Top RC Cars for Kids - Ranked by age

Looking for an RC car for your child? Struggling to know what to get them based on their age and skill set? 

At RC Geeks, we offer cars for different age ranges, helping them start their RC journey safely and with confidence. Our selection for beginners includes models with simple controls, lower speeds, and sturdy builds that can handle the bumps and scrapes of early driving.

When it comes to younger children, adult supervision is essential during playtime with RC cars. This not only ensures their safety but also helps them navigate and enjoy their new toys more effectively. By keeping an eye on them, you can enhance their experience and prevent any potential mishaps, allowing for a fun and worry-free adventure.

For children ages 3-5 

For our younger RC fans, we have a small range with a number of different styles.

These models are carefully chosen to be safe, durable, and easy to control, perfect for introducing young kids to RC fun without overwhelming them.

Each car in this range features kid-friendly speeds, sturdy builds, and intuitive controls that allow children to explore and play with confidence. 

RCG Racing 1/16 4WD Rock Crawler RTR

Looking for something with slower speeds that can handle the most uneven of surfaces, the RCG Racing 1/16 4WD Rock Crawler RTR is a hybrid rock crawler/short course truck and is a great toy for kids.

The Rock Crawler’s design includes big, grippy tires and a strong suspension, so it can climb over small obstacles and keep rolling, making it perfect for curious kids who want to explore different types of terrain. It’s also got a safe speed that’s just fast enough for excitement but slow enough to stay manageable for little hands. Check out our other crawlers that we have available.

RCG Racing 1/24 Mini Drift Car

For the littlest RC drivers, the RCG Racing 1:24 AE86 Mini Drift Car is a good place to start. It’s easy to handle, lightweight, and small enough for younger kids to steer without getting frustrated. The controls are straightforward, so even beginners can jump right into the action with minimal help.

What makes this car stand out is its ability to drift smoothly on flat surfaces, which means kids can enjoy some cool “skids” without the car speeding out of control. It’s great for indoor play and safe for young ones, thanks to a gentle top speed designed to keep things fun and manageable.

On top of all that, the AE86’s detailed look makes it a hit with little car fans! Modelled after a classic, this car gives kids a mini version of the real thing, sparking early interest in cars while keeping playtime fun and safe. Perfect for kids, this RC car combines excitement with ease of use—just right for young RC enthusiasts!

For children ages 5-8

1/43 Drift Car Series

The 1/43 Drift Car models are perfect for young drivers who are ready to take on the fun of RC drifting! Compact and lightweight, these cars are easy to control but offer just the right amount of challenge to keep things exciting. With smooth, responsive handling, kids can experiment with drifting on flat surfaces, helping them develop coordination and control in a fun way.

These drift cars are designed for indoor play but are durable enough to handle some light outdoor terrain as well. Kids will enjoy the realistic drifting action without the risk of high speeds, making it a great introduction to more advanced RC play. The 1/43 Drift Cars are a fantastic way for young enthusiasts to start exploring the thrill of RC drifting while building up their skills.

One of the standout features of the 1/43 Drift Car series is that these models are designed as mini replicas of classic cars like the Nissan GTR, BMW M3, Porsche 911 and Mustang Hoonigan. These iconic models capture the look and feel of beloved vehicles that have shaped automotive culture, giving kids a chance to play with mini versions of legends. This touch of realism not only makes these cars visually appealing but also adds a bit of history to the excitement of learning to drift!

Maverick Atom 1/18 4WD Electric Truck

The Maverick Atom is a fantastic choice for kids aged 5 to 8 who want an RC car that offers both speed and control in one compact package. This model features responsive handling and moderate speed, making it thrilling but manageable for children still building their RC skills. Its lightweight, durable frame can handle the bumps and scrapes of beginner driving, providing endless fun whether indoors or outdoors.

The Maverick Atom is available in four exciting colors—red, blue, orange, and green—allowing kids to pick the one that matches their personality and style. With these vibrant options, there’s a color to suit every young driver’s taste. This variety not only adds to the car’s appeal but also makes it fun for kids to have a unique RC car they can call their own.

For children ages 8+

RCG Racing MT-One 1/16 Monster Truck

The RCG Racing 1:16 MT One Tracer Monster Truck is a great choice for kids aged 8 and up who are looking for an exciting RC driving experience. While easy enough to control, this monster truck is sturdy and capable on rougher terrains like grass and gravel, allowing older kids to take on new challenges. Its large tires and robust suspension system give it stability and grip, making outdoor play both fun and adventurous.

With its easy handling, the MT One Tracer Monster Truck is suitable for kids who have some RC experience and are ready to explore more. Its bold blue design also makes it visually appealing, giving young drivers a sense of style along with their RC skills.

RCG Racing Wind Speed 1/14 Buggy RTR

The RCG Racing Wind Speed and Storm Rider are perfect for children looking to get into the RC hobby without being thrown in the deep end. These 1/14^th scale RC buggies measuring 27cm long and 23cm wide are suitable for children over 8 years of age. Ready to run, you need only supply three AA batteries to get racing. Great beginner models, they are durable, speedy and easy to maintain with a great availability of spare parts for the inevitable bumps and knocks. 

RC Racing 1/16 Mini Drift Car Series

The 1/16 Mini Drift Car series is an exciting option for kids aged 8 and up who want to experience the thrill of drifting in a manageable, fun-sized car. These cars are designed to glide effortlessly on smooth surfaces, giving young drivers the chance to practice and perfect their drifting skills. With precise controls and responsive handling, the Mini Drift Cars offer a bit more challenge, making them perfect for kids with some RC experience.

Available in multiple sleek designs, these cars look as good as they perform, bringing a sense of style to every drift. The 1/16 Mini Drift Cars are suitable for indoor play, where kids can practice their technique and have fun exploring the ins and outs of RC drifting. For young enthusiasts looking to level up their driving, this series offers an engaging mix of skill-building and style.

We've unboxed and tested one of this range and wrote an unboxing blog, you can read it here: Unboxing and First Impressions of the RCG Racing E30 1/16 Mini Drift Car.

RCG Racing 1/18 4WD Drift Car Series

The 1/18 Drift Car series are ideal for kids aged 8 and up who want to dive into the art of RC drifting with a bit more control and power. These models are designed to replicate realistic drifting movements, allowing young drivers to master their techniques on smooth surfaces. With precise steering and excellent traction, the 1/18 Drift Cars provide a thrilling, skill-building experience that challenges kids in a fun way.

These cars feature sleek, modern designs that make them stand out, adding an extra element of excitement and pride for young drivers. The 1/18 Drift Cars are well-suited for indoor drifting sessions, where kids can practice their moves and refine their control. Perfect for kids who are ready for a more dynamic RC experience, this series combines style, performance, and fun.

Finding the right RC car can open up a world of fun and learning for your child. With options for every age and skill level, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We hope this guide helps you choose the perfect RC car to kick-start their adventures. Happy driving!