How old should a child be to play with a remote control car?

Various remote control cars are suited to a range of age groups. “I recommend following the ages on the toy boxes themselves as a good start,” says Dr. Rebekah Diamond , a pediatric hospitalist in New York City and assistant professor of pediatrics at Columbia University. “It’s OK for kids to explore toys as they come into contact with them, especially under supervision.” She adds that using toys like remote control cars requires fine motor ability, “so incorporating them into play, in moderation like all things, could benefit this type of development.” And it’s a good idea to experiment; “it often becomes clear if a toy is developmentally appropriate and engaging after some time trying it out,” she says.

Are remote control cars safe for children?

Remote control cars are generally safe for kids if age appropriate and used according to instructions. “Being mindful of age requirements (especially for small parts), and with appropriate supervision in a safe setting, they should be safe for most children,” Dr. Diamond says. Keep in mind that small spinning wheels can get caught on hair, so make sure your kiddos keep their remote control cars away from their long strands.

Are remote control cars better than video games?

Compared with screen content , remote control cars exist in the three-dimensional world—and this may be developmentally preferable for kids, depending on the context. “It’s important to think about how toys and games are used, if it’s a social activity, with what frequency, and what the game or toy might be promoting as part of play,” Dr. Diamond says. “I think, in general, playing physically with remote control toys often tends to be the more developmentally engaging activity, but so much depends on context.”

How much do remote-controlled cars cost?

Good-quality remote control cars for kids can cost between $30 and $150, depending on the type of vehicle, special features, type of battery it uses, and recommended age. A small basic remote control car for toddlers, such as the Spidey and His Amazing Friends Web Crawler ($30), will be on the lower end of the price range, while the LEGO Technic Remote-Controlled Stunt Racer Building Kit can cost over $140.

10 Best Remote Control Cars for Kids

Remote control cars can be a thrill for kids of all ages. They give younger kids the chance to operate their very own machine for the first time and practice fine motor skills while they’re at it. Bigger kids can get deeper into the hobby, even building their own remote control cars capable of serious speed and stunts.

When choosing the best remote control car for your kid, pick one based on age appropriateness, battery type and life, and durability. To come up with the best picks, we looked for popular, high-quality remote control cars at the top of their respective categories and those with unique features that distinguish them in a crowded marketplace. Our list of the best remote control cars includes picks for every age, from toddlers to teens.

Here are the best remote control cars for kids.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

ORRENTE Off-Road Remote Control Stunt Car at Amazon

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Best for Toddlers:

Brio Remote Control Race Car at Amazon

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Best for Siblings:

Prextex Police Car and Race Car Radio Control Toys at Amazon

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Best Monster Truck:

Monster Jam Remote Control Monster Truck at Amazon

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Best LEGO:

LEGO Technic Remote Control Racer at Amazon

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Best for Speed:

DEERC Remote Control Car at Amazon

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Best Sports Car:

BEZGAR Remote Control Car at Amazon

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Best for Off-Roading:

NQD Remote Control Truck at Amazon

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Best Water-Resistant:

DC Comics Batman All-Terrain Batmobile Remote Control Vehicle at Amazon

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Best Character:

Spidey and His Amazing Friends Remote Control Vehicle at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look for in a Remote Control Car
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

360-degree rotation capability
Anti-crash rubber tires
4-wheel drive
Can do 180-degree flips

Cons

Durability might be inconsistent

This 360-degree rotating vehicle moves forward, back, left, right, and even does tumbling fips. It comes with two rechargeable batteries (for about 22 minutes of play each). This fan-favorite pick is outfitted with two motors as well as LED lights for bright, exciting play in the light or dark. Designed with anti-crash durable tires, this car is great at the beach and over grass—and just about as all-terrain as it gets.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Size: 6.3 x 6.3 x 2.8 inches | Batteries: 2 rechargeable batteries for car (included); 2 AA batteries for controller}

Amazon

Pros

Easy to operate
Durable for toddler play

Cons

Requires many batteries

Suitable for ages 2 and up, this classic race car is made with impact-resistant plastic and smooth edges for safe play. The remote control has a 50-foot range, giving your little one plenty of room to race and experiment, and it features four big buttons that are intuitive and kids can easily manipulate.

This Brio remote control car does require a lot of batteries (seven AA), but to help save energy, it is equipped with a sleep mode that turns the car off after five minutes of inactivity—a very helpful feature for little ones with short attention spans.

Price at time of publication: $52

^{Key Specs:
Size: 17 x 8 x 7 inches | Batteries: 4 AA batteries for the car; 3 AA batteries for controller}

4.3

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Comes with two cars and remote controls
Has sound effects and lights

Cons

Only moves in two directions

Two kids can play together with this set of two remote control cars—one police car and one race car—with removable action figures included. The controllers are shaped like a steering wheel, and small hands can comfortably hold them, but they only have two buttons: forward and left turn. The cars also have visual and sound effects, including honking sounds, police sirens, and flashing headlights.

Price at time of publication: $31

^{Key Specs:
Size: 5 x 4 x 4 inches | Batteries: 3 AA batteries per car; 2 AA batteries per controller (10 total)}

Amazon

Pros

Large
Rechargeable
Lightweight, all-terrain foam wheels

Cons

Can’t go in water, despite name

Even if no one in your household knows a thing about real-life monster trucks, this toy version of the Monster Jam beast is going to be a huge blast. It’s a whopping 2 feet long but surprisingly light and easy to control—so while the size will impress and entertain older drivers, little ones (ages 4 and up) can get in on the fun. The tires are made of lightweight foam with treads that allow it to maneuver over lots of different terrain types (just not actual water, despite that oceanic name).

Parents will also appreciate that the truck operates on a rechargeable battery, with a USB cord tucked into a compartment. The remote does require two AAA batteries that are not included but once powered, its range is up to 250 feet.

Price at time of publication: $99

^{Key Specs:
Size: 28.13 x 18.75 x 19.5 inches | Batteries: USB rechargeable battery on truck; 2 AAA batteries for remote}

Amazon

Pros

Ideal for budding engineers
2-in-1 remote-controlled tracked vehicle rebuilds into a remote-controlled racer

Cons

Needs many batteries

With this 324-piece LEGO kit, kids (and adults) can build their own remote-controlled stunt race car. This vehicle means business: It’s built for rough terrain and capable of popping wheelies and executing serious turns. This toy requires some advanced focus; it's for hobbyists ages 9 and up.

Price at time of publication: $142

^{Key Specs:
Size: 15.04 x 10.32 x 2.78 inches | Batteries: 6 AA batteries for vehicle; 3 AAA batteries for remote}

Amazon

Pros

Super fast
Rechargeable batteries for truck included

Cons

Motor may get hot

Older kids and hobbyists will love this high-speed remote control truck that can reach up to 40 kilometers (about 25 miles) per hour and has amazing off-roading capabilities. Independent suspension, metal shocks, large tires, and newly designed treads help this powerful truck grip and drive over concrete as well as grass, mud, and sand. The nylon chassis is durable and collision resistant. Rechargeable batteries are included for more than 40 minutes of play (20 minutes per battery). The controller has a range of 263 feet.

According to the manufacturer, the motor has the power to perform 21.500 revolutions per minute, which may lead to overheating after long periods of strenuous use. The motor is equipped with a heat dissipation mechanism to prevent this, but allowing the truck to rest after 15 minutes of continuous play is recommended.

Price at time of publication: $80

^{Key Specs:
Size: 9.69 x 8.54 x 7.44 inches | Batteries: 2 rechargeable batteries for truck (included); 3 AA batteries for remote}

BEZGAR

Pros

Sleek and stylish for play and display
Lamborghini scaled replica

Cons

Can only drive on smooth surfaces

This elegant toy is a 1/24 scale model of a Lambo Aventador SVJ. The car responds smoothly to its easy-to-control remote with a range of 80 feet. Simulating a powerful race car engine, this toy goes up to 4 miles per hour with an independent suspension system to reduce friction and create a smoother ride.

Price at time of publication: $49

^{Key Specs:
Size: 10.55 x 5.24 x 3.9 inches | Batteries: 3 AA batteries for car; 2 AA batteries for controller}

Amazon

Pros

Rechargeable batteries
Available in three colors

Cons

Slower speed

The Rock Crawler is specially created for kiddos (and adults) who love off-roading. Thanks to its monster truck-like design, dual motors, high clearance, strong non-slip rubber tires, and shock absorbers, this remote control vehicle can tackle the most treacherous terrain, including grass, mud, and sand. It also comes with two rechargeable batteries that will each provide 45 minutes of playtime.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Size: 7 x 6 x 13.5 inches | Batteries: 2 rechargeable batteries for car (included); 1 AA battery for remote}

Amazon

Pros

Rechargeable with USB cord
Can drive on water

Cons

Doesn’t hold a charge for long

This all-terrain Batmobile is ideal for land-to-water or even muddy play. Note that although it is water-resistant and can skim over water, it should not be submerged. You should also make sure the charging cable is securely stored in its compartment before taking the toy near the water.

This car is compatible with 4-inch Batman action figures (not included) and is recommended for kids ages 4 and up. Use the 2.4GHz dual joystick controller to take it in any direction—from up to 100 feet away.

Price at time of publication: $60

^{Key Specs:
Size: 13.5 x 10 x 10 inches | Batteries: USB rechargeable battery for car (included); 2 AAA batteries for remote}

Amazon

Pros

Easy for little kids to operate
Cute design

Cons

Doesn’t perform well on carpet

This simple 7-inch toy is easy to use right out of the box for kids ages 3 and up. The remote control has kid-friendly buttons, and all pieces are easy for little hands to grip. Operate the brightly colored red and blue car with four controller functions: forward, backward, right, and left. Marvel fans can collect others in the series.

Price at time of publication: $21

^{Key Specs:
Size: 11 x 6 x 6.5 inches | Batteries: 3 AA batteries for car; 2 AAA batteries for controller}

How We Selected

We researched popular and highly rated products at the top of their respective categories. We looked for remote control cars in a range of price points and age groups, focusing on their durability, battery life, sturdiness, how easy they are to use, and value for the money.

What to Look for in a Remote Control Car

Age Appropriateness

Choose a remote control car that aligns with the child’s age. This isn’t just a matter of safety (for instance, small parts can be choking hazards for smaller kids) but a matter of enjoyment, too. Older kids may be bored by simpler toys geared to smaller tots, and intricate building kits or instructions are likely too advanced to entertain the littles. For a simple design that is durable, easy to use, and ideal for toddlers, our top recommendation is the Brio 30388 R/C Race Car. If your kiddo is older and a serious hobbyist, you might want to consider the DEERC RC Cars 9310 High-Speed Remote Control Car or the LEGO Technic Remote-Controlled Stunt Racer 42095 Building Kit.

Battery Type and Life

Consider that some of the remote control car kits on our list require as many as 10 batteries (which are usually not included). In some cases, cars come with rechargeable batteries, which will provide significant cost savings in the long term. Also, examine the battery life, which will determine the length of play before recharge or replacement. The NQD Remote Control Monster Truck is the standout in our list with the longest battery life—it includes two rechargeable batteries that provide 45 minutes of playtime each.

Durability

Consider durability when evaluating a potential purchase. You might be comfortable spending a lower price on a car for a younger child, even if you didn’t expect it to last. But if you’re splurging on an investment toy for an older kid, you should fairly expect it to last. We were able to test the Monster Jam Mega Megalodon and were impressed by its quality and durability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old should a child be to play with a remote control car?

Various remote control cars are suited to a range of age groups. “I recommend following the ages on the toy boxes themselves as a good start,” says Dr. Rebekah Diamond, a pediatric hospitalist in New York City and assistant professor of pediatrics at Columbia University. “It’s OK for kids to explore toys as they come into contact with them, especially under supervision.”
She adds that using toys like remote control cars requires fine motor ability, “so incorporating them into play, in moderation like all things, could benefit this type of development.” And it’s a good idea to experiment; “it often becomes clear if a toy is developmentally appropriate and engaging after some time trying it out,” she says.
Are remote control cars safe for children?

Remote control cars are generally safe for kids if age appropriate and used according to instructions. “Being mindful of age requirements (especially for small parts), and with appropriate supervision in a safe setting, they should be safe for most children,” Dr. Diamond says. Keep in mind that small spinning wheels can get caught on hair, so make sure your kiddos keep their remote control cars away from their long strands.
Are remote control cars better than video games?

Compared with screen content, remote control cars exist in the three-dimensional world—and this may be developmentally preferable for kids, depending on the context. “It’s important to think about how toys and games are used, if it’s a social activity, with what frequency, and what the game or toy might be promoting as part of play,” Dr. Diamond says. “I think, in general, playing physically with remote control toys often tends to be the more developmentally engaging activity, but so much depends on context.”
How much do remote-controlled cars cost?

Good-quality remote control cars for kids can cost between $30 and $150, depending on the type of vehicle, special features, type of battery it uses, and recommended age. A small basic remote control car for toddlers, such as the Spidey and His Amazing Friends Web Crawler ($30), will be on the lower end of the price range, while the LEGO Technic Remote-Controlled Stunt Racer Building Kit can cost over $140.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Alesandra Dubin is a professional product reviewer in the parenting and lifestyle space. She’s also mom to boy-girl twins and has eight years of in-home, hands-on, kid-tested experience.