Remote Control Car for Children - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
Kids are excitable types, so they jump headlong into an activity like this...it's an adventure. Instead of trying to contain your child's unbridled enthusiasm, why not cheer him up with a toy that really makes his eyes light up? An RC car for kids can take play to the next level—for sure.
The best RC car for a child is age appropriate and easy to control. It should have a fun and attractive design that stimulates the child's imagination. In particular, an RC car's battery life and signal range can limit your fun unless you opt for a model that maximizes both specs. A few bells and whistles, like lights and horn sounds, can also be welcome additions. The remote control can vary a lot from one model to another, and not all controls are comfortable for small hands.
If you want to know more about what to look for in an RC car for a special child in your life, read on to find the best model for you and your child.
Key Considerations
Aside from considering the minimum age, when buying an RC car for a child, there are only three big areas to think about: the vehicle, the remote control, and the power source.
- Vehicle
The vehicle you choose will depend on how your child uses it. Take these factors into consideration when purchasing to ensure that it will be suitable for its intended use.
- Vehicle Type
The first decision you will have to make is where you want to use your car. For example, a car that goes fast on smooth pavement will not perform very well on a beach. Also, if you want an RC car that does tricks, you will need a special type of vehicle. If you first decide what you want your RC to be capable of and where you want to drive it, you can quickly narrow down your options.
- Velocity
Everyone thinks they want the fastest RC car. However, if you are new to RC cars or have a young child, it would be best to start with a model that has a limited speed to make it easier to control.
- Weather Resistance
Running your RC car through puddles may seem cool, but it can cause significant damage to the engine and other delicate parts. No RC car is completely waterproof or weatherproof, but the better the internal parts are protected from the elements, the better chance your RC car will have a long and adventurous life.
- Durability
When children play with RC cars, they are likely to play hard, racing across the terrain, doing daring stunts and having fun. If you want your RC car to survive beyond a few outings, you'll want to look for a model with high ratings for durability.
- Remote
The controller is the part your child will actually interact with, so make sure it's perfect for his hands and her abilities.
- Size
If your child has small hands, a big remote is not a good idea. In contrast, a small remote control would be difficult for someone with larger hands to manipulate very delicately.
- Variety of Controls
The remote control is the way to control all aspects of your RC car. If all you have is back and forth, it won't be much fun and you'll end up stuck...a lot. Look for an RC car with a remote that has a variety of controls so you can make the car do whatever you want it to do. If you are buying for a young child, a remote with limited functions will be easier to understand and operate.
- Control Configuration
Just as there is a wide variety of vehicle designs, there is a great deal of flexibility in the way the remote does its job. If your child is a gamer, a dual joystick controller may be the most intuitive. If you have a young child, a flyer might be the method that makes the most sense for them. Whether it's buttons, a trigger, or one of the other options mentioned, look for a remote that has the most intuitive type of control for your child.
- Range
Lastly, there is one of the most important considerations for the remote — range. If the RC car loses signal 3 meters away, your child will spend the day chasing the car. On the other hand, if you have a model with a range of 100 feet, your child will likely be able to remain somewhat still and focus more on having fun and developing their driving skills.
- Source of Energy
By far, batteries are the way to go, especially since the RC car is for a child. Battery-powered vehicles are safer, quieter, more affordable and easier to drive than models that require fuel. The biggest drawback is that some batteries may not have as much raw power and may not last as long as nitroglycerin. Also, if it is a child, it is not advisable to buy an RC car that uses a LiPo battery pack, as these are highly combustible if misused.
Characteristic
- Scale
How big do you want your RC car to be? Scale is represented by two numbers with a colon in between, such as 1:10 (meaning the RC is one-tenth the size of a full-size vehicle). The larger the second number, the smaller your vehicle will be. Although many hobbyists prefer a larger scale RC car, having a smaller vehicle isn't necessarily a bad thing because less weight potentially means higher speed, better response, and longer battery life. Also, smaller RC cars may be more suitable for smaller children who could injure themselves or others with a larger vehicle. Small RC cars are also easy to pick up and go.
- Mounting
Some RC cars require some assembly. If your child just wants to open the box, charge the battery and get going, these are not the models for you.
- Design
There are RC vehicles in just about every design imaginable...some look cute cartoons while others are rugged road warriors. Make sure your child has a big say in this part as it could be the most crucial buying decision you make (in your child's mind, at least).
- Lights and Sounds
If your child wants his RC car to turn on, honk the horn or play music, he will have no problem finding a model with these features. There are also less flashy models.
Benefits of using RC cars
RC cars provide children with hours of entertainment and can teach them valuable motor and social skills. Here are just a few.
- Getting some Fresh Air :
The best place to play with RC cars is outside, in the fresh air. Kids can follow behind his RC car as they explore with him.
- Family Bonding :
Whether at a park or just in the backyard, race car racing is an activity the whole family can enjoy together.
- Learning Instructions :
For younger children, an RC car can be a great tool that helps a child learn the difference between right and left.
- Learning To Take Turns :
If you only have one RC car but two kids, this exciting toy is a great way to teach patience and develop social skills.
- Developing Hand-Eye Coordination :
Controlling where the RC car goes while a child watches is a quick way to hone those fine motor skills.
- Improving Strategic Thinking :
Whether your child is running or just avoiding obstacles, using an RC car helps them learn to strategize.
- Improving Gross Motor Skills :
Gross motor skills engage the larger muscles, so chasing an RC car will help your child learn to use those larger muscles.
- STEM :
Science, technology, engineering, and math can all come into play when using an RC car, especially if you opt for a model that requires assembly.
- Zero Screen Time :
Playing with an RC car involves zero screen time. It's a real-world activity that will show your child that having an exciting adventure can happen in the physical realm too.
FAQ
Que. How does the remote send a signal to the vehicle?
Ans : In the broadest usage, "RC" means "radio controlled." The controller that sends radio signals to a receiver located in a vehicle. These signals tell that particular vehicle what to do — speed up, turn left, turn right, back up, and other maneuvers. On entry level models this could actually be a controller with a cable that is connected to the vehicle. If this is the case, your son will have to follow closely behind the vehicle when she drives it. Unless this is specifically what she's after, we recommend models with wireless controllers.
Que. Do RC cars require any kind of maintenance?
Ans. Of course! Many RC cars are toys designed for off-road racing through dirt and mud. To keep your vehicle running, you need to keep it clean. It's best to stay away from chemicals, so for dirt, use a hard, dry paint brush or toothbrush and compressed air. If it's muddy, a cloth dampened with a mild detergent is best, as it won't damage the vehicle's finish. Also, you may need to lubricate some of the parts. Check your owner's manual to find out what is recommended or required for your particular RC car.
Que. How long does it take to fully charge my RC car battery?
Ans. Although there are equations that allow you to calculate the charging time of a battery, the best advice is to consult the instructions that come with the RC car. The information on these pages is manufacturer specific and should replace any generic advice or "hacks" you might find elsewhere.