Ride on cars with Gradual Acceleration

We’re always looking out for the latest developments in the world of kids electric cars, and right now, the newest feature that everyone’s talking about is gradual acceleration. While some older cars can cause a slight jolt when setting off, cars which feature gradual acceleration get up to speed more smoothly, which can be great for younger kids who are a little uncertain of their balance.

So what is gradual acceleration all about? Well, it’s just as the name suggests: cars fitted with this feature set off from a standstill gradually. This is accomplished using special motors which are designed to minimise the jolt you might experience. This allows younger kids to drive without being surprised by a sudden jolt when they engage the motor, and, when combined with a seatbelt, can result in an almost perfectly smooth ride. This is of course wonderful for very young children, and gradual acceleration is most often seen on cars designed for the under 2s.

Although gradual acceleration offers a way for very young children to get used to what it feels like to control a vehicle, older kids can find that it takes a little of the thrill away – the jolt of setting off can actually be a huge part of the fun, and also help kids master complex balance and motor co-ordination. While it’s a must-have for kids aged under eighteen months, you may find that this feature results in older kids losing interest in their electric car.

The purpose of gradual acceleration is to minimise jolts and help kids keep their balance, but what if the car you want doesn’t have this feature? Is it still safe? In our experience, it’s best to look at the rest of the safety features: does it have a seatbelt? Parental remote control? Are there doors? These features can have a much more dramatic effect on safety than gradual acceleration. In our opinion, while gradual acceleration is great for very young children, other safety features can be far more important.