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Top Remote Control Cars for Kids in 2017

Remote control cars are easily one of the most popular toys that kids can play with. RC cars go fast, they can drive over things, and some of them can even crawl up walls! Because "remote car toys" seem like a true "toy," most people are unaware that remote controlled cars offer a wealth of benefits to your developing kid. There are genuine educational benefits for kids who are given (and play with) remote control cars.

Psst! Don’t let your children hear that, but it’s true! Skeptical? Incredulous? You'll read more about the value of RC cars for your child (and your family) later in the article. But first, let's see the best RC cars on the market!

For readability and skimming purposes, the best remote control cars for kids are organized by age brackets. Keep in mind, there is definitely some wiggle-room here. I've enjoyed playing with many of these cars as an adult!

Top-Rated Best Remote Control Cars for Kids of 2024 list!

    The Best Remote Control Cars for Ages 2–3 Years

  1. Squeezable Remote Control Fire Truck for Toddlers

    Designed for little hands to develop fine-motor skills

    This remote control car, manufactured by Kid Galaxy, has the fun features of a standard remote control car, with the safety of being squishy. The remote is simple, allowing it to go forward or to spin. The remote is simple enough for your toddler to operate by themselves without too much frustration. (But hey, it’s ok if you want to play with the toy too, we’re not judging!)

    And, to add to the “wow-factor” of this remote control car, it was the winner of the “Oppenheim Platinum Best Toy Award” for the most innovative, engaging new toy of the year.

    Price check on Amazon.

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  2. Prextex Police Car and Race Car Radio Control Pack

    The recommended age for this pair is 3+.

    This dual pack remote control race car, manufactured by Prextex, is an excellent companion to a family with more than one toddler-aged child. Sold with both a police car and a race car, each of the cars is on a separate frequency. This means that both your kids can play with the cars… at the same time! You don’t have to go searching for another toddler-age appropriate remote control car with a different frequency that you already own!

    As an added bonus, and a “favorite feature” for every parent, this duo also comes with the ability to play realistic sounds and provides a lovely flashing light show sure to dazzle the little ones.

    Price check on Amazon.

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    3. The Best Remote Control Cars for 5–6 Year-Olds

  3. Fast Lane Ford F-150

    Scale: 1/16

    This scaled replica of a Ford F-150 bears a striking resemblance to the original Ford F-150. It includes oversized off-road tires and has an impact-resistant bumper. This makes it ideal for the beginner remote control car enthusiast to learn to navigate handling a little faster car than they might be used to.

    With top speeds of 3 to 4 miles per hour and a range of 15 meters, this remote control truck can certainly entertain a large variety of ages past the “recommended age.”

    Price check on Amazon.

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  4. Haktoys Stunt Master (Tumbling & Spinning Rechargeable RC Car)

    Bounces off the walls (literally)

    The Haktoys HAK104 Stunt Master, manufactured by Haktoys, is quite the thrilling show to watch and play. This little, light-weight remote control car can go back, forward, left, right and in a 360-degree spin. In addition, the V-shaped low profile, off-road tires, and the flashing lights make driving this remote control car extra exciting.

    The Haktoys HAK104 Stunt Master can go up to 12 miles per hour and features a 30ft range. Paired with a rechargeable battery, the fun with this remote control car just keeps going and going!

    One of the best features about this toy is that the body can split, also called “side-splitting,” allowing for more unique and creative stunts to be done. This remote control car certainly promotes creativity!

    Price check on Amazon.

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  5. Hapinic Crawler Off-Road Vehicle

    Scale: 1/18

    This remote control car, manufactured by Hapinic, is a fantastic bridge into more “involved” remote control vehicles. This model is targeted for ages 6 and up, due to the small and more fragile pieces involved. It also has a rechargeable battery instead of the standard AA or AAA battery requirements of other remote control cars.

    While the frame is slightly more fragile, it makes up for it in features equipped to help the car maneuver on various grounds. The Crawler Off-Road vehicle comes is equipped with anti-interference, Hi-Q rubber wheels and features a shockproof suspension system.

    Another feature that makes this remote control car a fantastic bridge into more involved remote control cars is its range. While the speed is only around 6 – 9 miles per hour, the range goes up to 80 – 100 meters! This can help lead to a better development of hand-eye coordination for your kiddo!

    As an added bonus, the Hapinic RC 1:18 Crawler Off-Road Vehicle comes with not one, but two ready-to-use batteries! Twice the fun time without the added cost of purchasing an alternative battery!

    Price check on Amazon.

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    6. The Best RC Cars for 8–10 Year-Olds

  6. TOQIBO Rock Crawler & Off Road Racing

    Scale: 1/18

    The Rock Crawler, manufactured by TOQIBO is packed full of fun features. It features abrasive resistant rubber wheels and anti-jamming capability. And, for the many off-road adventures, the Rock Crawler comes with a professional suspension system, which includes a 4-wheel independent suspension system and shock absorber! Talk about getting technical!

    The Rock Crawler goes approximately 6 miles per hour and features a 50 – 80-meter control distance. For controls, it can go forward, back, left and right.

    A unique feature (as if there aren’t already enough of those for the Rock Crawler), is the heat-resistant rechargeable battery. This battery can go for four years without having to replace it!

    Price check on Amazon.

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  7. SZJJX Wall Climber Climbing RC Car

    This RC can drive on ceilings!

    While "SZJJX" sounds like a cool “code-name” for a car, manufacturer JJX-Tech have outdone themselves and made a remote control car that can actually climb the wall! Talk about a whole new level of play!

    The Wall Climber comes equipped with a unique vacuum feature that allows the car to drive vertically by sucking in air, creating a suction between the wall and the car. *As a safety note, please make sure that you or your child is not standing directly under the car while it is climbing the wall. If the suction seal isn’t complete, there is a possibility of the remote control car falling off the wall.

    In addition to the amazing wall climbing abilities, this remote control car can travel 10 meters in distance, go forward, back, left, right and complete a 360-degree turn. The breaking feature not only stops the car but turns on the working break lights. It also features a rechargeable battery that automatically shuts off to conserve battery life.

    Price check on Amazon.

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  8. DeXop Remote Control Car

    Scale: 1/32

    This remote control car, manufactured by DeXop, is a USB-charged speed racer! With top speeds at approximately 18 miles per hour, it could essentially outrace a kid on a bike! (Although we don’t recommend testing this claim, we wouldn’t want anyone to become distracted and fall off their bike!)

    In addition to reaching some pretty awesome speeds, this remote control car features a 4-wheel independent vibration system.

    Price check on Amazon.

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    9. Best RC Cars for Teens

  9. SainSmart Jr. Transformation Car

    Easy to operate, complex transformation

    Although this remote control car is targeted at teenagers, we couldn’t resist adding it to the list because it is just that awesome! (Plus, the inner kid in all us adults secretly want to try it out!)

    Created by SainSmart, this Transformation Car is a real-life transformer! Go ahead and let the excitement out! While there isn’t an Optimus Prime version, this remote control car legitimately transforms from a functioning car into a moving robot.

    The transformation is a simple button push. In both modes, it can go forward, backward, left and right. In the car mode, it can travel between 30 and 40 meters. It also comes with a rechargeable battery.

    With the LED headlights and the sounds, all your (and your kid’s) Transformer dreams can come to life!

    Price check on Amazon.

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Honorable Mentions

While these next three remote control cars didn’t initially make our top-rated list, they are still pretty neat remote control cars to consider for your kids.

Barbie Crusin Convertible Corvette

This Barbie Crusin Convertible Corvette allows Barbie fans of all ages to take their favorite dolls for a ride. Showcased in the iconic Barbie pink, with chrome accents, this remote control car is ideal to add to any kid’s toy collection (or any Barbie enthusiast’s collection).

This remote control car is recommended for a wide range of children, starting at 6 years of age going up to 15 years old. With a simple joystick controller allowing it to go forward, back, left and right, it makes for simple fun for anyone.

Sharper Image Remote Control Monster Spinning Car

These little, light-weight cars are quick to set up and fun to race around a house or other small area with. They have rubber grip tires, LED lights, and have a 360-degree turn radius.

What’s nice about this remote control car is that there are two frequency choices on the remote control, allowing you to control a car at the same time a friend is. This can be especially nice and convenient if your kid wants to play with siblings or friends.

WebRC 1:24 Scale Radio Control Mini JCW

This fun little remote control car looks just like a classic Mini you’d see driving down the street. The remote allows you to go forward, back, left and right. This remote control car also has a nice operating range of up to 32 ft!

What’s so unique about this model is that the Mini JCW remote control car comes with a “My WebRC” webcard that gives the driver access to an RC game and simulator.

So there you have it, our top-rated best remote control cars for 2017!

Benefits When Kids Play with RC Cars

A child playing with a remote controlled car

If you’re like me, you had no idea there were benefits to playing with remote control cars. Below, you’ll find the most significant benefits.

Creativity enhancement

Remote control cars allow kids to create their own worlds, tracks, and challenges to defeat, such as outrunning a fire-breathing dragon!

Psychomotor skills

Remote control cars can help with a variety of psychomotor skills, like dexterity, coordination, strength, manipulation and movement, that translate into more precision-based tasks (like writing or using tools) and fine motor skills in the future.

Responsibility

While this one seems a little odd to say about a toy, remote control cars actually do encourage responsibility. For slightly older children, they learn to respect their remote control car by taking care to turn off the car when it isn’t in use to preserve battery power.

This can also include remembering to charge the battery before they want to play. Also, some of the more advanced cars have many delicate pieces that can require the cars to be stored carefully after use, rather than thrown into a toy box or buried under a mountain of toys.

Benefits for the Entire Family

There are also some benefits for the family! Remote control cars encourage people of all ages to get outside and play. And, if your family is anything like mine, operating remote controlled vehicles will quickly become a family hobby that, in turn, encourages family bonding time.

Even at the young ages of 2 and 3 years, there is a remote-control car that can promote fine motor skills and cognitive development! Here are three fantastic options for your curious toddler!

Now that you know some of the wonderful benefits remote control cars have to offer, it’s time to cover some of the most important safety features.

Safety Disclaimers

While remote control cars can be fun for kids (and adults) of all ages, there are some safety guidelines to consider in order for everyone to continue to have a good time.

Choking Hazard

The recommended age ranges were not arbitrarily decided. Cars designed for older children have more small parts, screws, and pieces. For instance, a remote car toy for a 10-year-old has many more small, easily detachable parts than a simpler toy created for a toddler. If your kids fall in the youngest categories, please double-check the recommended age group for the remote control cars you are considering to ensure it matches up with the age and/or the capabilities of your child.

Distractions

Remote control cars are fun, exciting, and captivating. Quite often your attention is consumed entirely. This is especially true for younger children. Make sure that your child has a safe place to play, away from busy areas (like roads and highways) or other hazards, such as steep cliffs or walls.

Home Safety

In the home, make sure that the location they are driving their remote control cars does not have heavy items that can fall on top of the child if the car runs into it.

References for Benefits:

  • Geek News. (Dec. 13, 2014). Fast Learner: 5 Benefits of Using an RC Car. HighTech Edge.
  • Logsdon. (April 13, 2017). Best Ways to Improve Fine Motor Skills. Verywell.
  • Jure Media Network. (April 3, 2017). Incredible Benefits of Using Remote Control Cars. Jure Media

References for Safety:

  • Hatched It. (n.d.). Precautionary Measures to Play With Remote Control Toys. HatchedIt.com

The Best Remote Controlled Cars for Kids

About the author: Megan Sawtelle

Megan is a RC fanatic, creative story teller, and self-proclaimed tech geek. She is an expert on "all things transportation." Beyond RC toys, she has a wealth of experience from 4+ years working at the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities in the State of Alaska.

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