A ride-on car is more than just a toy—it’s your child’s ticket to fun, freedom, and adventure. But nothing cuts that fun short faster than a dead battery. Whether you’ve just unboxed a brand-new electric ride-on or you’ve had one for a while, battery care matters. With a few simple habits, you can keep your child’s ride-on car running longer—both during playtime and over the lifespan of the vehicle.

At Toronto Toys, we’ve helped hundreds of parents get the most out of their electric ride-ons. Here’s what we recommend to extend battery life and keep the car going strong.

1. Charge the Battery Fully Before First Use

One of the most important steps happens before the first ride. Always charge the battery fully before your child uses the car. This helps condition the battery and sets a strong baseline for performance.

Skipping this step can weaken battery capacity over time. A full charge out of the box also makes sure your child gets the best first experience—with no early cut-offs.

2. Stick to the Recommended Charging Time

Every ride-on car has a suggested charging window, usually between 8–12 hours. Don’t undercharge—and don’t overdo it.

Undercharging leaves the battery at partial strength, which can cause it to drain faster. Overcharging, especially overnight on a regular basis, can overheat the battery or shorten its life.

Use a timer or plug into a smart outlet if needed. Keeping the charging time consistent helps maintain the battery’s full capacity.

3. Unplug When Charging Is Done

Once the battery is fully charged, unplug it. Leaving it connected to the charger all the time can slowly degrade battery quality. It’s like leaving your phone plugged in 24/7—not good for long-term health.

If you’re storing the car and don’t plan to use it for a while, charge it fully, then disconnect the battery. That way, it stays in good shape without being overcharged.

4. Avoid Letting the Battery Drain Completely

It’s tempting to let kids drive the car until it dies, but this isn’t ideal for battery health. Running the battery down to zero repeatedly can shorten its lifespan.

Try to recharge once the power starts dropping noticeably—like when the car slows down or sounds get weaker. Topping up at that point helps keep the battery in better condition long-term.

5. Store It in a Cool, Dry Place

Extreme heat or cold can damage batteries. Don’t leave the car out in the sun, in freezing garages, or near heaters. High temperatures can overheat the battery, while cold can reduce its charge capacity.

Aim for indoor storage in a dry, cool space—especially if you live in a region with temperature swings.

If the car will sit unused for more than a month (like during winter), give the battery a full charge before storing and recharge it once a month to maintain power.

6. Keep It Clean and Check for Corrosion

Sometimes battery issues aren’t about the battery at all—they’re about the connections. Dirt, dust, or moisture around the terminals can cause poor contact and reduce performance.

Every now and then, open the battery compartment and check the wiring. If you see corrosion or rust, clean it carefully with a dry cloth or a bit of baking soda and water (just be gentle and avoid getting the connectors too wet). Always make sure the area is dry before charging or running the car again.

7. Use the Right Charger

Always use the charger that came with the ride-on car or one that matches its specs exactly. Using an off-brand or mismatched charger can send the wrong voltage, leading to overheating or undercharging.

If you need a replacement, check the manual or contact the store where you bought the car. At Toronto Toys, we stock chargers for many of the models we sell, so feel free to ask us if you need help.

8. Match Play Time to Battery Type

Not all ride-on cars are built the same. Some use 6V batteries, others 12V, and more powerful models might run on 24V. The voltage affects speed, power, and how long the battery lasts between charges.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

• 6V batteries: Great for toddlers. Lasts about 45–60 minutes per charge.
  
  

• 12V batteries: Best for ages 3–6. Can run for 1–2 hours.
  
  

• 24V batteries: Good for older kids or rougher terrain. Run time is about 1.5–2.5 hours.
  
  

Don’t expect a 6V car to power through the backyard all afternoon—it’s not built for that. Matching your expectations to the battery type helps you charge at the right times and avoid deep drains.

9. Limit Weight and Terrain Stress

Every ride-on car has a weight limit. Going over it puts more load on the motor and battery. The car might still run, but it drains the battery faster and creates extra wear.

Also, rough terrain like grass, gravel, or hills uses more power. Try to drive on smoother surfaces when possible. That doesn’t mean you can’t take it outside—but expect shorter run times on tough ground, and avoid hauling extra weight in the vehicle.

10. Replace Batteries When Performance Drops

Even with good care, all batteries wear out eventually. If your ride-on car starts losing charge too fast, running slowly, or stopping suddenly—even after a full charge—it may be time to replace the battery.

Check the model number and voltage before buying a new one. Toronto Toys offers replacements for many of our vehicles, and we can help you find the right fit.

Quick Do’s and Don’ts Summary

DO:

• Charge fully before first use
  
  

• Follow the recommended charging time
  
  

• Recharge before battery is fully drained
  
  

• Store indoors and away from extreme temperatures
  
  

• Use the correct charger
  
  

DON’T:

• Overcharge or leave plugged in overnight
  
  

• Let the battery sit drained for long periods
  
  

• Drive overloaded or uphill for long stretches
  
  

• Use the wrong charger or voltage
  
  

• Store in freezing cold or direct sunlight
  
  

Final Thoughts

Battery care doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple habits, you can make every charge count—and extend the overall life of your child’s ride-on car. That means more play, fewer problems, and a better return on your investment.

At Toronto Toys, we’re always here to help parents get the most out of every product. If you ever have questions about charging, battery replacement, or model-specific support, just reach out. We want every ride to be smooth, safe, and long-lasting.

Need a replacement battery or charger? Shop Ride-On Accessories at Toronto Toys
Power up your kid’s next ride.