10 Best Remote Control Cars for Kids & Toddlers in 2024
Selina Marie
Buckle up, these racers are ready to rumble! Kids (and adults!) love RC cars. The ability to race their own miniature vehicles around the safety of the house or backyard has been tickling little ones for ages. RC cars help kids to better evaluate and understand cause and effect, as well as developing hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and motor skills. RC Cars are a widespread phenomenon, with fun, cartoon models for those in early childhood, and sleek, modern vehicles or stunt cars for the older kids. Check out ten of our favorites, all touted by users as the best in the business. No RC car is too fast or too furious for little racing enthusiasts!
In a Hurry? The test winner after 9 hrs of research
Working radio with AUX connection
Non toxic exterior and paint
Three varying speeds
Working seatbelt
Can be controlled from inside or via remote
Top 10 Picks
1. Best Choice Products 12V Ride On Car Truck
Working radio with AUX connection
Non toxic exterior and paint
Three varying speeds
Working seatbelt
Can be controlled from inside or via remote
Kids will eventually outgrow this
From the outside, this looks like your typical off-road truck, but upon closer inspection, this truck has one unique quality. It can be controlled by either remote control or a foot-operated pedal.
Read moreDesign
Teach your kids car safety first hand by having them be passengers in their own car, or just give them a feel for controlling one by handing over the remote control. With real-life features, any kid would be psyched to find this outside waiting for them
Connectivity
The 14” wheels are built to go over the muddiest of dirt, while featuring a nontoxic plastic exterior, working LED lights, and three different speeds. Music inside this super cool cruiser can be controlled with an AUX cable.
Entertainment Value
Only a single-child can ride on the truck but can be controlled via remote if there are no passengers.
Ease of use
That’s right -- it’s kid-sized! It appeals to a wide age range (three to eight years of age) and comes with a working seatbelt, working pedals and gears, and full suspension for rough terrain. I
2. Holy Stone Cartoon Race Car
Entry level car
Honks and has blinking headlights
Plays music
Comes with a toy driver that children can detach and play with
Will not grow with the child
Are you still looking for that perfect remote control car for your toddler, but don’t want anything too complicated and over the top? The Holy Stone RC Cartoon race car may be just what you’re looking for.
Read moreDesign
The car itself also makes honking sounds and plays music, so that your little one can jam along with the tunes coming out of their very own car! The tiny driver inside is removable, so it very easily becomes a two-in-one toy.
Connectivity
Out of all the RC cars that are safe for the youngest of kids, this has to be the one that stands out most in the eyes of your children. It's bright colors and cartoonish design are made specifically for that. The great thing about this toy is that it is an introduction item.
Entertainment Value
What that means is that this will be their first RC car, and for the beginner of beginner's. It's super simple so they don't have to know anything about RC cars before using it
Ease of use
This tiny car goes the extra mile with a super easy-to-use remote control, as well as working, flashing lights that are sure to catch your child’s attention as they delete in racing this around the living room
3. KidiRace Police Patrol
Enhanced range and quick remote response time
Can race up to six cars without interfering frequencies
Easy to drive
30 minutes of continuous racing time
Realistic lights and sounds
Syncing the vehicle to the remote can be a hassle
The KidiRace Police Patrol RC Car is truly designed to give a realistic experience. Emergency lights flash red and blue to let citizens know that help is on the way. A horn, siren, and revving engine please eager little ears. The car features kid-friendly controls so little ones of all skill levels will be able to drive. A tight turning radius and non-slip rubber wheels make fast action-driven decisions safe and maneuverable. The 2.4 GHz technology allows you to race multiple cars without interference, so children and up to five friends can all get in on the action.
Read moreDesign
This RC car lets kids race around, role-playing as some of their favorite community heroes. The realistic lights and sounds will thrill and stimulate young imaginations, and the car’s quick response time means an advantage when it comes to growing motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Connectivity
A mini USB makes it easy to charge, and compatible with plenty of usual household outlet appliances.
Entertainment Value
With an expanded range and fast control response, kids can race to their heart’s content. The battery is built-in and rechargeable, with 30 minutes of continuous driving time.
Ease of use
Not only that, but KidiFace is so confident in their product that if you don’t like it for any reason, you can contact the company for a 100 percent money-back guarantee.
4. Haktoys Light Up Racing Red Sports Car
Antennae for long-distance controls
LED lights are good for daytime or nighttime fun
Nontoxic and safe for all ages
Easy to control
Forwards and backwards 360 directional control
Only for use on hard surfaces or low carpeting
Batteries not included
If speed is your thing, we’ve got the remote control car for you and your child. Haktoys had some fun with LED lights and created a super fast, super flashy sports car that’s perfect for speeding around laps. Leave all the other RC cars in your dust as you watch your kid smoke them with their light-up race car, that features full forward-directionals and backward-directionals.
Read moreDesign
Remote control cars that are built for speed racing often are not completely safe for any age below a pre-teen. This car is fully ASTM-certified, which means that you can create fun for the whole family -- no age limit necessary!
Connectivity
This high-end racer is completely non-toxic and ASTM-certified, which guarantees safety for all members of your family.
Entertainment Value
Set up a racetrack from the front of the house to the back, and watch your kids speed off into victory!
Ease of use
The remote control transmitter comes with its own antennae, so you don’t have to worry about the distance to run this car.
5. Rastar Ferrari LaFerrari
Wing style doors that open realistically
Real-like and functional suspension system
Higher lift than the Lamborghini, for more terrain play options
Can drive it on rug (although moves slower)
Working front and back lights
Plastic shell has been complained about for being brittle
Has been known to have a weaker signal than other rc cars
If your kid loves the prancing horse, then you simply need to give him or her the 1/14 Scale Ferrari LaFerrari RC Model Car. The radio controller is shaped like the ergonomically-designed steering wheel of the real LaFerrari.
Read moreDesign
This means you have more range and opportunity to let your child play free. Boys will love this, so when you need your time, let them have at it and you can do what you need to do, no matter where you are.
Connectivity
All lights are working while the suspension features and all-independent spring system. Unfortunately, it’s only a fraction of the 220-mph top speed of the original at 10 mph. The remote distance is rated at 30 feet
Entertainment Value
Just as the Lamborghini RC car that came before, this toy is an aesthetic marvel that would make Ferrari proud. Kids will enjoy it for hours and on top of that, the car has all of the looks and speed of the Lambo but is not as low to the ground.
Ease of use
It comes complete with all the fully functioning features of the real FXX-production car including unique butterfly doors that opens pretty much like a scissor-type door.
6. Stunt Racer 4WD
Rotates full 360 degrees
Flips 180 degrees
Drives up to 7.5 miles per hour
Durable TPR tires and ABS shell
30-foot range from control
Low ground clearance makes tall grass or heavy off-roading tough on the engine
Ready to wow? The Zomma 4WD Stunt Racer has tricks, turns, and it tickles spectators’ fancies. This stunt car flips 180 degrees, rotates a full 360 degrees in an instant, can roll and flip over, or even go off-road. It has a maximum speed of 7.5 miles per hour, enough to really get going on backyard or living room tracks. Constructed from high-quality ABS and thick wheels, this car is durable and built for the long haul.
Read moreDesign
This car can flip 180 degrees and just keep driving. Not much can stop it, besides a dead battery, but it’s got a solid charge time and the batteries are rechargeable so you won’t be spending hundreds on new Duracells every time it runs out.
Connectivity
With over 30 feet in range, kids can spin their new wheels from across the yard or room. An LED light allows this racer to glow in the dark. A 400 mAh USB rechargeable battery allows for a continuous drive time of up to 20 minutes.
Entertainment Value
Kids can play alone or join up with family and friends to race. The RC system has been designed so that frequencies won’t interfere with each other, and groups can all enjoy good quality bonding over their favorite cars.
Ease of use
RC cars help enhance children’s hand-eye coordination, cognitive reasoning skills, and motor skills. Plus, they’re just plain fun, and great to pull out when you’ve got a collection going and want a group activity for some socializing.
7. Haktoys HAK101 Turbo Twister
Can do spins, go up on two wheels, and other stunts
Has light up components to keep a kids attention
Plays music
Drives well on carpet
Controller has a durable and flexible antenna
Has been reported to come with screws missing on the wheels
Some have been known to burn out after a few uses
One of the top remote control cars for toddlers and preschoolers is the HAK101 Invincible Tornado Twister.
Read moreDesign
This RC car comes with a unique 3-point axle system so that even if your child will be tumbling it upside down, it will still be able to run like any other RC car.
Connectivity
Unlike other RCs however, the Tornado Twister corrects itself up when overturned. Plus, it comes with a variety of LED light effects. It can be played with for up to 15 minutes on a full charge which usually takes 2 to 3 hours.
Entertainment Value
This toy is great for the kid that is too old for a car that just goes forward, back, left, and right, but isn't quite old enough for a fast-moving stunt car. Your kid will love this toy and spend hours with it as it can do much more than the usual RC car of its caliber
Ease of use
The combination of stunts and LED light shows makes this a very stimulating RC car for young kids as it can benefit their continuing brain development. It is great for stimulating creativity among young kids as well as enhance their imagination.
8. Jada Toys GIRLMAZING Big Foot Jeep
Girly design but still rugged and tough
Comes with glamour deco stickers
All-terrain
Modeled after real-life Jeep style
Storage in the back to fit toys
Has some difficulty going over rocks and/or through mud
Last we checked, no one said that remote control cars were only for boys! The GIRLMAZING Big Foot jeep is the perfect vehicle to get the girl in your life involved in all of the off-road fun.
Read moreDesign
Girl power never loses its cool factor, and the fact that Jada Toys created a gender-inclusive remote control truck is cool in itself. It’s great when a girl can feel like she fits in with the boys, and even more so when her truck can speak for itself.
Connectivity
Taking a cue from the popular Jeep design, Jada Toys created a truck that’s perfectly purple, fully customizable with the glamour deco stickers included, and just as capable as climbing the same terrain that the boys do.
Entertainment Value
Don’t let this bright and colorful design fool you, the roll bar and push bar in the front are definitely not just for show!
Ease of use
For the days they’re riding solo, one (or two!) of their Barbie friends can even fit into the open-top backseat
9. KOOWHEEL 2WD Off Road
Great for all ages
Perfect for beginners
Easy to use
Usb charging
Can use on all types of land
Some customers had issues with battery.
Remote control cars are a great way to get your little one interacting. This car requires 3 AA batteries. Its speed is a solid 12mph so parents don’t have to worry about this car getting out of control. The battery is rechargeable when you use a USB port. It does not come with batteries. This is great for any type of land whether it’s the beach, sand dunes, grass or little hills. This car is great for any beginner or for children who might not be used to the functions of a remote-control car. The controller is incredibly easy for children to understand of all ages. This car can move left to right, forward, and reverse.
Read moreDesign –
This car travels at 12mph. It is a great way for your child to enhance their physical development as they’ll strengthen their muscles using the remote control and chasing after it.
Connectivity
This car does require batteries however as long as you have an available USB port it will charge automatically. This car does not come with batteries, so parents are advised to purchase batteries upon arrival. Assembly and set up for the car are incredibly easy and functional for children to use and understand.
Entertainment Value
Your child will love spending hours outside following their car. This car can travel on all different types of land. It's a great interactive tool to get your little one to socialize as well. Your child will also be able to instill some self-confidence in a positive way as they’ll be able to use their remote control car all on their own.
Ease of Use
This car is so easy to function. Instructions do come with the car. The controller of the car has forward controls, reverse, left and right. It's easy to steer. It's the perfect car for beginners. It’s the perfect gift for any occasion whether it’s a birthday, Christmas or just for everyday use. Everyone in the family will be able to enjoy the wonders of this car. It’s 100% safe for children to use and incredibly durable. It is recommended not to use right after rain or wet weather for long-lasting use of the vehicle. Your child will love spending their summer outside with this car and being hands-on and active than staying inside on those television screens. This is a great tool for parents to get their little one moving.
10. Holy Stone Dump Truck
Real working lights
Truck make real-life sounds when features are activated
Driver is removable for two-in-one toy
Forwards and backwards motion
Control is simple and easy to use for any age
Can’t four-wheel over rough terrain
Mostly for indoor use
Sometimes all a child needs in a remote control car, is some extra storage space! Rather than stock them up on fancy, flashy cars that have no space and are just good for zooming around the room, why not try a remote-controlled dump truck?
Read moreDesign
Normally, you’d never find anything special about a dump truck -- But boy did Holy Stone prove us wrong! This dump truck not only comes with a toddler-safe remote control but makes real working dump truck sounds when the dumpster or driver are pressed.
Connectivity
This tiny dump truck is great for teaching your kids about coordination. With only front and back controls, they can easily learn what it takes to coordinate routes both around, under, and over things.
Entertainment Value
It’s working lights signal the way for this truck to go both forwards and backward, all while honking and sounding like a real truck on its way to going pick up whatever it is your child wants to transport
Ease of use
The driver in this truck is removable, so he can pull double duty when he’s not driving his truck!
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Design
Choosing the top remote-control car for kids is like choosing your very own car. There are plenty of brands and models to choose from. Like their real-life counterparts, RC cars are available in a variety of styles and designs each of which can appeal to a certain age group of children. More than that, the features of these RC cars must also be appropriate for the level of development of the child. This is basically the crux of our search for the top remote-control cars for kids. We have to make sure that those listed in our top 10 are developmentally appropriate for a particular age group so that the child’s psychomotor, cognitive, emotional, and social development are fully optimized.
Connectivity
Additionally, we had to look at the safety features of these RC cars as well as what other parents and consumers have said about these kinds of toys. We then looked at the overall credibility and trustworthiness of the company that manufactured the RC car. We are sure these are the same things that you will be looking for.
Our shortlist of the 10 top remote-control cars is thus, a product of extensive and in-depth research. We know how difficult it can be to find the right one for your child. Hopefully, our list would help you narrow down your choices.
Entertainment Value
It doesn’t matter where kids play with their RC cars. The point is that these are best played with the family around as young children will be proud of showing off their newly found driving skills while older kids will take pride in their creations. Whatever the case, playing with RC cars can substantially improve and strengthen family bonds. This can have a significant impact on the child’s emotional health while facilitating the development of his or her social relationship skills. If kids feel that their families appreciate or are strongly affirmative of what they’re doing, this can provide long-lasting happiness to kids.
Ease of Use
Always make sure you supervise children when playing with these types of toys. Let them play in a secure area away from busy roads. Always make sure you buy from trusted manufacturers. Like all playthings, kids' and toddlers' remote-control cars can provide children with a host of benefits that may not otherwise be seen in other types of toys. From an improvement in their motor skills to the enhancement of their cognitive abilities as well as the development of the emotional and social aspects of their being, children will do well playing with RC vehicles. And in case you’re still doubtful, here are five big benefits of remote-control cars.
Design Connectivity Entertainment Value Ease of Use 
>There are remote-control cars for toddlers and kids that come as kits where the kids themselves can assemble them. There are also those that you can purchase individual parts and accessories to come up with your own unique design and style of remote-control vehicle. While these types of toys are best for older children as they already have more than the basic knowledge of how such toys work, the mere fact that these kits give children the opportunity to build their own speedsters, roadsters, and all-terrain vehicles simply encourage them to use their imagination and creativity to the fullest. It should be evident by now that imaginative and creative thinking begets superb logical thinking and scientific problem-solving skills. Children will have to decide whether to put a certain kind of vehicle part on their RC kits to achieve the desired outcome. This is the fundamental structure of the scientific process.
>Remote-control cars don’t come cheap, especially those that one has to assemble from scratch. Early on, kids will learn the value of being responsible for their toys by keeping these in pristine condition, oiling the gears, removing dirt and debris, and even cleaning the different parts so everything is in order. They will learn to understand that everything we value should be well taken care of. This is our responsibility as owners of such things.
Children can benefit a lot from playing with remote-control cars. The enhancement of motor skills, boosting of creativity and imagination, strengthening of family ties, and learning of the value of responsibility are just some of them.
Other Factors to Consider
Physical Development
Driving a miniature vehicle from a distance, using a remote-control device, requires excellent coordination between what the eyes see and how the muscles of the hand react, pressing or toggling on the appropriate buttons or sticks to make the correct maneuver. The thing is that this is all a function of the brain. It receives visual input from the eyes and processes these bits of information and converts them into motor nerve impulses. This way, the hand knows which muscle group needs to contract to make the RC vehicle run faster, brake, or even perform outlandish maneuvers. All of these happen in a split second. And the more kids play with these types of toys, the more efficient is the connection between the eyes, the brain, and the muscles for optimum, seamless hand-eye coordination.
Educational Value
Part and parcel of hand-eye coordination is the brain’s depth and spatial perception. When kids try to maneuver an RC car from a distance, their eyes are sending electrical signals to the brain which, in turn, makes a rough estimate of the relative position of the remote-control vehicle in space and in relation to its surroundings. The brain makes very careful assessments of the distance of the vehicle to the nearest obstacle or any other object within the RC car’s immediate space. These signals are then processed by the brain and the necessary motor impulses are sent to the muscles of the hand or any other group of muscles in the body. This is what is called spatial awareness and intelligence which form the basis of a certain aspect of problem-solving.
Effectiveness
Remote-control cars and vehicles can enhance the hand-eye coordination or visual motor skills of young children. Just holding the remote-control unit allows them to make accurate adjustments in their grasp. When actively playing with the RC car, they will look at where the vehicle is going then make the necessary changes in the direction of the car’s movement. For example, if the car is about to hit furniture, they know when they need to turn the wheel to steer it away from the obstacle. Even if the RC car were far from the kid, he or she knows when exactly to initiate the change in direction. They also know when to stop. As such, RC toys are very beneficial in the development of children’s visual motor skills
Emotional Development
This also helps in developing spatial intelligence as kids will know the position of the RC car in relation to space where it is as well as the different objects surrounding it. For example, they know if an RC car can fit in between the legs of a chair or even in between two different pieces of furniture. They learn to use their sense of space and whether an object will fit right it or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: How far do RC cars usually go before losing signal?
This depends on several factors, two of which are the age group for which the car was made and the quality of the car. Usually, you will see good cars have a radio signal from 50 to 100 meters.
q: How long does a battery last?
Typically a good RC car will have from 20 to 30 minutes of play time. For bigger kids' RC cars, the battery life is longer as their cars have better components. For younger kids, you will usually see their RC cars last about 15 to 20 minutes on a full charge.
q: How long does it take to fully charge a battery?
This depends on how big the battery is, but it's usually from one to two hours.
q: Can I leave my battery charging overnight, or when I leave?
You should not. That is a very bad idea as these batteries are known to overcharge. You will either ruin the battery or ruin it and have it explode. Don't leave a charging battery unattended unless you are paying attention to when you need to unplug it, and actually unplug it when it comes time to
