Best remote control cars for kids, test-driven by Mumsnetters

A great all rounder, the BEZGAR TD141 remote control car has everything you might look for in a remote control car for kids. With a rugged 4x4 crawler design, it can tackle any terrain, allowing your kids can really put it through its paces on grass, sand, mud and snow without slowing down. With IPX5 waterproof rubber wheels, it can even drive through shallow puddles with ease.

The BEZGAR has a 45 degree climbing ability, allowing the freedom to tackle hills and ramps. Thankfully, the two sided driving design means that the fun deosn’t have to stop even if the vehicle flips. Best of all, it comes with a spare USB rechargeable battery so your kids can keep racing whilst the other is on charge.

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If your child is keen for a remote control car but you’re a little more limited in terms of budget, this BMW i8 remote control car is a really affordable option. With a realistic look and feel, it’s a great choice for sports car enthusiasts and can be moved forwards, backwards, left and right with simple to learn and easy to use controls.

This remote control car has relatively low speeds compared to pricier models and is best used on a smooth flat surface such as wooden floors, tiles or carpets. That said, it offers a great introduction to remote control cars with a fairly decent battery life. We just wish it was a little bigger.

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If you’re buying for a LEGO fan, these LEGO Technic remote control cars are sure to be a big hit. With the perfect balance of building fun and remote control capabilities, they allow kids to quite literally, bring their builds to life.

The LEGO 42095 Technic Remote-Controlled Tracked Stunt Racer Toy comes with huge sprocket wheels and attached gripping tracks and can be decorated using the stickers included. Turn on the switch to power it up, before mastering  high speed spins, wheelies and turns.

For more of Mumsnetters' top picks for LEGO-mad kids, check out our guide to the best LEGO sets.

Monster Trucks are another popular choice for remote control cars and the Megalodon has to be up there with the best. With the familiar Megalodon STORM’s authentic shark design, this all terrain monster truck is water resistant and has large lightweight that can zoom across water, snow, mud, rocks and grass with ease.

The toggle based remote control is easy to master, even for younger children. As well as simple navigation, kids will love learning how to perform amazing stunts such as flips, jumps and nose wheelies.

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A remote control car well suited to younger children, the Grave Digger RC monster truck comes with a striking vivid green chassis and authentic BKT tyres. With simple-to-use controls, it’s suitable for use both indoors and outside, including varied terrains such as sand and carpet.

Whilst it won’t win any awards for its speed, it’s surprisingly robust for a plastic toy and great for beginners who may struggle with faster-paced navigation. It offers up to 40 minutes of drive time and has 2.4 GHz frequency allowing up to six Monster Jam trucks to race at once.

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Remote control cars with familiar characters are always well received, making this Super Mario RC Kart a popular choice amongst children (and grown-ups) alike.

Surprisingly nippy, with speeds of up to 20km/h, this remote control kart offers up to 40 minutes of driving from each USB charge. Kids will love reenacting the Mario Kart experience with friends thanks to the interference-free 2.4 GHz technology, which allows up to 16 vehicles to compete at the same time. It even comes with fun Mario sound effects to bring the racing to life.

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For older children, you’re going to want to look for a remote control car that can do more than just simple back and forward motion. The ORRENTE Remote Control Car may look somewhat otherworldly with its blue space-age design, but this car takes stunts to a whole new level.

Thanks to the 360 rotating chassis, this RC car enables double-sided flips and tricks, and with four-wheel drive and anti crash rubber, it can crawl through grass and sand without resistance.

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A fun playset and remote control car in one, this Imaginext Transforming toy becomes a remote-controlled Batmobile that can move forward, backward, left and right as well as spin a full 360 degrees.

Team up with other Batman toys and switch into battle mode to launch the discs and attack your enemy. Kids will love the fun sound effects and the impressive transformation, as the toy tucks back into drive mode when you start to accelerate.

Related: Looking for more must-haves your little ones will love? Our guides to the best toy cars and best dinosaur toys have got you covered.