When Junior is ready to graduate from his remote control car to a driveable ride-on, you might feel a little lost between the different model choices. The first question that often comes to mind when considering a Fisher-Price Power Wheels car is, “what is the weight limit?”
We’ve collected all the information you need in this helpful guide. Peruse the models and specifications below to find out which model of Power Wheels will be the best fit for your child!
A few things to consider before choosing a model:
- The age of your child: Power Wheels cars can be used as young as 12 months of age. Naturally, these smaller cars have lower weight limits and fewer capabilities.
- The weight of your child: one of the most important considerations is how much your child weighs. If you purchase a car with a weight limit lower than your child’s, you risk the motor burning out too fast.
- How many children will be riding in the car: the listed weight limits for each car are not for an individual child if the car has multiple seats – it’s a combined weight limit. This means that if you have two children riding in the car, their combined weight should not exceed the car’s weight limit.
- How long you would like the car to last as your child grows: you most likely want this investment to last as long as possible for your child. Compared to a skateboard, Power Wheels come at a heftier price!
- Where they will be driving it (indoors/outdoors/varied terrain): this isn’t necessarily related to the weight limit of the car, but it is an important decision factor in the model type and overall durability.
Types of Power Wheels Models
The span of weight limits of Power Wheels cars ranges from 40-130lbs. These include ATVs, Trucks, Jeeps, and Dune Racers. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, extra features, and standard controls. The earliest age you can use a Power Wheels car is around 12 months and the oldest is around 7 years. The most common age to use Power Wheels is 3 and up!
Power Wheels Models by Weight Limit
In the round-up below, we’ve listed the best selection of Power Wheels ride-on cars, organized by weight limit. Scroll down to your preferred capacity car and look at the options listed. Each model listing features car information, a description, and pros and cons.
Up to 40lbs
The smallest Power Wheels for the smallest riders. With a weight limit of 40lbs, these ride-ons are great for kids over 12 months old. Before starting their Power Wheels journey, ensure your child can stand, balance, and walk a few steps. Even though these are entry-level toys, they still require some basic balance and strength for safety.
Power Wheels Thomas & Friends Track
- Weight limit: 40 lbs
- Age range: 1-3 years
- Battery: 6v
The Thomas & Friends Track ride-on toy is a great start for your tiny drivers. Starting from the age of 1, little ones can climb on board the train into the supportive seat and enjoy a ride around the track. Kids get to control the stop and go of the car with a one-button press!
Aside from the single button acceleration, another fun button plays Thomas phrases and sounds. It’s easy to get into character as a train conductor! Start little ones on the track for a controlled drive, then let them free steer off the track when ready.
Pros:
- Comes with a track, so the car stays in one location
- Easy acceleration control
- Supportive seat and footrests for smaller riders
Cons:
- After the age of 3, your child may be too old to enjoy this slower toy
- The track may take up a lot of space in your home
Up to 65lbs
Once your tiny tyke has outgrown their baby wheels, the next weight limit up for ride-ons comes with a jump in performance. Appropriate for children ages 3 and up, this weight range lasts kids for quite a while! The average 8 year old weighs less than 60lbs, so these single seaters are a great choice for single users.
Power Wheels Trail Racer ATV
- Weight limit: 65lbs
- Age range: up to age 8
- Battery: 12v
This one-seater mini quad vehicle feels like a big step up for kids! Designed for adventure, it can handle rougher terrain, hills, and even wet grass. The realistic styling lets kids pretend they are driving the real thing, and the parent-controlled speed allows grown-ups to adjust the limits for their kids as needed.
Pros:
- About 1 hour of battery life
- Can drive in reverse and handle rougher terrain
Cons:
- This is a single-seater, so might not be good for multiple kids.
- To charge the toy, you must remove the car’s battery.
- Some parents report that by the age of 6, kids are ready for a bigger ride-on.
Up to 130lbs
Leveling up from the previous weight limit, this next category is best when you have multiple riders. The average 5 year old weighs less than 45lbs, so two riders would be just under 100lbs. With a weight limit of 130lbs, these cars are made to handle the weight of two average 7-8 year olds!
Power Wheels Jeep Wrangler
- Weight limit: 130lbs
- Age range: 3-7 years old
- Battery: 12v
The Power Wheels Jeep Wrangler comes in various fun “paint jobs” like Jurassic World, Disney Frozen, and Hot Wheels. This is a classic ride-on toy! There is a reason this model is so popular. It features two seats, so it’s great for siblings or friends, has working doors, and has a fun radio.
With a parent-control speed option, you can help your child graduate to higher speeds when they’re ready. This Jeep is bound to get a ton of play, so check those treads for wear down after the first few months!
Pros:
- Higher ground clearance
- Can drive in reverse
- Good age range
Cons:
- Not the best for a bigger kid or older multiple kids to ride in, as the seats can feel cramped.
- No seat belts
Power Wheels Star Command Base Transport Vehicle
- Weight limit: 130lbs
- Age range: 3-7 years old
- Battery: 12v
This galactic truck is for space enthusiasts! It features space-dwellers from Disney Pixar films, like Buzz Lightyear. It differs from the classic Jeep mostly by silhouette. This car is designed like a truck and even has a working tailgate. Perfect for loading up on space rocks or giving a friendly alien a lift.
Pros:
- Working truck bed
- Fun and interesting design – wonderful for all kids!
- Drives in reverse and on rough terrain
Cons:
- Not the best for a bigger kid or older multiple kids to ride in, as the seats can feel cramped.
- No doors or seat belts
Power Wheels Dune Racer
- Weight limit: 130lbs
- Age range: 3-7 years old
- Battery: 12v
If your kid previously had the Power Wheels ATV and loved the style, this is the upgrade for you. The Dune Racer has room for a friend with two seats instead of one! Wider tires mean more maneuverability and better traction. A working trunk leaves plenty of storage space for extra toys or snacks!
Pros:
- Two-seater dune buggy design – made for adventure!
- Working trunk
Cons:
- Max speed of 5mph might feel a touch slow to the speed demons
Power Wheels Ford F-150 Raptor Extreme
- Weight limit 130lbs
- Age range: 3-7 years
- Battery: 12v
The Ford F-150 Power Wheels model is the largest available! Though the weight limit remains at 130lbs and can accommodate 2 riders, it offers a roomier cockpit and ample trunk space. There is even a storage compartment in the dash! Oversized tires with great traction ensure great performance during the drive. Turn on the pretend radio to jam out to tunes and play with the mic.
Pros:
- Roomy sitting area and storage compartments
- Great traction with wider tires
- Working tailgate
- Realistic design
Cons:
- This truck is heavy – clocking in at 92lbs; it could be difficult for some grown-ups to move around.
Final Comments
Power Wheels ride on cars, and the fun they create are timeless! Depending on the weight and age of your child, you have different products to choose from or grow into. Refer to the considerations listed at the top of this article to help you decide. No matter which model you choose, you are certainly guaranteed to provide your child with hours of fun and a lifetime of memories!
