Ride-on car charging guide

The short version: charge long, charge often, and never mix voltages.

First charge

A brand-new battery needs a long first charge — usually 18 hours for a 12V and 10 hours for a 6V. Check the sticker on your battery; that number wins over anything else.

Everyday charging

Charge for at least 14 hours after each day of driving, and never for more than 30 hours in a row. Charge a warm battery only after it has cooled for about 30 minutes.

Match voltage and connector

A 6V charger will not charge a 12V battery, and the grey and orange-top 12V batteries are not interchangeable even though they share a charger. Match the part number, not just the look.

Storage

Store the battery upright in a cool, dry place and top it up at least once a month — even over winter. A battery left flat for a few months usually never comes back.

Signs the battery is done

Runtime under 20 minutes, a swollen case, or a toy that stalls on grass after a full charge all point to a battery at the end of its life. Fuses and breakers reset; dead cells do not.

Need a replacement?

Look up your ride-on and we'll show the exact battery and charger it takes.