Ride On Battery Guide
There are numerous battery options available for popular voltage configurations such as 12V, 18V/20V, 24V, and even 36V ride-on kids' toys. In this article, I am going to highlight the various options that we have thoroughly tested and which we have had consistent good success with over time. I will attempt to keep this article to as much factual information as possible and limit any biases I have towards any battery technology. I do not guarantee I will get all the facts correct so please do your own research before making any decisions.
Battery Technology Overview
This section will provide a brief overview of the most commonly used battery technologies in kids' ride-on toys, the below list is ordered from easiest to most advanced. All batteries store immense amounts of energy and can be dangerous but please use Lithium Ion and Lithium Polymer batteries with caution, they have the potential to be extremely dangerous when damaged.
Lead Acid
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4)
Lithium Ion (Typically the technology used in drill batteries)
Lithium Polymer (LiPo)
Lead Acid (SLA - Sealed Lead Acid)
Lead acid batteries are the most commonly supplied batteries by manufacturers of kids' ride-on toys. While they offer excellent current capability, they have notable drawbacks:
Capacity: Lead acid batteries typically have lower energy density compared to lithium-based options, meaning they store less energy for the same size and weight.
Charge/Discharge Cycles: These batteries generally last fewer cycles, leading to a shorter overall lifespan.
Cost: Although they are cheaper upfront, the frequent need for replacements can make them less economical in the long term.
Weight and Size: Lead acid batteries are bulkier and heavier than lithium alternatives for the same capacity.
Usable Capacity: ~50-60% of the rated capacity.
Lead acid batteries perform best when discharged no more than 50% of their rated capacity. Deep discharges (e.g., below 20% state of charge) can significantly reduce their lifespan.
Example: A 12V 10Ah lead acid battery provides about 5-6Ah of usable capacity before risking damage.
Key Limitation: Inefficient energy usage due to their weight and bulk compared to other technologies.
Lead Acid Voltage vs. State of Charge (SOC)
12.70 – 12.89V: 100% charged
12.50 – 12.60V: ~90%Nearly full
12.30 – 12.40V: ~70%Good charge
12.10 – 12.20V: ~50%Medium charge
11.90 – 12.00V: ~30%
11.80 – 11.70V: ~20% or less
< 11.63V: 0%
Important Notes:
These values are for a battery at rest (i.e., no load or charge applied) for at least several hours.
Voltage will appear lower under load and higher when charging due to internal resistance and surface charge.
Frequent deep discharging (below ~50%) shortens the battery’s lifespan.
A fully charged 12V lead-acid battery under charge can reach 13.6V to 14.7V depending on charger and stage (bulk, absorption, float).
Lead Acid Battery Chargers
Lead acid chargers are typically straightforward to use but may take longer to charge compared to lithium-based chargers. Overcharging or undercharging can significantly impact the lifespan of these batteries, so using a charger with built-in protections is crucial.
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4)
The best upgrade for longer run time to a stock ride on is an LiFePo4 battery, you can typically find the exact same size the will fit directly into the stock location with no modifications other than installing an inline fuse and a connector to plug into the toy.
LiFePO4 Benefits:
Longevity:
These battery cells can handle thousands of cycles before a significant degradation is observed in capacity.Safety, LiFePO4 cells are considered one of the safest lithium-based battery technologies available. They are widely praised for their stability, durability, and resistance to many common battery failure modes. Below are key aspects of their safety profile:
Non-Combustible Chemistry:
LiFePO4 batteries are inherently more stable than other lithium-based chemistries, such as lithium-ion (LiCoO2). They are less prone to thermal runaway—a condition where excessive heat causes a self-sustaining chemical reaction leading to fire or explosion.High Thermal Threshold:
LiFePO4 cells can withstand higher temperatures (up to 250°C/482°F) without breaking down, compared to lithium-ion cells, which start to degrade around 150°C/302°F. This makes them safer under heavy loads or in hot environments.Built-in Safety Features:
Many LiFePO4 batteries include a Battery Management System (BMS) that prevents overcharging, over-discharging, and short circuits. Even without a BMS, their chemical structure is more tolerant to overcharging than other lithium chemistries.Phosphate Composition:
The phosphate in LiFePO4 offers strong molecular bonds that resist decomposition. This stability makes the batteries much less likely to ignite under conditions like physical damage, overcharging, or short-circuiting.No Cobalt:
Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, LiFePO4 batteries do not contain cobalt, which is more reactive and can contribute to instability.Shock and Vibration Resistance:
LiFePO4 batteries are mechanically robust and can tolerate shocks, drops, and vibrations better than most other battery types, making them ideal for kids' ride-on toys that are often subjected to rough handling.Reduced Fire Risk:
Even in cases of puncture or failure, LiFePO4 batteries are far less likely to combust than lithium-ion or lithium polymer batteries.
Cycle Stability:
With a life span of 2,000–5,000 cycles (compared to ~500 for lead acid and ~1,000 for lithium-ion), LiFePO4 batteries are less likely to fail prematurely due to wear and tear.
LeFePO4 Drawbacks:
Requires a high quality Battery Management System (BMS). The best quality BMSs can handle high continuous current, prevent over charging, over discharging, charging when below freezing (32°F), and over temperature protection. It is sometimes hard to find a low priced LiFePO4 battery will acceptable current capabilities and provides all of the recommended protections within the BMS.
Low continuous current capability, typically LiFePO4 batteries are rated for up to 1C (C represents the capacity (Ah) in Amps, a 10AH LiFePO4 battery is rated for 10A of continuous discharge) for a light weigh stock vehicle with lighter kids a 10 or 12Ah LiFePO4 battery is sufficient. Once motors are upgraded or the vehicle is heavier with multiple larger kids, 16 and larger seems to work. (Note: my son drives me around in the Power Wheels Barbie Dream Camper with two 16Ah batteries in series (24V) using Traxxas Titan 775 motors and we only hit the overcurrent trip of the batteries going up hills)
Usable Capacity: ~95-100% of the rated capacity.
LiFePO4 batteries can be discharged deeply without significantly affecting their lifespan. They maintain consistent voltage output during discharge, providing stable performance.
Example: A 12V 10Ah LiFePO4 battery can deliver nearly all 10Ah as usable energy.
LiFePo4 Voltage vs. State of Charge (SOC)
Voltage at rest
13.4 – 13.6V: 100%
13.2V: ~90%
13.0V: ~80%
12.8V: ~60%
12.6V: ~50%
12.4V: ~30%
12.0V: ~10%
< 10.0V: 0% (BMS should have shut off the battery before 10V)
Important Notes:
LiFePO4 has a very flat discharge curve — voltage stays near 13V for most of the discharge cycle, then drops sharply near the end.
A fully charged 4S LiFePO4 battery typically reads 14.4–14.6V right after charging but settles to 13.4–13.6V after rest.
Avoid discharging below 10.0V — most LiFePO4 packs have a Battery Management System (BMS) that will shut down to protect the cells.
Charging is usually done up to 14.4–14.6V and float charging is not typically required or recommended.
LiFePO4 Chargers
You CAN use a standard Lead Acid battery charger to charge LiFePO4 batteries, however, there are disadvantageous of course. The peak charge voltage of an Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) battery is 14.4V and the peak voltage of a LiFePO4 battery is 14.6V, if using a lead acid charger it will charge a LiFePO4 to about 90% of its rated capacity and the BMS will do its job just fine to keep the battery healthy.
The BMS will do a fine job, but not perfect, there is a specific charge voltage curve LiFePO4 specific chargers use to ensure all the cells are charged to the maximum safe levels, I have found that using lead acid chargers for many discharge cycles in a row (Weeks of the kids riding every day) the battery life starts to decrease until I use an appropriate LiFePO4 charger.
Batteries and Chargers Tested
Batteries:
ExpertPower 12V 12AH LiFePO4 Battery: This battery has been in use for nearly 3 years with no issues at all. I only every bought one of this battery but it has worked well so far.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08HFNV9RB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8Nermak 12V 12Ah LiFePO4 Battery: The cheapest one I have found that performs fine, I have had a number of these fail on me over the last couple years, but they are cheap and still last longer than any lead acid battery I have used. I find the BMSs fail which is typically the weakest link in an LiFePO4 battery. I believe the failure I have experienced with the 12Ah version of the battery is related to running after market motors, if staying stock I believe it is a reliable option.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09H37FGFJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8Nermak 12V 16Ah LiFePO4 Battery: This is the minimum capacity LiFePO4 battery I have found to function well once upgrading to 775 motors and 24V (Two wired in series). I have been using this battery in my sons 24V Grave Digger, 24V Barbie Dream Camper, and 12V Police car Traxxas Titan 550 21T motors for months with no complaints at all.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09QKKKNJR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1Nermak 12V 18Ah and 20Ah LiFePO4 Battery: I have used these for both 12V and 24V applications, a single battery fits well in the front of the Power Wheels Jeep and last just about all day with multiple kids in the Jeep. I had a 20Ah version fail on me after about a month, Amazon did refund me and I purchased the 18Ah version and haven’t had any issues yet. The failure was BMS related again.
(Same link as the 16Ah battery)Nermak 12V 30Ah LiFePO4 Battery: This battery has been used to power the Power Wheels Dream Camper (With a 16AH in series for 24V) as well as power the onboard stereo system, 12VDC cooler for Ice Cream, and LED lights. The kids have driven this machine across multiple neighborhoods selling ice cream, if you have room, this battery won’t disappoint, but it is massive.
(Same link as the 16Ah battery)
Chargers
Mroinge 5A 6V/12V Fully Automatic Smart Charger: I have been using this charger for many years with no complaints. I put a connector on the end and just use it, I have also used it to charge cars and campers.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FMCW3DW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=120-Amp (10 Amp 2 Bank) Dual Smart Marine Charger: I bought this charger over the summer to charge 4 batteries at once, I put two batteries in series and charge at 24V, I find that charging at 24V the batteries aren’t charged to 100%, but they are close enough.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CJ4MM4MJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Lithium Ion
I am going to limit the Lithium Ion discussion strictly to drill batteries (DeWalt, Milwaukie, Ryobi, etc..), there are many other types of lithium ion batteries that could be used, it is possible to buy lithium ion cells and a BMS to build your own pack. Note that some brands (DeWalt) label the batteries as 20V were most brands say 18V, they are all a nominal 18V battery, DeWalt’s 20V claim is for marketing purposes.
Lithium Ion Benefits:
High energy density, Lithium Ion has a higher power density than LiFePO4 resulting in more power in the same amount of volume.
High discharge capability, LiFePO4 is limited to about 1C, Lithium Ion are good for about 5C, note that I have never found reputable battery specifications from any of the drill battery manufactures. I believe they are mostly good for 5C (5 time their capacity for current draw) with peak burst current draws of 50 - 100A range.
Fast charging, Lithium Ion can also be charged at much higher rates, LiFePO4 should be limited to about 0.5C where drill batteries should only be charged with their dedicated charger provided by the manufacture, but these offer substantially higher charging rates.
Low self-discharge, these batteries can sit on the bench without losing much charge for a long time and remain stable.
Long cycle life, I have never found a drill battery manufacture claim a specific cycle life, however, it has been well established they are good for 500 to 1000 cycles, this is much lower than LiFePO4 but higher than lead acid.
Multiple use cases, now you have more power tool batteries :)
Integrated BMS, The tools are not responsible for determining when the battery is depleted and when it need to turn off to protect its self, the battery is. When using the appropriate charger these batteries protect them selves from over discharging, over charging, charging when too cold or too hot.
Lithium Ion Drawbacks
Recommended to charge in above freezing temperatures only, there are packs that include internal heaters to warm the cells before charging, I do not believe any of the drill batteries on the market include this feature.
Safety: Lithium-ion batteries can overheat and catch fire if damaged, overcharged, or exposed to high temperatures. Thermal runaway can occur if the battery fails internally.
Use high-quality, brand-name batteries with robust safety features.
Ensure batteries are securely mounted to prevent impact during use.
Usable Capacity: ~85-95% of the rated capacity.
These batteries provide a good balance of energy density and usability. However, they typically have a built-in Battery Management System (BMS) to prevent over-discharge, which limits usable capacity slightly below the rated value.
Example: An 18V 5Ah lithium-ion drill battery will deliver about 4.25-4.75Ah of usable energy.
5S Lithium-Ion Battery Voltage vs. State of Charge (SOC)
Voltage (at rest with no load)
21.00V: 100% - Fully charged (4.20V × 5)
20.75V: ~95%
20.50V: ~90%
20.00V: ~80%
19.50V: ~70%
19.00V: ~60%
18.50V: ~50% - Nominal voltage (3.70V × 5)
18.00V: ~40%
17.50V: ~30%
17.00V: ~20%
16.50V: ~10%Very low charge
<16.00V: 0–5% - Fully discharged / BMS should have cut power before reaching 16V
Batteries and Chargers Tested
I have only used DeWalt 5Ah and larger batteries and DeWalt branded chargers as that is the power tool ecosystem I have adopted. 5Ah or larger battery packs are recommended as they should be able to handle 25A or more of continuous current draw. Using two packs in parallel is a good idea to prevent the cells from getting too hot or if you have aftermarket motors.
Make sure you do your own research on each brand and strictly stick to name brand batteries and be cautious of fakes. Always buy from reputable sources like Lowes and Home Depot, I have seen reviews online of people being sold fakes and you wouldn’t know., they have the exact same mold and packaging, the only way to tell is damaging the battery by opening it and checking the cells.
The issue with low cost drill batteries is they use inferior cells and BMSs, these cost savings impact the safety of the battery, if the price is too good to be true, it is likely a fake and should be avoided.
Lithium Polymer (LiPo)
LiPo batteries are most commonly used in the RC world, I have put a LiPo in one of the kids toys to try it out for a few minutes only. I DO NOT recommend using LiPo batteries near your children, if you have them and want to use them, it would probably be wise to secure them inside of a fire proof charging bag while in use. I am hesitant to even include this section.
LiPo Benefits:
Highest Energy density, of all the options listed.
Highest Discharge Rate, LiPos often have continuous discharge rates in the 20 - 50C range (20 - 50 times their capacity).
Form Factor, LiPos use flexible packs that can take different shapes and fit in unique locations, the user can’t manipulate the shape, only the manufacture.
High Cell Voltage, of all the lithium options discussed, LiPos have the highest cell voltage, typical 4 cell pack will have a max voltage of 14.8V.
Consistent Power Output, they are capable of outputting a steady voltage for most of the capacity, i.e. the voltage drop is very minimal from 100% charge to 0% charge.
LiPo Drawbacks:
No built in BMS, low voltage shutoff is required to protect the LiPo battery, once depleted below the minimum voltage it is unsafe to charge again due to the risk of internal shorts.
Specialized Chargers, Chargers with a balance lead port are required to ensure each cell is balanced correctly during charging. This is done by the internal BMS with the Lithium Ion and LiFePO4 options listed above.
Safety: Fire risk: if the pack is punctured, over charged, over discharged or exposed to high temperatures, it will catch fire.
Usable Capacity: ~90-95% of the rated capacity.
Like lithium-ion batteries, LiPo batteries offer high energy density, but they can deliver almost all their rated capacity when discharged properly. However, they are more sensitive to deep discharges and require careful management.
Example: A 14.8V 2Ah LiPo battery provides about 1.8-1.9Ah of usable energy.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Battery
Voltage Compatibility: Ensure the battery matches the toy’s voltage requirements.
Capacity (Ah): Larger capacities provide longer run times but may add weight.
Safety Features: Look for batteries with built-in protections like overcharge, discharge, and thermal safeguards.
Charger Compatibility: Always use the correct charger for the battery type to prevent damage or hazards.
Conclusion
Selecting the right battery for your kids’ ride-on toys depends on your specific needs, such as budget, run time, and performance. Each battery technology has its pros and cons, and understanding them will help you make an informed choice.
I have found using 16Ah LiFePO4 for 12V and 24V cars is the most economical and safest choice and my DeWalt drill batteries for 20V/18V cars for my older son.