Power Wheels batteries, such as the Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) ones, might have already been charged. The bulk of them, particularly the lead-acid ones, do not come charged. As a result, you must charge the battery before using it. Before utilizing a new battery, it is recommended to charge it for at least 18 hours. The battery needs a 14-hour recharge after each use.
Do you have any doubts regarding whether you should charge the new Power Wheels battery for your youngster first? You should because many Power Wheels batteries don’t come charged.
This article explains how to charge the Power Wheels battery for your youngster. How often you should recharge it will also be covered.
Power Wheels Battery: Do They Come Charged?
From our experience, most Power Wheels batteries do not come charged. This is especially the case with Power Wheels vehicles with lead-acid accumulators.
Some brands, however, such as Tobbi, have some of their products with Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) accumulators that come precharged or at least partially charged.
When I received my Tobbi Jeep 12V the battery was 100% completely charged.
If you purchase a new Power Wheels vehicle with a lead-acid battery, then it’s best to charge the battery for 18 hours before use. We recommend recharging your kid’s Power Wheels ride after every use for 14 hours as well.
Learn more about Lead vs Lithium batteries.
How to charge Power Wheels Battery
Charging a Power Wheels battery is easy. They come with a charger specific to the battery type.
Find the charging jack on the battery. Plug the connector end of the charger into the charging jack on the battery.
Plug the end of the charger into a standard 120-volt wall socket. Turn the socket on, and the battery should start charging.
More Tips on Charging a Power Wheels Battery
Make sure the battery has no cracks
It is important to check the battery for any cracks. The battery should be free from any cracks or holes that may cause a short circuit and explode the battery.
Cracks may also cause acid spills when charging, which can, in turn, cause injuries.
You should also check the battery for any rips or tears, especially on the wiring and casings of the Power Wheels ride. This may cause a short circuit when charging and damage your kid’s vehicle even more than it already is.
Keep kids away from batteries while they are being charged
It is important to keep children and pets away from charging batteries because hydrogen gas produced when charging can be explosive under certain conditions.
Do not overcharge the battery
Some chargers come with an automatic shutoff function which prevents overcharging of the car battery pack once fully charged; hence there is no need to unplug before 18 hours in case you forgot about it.
If yours doesn’t have an auto-shut-off feature, be sure to unplug the charger after 18 hours if you are charging the battery for the first time and after 14 hours if the battery has been used before.
Never charge the battery for more than 30 hours, as this may lead to damage.
Charge the battery in a well-ventilated area
It is important to charge the Power Wheels ride in an open and ventilated space, away from flammable materials such as gasoline or other combustibles since hydrogen gas produced by overcharging can be explosive under certain conditions.
Use the right charger
Chargers for Power Wheels batteries are designed for that particular battery type. It’s crucial to refrain from using a different charger, as doing so could harm the Power Wheels battery pack.
Ensure you get the proper charger for your Power Wheels vehicle from a trustworthy retailer that sells only original components or add-ons for these toys. Before making a purchase or charging the battery pack, seek advice from a professional if you have any questions.
Read the user manual
There could be some specific information on charging the battery in the owner’s manual, so be sure to read it thoroughly before charging your kid’s Power Wheels ride.
Some batteries are not compatible with some chargers and vice versa. It is important that you follow the instructions in these manuals when using a new charger for the first time or when changing from one charger to another.
Charging Tips for Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) Batteries
From our experience, some lithium-ion batteries come fully charged. However, it is always important to ask the manufacturer or dealer about the state of charge when buying a new product.
If you are unsure, do not hesitate to ask for guidance in-store before making your purchase so that you can avoid damaging your device if it is already charged when bought.
Other lithium-ion batteries may come with a very low amount of charge and then require an initial charging cycle before first use to bring them up to approximately 50% capacity level.
If this is the case, please read the user manuals carefully, as manufacturers often have specific requirements on how charging should be done.
Charging Li-ion batteries is not difficult. Like lead-acid batteries, they also come with specific chargers which are designed to be used with them.
All the instructions on charging the battery should be followed to avoid damaging your device.
If you still are not sure, you can always plug it in and the charger should have a charge indicator. If it lights up green right away or the red light goes out, most likely, it is already charged to full power.
Power Wheels Charging FAQs
Final Thoughts
Not all Power Wheels batteries come charged. You need to be careful with your new battery as you may recharge an already charged battery or use a battery that hasn’t been charged at all.
Be sure to follow the instructions in your owner’s manual for charging, and always ask an expert if you have any doubts about how to charge or what charger to use with your ride-on car.
It’s also good to know how long the battery will run per charge.
Please be careful and use at your own risk
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