One more lap, or straight back on the charger?

How Long Does A Ride-On Battery Last?

46 of the 68 kids ride-ons in our Australian catalogue publish a runtime per charge, and 36 publish a charge time. The longest runtime each listing claims runs from 33 min to 2 hours. The longest charge time each listing states runs from 8 to 12 hours, so charging is an overnight job. Here they all are by battery voltage, with the battery size each listing states.

Every runtime and charge time here is a claim, not our test. Figures come from each retailer or manufacturer listing as published. Where a listing gives a range, two settings or two sellers say different things, we sort by the longest figure it states and show the full wording. Capacity in watt-hours is our own arithmetic (volts x amp-hours) from the listed battery, not a figure the seller publishes. 20 whips in our catalogue state neither a runtime nor a charge time and are left out. No paid placements. Methodology

Measure	6V	12V	24V
Whips in our catalogue	8	25	35
State a runtime per charge	3 of 8	20 of 25	23 of 35
Longest stated runtime, range	1 hour to 2 hours	33 min to 2 hours	80 min to 2 hours
Longest stated runtime, median	2 hours	2 hours	90 min
State a charge time	4 of 8	15 of 25	17 of 35
Longest stated charge time, range	12 hours	8 hours to 12 hours	8 hours to 10 hours
State battery amp-hours (Ah)	6 of 8	19 of 25	20 of 35
Stated battery size	4Ah to 4.5Ah	4.5Ah to 10Ah	5Ah to 14Ah
Capacity on paper (V x Ah, our sum)	24 Wh to 27 Wh	54 Wh to 120 Wh	120 Wh to 336 Wh

A bigger battery does not mean a longer claimed runtime

On paper a 24V battery stores more energy than a 12V battery with the same amp-hours, which is why we show capacity in watt-hours as well. But 24V whips usually have bigger motors, more of them, and carry heavier riders, so they use that energy faster. In our catalogue the median longest claimed runtime is 2 hours for 12V and 90 min for 24V. Read the runtime, battery and motors on the same listing together, and see our 12V vs 24V comparison for price, load, seats and tyres side by side.

Claimed runtimes are best case

11 listings here say themselves that runtime depends on surface, terrain or the rider's weight. Our battery life and care guide explains why: heavier riders, grass, hills, cold weather and lots of stop and start all shorten real runtime. When we test whips hands on, measured runtimes will show on the product page with the date and method, and the claim will stay labelled as a claim.

Plan for the charge time, not just the ride

Every listing here that states a charge time gives 8 hours or more at the top of its range, and some state a longer first charge for a new battery. If it is a Christmas present, our Christmas morning prep page works out when to plug each one in on Christmas Eve. Charge with the charger supplied and follow the manual on charging time.

6V ride-ons

4 of 8 6V whips state a runtime or a charge time. Longest claimed runtime first; whips that only state a charge time come last.

Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 Motorbike 6V

Longest claimed runtime2 hours

Runtime, as stated: Up to 2 hours (claimed)
Charge time: 8 to 12 hours (claimed)
Battery: 6V, 4.5Ah
Capacity on paper: 27 Wh (our sum)
Motors: 18W (1 x 18W)
Parent remote: Not confirmed

How Long Does A Ride-On Battery Last?

A bigger battery does not mean a longer claimed runtime

Claimed runtimes are best case

Plan for the charge time, not just the ride

6V ride-ons

12V ride-ons

24V ride-ons

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