9 Best RC Cars for Kids (Toddlers to Teens)

RC cars are a thrill for kids of all ages (and let’s be honest, adults too). They give young children the opportunity to operate their own machines for the first time (without a license) and practice fine motor skills during operation. Older kids can learn more about the hobby and can even build their own remote-controlled car with blazing speed and stunts.

Our list considers several key factors that make a remote-controlled car a good choice for kids, including age appropriateness, battery type and lifespan, and durability. We’ve got options for every age and budget so that everyone in the family can meet their need for speed.

Orrente Off-Road Remote Control Stunt Car

This 360-degree spin car can be moved forward, backward, left, right, and even tumbling and flipping. The Orrente RC car is equipped with two motors and LED lights for bright, exciting gaming in both bright and dark situations. Designed with crash-resistant durable tires, this kid’s RC car is perfect for driving on the beach and grass, and it can adapt to almost all terrains.

Orrente cars come with two batteries, but they have a short lifespan (about 22 minutes each). On the plus side, they are rechargeable, so you don’t have to keep buying batteries when they run out.

• Recommended age: 6 years and older

Brio Remote Control Race Car

Suitable for children aged 2 and up, this classic race car is made from impact-resistant plastic with smooth edges for safe play. The remote control has a working range of 50 feet, giving your child plenty of space to play and experiment. The four large buttons are intuitive and allow kids to manipulate the movements effortlessly.

This Brio RC car does require a lot of batteries (seven AA batteries). To help save energy, it is equipped with a sleep mode that shuts down the car after five minutes of inactivity, which is a very useful feature for the little ones who have trouble concentrating.

• Recommended age: 2 years and older

Prextex Police Car and Race Car Radio Control Toys

Two children can play with this set of two remote-controlled cars (a police car and a racing car) as well as a detachable figure. The cars also feature visual and sound effects, including horns, sirens, and flashing headlights.

The controllers are similar to steering wheels, and small hands can hold them comfortably. While cars only have two directions (forward and left), this means that toddlers need fewer buttons to learn.

• Recommended age: 3 years and older

Monster Jam Remote Control Monster Truck

Even if no one in your family knows anything about real-life monster trucks, this toy version of the Monster Jam monster is going to make a huge splash. It’s up to 2 feet long but surprisingly light and easy to control, so while its size will impress and entertain older drivers, small children (ages 4 and up) can also have fun.

Parents will also love that the truck is powered by a rechargeable battery and has a USB cable tucked into the compartment. The remote does require two AAA batteries (not included in delivery), but once powered on, it has a range of up to 250 feet.

The tires are made of Styrofoam, so they can be easily punctured by sharp objects. On the plus side, their tracks allow them to maneuver over many different terrain types (just not really water, despite the marine name).

• Recommended age: 4 years and older

Lego Technic Remote Control Racer

With this 324-piece LEGO kit, kids (and adults) can build their own remote-controlled stunt car. The car is significant: it is capable of abruptly lifting the front wheels off the ground and performing serious turns. LEGO cars require a certain amount of attention from enthusiasts aged 9 and up.

Grippy tracks are just what this LEGO RC car needs to drive on slippery surfaces like sidewalks or hardwood floors. Unfortunately, if you drive it off-road, it can have poor traction.

• Recommended age: 9 years and older

Deerc Remote Control Car

Older kids and amateurs will love this high-speed remote-controlled truck, which can reach speeds of about 25 miles per hour and has amazing off-road capabilities. Independent suspension, metal shocks, large tires, and newly designed tread help this powerful truck grip and ride on concrete, grass, dirt, and sand. The nylon chassis is rugged and crash-resistant. The included rechargeable battery provides more than 40 minutes of playback (20 minutes per battery). The controller has an operating range of 263 feet.

According to the manufacturer, the motor has a speed of 21,500 revolutions per minute, which may cause overheating after prolonged and intense use. The motor is equipped with a cooling mechanism to prevent this from happening, but it is recommended to let the truck rest after 15 minutes of continuous operation.

• Recommended age: 8 years old and above

Bezgar Remote Control Car

This elegant toy is a 1/24 scale model of the Lambo Aventador SVJ. The car responds smoothly to its easy-to-control remote control and has a range of 80 feet. This remote-controlled toy simulates a powerful racing engine that can reach speeds of up to 4 miles per hour and features an independent suspension system that reduces friction and creates a smoother ride.

Just like a real Lamborghini, this remote-controlled version drives best on smooth surfaces. We recommend tiled floors, hardwood floors, and even smooth pavements for the ultimate Lamborghini experience.

NQD Remote Control Truck

Rock Crawler is built for kids (and adults) who love off-roading. Thanks to its jumbo truck-like design, dual motors, high clearance, sturdy non-slip rubber tires, and shock absorbers, this remote-controlled vehicle can handle the most dangerous terrain, including grass, dirt, and sand.

To cope with off-road terrain, trucks have only one speed (and not fast). But it comes with two rechargeable batteries, each of which provides 45 minutes of playtime.

Spidey and His Amazing Friends Remote Control Vehicle

This simple 7-inch toy is perfect for kids aged 3 and up right out of the box. The remote control has child-friendly buttons, and all parts are easy for little hands to grasp. Operate the Spider-Man RC car with four controller functions: forward, backward, right, and left.

We recommend using a spider web crawler to rotate on smooth surfaces such as tiles, hardwoods, concrete, etc. The remote-controlled car is low above the ground, so it may not get optimal traction on carpet and other heavy or rough terrain.

• Recommended age: 3 years and older

Factors to Consider When Buying a Rc Car

• Age appropriateness: Choose a remote-controlled car that is suitable for your child’s age. This is not only a safety issue (e.g., small parts can pose a choking hazard to smaller children), but also a matter of enjoyment. Older kids may get bored with simple toys for younger kids, and complex building kits or instructions may be too advanced to keep little ones entertained.
• Battery type and life: Consider that some of the RC car kits on our list require up to 10 batteries (which are usually not included in the scope of delivery). In some cases, the car is equipped with a rechargeable battery, which will result in significant cost savings in the long run. Also, check the battery life, which will determine the playtime before charging or replacement.
• Durability: Consider durability when evaluating potential purchases. You may be willing to pay a lower price for a car for your young child, even if you don’t want it to last. But if you’re spending money on an investment toy for an older child, you should expect it to last.