy for toddlers to get in and out. The two built-in footrests are comfortable and sit naturally below the feet. The vehicle’s four tires are durable and wide enough for the little ones to ride across hard and softer surfaces like grass.

The Not So Good

This is a small car designed for tiny bottoms. That means kids will soon outgrow the Power Wheels Nickelodeon Shimmer & Shine Lil’ Quad. Make sure the child can fit into the seat now and for some time to come. It’s not going to be a good fit for most kids over the age of three years, though.

Another minor gripe is that it doesn’t turn very well. Parents should prepare to pick the car up to turn it around if the kid drives in small spaces.

2. Power Wheels Lil’ Quad Camo for Kids (Best Value)

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Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5.0

The Best Value Pick goes to the Power Wheels Lil’ Quad, Camo. It’s another toy vehicle clearly aimed at toddlers between the ages of 12 months and 3 years.

• Best feature 1: Toddler-friendly features
• Best feature 2: Built-in footrests
• Plus points: Low rider base, simple push-button control, wide wheels/tires, educational
• Minus points: Drive button not so easy for younger kids, can slip on tiled floors

What We Like about the Lil’ Quad Camo for Kids

Any toddler can enjoy the Power Wheels Lil’ Quad Camo for kids. Its camouflage design will not appeal to all youngsters in the same way though. It pays for parents to consider the colors and graphics along with the functionality and safety of any toy car. This ATV has a more rugged appeal than the first one. Other than its design, it shares the same toddler-friendly features as all Power Wheels products.

The vehicle has a low-rider base so that most toddlers can get on an off easily by themselves. The wide wheels and tires let kids drive across lawns as well as on harder surfaces. The built-in footrests align under the feet to make the young driver feel comfortable and secure. A simple button-push is all it takes to start and stop the forward-only vehicle. The maximum speed reaches just 2 mph.

These toy vehicles are educational and can develop minds as well as entertain. They help to build a child’s self-confidence, improve balance, and benefit cognitive skills. It’s also a great distraction and a welcome break from the screens of tablets and other electronic devices.

The Not So Good

The recommended age for this toy ATM is 12 months to 3 years. Some kids at the younger end will find the push-button hard to grasp while driving. Parents may have to interact in these cases and steer the car as the little one presses the button. The Lil’ Quad Camo doesn’t move too well across tiled floors as the wheels lack the necessary grip. It’s fine on rougher harder surfaces and grass.

3. Fisher-Price 2-Speed Sporty Mustang (Top Pick)

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Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0

The Top Pick goes to the Fisher-Price Ford Mustang by Power Wheels. The Sporty Mustang styling is for kids 3–5 years who are ready for a touch of BLING in their lives.

• Best feature 1: Young driver-friendly features
• Best feature 2: Two seats for two kids
• Plus points: Sporty Mustang styling, realistic dashboard, 2 driving speeds, power lock brakes
• Minus points: Poor traction, no horn, large turning circle

What We Like about the 2-Speed Sporty Mustang

The red hot Sporty Mustang has plenty of wow factor. It’s more street cool than the kids are streetwise, but that won’t stop young minds fantasizing. The scarlet shell, chrome wheels, and pretend seat belts all add to the experience. Heck, there’s even a cup holder and a musical tunes radio to play inside. The car has two forward speeds of 2.5 to 5 mph and can even drive in reverse.

The car moves with the foot pedal down, and the power-lock brakes kick in once released. It’s safe, easy to control, and heaps of fun. Perhaps the best thing of all about this car is that it seats two which makes it an interactive toy. Kids who play together get to further develop socialization skills.

The Not So Good

The biggest bummer with this car is its poor traction. The plastic wheels tend to spin on certain surfaces when they can’t get a good grip. And I’m surprised there isn’t a little horn for a car that has everything else. The final gripe—and not unique to the Sporty Mustang—is the huge turning circle. It’s usually easier to get out and rotate the car than it is to turn it by driving.

4. HOVERHEART Electric-Powered Kid’s Motorbike

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Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0

Meet the HOVERHEART Electric-Powered motorbike for kids. This guide would not be complete without a motorcycle, and this beauty has all the appeal of a powerful sports tourer.

• Best feature 1: Suitable for a wide age range
• Best feature 2: Easy to ride
• Plus points: Superbike appeal, auxiliary wheels, forward and reverses, LED lights
• Minus points: Younger kids need adult supervision, long charging time

What We Like about the HOVERHEART Kid’s Motorbike

This superbike looks mean and guarantees to light up the eyes of any toddler superbike fan. HOVERHEART model this bike on a Spots Tourer so that kids get to sit upright in a comfortable position. It has some impressive lifelike details for a toy, including bright LED front headlights.

The great thing about this vehicle is that it’s suitable for a wide age range from 3–12 years. I doubt it appeals much to kids over 8, though. Even so, it has a longer lasting appeal than the electric cars that kids soon grow out of. The bike is easy to ride and has auxiliary wheels for added stability.

Youngsters drive the bike using the foot pedals and grips on the handlebars. There’s even a reverse to help maneuver the motorcycle out or tight spaces. The top speed is a safe 3.2 mph (5 km/h).

The Not So Good

Younger kids need adult supervision to play on the bike even with its auxiliary wheels. That’s because sitting on a motorcycle saddle is not as stable as sitting in a car seat. The other downside is that it takes 12+ hours charging for just 1+ hour playing time.

5. Power Wheels Multi-Terrain Jeep Wrangler

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Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5.0

Kids who want a more rugged vehicle are sure to love the Power Wheels Multi-Terrain Jeep Wrangler. It’s a cool vehicle for driving across gardens and around yards on imaginary adventures.

• Best feature 1: Realistic details
• Best feature 2: Two seats for two kids
• Plus points: Two speed modes, high-speed lockout, easy grip steering wheel, rear storage
• Minus points: Assembly takes a while, no battery indicator

What We Like about the Multi-Terrain Jeep Wrangler

There are plenty of great details on this Fisher-Price off-road jeep. It has a realistic grille, rear storage area, front & back fenders, and roll bars. The cockpit has seats for two kids and provides ample legroom for added comfort. The total carrying weight is 130 pounds. The car’s wide tread tires can take it easily over wet grass, hard surfaces, and rugged terrain.

Parents don’t have to worry as the toy comes with two speed modes and a high-speed lockout feature. Learner drivers can start with the top speed capped at just 2.5 mph. They can move up to 5 mph once mom or dad thinks it’s safe to unleash the beast. The power lock brakes ensure safe, smooth stopping the moment the kid takes their foot of the pedal.

The Not So Good

All these electric-powered cars need some assembly. This one can be fiddly if you’re inexperienced at assembling toys or not adept at putting stuff together. Make sure you allow time for this along with overnight charging if you buy the Jeep Wrangler as a surprise gift. There isn’t a battery indicator to let you know when it’s fully charged either, so it’s vital to note the hours.

6. Power Wheels Multi-Terrain Wild Thing

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Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5.0

The Power Wheels Multi-Terrain Wild Thing is a vehicle with a difference. It’s for kids who dare to take a ride on the wilder side of exploration. This toy is a head turner, that’s for sure.

• Best feature 1: Dual joystick controls
• Best feature 2: 360-degree spinning
• Plus points: Parental speed controls, big durable tires, off-road capable
• Minus points: Learning curve

What We Like about the Multi-Terrain Wild Thing

Electric cars have their appeal, but they can’t offer twirling-whirling adventures like the Wild Thing. There are no restrictions to forward or forward and reverse only movements. This puppy goes in any direction and can reward kids with a fairground style 360-degree spin. The vehicle has a comfy seat and joystick controls on either armrest. It may sound too fast and furious but don’t worry.

Parents have full control of the speed and can choose from four settings, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mph. The speed regulators let beginners practice at a slower pace as they get familiar with the handling. The two big tires provide enough traction to take the Wild Thing to places other toys can’t go.

The Not So Good

Few kids would refuse a go on the Power Wheels Wild Thing given a choice, but it takes practice. There are lots of possible maneuvers to control via the two joysticks. Learning is half the fun, but some younger kids may find the training curve frustrating.

7. Power Wheels Batman & Robin Dune Racer

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Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0

We had to include something for the little superheroes out there. This one is the Power Wheels Batman Dune Racer. It has some eye-catching graphics and cool Batwing front fenders.

• Best feature 1: Two seats for two kids
• Best feature 2: High-speed lockout
• Plus points: Sturdy steel frame, stable hand supports, power-lock brakes, traction system
• Minus points: No lap belt, noisy

What We Like about the Batman & Robin Dune Racer

There’s plenty to like about the electric-powered Dune Racer. The cockpit is large enough to seat two kids which adds to the fun of the run. Parents have access to a high-speed lockout that restricts the top speed by about half. That lets the little ones start slow until they have the confidence to drive faster. The dune racer also has a sturdy steel frame and stable hand supports.

The vehicle looks a tad pointy and aggressive though it’s all for show. The actual contours are soft and smooth with rounded edges to protect the kids from scratches. Young drivers can venture into pretend rescue missions across rough terrain thanks to the monster traction system. That includes wet grass, mud, and gravel. Even small ruts won’t’ block the way of these superheroes.

The Not So Good

The suggested age range for the Batman & Robin Dune Racer is 3–7 years. Parents of younger kids would like to have seen a lap belt to secure the little ones. It’s a valid point considering the vehicle can ride across bumpy surfaces. The other gripe is the noise this thing makes for an electric toy.

8. Power Wheels Arctic Cat 1000 W/ Shovel

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Editor’s Rating: 4.2/5.0

Last on the page is the Power Wheels Arctic Cat 1000 that comes complete with a shovel. Well, the kids are going to need something to dig their way out of that pretend (or real) snow.

• Best feature 1: Two seats for two kids
• Best feature 2: Two speed modes
• Plus points: Realistic Artic Cat design, truck bed, and working tailgate, power-lock braking
• Minus points: Not good on wet grass

What We Like about the Arctic Cat 1000

The Power Wheels Arctic Cat 1000 is an adventure truck built for two. The wide tread tires can take the young adventurers across hard and dry soft surfaces with ease. The spacious truck bed, working tailgate, and heavy-duty shovel give kids all they need for a mission. The car comes with two speed modes. There’s a high-speed lockout that lets parents control the MPH based on their child’s ability.

This is a fun vehicle that’s easy and safe to ride and gets kids playing out in the fresh air. The effective power-lock braking brings the vehicle to a safe and steady halt. Learning how to start, stop, move forward, and drive in reverse gear builds self-confidence. It also helps to develop gross motor skills.

The Not So Good

The biggest letdown for the Arctic Cat 1000 is its poor traction on some surfaces. It’s a common problem shared by most electric-powered vehicles in this category. The rigid, plastic wheels are fine going across most hard surfaces and dry grass. But the moment the wheels get wet they tend to spin. It’s a similar problem on some hard surfaces like ultra-smooth tiles.