Can you use a Motorcycle Battery in Power Wheels?

By: Kevinsmak
Date: January 14, 2023
Time to read: 8 min.

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Yes, you can use a motorcycle battery in Power Wheels, but this isn’t recommended for various reasons. A motorcycle battery has an alternator, which charges the battery as the motorcycle runs. A Power Wheels car isn’t designed this way, so a motorcycle battery can be drained to the point of no return in just one ride around the block.

In this post, we will dive more into this topic and look at other frequently asked questions about Power Wheels and motorcycle batteries.

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Is it Okay to Use a Motorcycle Battery in a Power Wheels Car?

While you can use a motorcycle battery in a Power Wheels car, this is not advisable. A 12-volt lead-acid-acid accumulator comes with an alternator that keeps it charged as the bike runs.

Often, the voltage does not go below 8 volts. Power Wheels, on the other hand, do not have alternators, so the motorcycle battery can quickly be emptied of its charge.

This is not only harmful to the Power Wheels, but it also shortens the life of your motorcycle battery because you are constantly recharging it with a lower voltage than what was needed in the first place.

Why You Shouldn’t Use a Motorcycle Battery in Power Wheels

Here are a few reasons you should not use a motorcycle battery in a Power Wheels car:

The alternator issue

As mentioned, most motorcycles come with 12-volt sealed lead-acid batteries. The battery is charged by an alternator when the bike is running.

The voltage of the battery should not run below 8 volts at any given time. Power Wheels, on the other hand, do not have alternators.

This means that every time you stop or put your foot down to slow down or speed up, it drains the motorcycle battery quickly and causes wear-and-tear over a shorter period of time than if you were using an original Power Wheels battery.

So while the battery may work as your kid starts the toy, it is going to be drained a lot faster and will not be able to hold a charge as long.

Power Wheels come with special chargers.

All Power Wheels batteries come with their specific charger, which is not always compatible with motorcycle batteries. The main difference is that the motorcycle battery needs a high-amp charge and can’t be charged as slowly or deeply as a Power Wheels car’s battery.

As such, you may have to purchase another charger if you want to go back and forth between your kids’ toys without worrying about damaging either one of them.

The amperage issue

What most parents don’t know is that batteries can have the same voltage rating but have different amps output. For instance, most 12-volt Power Wheels batteries hold 9.5Ah, which means they produce 9.5 amps of current per hour.

Curious about How Many Amps Does a Power Wheels Draw?

Small motorcycles have 12-volt batteries rated between 10AH to 12Ah, while bigger ones have batteries rated up to 20Ah.

This difference in amps can cause problems when using a motorcycle battery in place of the Power Wheels one. It can cause problems with voltage regulation, low-voltage detection, and charge acceptance.

Also, the higher the amps, the faster they can drain and cause damage.

Common Differences between Power Wheels and Motorcycle Batteries

The main differences between these two types of batteries include:

Charging type

The most important difference is that motorcycle batteries need a high-amperage charge and can’t be charged as slowly or deeply as Power Wheels batteries.

Voltage regulation

The Power Wheels battery is not regulated the same way that motorcycle batteries are, which means it can easily be drained too much or receive an insufficient charge to keep them in optimum condition.

Different amps output

This means that batteries can have the same voltage rating but have different amps output which may cause problems when using a motorcycle battery in place of Power Wheels one.

Battery size

Another significant difference is the battery’s physical size. Motorcycles often come with a 12-volt sealed lead-acid accumulator, which is slightly smaller than Power Wheel car ones.

What’s the solution?

If your kid’s Power Wheels battery is damaged or lost, it is recommended that you buy a replacement battery similar to the damaged one.

Each Power Wheels brand has specific batteries for its toys. These batteries are made from quality materials that make them safe and reliable.

You can buy the replacement battery directly from the manufacturer or get it online from Amazon.

Power Wheels Battery FAQs

How often should you charge a Power Wheels battery?

It depends on how often your kid uses it. However, it is recommended to recharge the battery once the voltage runs below 8.0 volts, even if the toy is not being used at that moment.

How often should you replace a Power Wheels battery?

You will need to replace the battery if it is not starting the toy or runs out too quickly. The battery life span depends on how often and for how long your kid uses the toy.
If you find that the Power Wheels car is not starting or running, it may be time to replace its battery. You can check for this by using a voltage meter to measure the current output of each cell in the batteries if possible (you cannot do this with sealed lead-acid batteries).
The readings should be within the recommended voltage. If not, you have to replace it ASAP.
You may also notice the light on the charger not turning on, which means your ride on car is not charging.
In case your kid’s Power Wheels battery is damaged or missing, consider buying a replacement from the original manufacturer so that you can use it without any problems in terms of compatibility and safety requirements.
This way, they will last longer, and you will be able to avoid issues that come with using an incompatible or poor-quality product.

Can I replace a Power Wheels battery with an automotive one?

No, you cannot replace the Power Wheel’s standard 12v automotive type of battery. You may end up causing damage to the toy or yourself because automotive batteries have a higher output.

Can I charge the Power Wheels battery from my car?

No. A car battery is recharged with an alternator when the car engine is running. Power Wheels cars are not charged the same way.
The best way to charge a Power Wheels battery is by using the specific charger the toy comes with. This way, you avoid damaging the toy and keep it in optimum condition for longer.

What is the Power Wheels battery life span?

The standard lifespan of a Power Wheels battery range from 18 months to two years, depending on how often your kid plays with them and their general maintenance habits (proper charging, not overcharging). If the batteries are not maintained properly, they may drain more quickly.

Conclusion

While a motorcycle battery can start a Power Wheels car, they are not interchangeable, and their use can damage your kid’s toy. It is best to buy a new battery from the original manufacturer or purchase it online for better results.

Hopefully, this article has given you the information and guidance needed to make a better decision. Feel free to check out Power Wheels battery alternatives.

Kevinsmak

Hello! I’m Kevinsmak; I have been a content producer of RC Ride On Cars since the start of this site. I have always enjoyed Power Wheels with my family. My two boys love them, and seeing this helps me make sure this website is very accurate for the safety and enjoyment of your family. Read more here

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