Most power wheels run on 12V or 24V power. A higher number of volts (V) indicates that the car is more powerful. While most motorised cars are designed for indoor use, some are powerful enough to handle rough terrain.
Power wheels differ in terms of battery run time, speed, and vehicle weight. This begs the question, what is the difference between 12V and 24V cars? A 12V motor draws twice as much current as a 24-V motor.
So, if your child wants to ride up a steep driveway, a 24V ride-on will provide more power than a 12V counterpart. The wires in a 12V motor are also twice the size of those in a 24V motor, which runs more efficiently.
When your child is young, he or she will not require a lot of power. You should get a car with the same styling as the higher voltage but less power. So, which voltage is best for your child? Continue reading to learn more!
How fast can a 6 volt battery go?
Most 6V power rides are intended for children aged 2 to 4. The average speed of these motorised vehicles is 2-3mph, but this varies depending on the surface and rider weight.
At full speed, the battery should last approximately 40-60 minutes. These cars, unlike other best two seater power wheels with a higher voltage, cannot handle mud and uneven surfaces.
Because the motor must match the voltage, a 6V battery cannot be used in a 12V battery car. It will be underpowered and the car may not move at all if you do this, but you can put a 12V battery into a 6V Power Wheels.
How fast can a 12 volt motor go?
A 12V power wheel has a top speed of 4-5 miles per hour. These vehicles are ideal for outdoor use because they can easily navigate rough terrain.
As a result, children aged 3-6 years should use them. This is the best car to drive in front of the house when the kids are a little older. Some 12V vehicles have two seats.
How fast can a 24 volt motor go?
These 24V power wheels are ideal for children who enjoy driving up hills, on grass, and on gravel surfaces. The maximum speed is 6mph, and the child can ride for 2-4 hours before the battery dies.
Is 24V more powerful than 12V?
Yes. Power wheels with 24V batteries have a top speed of 6 mph, while those with 12V batteries have a top speed of 6 mph. However, the actual speed will be determined by other factors such as the rider’s weight and the terrain.
Surprisingly, battery life is not affected by voltage. To maximise efficiency, make sure you charge it according to the instructions.
How can I speed up my 12V?
If your children have outgrown a 12V power wheel, you can upgrade it to make it faster and more fun. Installing a new motor is one way to increase power. Simply turn the car upside down and remove the wheels to gain access to the hardware.
Remove the motor with a screwdriver. Next, double-check the compatibility to ensure it’s the correct size. Then, using a solder-free connector and some pressure on a flathead screwdriver, remove the secondary car’s motor. If you can’t, you can replace it.
Replace the screws after inserting the motor into the power wheel’s hardware. With some twisting and turning, the motor should fit snugly.
Then, connect the original motor’s wires to the new one. You can also replace the battery at this point. Finally, reinstall the power wheels, and the speed will skyrocket.
Installing an aftermarket battery is another way to increase speed, but make sure to check the exact specifications. Simply remove the connector from the battery and gently connect the positive and negative wires. Because most 12V batteries are lead-acid, the voltage and size must be noted.
Connect the fuse to the positive terminal of the battery connector (the positive side should be white or red). Fuse holders can be used after the wire connector has been crimped.
To increase the speed of your power wheel, connect the positive and negative terminals to the other battery. Remember to insulate the remaining wires. If one of the batteries fails, you may not get the desired results.
How to Connect Two Power Wheels Batteries
For more information, see How to Install a Larger Battery in Ride On Cars.
Always find a location where the second battery can be installed. Distance is also important because you may need to use a universal connector.
The weight of the car and the type of tyres used are two other factors that can increase the speed of your ride. If you want to learn more about this, we have an article about it: How to modify power wheels to go up to 18 MPH faster.
The distinction between 12V and 24V car systems
Electric toy cars require power for navigation, lights, and other functions. Those with a 12V electrical system are typically more powerful than those with a 24V electrical system.
A 12V system is typically powered by a 13.8-volt alternator. If you want to buy a ride-on for your child, you may be wondering whether you should go with a 12V or a 24V power system. The power system should determine which voltage is appropriate for a given situation.
Another distinction between these two electrical systems is the riding surface. A 12V system will perform well on tarmac, grass, and gravel surfaces, whereas a 24V system can handle any terrain.
The voltage system’s size will also determine how much load it can carry and at what speed. You anticipate that the 24V system will carry more weight than the 12V system.
A fully charged 12V system can power the motor for about 2-3 hours, whereas a 24V voltage system can keep the child entertained for over 4 hours. However, this will be determined by other factors such as the rider’s weight, terrain, and speed.
Most manufacturers recommend power wheels with a 12V system to children aged 4-7 years. A 24V system, on the other hand, is appropriate for children aged 6 to 8. In terms of skill level, the 24V power rides are best suited to more experienced riders.
Before purchasing these toys, keep the child’s age in mind. Keep an eye out for deceptive manufacturers looking to make a quick buck.
Because a 24V power system allows riders to reach a top speed of 6mph, the parental control feature is activated. Falling, hitting barriers, and tipping are all risks associated with these motorised toys.
Your children may be injured if they drive at top speed on a 24V power system. Safety is essential whether you choose the 12V or 24V power wheel.
If a 12V motor requires 20 amps to power, a 24V motor requires only 10 amps to achieve the same performance. Simply put, using 24V on a 12V motor could cause damage to the power wheel.
The output is determined by the physical size of the motor. When it comes to wiring, there is also a slight difference. A 12V system uses thicker wires than a 24V system.
How can I tell if the power wheel is 12V or 24V?
While a power wheel comes with a manual, you can learn more about power by checking the fuse box. The operating voltage will be displayed on the breakers as well. However, the best method is to attach a metre to the battery.
If the reading is less than 15V, your car has a 12V battery. You can also count the caps on the battery; six cups indicate a 12V battery.
If you use 24V in a 12V car, you may overpower the motor and cause it to burn. Similarly, using a 12V battery in a 24V power wheel may cause it to malfunction. So, before you replace the battery in your power wheel, make sure you get the right one.
Which power wheel is best for your child, 12V or 24V?
Investing in an electric car is the best way to give your child a sense of independence. A 24V power wheel will assist you in exploring the vehicle and enjoying various terrains, including off-road driving. However, with so many models available, many factors influence which ride is best for your child.
First and foremost, consider the number of riders. Is your child more likely to enjoy the ride alone or with friends?
Most 24V power wheels have seating for two, whereas 12V power wheels may only have space for the driver. The 24V is also strong enough to transport children who weigh more than the maximum weight capacity recommended for 12V vehicles.
You could damage the car’s structure if you force your overweight child to drive a power wheel that is within his or her weight capacity. We found power wheels with higher weight limits and speeds if your child is over the normal weight limit or older.
What about charging and running times? Most 24V vehicles can run for up to 3 hours, whereas 12V vehicles can only run for 1-2 hours before running out of battery juice. If your child wants to ride for longer periods of time, he should get a 24V motorised car.
Conclusion
Consider your child’s needs when selecting a 6V, 12V, or 24V power wheel. If you’re purchasing a toy for a more experienced rider, go with a higher electrical system.
Your child’s age will also influence the best electrical system for him or her; you don’t want a 3-year-old driving at 10 mph. Naturally, higher voltage means a higher price.
Always keep in mind that motorised toys are intended for the development and enjoyment of children, so you must ensure their safety. More information on selecting the appropriate ride-on for the appropriate age can be found here.
