Power wheels are the ideal toy you can give your toddler if they want to sit in the driver’s seat of your car. The ride-on vehicle is a great way to provide them with their first driving experience and teach them traffic rules.
There are many power wheel brands and models in the market. You can purchase one that can run six or twelve miles per hour. That is a good speed for a beginner ride-on vehicle. However, after a few weeks of riding it, some children become uninterested and bored.
If it is because of the slow pace, you can get them interested in it again by making the power wheel faster. With an increased speed, there is more excitement and thrill! There is no need to look for another toy to interest your growing toddler; just modify and make 12v or 14v power wheels faster.
But before you begin making power wheels faster, there are things you should prepare and steps you should know. If you are reading this right now, you are on the right page. This tutorial on how to modify power wheels to go faster will show you two methods:
- Switch the battery
- Install a new motor
Read on!
Table of Contents
2 Easy Methods to Modify Power Wheels to Go Faster
One of the easiest ways to make a power wheel faster is upgrading the parts of the vehicle. Usually, the gearbox, electronic speed controller, and battery are in charge of the speed. They have a speed cap and can only go as fast as these pieces allow. If, during the upgrade process, you accidentally break some plastic parts of the power vehicle, using the right glue can serve as a viable solution.
Method 1: Switch Battery
The power wheels upgrade we will do here is changing the 12V stock battery for an 18V tool battery.
You will need:
- Wire strippers
- Crimping tool
- Screwdriver
- Crimp spade wire connectors
- 18V tool battery
Step 1: Cut the battery wires
Cut the wires in the middle without letting them touch. Strip about ¼ of the connector wires.
Step 2: Attach the connectors
After making sure the positive and negative wires, attach the connectors using a crimping tool.
Step 3: Connect to the 18V battery
Connect the wires to the higher voltage 18V battery. Ensure each wire goes into the proper positive and negative slots.
Step 4: Wedge the new battery
Find a place to securely wedge the new battery in the power wheel.
Step 5: Test the power wheels out
You need to pick up the ride-on toy and test it out. This step will make sure that the battery connection works.
Some power wheels have an extra spot for an additional battery. For this case, you can wire in two 12V batteries to make it faster at 24V. Two batteries will double the motor’s spinning capacity, which propels the vehicle to run at a faster speed.
Method 2: Install a New Motor
Another way to soup up a power wheel is by installing a new motor. Learn how with the following section.
You will need:
- Compatible motor
- Flathead screwdriver
- Crosshead screwdriver
- Set of pliers
- Wheel wrench
Step 1: Remove the car seat
Detach the car seat and remove the red positive terminal from the battery.
Step 2: Remove the wheel
Carefully take off the wheel trims. Be patient in removing the clip since they are brittle. Then, remove the wheel from the car.
Step 3: Check and remove the connection.
Identify where it connects to the motherboard, push the tab and remove it. Next, slide the motor off the axle.
Step 4: Reassemble and reconnect
With the new motor, reassemble by sliding it onto the axle. Push the connections into the compartment and attach the plug to the motherboard.
Step 5: Attach the battery terminal and test
Reattach the wheel in the correct order while making sure that it lines up with the gearbox. Return the seat and test the vehicle.
Other Power Wheels Upgrade You Might Need
Having a power wheel that is easy to modify is an advantage. In general, 12V ride-on cars are ideal. They have electronics that are capable of receiving more power with little to no issues. Aside from the speed, there are other modifications you can do with your toddler’s power wheel.
Visual Upgrades
There are countless ways to upgrade the appearance of a ride-on car. One of the most common customizations is installing LED lights around the unit. If you are familiar with handling audio tools, you can make simple adjustments like the roar of an engine. That way, kids can have a more realistic experience driving around.
You will also find some popular power wheels that already have these light and sound features. It gives children a real-life automobile experience, but it can come at a higher price.
New Gears
Newer and stronger gears offer optimal performance. However, before you pick out the most powerful upgrade, make sure that it is compatible and suitable for the power wheel. Otherwise, you risk having motor-related issues.
FAQ’s
There might be some questions clouding your mind about modifying power wheels. We thought this FAQ could clear up the confusion.
How long will a 24V battery last?
The duration depends on the amp hours number of watts drawn per hour. For a 24V 200ah battery connected to a 350-watt hour load, the battery can run a power wheel for about 12 hours before you can drain it completely.
Is 24V faster than 12V?
Yes. With a bigger motor and battery size, the speed of a power wheel increases. A 12V vehicle can run up to 4mph, and a 24V car can go 6mph.
Is 24V better than 12V?
Aside from the speed, the 24-volt supply has a reduced wiring cost with savings of almost half the original price. With an increased voltage in a system, there’s a reduction in the current, which lessens the wire sizes needed.
Can you put a 24V battery in a 12V ride-on vehicle?
Yes, but make sure to use a conversion kit or upgrade the motor. Otherwise, the power won’t match up. You can still insert a 24V battery in a 12V ride-on vehicle, but the engine will overheat and wear out sooner.
Which ride-on cars are the fastest?
There are many brands and models of power wheels in the market. Picking the fastest will depend on the battery capacity and the motor. Some of the fastest ride-on vehicles for older kids are Fit Right 2020 Sahara Kids 24V Mini Quad ATV, Power Wheels Dune Racer, and Best Choice Products 2-Seater Licensed Land Rover.
Final Thoughts
You’ve reached the end and are now closer to having the fastest power wheels. It will take a few hours to put everything together, but it will be worth it. However, a word of caution: make sure the modified power wheels don’t go too fast for the child. Always be there to guide and supervise them.
Depending on your child’s age, it’s important to choose a toy that suits their years. If they are very young, start with toys like cars to help them gain knowledge and skills before advancing to more complex toys like power wheels.
In the end, it should be noted that there are various toys on the market that can make your children happier and more content.
Did you find this article on how to modify power wheels to go faster helpful? Share this with someone you know who might need a speed boost in their toddler’s ride-on car. Did you upgrade your precious one’s power wheel while following this tutorial? Tell us your experience in the comments below. We want to hear from you!