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The question every ride-on buyer asks.

12V Vs 24V Ride-Ons

Short answer: 12V suits most kids aged about 3 to 5 on driveways and flat lawn. 24V is for two riders, bigger or rougher yards and older kids. Here is how the 25 12V and 35 24V ride-ons in our Australian database actually compare, side by side.

Where these numbers come from: every figure is calculated from the Australian retailer and manufacturer listings in our database, as published. Where a listing does not publish a figure, it is left out of that row, so counts are shown. Nothing on this page is Tiny Whips tested yet. No paid placements. Methodology

Measure12V24V
Whips in our database2535
Price range at last check$118 to $1080$349 to $2800
Median price$309$499
Median listed max load30 kg (22 listed)50 kg (30 listed)
Highest listed max load60 kg100 kg
Two or more seats2 of 2516 of 35
Four motors or stated 4WD1 of 2518 of 35
EVA or rubber tyres stated3 of 2524 of 35
Parent remote confirmed18 of 2528 of 35
Median product weight15.3 kg (5 listed)36 kg (9 listed)

Choose 12V if

  • Your child is about 3 to 5 and this is their first or second ride-on.
  • They will mostly ride on the driveway, paths and short, flat lawn.
  • You want a parent remote for the early months. Check the listing says one is included.
  • Budget matters. 12V starts lower and tops out lower.
  • You need to lift it into the car or carry it up steps. 12V models are usually lighter.

All 25 12V ride-ons

Choose 24V if

  • Two kids will share it. Most of the two-seaters we track are 24V.
  • The yard is bigger, bumpier or has grass and gravel. Look for four motors or 4WD and EVA or rubber tyres too.
  • Your child is older or heavier. Check the listed max load against their real weight, not their age.
  • You want it to last a few more Christmases. Many 24V listings run to 8 or have no upper age published.
  • You have the space to store it and the hands to move it. Some weigh 35 kg or more.

All 35 24V ride-ons

Voltage is not a speed rating

A higher voltage means more power is available to the motors, but what you feel in the backyard depends on the motors, the tyres and the load too. A 12V car with two motors and rubber tyres can cope with short lawn better than a 24V model on hard plastic wheels. Read voltage together with the number of motors, the tyres and the listed max load. Every listed motor wattage is on ride-on motor power compared. Every claimed top speed in our catalogue is on how fast do kids ride-ons go.

Never swap in a bigger battery

Do not fit a 24V battery to a 12V ride-on to make it faster. The motors, wiring and switches are built for the original voltage. Replace like with like, and only use a charger that matches the battery. Battery life and care has more.

Want the full explainer?

Our guide to 6V vs 12V vs 24V covers amp hours, runtime claims and 6V starters for toddlers.

12V with a parent remote

12V listings with a parent remote confirmed, lowest price at last check first.

24V with the most room

24V listings with a published max load, highest listed max load first, then lowest price.

Prices are as last checked (8 Nov 2026). Prices move a lot before Black Friday and Christmas, so confirm with the retailer before buying, and compare against our Black Friday price baseline.

Shop the gift guide by age

For 2 year olds

Their very first whip.

See the list

For 3 year olds

The classic first Christmas whip.

See the list

For 4 year olds

Past toddler. Not done growing.

See the list

For 5 year olds

Ready to drive themselves.

See the list

For 6 year olds

Bigger yard. Bigger whip.

See the list

For 7 year olds

Too big for the toddler car.

See the list

For 8 year olds

Bigger kids. Bigger rides.

See the list

For 9 and 10 year olds

The short list for big kids.

See the list