Suitable for kids of all ages, a remote control car for kids offer tons of fun! Kids will love making them zoom around, spin in circles, or perform stunts. Get two and race a friend, or take your car exploring off-road. Older kids and teens can get under the hood by learning about the components of the car and begin tinkering with replacement parts, customizing their car, and getting some hands-on learning done at the same time.
Which is the best remote control car for kids? What factors should you consider when you’re looking to buy one? Keep reading for our buyers’ guide, frequently asked questions, product reviews, and awards for the best remote control cars for kids.
If your kids are looking for something a little more tech-focused, I can definitely recommend checking out this list featuring the best drones for kids.
Force1 LED Remote Control Car for Kids
At less than thirty dollars the Force1 Tornado LED Remote Control Car for Kids is very reasonably priced and is an ideal entry-level remote control car for kids.
The Best Remote Control Car For Kids
1. Force1 Tornado Remote Control Car for Kids
Top Speed:
4-5 Mph
Material:
Rubber
Rechargeable Battery:
Yes
Item Weight:
1.34 lbs
Value meets performance with the Force1 Tornado LED Remote Control Car for Kids. This car can do just about everything; drive right-side up and upside down, tumble from heights and land on its wheels, perform 360-degree spins and flips, and drifts. It’s got tough grippy rubber tires that can handle offroad racing on a variety of terrain and can travel at speeds of up to 5 miles per hour. The remote control has an anti-interference feature that even lets you drive multiple remote control cars at once.
The rechargeable battery gives up to 25 minutes of playtime per charge and takes between 3 and 4 hours to reach full charge, but the included remote control takes two AA batteries (included). At less than thirty dollars the Force1 Tornado LED Remote Control Car for Kids is very reasonably priced, and the company offers full refunds if you’re not satisfied, so this is an ideal entry-level remote control car for kids.
Reasons to Buy
2. DEERC 9300 Remote Control Car
Top Speed:
25 Mph
Material:
Nylon and metal
Rechargeable Battery:
Yes
Item Weight:
2.59 lbs
Get high-speed racing thrills with the DEERC 9300 Remote Control Car! This upgraded design has tires with newly designed treads to give it a stronger grip on a variety of terrains. It has front and rear suspension and can drive. The body of this remote control car for kids is made of metal that will prevent damage in case of collisions, while the shell is made of PVC plastic that is easily removed if any parts need fixing. It’s lightweight enough that the car can accelerate quickly, with a motor that allows it to perform 21 500 revs per minute and reach speeds of up 25 mph.
Parents should note that this performance comes at a cost – the motor can heat up quickly, and the manufacturer recommends taking a break to let it cool down for every 15 minutes of driving. And it can last for a while! To prolong your driving time, the DEERC 9300 Remote Control Car comes with two rechargeable batteries, each one with 20+ minutes of driving time, so if one battery dies you can switch it out for another and get twice as much time. The batteries fully charge within 2 hours, but the remote control takes three AA batteries which will have to be purchased separately.
Reasons to Buy
3. Bezgar TB201 RC Remote Control Car
Top Speed:
12.4 Mph
Material:
Nylon and plastic
Rechargeable Battery:
Yes
Item Weight:
1.21 lbs
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly remote control car for kids, the Bezgar TB201 RC Remote Control Car might be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s incredibly lightweight, with a chassis made of plastic and the main body made of nylon. These materials also make it collision resistant and will help extend its lifespan, even if it goes through many crashes with young drivers just getting the hang of how it works.
There’s an easy-to-use remote control that works at distances up to 32 yards. Note that while the car itself has a rechargeable battery that will give you up to 20 minutes of driving time, the remote requires three AA batteries which are not included. Although the Bezgar TB201 RC Remote Control Car is designed for beginners, it still packs plenty of power. You can travel up to 12.4 miles per hour, and there’s a row of bright lights to make nighttime driving fun, too. This is a great entry-level budget remote control car for kids.
Reasons to Buy
4. DEERC High-Speed Remote Control Car
Top Speed:
35 Mph
Material:
Nylon and metal
Rechargeable Battery:
Yes
Item Weight:
2.71 lbs
For drivers who have mastered an entry-level remote control car for kids and are looking for something more high-performance, the DEERC High-Speed Remote Control Car might be what you’re looking for! The powerful motor can reach speeds of up to 35 mph, and 4-wheel drive supported by 4 independent suspensions means you can tackle a wide variety of terrain. This vehicle has a brushless motor, which provides higher power and a longer life 2-3 times that of a brushed motor.
The DEERC High-Speed Remote Control Car takes one rechargeable battery that gives up to 20 minutes of driving time, but two batteries are included with the car so you can switch batteries if you run out of power in the middle of a driving session, although the manufacturer does recommend allowing the motor to cool down after 20 minutes of driving. It also comes with two plastic covers, one red and one yellow, so you can switch them out depending on your preferences. The remote control can control the car from a range of 109 yards, so you can really let your car out to explore!
Reasons to Buy
5. Redcat Racing EPX Drift Car
Top Speed:
15 Mph
Material:
Metal
Rechargeable Battery:
Yes
Item Weight:
6 lbs
For a car specializing in high speeds and drifting, the Redcat Racing EPX Drift Car hits the mark. A brushed motor and specialized drift tires allow this remote control car to slide around corners while maintaining forward momentum. Forward and reverse features along with a lightweight plastic chassis allow the car to back out of tricky situations to keep the drifting fun going. Aluminum-capped oil-filled shocks and adjustable suspension allow the driver to customize tuning their car.
The Redcat Racing EPX Drift Car comes with a rechargeable battery pack, and one full battery charge will give you around 20 minutes of driving time. Parents should note that the remote control radio system requires eight AA batteries, which are not included. This car is at a higher price point than some of the others on our list, but its components are high quality and it is ideal for drivers who have already mastered a more basic car already.
Reasons to Buy
6. Traxxas Rustler Remote Control Car for Kids
Top Speed:
65 Mph
Material:
Polypropylene
Rechargeable Battery:
Not included (battery and charger must be purchased separately)
Item Weight:
5.12 lbs
The high-performance remote control car you’ve been looking for! The Traxxas Rustler Remote Control Car for Kids is a four-wheel drive vehicle that can reach top speeds of up to 65 miles per hour. The 3500kV brushless motor supplies plenty of power and the heavy-duty tires can grip any terrain, including mud, snow, and puddles since the motor is waterproof.
Buyers should note that the Traxxas Rustler Remote Control Car for Kids does not come with a battery included, and a rechargeable battery will have to be purchased separately. Some remote control car enthusiasts enjoy features like this as it allows them to purchase a battery with the specifications they want, but if you don’t have much knowledge about what kind of battery you should purchase it might be best to look for a car that comes with a battery. Remote control cars of this caliber are best for drivers who have some experience, not beginners.
Reasons to Buy
Buyer’s Guide
Speed
Consider the age of the child you’re buying a remote control car for when you look at the top speeds. Cars meant for young kids will have lower top speeds so even young kids can control them without too much difficulty. Cars meant for older kids or adult enthusiasts will be able to handle higher speeds. Generally, race cars will be able to reach higher straight-line speeds than remote-control cars meant for off-roading.
Handling
Handling refers to how well the remote control car responds to the controller, and how the controller works in terms of range and accuracy. Read product reviews carefully to determine that the car responds well to the controller.
Age Appropriateness
Remote control cars can be enjoyed by young kids, teenagers, and adults alike. When buying a car for young kids who are just learning, look for an easy-to-operate remote, lower top speeds, and a frame that can withstand a few learning curve crashes. For older or more experienced drivers, you can look for more powerful motors and higher top speeds. The most experienced drivers might even want to begin customizing their remote control cars to their specifications. This is truly a hobby that can be enjoyed by all ages.
Scale
The size of a remote control car for kids is often given in scale. A scale of 1/10, for example, means that the car is 1/10 the size of a full-sized car. The larger the second number in the scale, the smaller the car will be – just remember your fractions from math class! A remote control car with a scale of 1/20 will be one-twentieth the size of a full-size car, much smaller than a 1/10 car.
Battery Life
The average life of a remote control car’s rechargeable battery is around twenty minutes, but this can depend on a number of factors including what kind of terrain you are driving on and the temperature outside. To maximize driving time, make sure your battery is fully charged before taking it out. Some of the cars on our list come with two batteries that you can switch out to prolong your driving time, so it could also be an option to purchase a second battery if you’d like to drive your car for longer periods of time. Look for charging time, as well, so you know how far in advance you need to prepare your batteries.
Surface Versatility
Different cars can handle different surfaces. A racecar-style vehicle will drive best on flat surfaces like asphalt or concrete, and some entry-level remote-control cars for kids might be best to keep on this type of flat surface as well. If you want a car that can handle gravel, sand, dirt, and other rough surfaces, make sure that you choose a vehicle that includes off-road capabilities in the description. Some vehicles are waterproof as well and can handle surfaces like snow or puddles. If you take your vehicle offroading, make sure to clean it thoroughly when you’re finished in order to prolong its life.
Reception Range
Reception range means how far away can you stand from your car and have it still respond to the remote control. Depending on who you’re buying for, you might want to look for a smaller range or a larger range. A child playing with their first remote control car will want a smaller range, so they can keep track of the car easily, but a more experienced driver may want to be able to explore further.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Remote Control Cars Work?
Remote control cars are operated remotely via radio waves transmitted from a controller to the car. The controller will have some type of buttons or joysticks that instruct the car to go forwards, backward, speed up, stop, and sometimes additional commands to perform stunts.
How Fast Can Remote Control Cars Go?
This will depend on the motor in each different model of remote control car. There are cars on our list with top speeds ranging from 5 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour, so there’s quite a range! Generally speaking, less expensive cars designed for young kids will have lower top speeds than higher-end remote control cars.
How Old Should a Child Be to Play With a Remote Control Car?
Kids of almost any age can play with a remote control car, as long as they select a car that aligns with their abilities. There are remote-control cars designed for young kids that travel at lower speeds and are built to withstand many bumps as kids figure out how to use them, and there are also high-performance remote-control cars that travel at high speeds and can execute stunts. These cars are suitable for older kids or teens, as well as adults, who are more experienced.
