Best Remote Control Cars for Kids

Are you ready to give your son or daughter the birthday present of a lifetime?  One of the most exciting gifts you can receive as a child is a remote-controlled car!  Not only will it blow your child’s mind, but it will also help him/her develop visualizations skills in addition to spatial and fine motor skills.

There are a lot of remote control cars out there from high-quality products that will last a lifetime to cheaper products that will give a lot of excitement for shorter periods.  There are even products that transform from cars or trucks to robots as popularized by the transformers franchise.

We have gone through the most popular, technically advanced, and jazzy products and reviewed them so that your decision-making process is just a little bit easier.  We hope that we can help you choose a remote control car that will blow the socks off your little one.

In this article, we will narrow down your uncompromising search for the best remote control cars for your little twinkling star. We will cover Types , safety tips, Buyer’s Guide and FAQs, Unbiased review of the top 11 remote control cars followed by a conclusion about the best remote control cars.

Remote Control Cars – Safety Tips

Moisture/Liquids

It’s important to train your child to be careful when using the remote-controlled vehicle in spaces that have open areas of water.  Generally, the electronics of a vehicle will not survive a fall into a pool or a mud puddle. This advice is only relevant if the vehicle you buy your child is not waterproof.

Cleaning

Regular cleaning is important irrespective of whether the remote control car you have bought your child is for indoor or outdoor use.  The mud and grit that accumulates on an outdoor vehicle have to be cleaned regularly so that its casing is preserved. The indoor vehicles have a tendency to accumulate dust, cobwebs, and even food sediments as it goes under un-cleaned spaces such as couches and beds.

Batteries

It’s important that the batteries of the remote control car are removed if they are removable batteries.  This is because batteries have a tendency to go bad if kept installed. Batteries also have a tendency to lose charge when kept installed.

Charging

Just like any rechargeable battery, the battery in your child’s rechargeable vehicle has an optimum charge level for performance.  This is generally between charge levels of 40% to 90%. Try to keep the charge within those limits to increase battery longevity and remove the charger after the vehicle has completed charging.

Types of Remote Control Cars

Indoor Remote Control Vehicles

The indoor remote control vehicles are generally closer to the ground and have wheels that are only suitable for indoor use.  The suspension systems available are usually only for show and do not provide enough suspension for falls and jumps. These vehicles can generally travel fast on flat terrain, and the remote controller allows up to about 30 meters of control.

Outdoor Remote Control Vehicles

These vehicles are built in a much more hardy matter and generally have at least a couple of motors and all-wheel-drive capability.  They have suspension systems that are designed to accommodate falls of up to a meter or more without damaging its internal components.  They also generally have remote control ranges of more than 50 meters.

Transformer Remote Control Vehicles

Transformer vehicles also function as robots while functioning as cars.  They might not be able to move while they have been transformed into robots, but they generally have some sort of speech or lighting system installed.  They function as normal remote control cars when they are in car mode. These toys are generally for indoor use, as they have a lot of moving parts that can get misaligned.

Remote Control Cars – Buying Guide

Remote Control Distance

One of the main points to look out for when you are choosing a remote-controlled car is how far away your child can stand while operating the car.  This is important, especially if you are buying an all-terrain vehicle that your child will be operating outside of the house. For indoor use, a 20-meter controller is fine, but for the outdoor use, try to go for at least a 50-meter controller.

Power Type

Some remote control vehicles have battery packs inside of them that can be recharged.  Others rely on replaceable batteries to function. The batteries that go into the remote controller will last for quite a while, so it doesn’t matter if they are rechargeable.

However, if the car batteries are not rechargeable, you are in for quite a large expenditure in the long run.  Try to make sure that at least the vehicle battery is rechargeable to save on cost.

LED lights/Headlights

Many remote control cars now have LED lights that go off within the vehicle itself while it is moving or parked.  Children of younger ages generally like this feature.

The headlights/break-lights of the vehicle should also function according to whether the car is moving or stopped if possible.  The lighting system used adds tremendously to the use and feel of the product.

Suspension

Some indoor and outdoor vehicles have independent suspension systems for their wheels that add to the feel of the vehicle when it is being used.

Indoor cars will bounce and land while going over carpets or room dividers realistically.  Outdoor vehicles will have a much better grip on uneven terrain with a good suspension system. Suspension systems also safeguard the motors and electronics within the vehicle from excessive wear and tear.

Durability

Make sure that the product you buy for your child is durable enough for the use your child will put it through.  If you are going to allow your child to use his/her remote-controlled vehicle outside, then it has to be much more durable.

Try to go for high-quality plastic products with aluminum, carbon-fiber, and stainless steel casing for higher durability.  The vehicle being waterproof is a bonus as it will have to be cleaned after being used outdoors.

Transformers

There are many remote-controlled cars out there that also have the ability to transform into robots.  This concept was developed by the Transformers movie franchise and is much loved by children globally.  If you can get a remote-controlled car that assembles into characters from the movies, your child will be extremely impressed.

Vehicle Type

The two main types of vehicles when it comes to remote-controlled cars are indoor vehicles and outdoor vehicles.  The outdoor vehicles are much more rugged and resemble SUVs, off-road trucks, tanks, and heavy machinery. The indoor vehicles generally resemble racing cars, sports cars, and formula-type cars.  Try to figure out what type of vehicle your child likes best before making a purchase.

Controller Type

There are two main controller types.  Most mid-range products offer a straightforward front/back and left/right controller system.  High-range products that have larger range often offer a gun-type controller that gives you more control over how the vehicle functions.  Both controller systems are loads of fun to use though the gun-type system is much more precise.

Transmission Type

Just like in regular cars, remote control cars come in many different transmission types.  This means that some cars are back-wheel drive while others are front-wheel drive. Some of the off-road vehicles, such as trucks, offer all-wheel drive transmission systems and can be oodles of fun to operate in rocky and uneven surfaces.

If your son or daughter is a vehicle aficionado and will be putting the vehicle through its paces, make sure your child gets an all-wheel-drive vehicle.

Motors

Remote control cars come with up to four motors, just like functional electric vehicles that are in production.  Generally, a single motor can either turn one wheel or both wheels of either the front or the back. Dual motors are usually for the front wheels and the back wheels.  Three-motor systems are rare, but can be one for each front wheel while the back motor powers both back wheels. Individual motors for all four wheels are very rare but will function fantastically in the outdoors.

Age

Remote control cars are used and enjoyed by people well into their adulthood, though generally they are aimed at children below the age of 12.  Manufacturers advise parents to give remote control cars to children from the age of 3 onwards. This is as their hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills are generally not sufficient for using a remote control car before the age of 3.

Top Best Remote Control Cars for Kids

1. Popsugar 4 Wheel Drive Rock Crawler Off-Roader Monster Truck

This fantastic remote control vehicle by Popsugar is designed to be put through the ringer at the hands of your child.  The machine comes in green, red, and blue coloring and has been designed for outdoor use. This product has been recommended for children aged six and up.

The 4-wheel drive transmission system has been augmented by the use of two motors, one in the front and one in the back.  This model vehicle has dimensions of 13cm x 16cm x 27cm at a ratio of 1:18 when compared to a normal-sized truck. This is the ultimate in remote control vehicles and can be recommended to any parents that are looking to blow the socks off their child.

Main Features
  • The vehicle has four individually functioning suspensions that allow for it to absorb any uneven pressures by rough terrain.
  •  The slip-free tyres have been manufactured to have an excellent grip while minimizing wear and tear.
  •  This truck with oversized wheels can achieve speeds of up to 15 km/h, which is about five times the speed an average adult walks at.
  • The vehicle can be remotely controlled from within a 50m distance for maximum effect.
  • The vehicle comes with a battery pack that can be recharged over and over again, which is a great cost saver.
  • The vehicle battery takes up to 5 hours to fully charge after being depleted.
PROS (What we liked)
  • This product achieves about 20 minutes of playtime with the machine running at full speed when it has a fully juiced battery.
  • The product has been manufactured to EN 71 specifications that ensure that the product is safe for use with children.
  • The 2.4 GHz remote allows full maneuverability with front, back, left and right functionality.
  •  The batteries for the remote last for a prolonged time before needing replacement, and an initial set has been included with the product.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • Battery life is not up to the mark

2. The Flyers Bay Big and Mean Rock Crawling Modified Hummer

This behemoth of a remote control hummer by The Flyers Bay has been produced with the intent of luring red-blooded boys to it.  This machine comes in multiple color schemes, including a red/black combo and a red camo scheme, and has been designed for outdoor use.

This remote control hummer comes with a removable battery pack that can be charged again and again.  Several hours of recharging are required for the battery pack to achieve a full charge. This is a dependable outdoor remote control vehicle that will blow your child’s mind when he/she receives it.

Main Features
  • This product has been recommended for children aged four and up.
  •  Its heavy-duty motor has been designed to give it the power to climb rocky outcrops.
  • The individual suspension system employed by design gives it ample cushioning to navigate rocky terrain while safeguarding its electronics.
  • The heavy-duty rubber tyres have been designed to provide excellent grip while preserving structural integrity.
  • The casing of the product has been made from a high-quality plastic material.
PROS (What we liked)
  • The vehicle’s remote has a sufficient range to use this product outdoors.
  •  A fully charged battery pack will be sufficient for 1 or 2 hours of playtime with this powerful machine.
  •  This model vehicle is built to a 1:20 ratio when compared to a normal-sized hummer.
  • The remote of this vehicle allows full control with functions for moving front, back, left, and right.
  • It is affordable and provides value for money.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • There is no light or sound in this vehicle which makes it kind of boring

3. Zest 4 Toyz Bugatti Style Remote Control Rechargeable Car

This amazing remote control car by Zest 4 Toyz has been designed after the world’s fastest car, the Bugatti Veyron.  This vehicle has taken into account even the smallest details of the Veyron and comes in multiple color schemes. This fantastic remote control racing car can be recommended for parents that are looking to impress their child with speed and beauty.

 

Main Features
  • This product has been recommended for children aged three and up.
  • The 2AA batteries for its remote have to be purchased separately.
  • The car has been designed with hard suspensions, resembling the suspension system of a real Veyron.
  •  Its powerful motor can accelerate this beast of a machine to 10 km/h, which is more than three times the speed of a walking adult.
  • The streamlined wheels have been made from rubber to stick to the surface better while traveling at high speeds.
  •  The car has been built to a scale of 1:16 when compared to a real Bugatti Veyron.
PROS (What we liked)
  • The range of the remote control is sufficient for this vehicle to be used indoors or within your backyard.
  • This remote control Bugatti comes with a rechargeable battery pack for the vehicle.
  • The doors and the trunk of this special vehicle can be opened up to give your child a realistic experience.
  • The quick response machine will help in augmenting your child’s hand-eye coordination and spatial reasoning skills.
  •  The casing of the car has been made from heavy-duty PVC plastic to account for crashes and falls.
  • The 2.4 GHz remote has full functionality for the vehicle with front, back, left and right operators.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • The quality of the product could be better.

4. Wishkey Remote Control Car

Wishkey is a popular brand in toys and educational aid. Its products are durable and reliable. The Wishkey remote control car is fun to play with. It encourages children to self-play and plays in turns. The toy can be used for keeping kids engaged and active.

Main Features
  • It uses easily available two AA batteries.
  • The remote can navigate the car forward, backward, right, and left.
  • The car has a special feature to recharge the battery for uninterrupted play.
  • The toy is made of high-quality plastic material.
  • It has a functional bright headlight which adds to playing with the car.
PROS (What we liked)
  • It has a sturdy build and is durable.
  • It has a nice colour scheme.
  • It is good enough to keep the kids busy for a few minutes.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • The car is small in size.

5. Zest 4 Toyz Remote Control Army Battle Tank

One of the unique products in this category, this fully representational remote control tank, is given to us by Zest 4 Toyz.  This beast comes in grey or camo themed coloring and has an audio system that provides tank-like sounds when played with!

The dimensions of the tank are 6.5cm x 8.5cm x 18cm.  This product can be recommended to parents that are looking to improve their child’s imagination and sense of wonderment.

 

Main Features
  • The product has been recommended for children of ages three and up.
  •  The tank also has indicator lights in the front to simulate a real battle tank.
  • The chains of the tank are not functional, however, and it relies on high-quality hidden-from-view wheels to maneuver in the battlefield.
  • The manufacturers recommend buying two of these fun vehicles for an epic shooting game between your kids!
  • The range of the remote control is sufficient for indoor use or for the backyard.
  •  The machine comes with a rechargeable battery pack and a charger for prolonged use.
PROS (What we liked)
  • The casing of the tank has been made from durable ABS plastic for no-risk full-contact fun.
  •  The remote control has full functionality with the ability to move the tank front, back, left, and right.
  • The battery for the remote control has not been included with the product.
  • The vehicle is sure to improve your child’s spatial reasoning skills and hand-eye coordination while being played with.
  • The turret base on top of the tank is rotatable at a fantastic 360 degrees, and the turret itself can be elevated or brought down.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • The size is very small

6. Magicwand® R C Rechargeable 360 Degree Twisting Stunt Car

This extremely fun remote control car by Magic wand puts the wonder back into playing with cars.  This stunt car comes in red and blue and can either be used indoors or outdoors.

The remote control has a limited range but is sufficient for use with the car. The rechargeable battery pack for the car comes with the product as does the charger.  This car is an amazing feat of engineering and can be recommended to parents looking for a remote control car with a lot of extra features.

Main Features
  • The manufacturers recommend this remote control car for children aged three and up.
  • It has been designed to flip, twist, and race all over the floor and has two extra features that allow it to do so.
  •  There is a dual mini-wheel vertical appendage from the back that helps right the car up after a flip.
  • The front half of the machine is able to rotate horizontally to provide amazing twists and turns.
  • There are LED lights, including headlights, all over the vehicle.
PROS (What we liked)
  • The car’s independent sound system plays a variety of dynamic music pieces that coordinate with its lighting system to provide a full audiovisual show.
  • The translucent off-road tires have LED lights in them that have a variety of colors.
  • Apart from the triggers for flips, twists, music, and tricks, there are also the regular controls for front, back, left, and right on the remote control.
  • The product has been made to such an amazing quality level structurally that it is advertised to be able to handle even the weight of your child.
  • It has also been designed for extra speed when it is in racing mode.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  •  There needs to be an additional purchase of batteries for the remote control.

7. Amitasha Battery Operated Converting Car to Robot

This fantastic remote control car by Amitasha is sure to give your son or daughter the time of his/her life due to its transformer abilities.  The vehicle comes in red and blue in addition to other colors and is modeled after the Bugatti Veyron, the fastest car in the world. Both the vehicle and remote run with replaceable batteries that are not included with the package.  This product can be recommended for parents looking to keep their child entertained for hours and hours with a transforming remote control car.

Main Features
  • The product has been recommended for use by children aged 3 to 10 by the manufacturer.
  • It has been designed for indoor use, and its most advanced feature is its ability to transform from a car to a transformer robot and vice versa in a few seconds each.
  • The robot that the car transforms into has been modeled after the transformer robots of the Transformer film franchise.
  • The remote of the car has a range of about 20 meters, which is quite sufficient for indoor use.
PROS (What we liked)
  • The remote is shaped in the shape of a steering wheel that increases the fun.
  • The materials used for the production of this car has been deemed 100% safe for use with children.
  • The functions for transforming the car/robot are included in the remote, including the controls for moving front and backward.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • The purchase of rechargeable batteries and a charger for the vehicle has been advised by the manufacturer.

8. WireScorts Chargeable Racing Car for Kids with Remote Control

This remote control car by WireScorts comes with a variety of shapes and features that you can select from.  There are several different car models and colors to choose from, each having special features such as sunroofs and extendable spoilers.

The choice of the car might vary according to availability.  The dimensions of the car are, on average 5cm x 7.5m x 17cm with small variations due to differences in models. This remote control car is recommended for parents that are looking to buy a toy for their child that will keep him/her entertained for months.

Main Features
  • The product has been recommended for children aged three and up by the manufacturers.
  • The cars have been designed to be aerodynamic and travel low to the ground so as to increase speed.
  • The extended antenna of the remote makes it possible to control the car from extreme ranges.
PROS (What we liked)
  • The rubber wheels grip the track well while traveling at higher speeds.
  • The remote control is designed to be held with two hands just like a video game controller and has full controls for moving front, back, left, and right.
  • The rechargeable batteries for the vehicle have been included with a charger.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • The two AA batteries for the remote control have to be purchased separately.

9. Zitto Mini Racing 4 Channel Radio Control RC Car

This great remote control car by Zitto has all the features you would want in your child’s first remote control vehicle.  It comes in a sleek silver coloring that has been manufactured for indoor use. The dimensions of the product are 8cm x 18.5cm (W x L), providing for a realistic feel.

The rechargeable battery pack of the vehicle has been included as has been the charger for the pack.

This product can be recommended to parents that are looking to buy their child his/her first fully functional remote control car.

Main Features
  • This product has been recommended for use by children above the age of 3 by the manufacturers.
  • The motor and transmission system has been optimized for fast driving.
  • The independent suspension system for each of the wheels ensures that the ride is smooth over uneven surfaces while the sensitive electronics of the car are safeguarded.
  • Both the front headlights and the backlights are fully functional, giving the car additional features to play with.
PROS (What we liked)
  • The casing of the car has been made using durable plastic for prolonged use.
  • The rubber wheels of the machine have been designed to give the car additional grip while moving at high speeds.
  • The remote control has enough range for indoor use and is designed like a video game controller.
  • Full controls for moving front, back, left, and right has been included in the controller.
  • The lightweight construction of the product with its power-saving motor allows the car to be used for a prolonged period with a full charge.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  •  The AAA batteries required for the controller have to be purchased separately.

10. Toyshine Vibe Remote Control Car

This affordable remote control car by Toyshine has many tricks up its sleeve.  Its main design comes in an aquablue and black color scheme (though there are also red and yellow options) and has been produced for primarily indoor use.

 

The vehicle’s rechargeable batteries and their charger have been included with the package.  However, the batteries for the remote control have to be purchased separately.

This affordable remote control car is sure to provide your child with hours and hours of entertainment and can be recommended unreservedly.

Main Features
  • The product has been recommended for use with children above the age of 3 by the manufacturers.
  • It has two extra features that allow it to do all the extra twists, flips, and tricks programmed into it.
  • The front part of the car with the two front wheels is completely rotatable 360 degrees.
  • There is also a vertical extension upwards from the back of the car with a wheel.
  • This wheel allows the car to move even when it is flipped on its back (90 degrees) for some cool and entertaining moves.
  • Your child will be amazed when the car flips over completely and lands on its wheels to continue racing!
PROS (What we liked)
  • The wide wheels with rubber coverings are fantastic for gripping the riding surface while doing tricks.
  • The durable plastic casing of the car ensures that all of its electronics and mechanical parts are safe while making these amazing moves.
  • The remote control’s telescopic antenna provides an extra range.
  •  All four main controls for going forward, backward, right, and left, have been included in the remote control.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • No such cons were observed so far

11. Iyaan™ 2 Function 3D Mini Remote Control Racing Car for Kids

This dazzling little remote control car by Iyann has been produced to have a lot of entertainment value at a budget price.  It comes in red, white, and yellow color schemes and has been designed solely for indoor use. This car can be recommended to parents that are looking to present their child with a toy that will give him/her months of joy on a budget.

Main Features
  • The product has been recommended for children aged 3 to 10 years.
  • The transmission and motor have been produced to provide consistent speed for this little racer.
  • The sleek design of the car is enhanced with a myriad of LED lights within the casing that allow the car to dazzle while being used.
  •  The large translucent plastic covers for the windows and windshields give the car an amazing look and augment the lighting display.
PROS (What we liked)
  • The rubber tyres of the car have been designed to provide extra grip while being used at high speeds.
  •  The machine has been manufactured using durable plastic to survive crashes and tumbles.
  •  The remote control of the car is to be operated using one hand and has functions for moving forward and backward.
  • The large antenna on the car allows an extensive range for remote control of the car.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • The batteries for neither the car nor the remote control have been included with the package.
  • The built quality is not up to the mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are remote control cars made primarily of good plastic purchases?

This would depend on the type of plastic used.  High-quality, durable plastic is even used for cars that are functioning on our roads.  However, some cheap plastic molds will not be able to withstand the forces that are applied to it if the car crashes into a wall or a sharp object.  Try to go for a thicker plastic casing that can withstand the abuse a functional toy is sure to receive.

2. To what speeds can a remote control car accelerate?

While most remote controlled cars can accelerate to about 10 km/h, some can accelerate to even 30 km/h.  It’s important to note that the battery drainage is much more at higher speeds. This is true, especially for vehicles that have two or more motors.

3. How do transformer remote control cars turn into robots?

Most transformer remote control cars can transform using a special button on the controller.  This means that the transformation can take place remotely. However, some products require that you press a transform button on the vehicle itself.  The transformation process from car to robot or robot to car takes place within a matter of seconds.

4. What is the charge time required for vehicles with rechargeable batteries?

There is large variability when it comes to charge times of remote control cars.  Some vehicles are charged to 80% in just 30-50 minutes, while others require up to 4-5 hours of charging for a full charge.  It all depends on the charger used and the type of battery. However, as a general rule, fast charges mean shorter battery lives.

5. How much playing time can you get from a fully charged vehicle/with new batteries?

Some of the smaller cars with larger battery packs will be able to function for several hours on a single charge or a new set of batteries.  Off-road vehicles with multiple motors and all-wheel transmission can run out of juice within just a 20 minute period. There is an amount of variability that is present also in how the vehicle is used.  If the vehicle is used at moderate speeds, the battery generally lasts longer.

Conclusion

Remote control cars will add another dimension to the type of toys your child has.  They can end up being your child’s favorite type of toy. There are many types of remote control cars to choose from, and the main decision is whether you want an indoor vehicle or an outdoor vehicle.

There are also other considerations, such as to whether to go for replaceable batteries versus rechargeable ones, which would determine much of your additional expenditure for this toy.  All of this has to be considered keeping in mind the preferences of your son or daughter because he/she will be the one using it at the end of the day.

We hope that our buying guide will help you come to understand the main points to consider when you are looking at purchasing a remote control car.  Our safety tips and FAQ section are focused on giving you all the background information necessary to keep your child and investment safe. We wish you luck and hope that your child’s new remote control car will keep him entertained and engrossed for years to come!

Dolly Savla
 

Dolly is a part of the content creation team at reviews.in. Her strength lies in creating content about sports, fitness and lifestyle. Creating art, drinking coffee and reading books, makes her happy when not working with reviews.

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