When you first bring home an electric ride-on for your child, it can be an exciting time for both you and them. However, you can’t pull the toy out of the box, put it together, and start using it. There are special instructions you need to follow for charging it up for the first time. Plus, you’ll need to make sure you do it correctly every time after that. This is why we’ve created a guide on how long it takes to charge a ride-on car battery. That way, your kid’s beloved toy will last for years to come.

How Long You Should Charge It

When you first bring home your child’s new ride-on, you’ll need to charge it for quite a while to get it activated properly. The first thing you’ll need to take note of, though, is the battery’s voltage. It can be either 6V, 12V, or 24V. Here are the times you will need to charge them before first use:

• 6V initial charge is 10 hours
• 12V initial charge is 18 hours
• 24V initial charge is 18 hours

We’re sure you’ve noticed that the 24V battery needs the same time as its 12V counterpart. This is because 24V versions use their power more efficiently. However, that is only really apparent in their initial one, as you’ll see in their charge times after first use:

• 6V standard charge is 6 hours
• 12V standard charge is 12 hours
• 24V standard charge is 18 hours

These stats should effectively answer the question, “how long does it take to charge a ride-on car battery?” However, it’s always a good idea to check the manual that comes with your ride-on before usage to ensure that there are no special instructions or changes in timings for your specific version.

What To Avoid Doing

The main problem you’ll want to avoid is overcharging the vehicle. While it might be alright to leave the toy car on the charger for up to 24 hours, doing so any longer than that can permanently damage the battery. Being kept on the charger once it’s finished charging damages its cells over time, which can lead to a loss of the ride-on’s power and up-time. In extreme cases, it can even cause the battery to fail completely.

The best way to avoid this is to set a timer for yourself once you put it on the charger. This will not only tell you when it’s finished but also serve as a reminder that it was charging in the first place because it’s very easy to forget about it later in the day.

Powering Up Accessories

The vehicle’s battery powers most of its accessories, but if you bought one of our 2-seater ride-on cars with a remote for parents, the remote will need its own source of energy. Most remotes use AA batteries in order to work, but some versions come with a rechargeable battery pack that will need to get charged up with the cord that comes included. These usually only take a couple of hours to recharge, so you won’t have to worry about overdoing it as much.