You’ll be surprised how many high-end Power Wheels vehicles look and function almost like a regular car. So it’s actually tempting to drive the toy car on the road.
Unfortunately, Power Wheels and other ride-on cars are not exactly street legal in most states. This is because they are designed to be driven around the neighborhood and in a private area. But they are not intended for highways and busy public roads.
Then, of course, the specifications of electric toy cars do not match the ones required by law.
However, there’s a caveat on this general regulation concerning Power Wheels on the street. You can upgrade the electric toy car based on the requirements of the law. But first, check with the DMV and your state law to check the possibility of a license plate.
Nevertheless, if you are set on street legalizing your Power Wheels, it’s imperative to know that there are special precautions you need to take.
If you want to know more about riding Power Wheels on the road, stick around and read on.
What Is Considered Street Legal?
But before we look into the idea of a Power Wheels car driven outside a private property, let’s figure out what exactly makes a vehicle street legal.
A street-legal vehicle is any transport unit licensed to be driven on public roads and highways. This includes regular cars, motorcycles, and light trucks.
Why Aren’t Power Wheels Street Legal?
Since Power Wheels vehicles are electric toy cars, they didn’t need other sophisticated car parts designed for real-life driving situations. In this sense, they can’t be made street legal unless they have the same system as a regular car, which is quite tricky.
A vehicle is considered street legal if equipped with parts that ensure road safety and environmental compliance. Unfortunately, in the case of Power Wheels cars, these accessories are missing.
Here are some of the basic parts required for street legalization which are absent in a Power Wheels vehicle.
Lights
Headlights and taillights are primary requirements for a street-legal vehicle.
Unfortunately, with Power Wheels, you may have to add a functional light set, considering most models are not equipped with this device. It’s primarily because Power wheels cars are intended for playtime, which naturally occurs during the day.
Turn signals
It’s a violation if a street-legal vehicle lacks turn signals as it’s a necessary device to communicate with other drivers.
While it may seem adorable for Power Wheels to be at par with other “big” cars on the road, safety is still, first and foremost, the ultimate concern.
Mirrors
Not all Power Wheels have side mirrors, and they are considered essential accessories for road safety.
Although the Power Wheels Gameday Jeep Wrangler on amazon does have mirrors, it will still need other modifications to make it street-legal.
Reflectors
When driving at night, reflectors will ensure that the vehicle is visible. That’s why it’s a crucial requirement when you apply for a license plate. With Power Wheels, you will have to install these reflectors.
Windshield Wipers
Windshield wipers are used in cases of rain or snow to ensure visibility on the road. Since Power Wheels vehicles are not designated for this weather, windshield wipers are unnecessary. Therefore, it’s another accessory you need to add to your Power Wheels.
Can You Ride Power Wheels on the Street?
Yes, there is a chance that you can ride Power Wheels on the street provided that it was designed for road use and is street-legal. Although the majority of Power Wheels vehicles are used as toy cars, it’s not far-fetched to find a high-end or modified model to be legalized on the road.
However, this project will need a lot of consultation with the DMV. All requirements for street-legal cars must be met, including installing missing accessories. And finally, the rider should secure a license to be able to drive the Power Wheels on the street.
Another primary concern for this project is the battery. The highest battery voltage there is for Power Wheels is at 24 volts. This is undoubtedly not enough o achieve the prescribed speed on the street or public roads.
Are There Any Street-Legal Power Wheels Cars?
Street-legal Power Wheels cars are rare that they are almost non-existent.
In the US, releasing a license plate for ride-on cars depends on local and state law. For example, suburban areas may have accessible regulations for modified Power Wheels cars on the street compared to cities.
Street-legal power wheels cars are usually heavily upgraded. The engine needs to generate over 20 horsepower so you can drive on highways and areas where other vehicles are also permitted.
How Dangerous Is It to Ride Power Wheels on the Road?
If a regular car is at risk of several dangers on the road, how much more are the Power Wheels car?
The road can be very unfriendly for ride-on vehicles or electric toy cars. You could find yourself in an accident or in the middle of a commotion with regular cars. Issues around safety concerns are one of the reasons why Power Wheels are recommended for private use.
Nonetheless, here are some of the factors that aggravate the danger of riding Power Wheels on the road.
Lack of road safety accessories for Power Wheels
Power Wheels vehicles don’t have headlights, taillights, and turn signals that will allow them to be visible and communicated with other cars. This could lead to bumps and collisions on the road. And as you can imagine, it’s not going to look good for the Power Wheels.
The wheels and framing are not sturdy enough for road conditions
Vehicles are often driven fast on public roads depending on traffic and the speed limit. Given the stature and materials comprising Power Wheels, there’s a high chance that you might be side swept or crash off the road.
What Safety Precautions Should You Practice When Riding Power Wheels on Public Road?
If you manage to turn your Power Wheels car into a street-legal vehicle, you have to be stern in following the road safety precautions to make sure you’re well-protected on the road.
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when riding street-legal Power Wheels.
Always check if your engine capacity matches the speed requirement of the road.
Sure, most street-legal Power Wheels can sustain enough speed in slow traffic. However, it’s not the same with highways and major roads.
Follow weight restrictions all the time.
Power Wheels cars have a specific weight capacity. If you go beyond that, you might experience some problems on the road. Worst case scenario, you may find yourself in the middle of a Power Wheels breakdown.
Avoid driving next to large vehicles.
The less contact you have with huge vehicles, the better. Trucks and large cars won’t see you easily on the road, which could put your life at risk if you insist on driving next to them.
Final Thoughts
If you are set to use a Power Wheels car on public roads and highways, you need to be prepared for the necessary steps.
But just a heads up, it’s going to take a lot of determination, effort, and investment depending on the type of Power Wheels you have.
Still, it’s not impossible if you just plan it right. First, consult with the DMV and learn the laws governing the Power Wheels modification so you can estimate the amount of work needed for the project.