Buying a power wheel for your toddler can be a rather agonizing decision. Aside from reviewing the material to ensure that your little one is safe, you have to decide what style of Power Wheels is best for your child. That’s why I’ve gone through and categorized the different styles of power wheel toys and selected a “best” for each category.
Best Power Wheels for 1-Year-Old
The Power Wheels Batman Lil’ Quad is slower and smaller than the Costzon 12V Licensed Maserati Gbili Car. It has only one speed instead of 2 or 3, and it only goes forward. It’s cheaper than most other power wheels, too.
Power Wheels Batman Lil’ Quad
Why It’s So Great
If you have a little one who wants to drive a power wheels and loves Batman, the Power Wheels Batman Lil’ Quad is perfect! This power wheels is a sporty, 4-wheeler style with Batman decals and decor.
There is only one speed, and it’s 2 mph. This 4-wheeler only goes forward, and it runs by simply pushing a button on the handlebars.
A hidden compartment allows your little crime fighter to bring all their necessary gear with them wherever they go.
The footrest provides comfort for your 1-year-old or 2-year-old and allows them the freedom of getting on and off the 4-wheeler by themselves.
Wide, grooved tires make it easy for your little one to drive on grass or paved surfaces.
Included with the Batman Lil’ Quad is a 6-volt battery and charger.
Technical Information
- Dimensions: 16.4 x 13 x 26.3 inches
- Item Weight: 14.88 pounds
- Shipping Weight: 19.25 pounds
- Recommended Age: 12 months-3 years
- Maximum Weight: 40 pounds
- Maximum Speed: 2 mph
- Does It Require Assembly?: Yes.
Possible Issues
- This Power Wheels Batman Lil’ Quad is definitely for smaller children. If you have a large toddler, they may already be too big for this power wheels.
- Anytime there is assembly required, you could have a number of issues. You personally could have difficulty with assembly or you could have missing or broken pieces.
RELATED: Best Four Wheelers For Kids – Gas-Powered and Electric ATVsBest Power Wheels for 2-Year-Olds
Best Power Wheels for 2-Year-Old
The Costzon 12V Licensed Maserati Gbili Car has one more speed option than Peg Perego John Deere Ground Force Tractor with Trailer and the Power Wheels Disney Frozen Jeep Wrangler. It has a remote control, unlike other options. It’s also cheaper than the John Deere and Disney Frozen Jeep.
Costzon 12V Licensed Maserati Gbili Car
Why It’s So Great
The Costzon 12V Licensed Maserati Gbili Car is a driveable sports car for kids. It comes with headlights, lockable doors, a seatbelt, and a realistic foot pedal accelerator. It’s fun and realistic so your child can feel like they are driving a real car.
Safety is a top priority for the makers of this car. There is an adjustable seat belt, and remote control for the parent to drive the car. Think of it this way: Your little one gains a power wheel sports car and you gain a very large remote control car–Everybody wins!
With this car, your kids even get a leather seat with extended space. Now that’s comfort!
The car for toddlers has a forward and reverse shifter. It operates at 3 speed options including low medium, and high for fast fun. The speed is controlled by remote control. Also, the remote allows the parent to completely stop the vehicle.
With foam/rubber tires and suspension on all 4 wheels, your little one should have a comfortable ride as they cruise around. It’s my best pick for the best ride-on toy cars for toddlers.
The Costzon 12V Licensed Maserati Gbili Car runs for 90-120 minutes.
Technical Information
- Dimensions: 41 x 21.5 x 17.5 inches
- Weight Capacity: 77 pounds
- Recommended Age: 3 months to 8 years
- Does It Require Assembly?: Yes
Possible Issues
- It’s pretty pricey, maybe too expensive for some people.
- Anytime there is assembly required, you could have a number of issues. You personally could have difficulty with assembly or you could have missing or broken pieces.
- It’s best for children ages 3 and up so make sure to monitor nearby
Peg Perego John Deere Tractor with Trailer
Why It’s So Great
If you have a little tractor lover, the Peg Perego John Deere Ground Force Tractor with Trailer is perfect! It has flip-up armrests, a working FM radio, and a large trailer for all of your child’s hauling needs. This is a good option for a 2-year-old or 3-year-old since it sits higher up off the ground.
This tractor has two speeds–2. 25 and 4.5 mph. Parents control the speed with the second gear lockout feature. These speeds are for forward and reverse.
The automatic brake system stops the tractor whenever pressure is lifted from the gas pedal. So, when your little one quits pressing on the gas, the tractor will stop.
Farm tractor tires allow your little one to drive on all types of surfaces including grass, dirt, gravel, or pavement.
The John Deere Tractor is powered by a 12-volt battery. A 12-volt charger is also included.
Technical Information
- Dimensions: 62.5 x 26.5 x 24.5 inches
- Item Weight: 50 pounds
- Shipping Weight: 50.3 pounds
- Recommended Age: 24 months-7 years
- Maximum Weight: 85 pounds
- Maximum Speed: 4.5 mph
- Does It Require Assembly?: Yes.
Possible Issues
- Anytime there is assembly required, you could have a number of issues. You personally could have difficulty with assembly or you could have missing or broken pieces.
- The battery that comes with the tractor may not be the best. Several people have complained that the battery life is weak. Some noted that their issues were resolved with a new battery.
Kid Trax Real Rigs Toddler Recycling Truck
Why It’s So Great
How cute is this ride-on recycling truck? Introduce your child to recycling and sorting with the Kid Trax Real Rigs Toddler Recycling Truck. Featuring three actual slots in the back for sorting and inserting “recyclables,” your child can play with the 9 included recyclable accessories.
This ride-on truck not only drives around town, but it also features 100+ phrases, sound effects, AND a moving mouth and eyes! After “recycling” the accessories, a working lever drops everything out so your toddler can dump his collection.
A 6-volt battery is included along with a charger and 9 recyclable accessories. It is designed for children ages 18 months to 4-year-olds.
Technical Information
- Dimensions: 33.17 x 19.37 x 20.24 inches
- Item Weight: 32.6 pounds
- Shipping Weight: 32.6 pounds
- Recommended Age: 18 months – 4 years
- Maximum Weight: 44 pound
- Maximum Speed: 1.5 mph
- Does It Require Assembly?: Yes
Possible Issues
- There is no reverse option, only forward
- Sound is not adjustable
Power Wheels Disney Frozen Jeep Wrangler
This Jeep is technically for 3-year-olds and up. However, many reviewers feel comfortable letting their 2-year-olds drive it. Even if you don’t let your 1-year-old drive, you could let an older child drive while your little one rides beside them.
Why It’s So Great
The Power Wheels Disney Frozen Jeep Wrangler looks just like a smaller version of a Jeep Wrangler! With working doors and room for two children, your kids can get in and go! This is particularly helpful if you have a younger sibling that always wants to tag along with the older child.
It has a pretend radio that plays songs from the movie. To use this feature, you’ll need 3 AA batteries, which are included.
Behind the seats is a roomy storage space, so your kids can bring all the essentials on their Frozen journey.
Initially, the Jeep will go 2.5 mph in forward and reverse. However, when your little one is a better driver and ready for a little more speed, you can remove the high-speed lockout. This will allow the Jeep to go 5 mph. It’s one of the fastest power wheels toys.
The specially designed power brake system automatically stops the Jeep whenever pressure is lifted from the gas pedal. So, when your little one quits pressing on the gas, the Jeep will stop.
The Disney Frozen Jeep Wrangler is powered by a 12-volt battery. A 12-volt charger is also included, as are instructions.
Technical Information
- Dimensions: 25.5 x 11.5 x 54 inches
- Item Weight: 62.6 pounds
- Shipping Weight: 64 pounds
- Recommended Age: 36 months-7 years
- Maximum Weight: 130 pounds
- Maximum Speed: 5 mph
- Does It Require Assembly?: Yes.
Possible Issues
- There is a significant amount of assembly required. It may take around an hour to put together.
- As with all shipped products that may require assembly, you could have missing or broken parts.
- This Jeep Wrangler is for a smaller child. If your child is an average-sized 5-7-year-old that wants to ride around with a friend, you may want to choose a different power wheel.
Help Me Decide
This Power Wheels Disney Frozen Jeep Wrangler is more expensive than the Costzon 12V Licensed Maserati Gbili Car, but it’s also faster and it has room for 2 passengers instead of one.
Best Power Wheels for 3-Year-Olds
This Power Wheels Dune Racer has the same battery power as the Best Choice Products 12V Ride On Car Truck, but it’s able to go faster. It also has better traction and space for a passenger.
Power Wheels Dune Racer
Like the Jeep Wrangler above, the Dune Racer is also officially listed for ages 3-year-old and up. But you can see in the picture that there is plenty of room for a second rider until your 1, 2, or 3-year-old gets big enough to manage it.
Why It’s So Great
In the Power Wheels Dune Racer, there is room for 2.
The Monster Traction system and rugged tires help it drive on hard surfaces, wet grass, and rough terrain.
Metal sidebars provide hand support, and a smooth interior finish prevents your little one from getting cuts and scrapes while riding.
Initially, the Dune Racer will go 2.5 mph in forward and reverse. However, when your little one is a better driver and ready for a little more speed, you can remove the high-speed lockout. This will allow it to go 5 mph, so it’s the fastest power wheels toy.
The specially designed power brake system automatically stops the Dune Racer whenever pressure is lifted from the gas pedal. So, when your little one quits pressing on the gas, it will stop.
The Dune Racer comes with a 12-volt battery, charger, and instructions.
Technical Information
- Dimensions: 25 x 46 x 15 inches
- Item Weight: 68.7 pounds
- Shipping Weight: 68.7 pounds
- Recommended Age: 36 months-7 years
- Maximum Weight: 130 pounds
- Maximum Speed: 5 mph
- Does It Require Assembly?: Yes.
Possible Issues
- It’s pretty pricey, maybe too expensive for some people.
- There is a significant amount of assembly required. It may take around an hour to put together.
- As with all shipped products that may require assembly, you could have missing or broken parts.
- There seem to be some issues with the battery keeping a charge.
Best Choice Products 12V Ride On Car Truck
Why It’s So Great
If your 3-year-old is pumped to drive a “big-kid” jeep, then he/she will love this Best Choice Products 12V Ride On Car Truck. It features an adjustable seatbelt, LED lights, and the 12V motor offers the option to drive at 3 different speeds (low, medium, high) up to 3.7 mph.
A real perk to this power wheel vehicle: your child can drive it manually or you can control it with remote control! This is an amazing feature for those with younger toddlers like 1-year-olds.
Your child can jam out with the built-in AUX outlet. This power wheel is powered by a 12V motor and a charger and rechargeable battery are included.
For a more feminine look, check out this alternative color!
Technical Information
- Dimensions: 45 x 31 x 31 inches
- Item Weight: 45 pounds
- Shipping Weight: Not given
- Recommended Age: 3 years+
- Maximum Weight: 65 pounds
- Maximum Speed: 3.7 mph
- Does It Require Assembly?: Yes
Possible Issues
- The start-stop button is located near the steering wheel so toddlers may press it and turn the vehicle off mid-ride
- Some parents had issues with the vehicle not working after some time
Kidzone Race Ride On Bumper Car Vehicle
Why It’s So Great
This Kidzone Race Ride On Bumper Car Vehicle takes power wheels to a new level with its circular design and safe bumper materials. It comes in 10 different colors so there are plenty to choose from and includes joystick controls, a safety belt, and a parental remote control option if you’d like to have control of the vehicle.
On the bottom of the bumper car vehicle is a line of colorful flashing lights which makes riding at night extra fun! For children ages 18 months to 3 years, the parental remote control is recommended to be used to move the bumper car (rather than the child driving it themselves). Buttons on the remote control include Forward, Backward, Frequency, Left, Right, and Emergency Brake.
With this bumper car vehicle, your child can move up to 0.75 mph with its 6-volt battery and can spin 360-degrees!
Technical Information
- Dimensions: 28.35 x 28.35 x 16.93
- Item Weight: 19.84 pounds
- Shipping Weight: 19.84 pounds
- Recommended Age: 18 months+
- Maximum Weight: 66 pounds
- Maximum Speed: 0.75 mph
- Does It Require Assembly?: No
Possible Issues
- Some parents wish this power wheel had more power behind it (don’t expect to use it outside)
- Lights around the bottom of the bumper wheel may fall off easily
Kid Trax Police Rescue Motorcycle
Why It’s So Great
My kids love police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and just about anything with lights and sounds. So why not let them have a little something of their own with the lights and sounds they love? The Kid Trax Police Rescue Motorcycle has everything that your child will want in their very own police motorcycle.
Like I mentioned, this has two flashing lights on the front and a couple of buttons with real police sirens and sound effects. It has fun chrome details and law enforcement decorations all over it. It has a spacious seat that can fit two kids, as well as a pretty decently sized storage compartment on the back (you know, for the doughnuts).
I love that this is a motorcycle because it’s smaller overall and requires less room to store. Plus, it’s unique! Everyone knows about power wheels toys, but what about a ride on a motorcycle for toddlers? Genius! Plus the tires on this motorcycle have a great grip strip down the middle that really sets it apart.
This has a pretty big weight limit of 60 pounds. That means that your kiddo can keep riding it until they are in, like, first or second grade! They recommend that you give this to a child age 3 and up, but since it requires basic coordination skills like pushing the accelerator pedal and steering, I don’t see why a toddler couldn’t handle it.
Best of all, you get a 1-year warranty on the body and a 6-month warranty on the 6V battery.
Technical Information
- Dimensions: 43 x 20 x 29.3 inches
- Item weight: 23 pounds
- Shipping weight: 32.5 pounds
- Recommended age: 3 to 5 years
- Maximum weight: 60 pounds
- Maximum speed: 1.5 mph
- Does it require assembly?: Yes
Possible Issues
- The battery life is not great. If your child is on the heavier side or is riding over grass, where traction is harder, the battery will only last for 2 to 3 hours before needing a charge.
- It’s not the easiest thing in the world to put together.
- The price is pretty high when considering the quality, but you are essentially paying to get the Kid Trax name and not some no-name knock-off toy.
- It only goes 1.5mph in forward and in reverse, so it’s not one of the fast power wheels toys
The Best Power Wheels for Toddlers Compared
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Power Wheels Disney Frozen Jeep Wrangler | 9.8 | 9.2 | 339.99 |
| Best Choice Products 12V Ride On Car Truck | 9.9 | 8.8 | 299.99 |
| Peg Perego John Deere Tractor with Trailer | 9.9 | 9.6 | 279.99 |
| Kid Trax Real Rigs Toddler Recycling Truck | 9.7 | 9.2 | 204.04 |
| Kid Trax Police Rescue Motorcycle | 3.9 | 8.4 | 201.37 |
| Costzon 12V Licensed Maserati Gbili Car | 9.4 | 8.4 | 189.99 |
| Kidzone Race Ride On Bumper Car Vehicle | 9.9 | 9.4 | 139.96 |
| Power Wheels Dune Racer | - | 8.8 | - |
| Power Wheels Batman Lil' Quad | - | 9.2 | - |
Slower Ride-On Toys
Best Ride-On Toys for 1-Year-Olds
Best Ride-On Toys for 2-Year-Olds
More Gift and Toy Ideas
Best Gifts for 1-Year-Old Boys
Best Gifts for 1-Year-Old Girls
Best Gifts for 2-Year-Old Boys
Best Gifts for 2-Year-Old Girls
Best Gifts for 3-Year-Old Boys
Best Gifts for 3-Year-Old Girls
FAQs – Power Wheels for 1, 2, and 3-Year-Olds
Which power wheels have the longest battery life?
The Batman Quad and the Kid Trax recycling truck have the longest battery life, with about 12 hours of ride time. That’s because they have the same 6V, one-speed option.
The John Deer Ride-On and Frozen Jeep also have the same amount of battery life: roughly 4 hours.
All other power wheels on this have a battery life span that’s about half of that. Even our top choice has one of the lowest battery lives with just one hour of ride time.
What is the weight limit for power wheel toys?
Weight limits for power wheel toys vary by manufacturer. The maximum weight may range from as light as 40 pounds to as heavy as 130 pounds. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s recommended weight limit for the power wheel toy you’re considering purchasing.
What age groups are best for power wheel toys?
Power wheel toys are created for a wide range of age groups, from 1, 2, and 3-year-olds to really, adults! Checking the manufacturer’s information on age recommendation is key to know if a particular power wheel toy is designed for your child’s age or not. Age ranges are typically 1-2 years, 3-5 years, and so forth.
How fast does a 24V power wheel go?
To compare, these are the typical speeds of power wheels with the following battery voltage:
6-volt: 2-3 mph
12-volt: 4 mph
24-volt: 6 mph
My Recommendation
Although all of these are top choices for their category, my overall pick for the best power wheel toys for a 1, 2 and 3-year-old is the Costzon 12V Licensed Maserati Gbili Car.
With its remote control for mom and dad to help steer and determine the speed and a seat belt to boot, this power wheel is probably the safest of the bunch.
My only complaint is that there’s no room for two. However, with all that this amazing car has to offer, it’s a guaranteed good time for both you and your child.
