Last Updated on December 1, 2023 by Jaxon Mike

Remote control (RC) cars are a classic, fun toy for kids of all ages. They allow children to race model cars around using a handheld controller. This builds hand-eye coordination and motor skills. For 5 year olds, RC cars also present an opportunity to follow rules, take turns with siblings and friends, and develop patience.

Choosing the right first RC car for a 5 year old starts by understanding their still-developing abilities. While they have better dexterity and attention span than a 3 year old, their fine motor skills are not fully refined yet. They can handle beginner RC cars designed for their age group, but not advanced high-speed race cars. Safety, durability, and easy controls take priority.

This article covers top picks for starter RC cars appropriate for 5 year olds. It also provides buying guidance around key factors like skill level, safety, and features to look for in a first RC car. With the right vehicle and supervision by an adult, RC cars can provide hours of healthy, engaging fun while also helping develop new skills.

Top Picks

Product	Kid Trax CAT Bulldozer	BETOP Remote Control Car	Rollplay 6V BMW I8
Description	Kid-friendly bulldozer design, easy to drive, durable	Very affordable police car, intuitive joystick control	Realistic luxury sports car, premium quality
Skill Level	Beginner	Beginner	Intermediate
Speed	2 modes: 2.5 and 5 mph	2 modes: 2.5 and 5 mph	Sport mode: 6 mph
Battery Life	40 mins	20 mins	30 mins
Range	25 feet	30 feet	50 feet
Size/Scale	1/16, 10 inches long	1/24, 7 inches long	1/12, 18 inches long
Weight	3 lbs	1 lb	5 lbs
Construction	Durable plastic	Plastic	High-quality composite
Wheels/Tires	Wide plastic treaded	Slick plastic	Rubber gripped
Charging Time	6 hours	3 hours	8 hours
Controller	2 buttons	Joystick	Wheel with buttons
Safety Features	Rounded edges, no small parts	Smooth edges	Rounded edges
Extras	Sounds and lights	Working lights/siren	Doors open, engine sounds
Pros	Very easy to drive, great traction, fun for kids	Inexpensive, easy joystick remote	Gorgeous realistic sports car
Cons	Battery could be longer	Small size, short battery	High priced
Price	CHECK LATEST PRICE	CHECK LATEST PRICE	CHECK LATEST PRICE

Top Picks

Best Overall: Kid Trax CAT Bulldozer

The Kid Trax CAT Bulldozer is the best introductory RC car for a 5 year old. It has a toddler-friendly design that is easy to maneuver with a simple 2-button control. The chunky construction makes it very rugged and stable. It can motor over small bumps and even some grass. There are two speed settings, with the slower mode perfect for beginners. Everything is very intuitive for young children to operate. Fun design details like the movable front scoop will delight little construction fans.

Pros:

• Kid-friendly bulldozer design
• Very simple to drive
• Durable and stable
• Good traction for minor off-roading
• Fun lights and sounds

Cons:

• Battery life could be longer
• Slow overall speed

Best Budget: BETOP Remote Control Car

For a very affordable starter RC car, the BETOP Remote Control Car is a great value. A standout is the very lightweight, easy-to-hold controller. The car is operated by a single joystick rather than separate buttons for steering and acceleration. It is extremely intuitive for little hands. There are also two speed modes to match developing skills. The car feels well-built given its low price point and takes normal crashing in stride. Any 5 year old will love the colorful, fun police car design.

Pros:

• Very affordable price
• Intuitive and easy joystick remote
• Durable police car design
• Two child-friendly speed modes

Cons:

• Small 1/24 scale size
• Short battery life

Best Splurge: Rollplay 6V BMW I8 Ride On Car

For the car lover, the Rollplay 6V BMW I8 combines luxury styling with great performance. It has the look and details of the exotic BMW i8 sports car that will impress any child. The build quality from a premium brand is superb. It operates very smoothly with responsive steering and acceleration. The top speed in sport mode provides a thrill while still being safe for kids. Working doors, lights, horn and engine sounds immerse them in imaginative play. The higher price tag provides an RC car that can grow with improving skills for years.

Pros:

• Gorgeous, realistic sports car design
• Premium detailed styling
• Very responsive performance
• Sport mode adds speed for growth

Cons:

• High priced
• May be too fast initially

Most Durable: Prextex Cartoon Racer Police Car

If you’re looking for an RC car that can withstand constant crashes and bumps, the Prextex Cartoon Racer Police Car is a great rugged option. It has a sturdy plastic body that holds up well to drops and wall hits without showing much wear. The wheels are also extremely durable and provide great traction on smooth indoor surfaces. This makes it ideal for beginning drivers who need an extra durable car as their skills develop. It runs up to 5 mph, has easy maneuverability and a 30 foot range. The cute police car design with eyes is very appealing for kids. Just beware the battery life is on the shorter side.

Pros:

• Withstands constant crashes very well
• Rugged, high-traction wheels
• Fun police character design
• Easy for little hands to operate

Cons:

• Battery life is short
• Small 1/24 scale

Best High-Speed: MLTOYS RC Cars Stunt Car

For kids who are ready to graduate to higher speeds, the MLTOYS RC Cars Stunt Car provides an exciting fast option. It can reach up to 12 mph, providing a thrilling ride. An easy trigger throttle gives smooth acceleration control. Bright LED lights make nighttime driving possible. The anti-skid tires grip well on multiple surfaces including asphalt, tile, carpet, and wooden floors. It also has durable bumpers to handle some minor crashes and flipping over. Just be cautious of the higher speed for younger kids.

Pros:

• Reaches exciting top speeds up to 12 mph
• Good speed control with throttle
• LED lights allow indoor and outdoor use
• Quality anti-skid tires

Cons:

• Very fast for under age 7
• Short 5-7 minute run times

Best Off-Road: KidiRace RC Cars for Kids

For adventures beyond smooth surfaces, the KidiRace RC Cars for Kids delivers excellent off-road capabilities. The large treaded tires provide great traction on grass, gravel, dirt and more. A flexible suspension system improves control driving over bumps and dips. The truck has a cool bulky style kids love with chunky tires raised up for ground clearance. An easy-to-use pistol grip controller makes maneuvering very intuitive. Driving time is also longer than typical at 20 minutes per charge. Just beware the top speed is on the faster side for very young kids.

Pros:

• Awesome traction and suspension for off-road
• Rugged bulky truck design
• Easy intuitive pistol grip controller
• 20 minutes of drive time per charge

Cons:

• Top speed may be too fast for under age 6
• Higher price point

Buying Considerations

Skill Level

At age 5, kids are just beginning to develop the fine motor skills and coordination needed to handle an RC car. Look for options labeled for ages 3 and up or 5 and up, which denote a beginner skill level. Key features like simple controls, slower speeds, and flexibility between training and standard modes accommodate their abilities. More advanced RC cars designed for older kids with full functions may still be too much at this stage. Build skills first with an appropriate starter model.

Safety

Even child-friendly RC cars need safe design for young kids. Look for rounded edges vs. sharp corners or protrusions. Larger models are more stable, avoiding easy tipping which is a falling hazard. Examine materials to ensure no potential choking risks from small parts are present. Soft rubber tires provide good traction without marking up floors. Ensure the electrical components, battery, and charger meet recognized safety standards. Check maximum speeds in training modes – 5-7 mph is usually suitable.

Indoor vs. Outdoor

The play environment matters in choosing an RC car. Lower-cost RC cars made for indoor use typically have smooth, hard plastic wheels with less tread. They glide well on smooth floors but lack much traction on grass or uneven ground. Outdoors on pavement they fare better. If planning outdoor use on rougher surfaces, look for wider profile, rubber treaded tires. Also consider the remote control range, which is often less on indoor cars.

Budget

Kid-friendly RC cars are available across a wide range of prices. Simple small plastic models can be very affordable around $20. Larger designs from trusted brands with more features range from $50 to over $100. There are also high-end electronic RC cars from premium manufacturers. Consider how long the car needs to last as skills progress. But at age 5, an entry level budget model provides the most appropriate capabilities.

First RC Car Features

A child’s very first RC car should be tailored to a beginner skill level. Key features that make RC cars manageable and fun for 5 year olds include:

• Simple controls like a basic steering wheel or joystick on the remote. Minimal functions to understand.
• Maximum speeds that don’t initially exceed 5-7 mph, with a training mode that goes even slower.
• Rugged, stable construction that holds up to crashes without easily tipping over.
• At least 10 minutes of battery life but preferably 15-20 minutes between charges. Quick to recharge.
• Responsive steering that is easy to control and maneuvers well indoors.
• Fun colors, lights, sounds that appeal to kids for imaginative play.

Final Tips

To ensure a successful first RC car experience:

• Let the child pick their favorite design, colors and theme to increase engagement.
• Start by practicing driving on flat, wide open surfaces without obstacles to gain confidence.
• Set limits on speed and enforce safe play and sharing rules.
• Adult supervision is essential – do not let a 5 year old play with RC cars unmonitored.
• Consider buying 2 cars if siblings will share, to reduce conflicts.
• Upgrade to higher capability RC cars as skills improve around age 7-8.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is best for a child’s first RC car?

Around 3-5 years old is the ideal window for introducing RC cars. Kids at this age range are developing the dexterity, hand-eye coordination and focus needed to maneuver a remote control vehicle. Models designed for ages 3+ are best for beginners.

Should my 5 year old start with an electric or gas RC car?

Electric RC cars are safer and better suited for young kids. Gas/nitro RC cars are complex, require maintenance, and are too challenging at this age. Stick with an electric battery powered car for starters.

Can a 5 year old handle an advanced RC car with more functions?

Not recommended – wait until at least age 7-8 for advanced models. Beginner RC cars have appropriate speed and simple controls 5 year olds can realistically handle under supervision and learn with. Don’t overwhelm them starting out.

Is there an age kids no longer need supervision with RC cars?

Adult supervision is recommended whenever kids under 10 years old play with RC cars. Young children do not have full spatial awareness and judgement. Continue supervision until maturity and responsible usage is demonstrated.

Should I start my 5 year old with RC cars on asphalt or grass?

Smooth asphalt or concrete surfaces without obstructions are ideal starting places. Indoors, use hard level floors. Grass, dirt and uneven ground require more skill. Work up from flattest surfaces first as coordination develops before tackling more varied terrain.

Conclusion

Remote control cars allow 5 year olds to build fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination through active play. The Kid Trax CAT Bulldozer represents an ideal first RC car with its toddler-friendly design and easy maneuverability. Key buying factors include matching a beginner skill level, prioritizing safety, setting a reasonable budget and planning use indoors or outdoors.

Supervision remains important at this age while developing the focus and dexterity to handle an RC car properly. With an appropriate model, RC cars provide engaging, screen-free fun for 5 year olds while developing new abilities.