Toy cars are a staple in any child's toy collection. As they start to get a bit older though, they might begin to look at remote-controlled toys as the next step up. The result? Remote control cars, of course.
What age is good for remote control cars?
Most children will be able to enjoy a remote control car, even teenagers and beyond! However, we recommend that you should introduce these to your child from three years old onward, but no earlier.
Toy cars, especially remote-controlled ones, can have smaller parts and can be too complex for babies or young toddlers.
13 of the best remote controlled cars UK 2022
Take a look at our top picks of the best remote control cars that you can buy on the market. From LEGO to Hot Wheels, the kids are bound to have loads of fun.
Description
Best remote control car for toddlers
This one is for our younger toddlers who want to get involved, too. Made for over 18 months old and with non-toxic ABS plastic, this singing light-up toy car is cute and fun. It has no sharp corners and safe curved tyres to ensure complete safety.
Age: 18 months+
Power: Battery powered (3 AA batteries)
Remote Control Type: Radio
www.selfridges.com
Description
The best luxury remote controlled ride-on car
Sometimes, bigger is better. This Bugatti Divo 12V electric ride-on car is perfect for those toddlers (and parents) who love cars. This is definitely a gift to splash out on. Your tot will have endless fun with three speeds, openable doors, an MP3 player, power display and openable doors. Fancy.
Age: 2-5 years
Power: Battery powered (12V7AH)
Remote Control Type: Ride-on and separate R/C
Description
Best car toy for 3-8 year olds
This would be a great pick for a toddler's first car. It has easy usability for younger children because it's the perfect hand size and has simple controls. It has off-road control and a distance of up to 200ft whilst being durable with its hard ABS plastic. Really zippy with good battery life.
Age: 3-8 years
Power: Battery powered (AA batteries)
Remote Control Type: 2.4GHz Radio
www.johnlewis.com
Description
Best classic remote controlled car
Everyone loves Scalextric! They're fun to play with, even as an adult. The traditional remote control car has two cars, two remotes and a track to play with. Known to help toddlers develop hand-eye coordination, this is perfect for those younger children out there.
The car also has a year of manufacturer's warranty.
Age: 3 years+
Power: Battery powered (6 AA batteries)
Remote Control Type: Hand-controllers
Description
Best branded remote control car
Is your child a car enthusiast already? Why not grab this official Aston Martin remote control car? It's available in red or grey and has spring suspension, adjustable wheel alignment and LED headlights.
It's a complete replica model of the actual vehicle, and with all these functions, it's extra impressive, especially for its price point.
Age: 3 years+
Power: Battery powered (5 AA batteries)
Remote Control Type: 2.4GHz Radio
Description
Best remote control car for growing tots
PAW Patrol to the rescue! This remote control police cruiser means your little one can help Chase with saving the day. Recreate their favourite scenes from the show - this remote control car will really help inspire their imagination.
Age: 4-6 years
Power: Battery powered (5 AAA batteries)
Remote Control Type: 2.4GHz Radio
www.argos.co.uk
Description
Best old school remote control car
But, as this remote-controlled car has a particular frequency, you can race multiple cars at once, meaning you can recreate Mario Kart in your very own home. You can buy Luigi too - in case any family members want to join in on the fun.
Age: 4 years+
Power: Battery powered
Remote Control Type: 2461MHz Radio
www.aldi.co.uk
Description
Best water resistant remote control car
Coming with a rechargeable USB wire to charge for hours of fun, the Monster Jam Megalodon Storm Truck does it all. With custom performance tyres: this truck can tear through any terrain. You can even drive over water due to its water-resistant design. We recommend using this toy outside to get the most enjoyment out of it.
Age: 4 years+
Power: Battery powered (2 AAA batteries), corded
Remote Control Type: Hand-controllers
Description
**Best versatile remote control car
**
Not only does this stunt car flip, twist and turn but when it does, there's a brand new design on the body of the car underneath. Designed to survive bumps, this sturdy remote control car has shock absorbers to take the brunt of the impact. Not to mention that this remote control car can overcome obstacles by flipping over them, as well.
Age: 5 years+
Power: Battery powered (4 AA and 2 AAA batteries)
Remote Control Type: Radio
Description
Best remote controlled stunt car
If your child loves excitement and wants to be doing flips and tricks with their remote control car, this SGILE stunt car has 360-degree clockwise and anticlockwise rotation! It's constructed to withstand inside and outside surfaces - although we'd definitely suggest using this one outside.
Age: 6 years+
Power: Battery powered (2 AA batteries)
Remote Control Type: 2.4GHz
www.smythstoys.com
Description
Best remote control car for roleplaying
Complete with stickers to decorate, this pink remote control car is ideal for driving toys on adventures. The kids can pop their dolls in and take them on a trip to new destinations, especially as the wheels feature large off-road wheels that can be used outdoors!
Age: 6 years+
Power: Battery powered (6 AA batteries)
Remote Control Type: 2.4GHz Radio
Description
Best remote controlled LEGO truck
Everybody loves Lego, and this buildable remote control car is a project for older kids. With loads of blocks to play with and build up to, this is impressive to toy When it's fully built, you can even control it from a smartphone, as the car has four connectivity ports and a six-axis sensor.
Age: 11 years+
Power: Battery powered (6 AA batteries)
Remote Control Type: Multi-control – including the CONTROL+ app
Description
Best overall remote-control car for older kids
The FTX Cage Buggy is one of the best remote control cars for older children out there. Having an amazing run time, including shock absorbers, makes playing outside extra fun.
We love that it has accessible parts, so even if it breaks from having too much fun, you'll be able to easily repair it. It's also solidly built and a good value for the price.
Age: 12 years+
Power: Battery powered
Remote Control Type: Radio 2.4Ghz
How much should I spend on a remote control car?
Depending on features and functions, remote control cars end up costing hundreds of pounds. Whatever your budget, we've got the best toy car for your kids as we've found choices from value options to high-end RC cars.
We recommend spending around the £20-60 range, so you know you're getting your money's worth. Some cars can go as low as £10 and some as high as £100, but it really depends on what you're buying.