Best RC Cars for 12 Year Olds [with ultimate buying guides]

Last Updated on February 9, 2024 by Jaxon Mike

Remote control (RC) cars are a classic, thrilling toy for kids. Their ability to drive at fast speeds and perform cool stunts makes playtime exciting. RC cars are also a great way for kids to learn hand-eye coordination skills and mechanics.

For 12 year olds, finding the right RC car can be tricky. You want a car that’s age appropriate in terms of speed and power, but still fun enough to hold their attention. Safety is also a key factor when choosing an RC car for this age group.

In this article, we’ll cover the key things to look for when buying an RC car for a 12 year old. We’ll also provide five of our top picks for RC cars that are perfect for this age. With the right car, 12 year olds can enjoy hours of RC racing and stunt driving.

Quick comparison table for rc cars 12-year-olds

RC Car Model	Pros	Price	Top Speed	Battery Life	Skill Level
Traxxas Slash	– Durable nylon/aluminum construction -Waterproof – Good parts availability	Check Price	30 mph	10-15 mins	Intermediate
Redcat Racing Volcano EPX Pro	– Budget-friendly price – Long 30 min runtime – All-wheel drive – Oil-filled shocks	Check Price	30 mph	Up to 30 mins	Intermediate
Team Associated Reflex 14B	– Ideal for beginners – Polycarbonate body – Prevents radio interference	Check Price	14 mph	15 mins	Beginner
Arrma Typhon Mega	– Cool race -inspired design – Lightweight for jumping – Foam-filled tires	Check Price	30 mph	10 mins	Intermediate
Losi Mini-T	– Compact size – 15 min runtime – Quality brand	Check Price	15 mph	15 mins	Beginner

What to Consider When Buying an RC Car for a 12 Year Old

When looking for the best RC car for a 12 year old, there are a few important factors to keep in mind:

Safety

Since 12 year olds are still new drivers, you’ll want an RC car with safety features to prevent injuries. Look for rounded edges and corners on the body to avoid scrapes and cuts if the car flips. The remote should have failsafe features so the car stops driving if it goes out of range.

Durability

Kids can be rough on their toys, so find an RC car with a sturdy, flexible body that can handle impacts and tumbles. Models made from durable ABS plastic tend to hold up better to crashes. Metal parts like a steel chassis or oil-filled shocks also improve durability.

Speed and Power

RC cars designed for ages 14 and up may go too fast for beginner 12 year old drivers. Look for a top speed around 15-20 mph to allow for good control. Slower speeds also mean less powerful motors, reducing the risk of accidental high-speed collisions.

Battery Life

Long battery run times allow for extended play before needing a recharge. Look for LiPo batteries that provide 15-30 minutes of drive time per charge. Quick change batteries are also convenient for swapping out when one dies.

Price

RC cars range widely in price from $50 on the low end to $500+ for professional race cars. For a 12 year old’s first car, aim for a price point between $100-$300 to get a feature-rich car that won’t break the bank.

Skill Level

Choose an RC car labeled for beginner or intermediate skills levels. Advanced skill cars may have too much speed and complex controls for a driver who’s just starting out. Beginner cars offer easier handling and slower speeds for learning.

Keeping these factors in mind will help you select an age-appropriate RC car that’s safe, durable, and fun for 12 year olds.

Top Picks for 12 Year Olds

Based on the criteria above, here are our top recommendations for RC cars suitable for 12 year old drivers:

1. Traxxas Slash

With a top speed of 30mph, this short course truck strikes a nice balance of speed and control for intermediate drivers. It’s durably constructed from nylon and aluminum. A waterproof design means it can run through wet conditions.

Pros:

• Top speed of 30mph provides good thrill while still being controllable
• Durable nylon and aluminum construction can handle crashes
• Waterproof so it can run in wet conditions
• Traxxas is a leading RC brand with great parts availability

Cons:

• Higher price tag around $250
• Short 10-15 minute run times per charge

With a top speed of 30mph, this short course truck strikes a nice balance of speed and control for intermediate drivers. It’s durably constructed from nylon and aluminum. A waterproof design means it can run through wet conditions.

2. Redcat Racing Volcano EPX Pro

Priced under $200, this monster truck is packed with features like all-wheel drive, aluminum capped oil filled shocks, and reversible wheel hubs for stunts. A 2600mAh battery provides up to 30 minutes of drive time.

Pros:

• Under $200 price fits most budgets
• Up to 30 minutes run time per charge
• All-wheel drive provides great traction
• Aluminum capped oil filled shocks enhance durability

Cons:

• Lacks waterproofing of pricier models
• Redcat has less brand recognition than Traxxas/Losi

Priced under $200, this monster truck is packed with features like all-wheel drive, aluminum capped oil filled shocks, and reversible wheel hubs for stunts. A 2600mAh battery provides up to 30 minutes of drive time.

3. Team Associated Reflex 14B

Designed for new RC drivers, this buggy has a polycarbonate body and 14mph top speed. Its 2.4GHz radio prevents interference for uninterrupted fun. It runs for 15 minutes per charge.

Pros:

• Great choice for real beginners with 14mph max speed
• 15 minutes of run time per charge
• Polycarbonate body withstands crashes
• Prevents radio interference with 2.4GHz radio

Cons:

• Lower top speed may be limiting for experienced drivers
• Lesser known brand compared to market leaders

Designed for new RC drivers, this buggy has a polycarbonate body and 14mph top speed. Its 2.4GHz radio prevents interference for uninterrupted fun. It runs for 15 minutes per charge.

4. Arrma Typhon Mega

With a lightweight composite race chassis, this 1/8 scale buggy can tackle rough terrain. Foam filled tires provide cushioning from hard impacts. It has a high ground clearance for off-road adventures.

Pros:

• Race-inspired design looks cool
• Lightweight chassis great for jumping ramps
• Foam filled tires provide cushioning for rough terrain
• High ground clearance for off-road adventures

Cons:

• Short 10 minute run times per charge
• High top speed around 30mph may be hard to control

With a lightweight composite race chassis, this 1/8 scale buggy can tackle rough terrain. Foam filled tires provide cushioning from hard impacts. It has a high ground clearance for off-road adventures.

Losi Mini-T

As a mini truck, this RC car is a manageable size for younger hands. But it still offers performance features like a brushed motor, 3-gear transmission, and coil over oil shocks. An included 6-cell battery powers 15 minutes of drive time.

Pros:

• Compact size good for smaller hands
• 15 minutes of play per charge
• Brushed motor provides decent speed
• Reputable brand known for quality

Cons:

• Smaller size limits top speeds
• Limited to on-road driving

As a mini truck, this RC car is a manageable size for younger hands. But it still offers performance features like a brushed motor, 3-gear transmission, and coil over oil shocks. An included 6-cell battery powers 15 minutes of drive time.

Tips for Playing with RC Cars

Once you’ve selected the perfect RC car for your 12 year old, there are some tips to make playtime even more fun and productive:

Set Up an Obstacle Course

Use cardboard boxes, plastic cones, or other objects from around the house to create a customized obstacle course for your RC car. See if they can maneuver their car around tight turns, over ramps, and through tunnels without crashing. Setting up courses helps improve their driving skills.

Organize Races

Race against family members or friends with RC cars of similar speeds. Racing teaches strategic driving as they learn how to pass opponents and zip around the track. You can even establish a points system to keep track of wins.

Take Turns

If siblings or friends want to try out a new RC car, make sure they take turns for fair playtime. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes per kid. Taking turns prevents fights over the remote and teaches sharing.

Follow Safety Rules

Remind kids to abide by basic safety rules. Only drive in safe designated areas away from traffic. Wear shoes while driving and stand clear of moving cars. Don’t try to grab a moving car. Following precautions prevents accidents.

Maintain Your Car

Teach proper RC maintenance like recharging batteries, cleaning the body, inspecting for loose parts, and testing the remote range. Learning basic upkeep fosters responsibility and ensures their car operates optimally.

Following these tips will lead to countless hours of wholesome, engaging RC fun for your 12 year old. With adult supervision and proper use, RC cars provide kids with thrilling entertainment while developing useful skills.

Fun Accessories to Enhance RC Car Play

Beyond the car itself, there are some fun add-on accessories that can open up new possibilities for RC play:

Ramps

Ramps allow RC cars to catch big air. Watching them soar through the sky and then land with a thud is extremely satisfying. There are various plastic and wood ramp sets available for purchase.

Cones

Plastic cones are essential for setting up driving courses. Use them as obstacles to weave through or as markers for designating a start/finish line. Get a pack of multiple colors so it’s easy to layout fun courses.

Tools

Every RC driver needs their own toolbox for making adjustments and repairs. A starter toolkit could include wrenches, hex keys, screwdrivers, an adjustable wrench, and spare hardware. Teach kids proper tool usage for vehicle maintenance.

With the right car and accessories, RC play brings hours of high-speed excitement to kids. From racing friends to performing epic stunts, RC cars deliver big thrills in a small package. Just be sure to teach kids safe operation as their driving skills improve.

FAQs

What age is best for RC cars?

RC cars are suitable for kids ages 8 and up. Look for beginner level cars for younger 8-12 year olds, with intermediate vehicles for more experienced 12-14 year old drivers. Read age recommendations to match a child’s skill level.

Where should kids drive RC cars?

Drive in safe areas away from traffic like empty parking lots, backyards, and parks. Indoors, set up courses in large basements or garages. Avoid driving on public streets or around crowds.

How long do RC car batteries last?

Runtime varies, but most RC packs deliver 15-30 minutes per full charge. Buy multiple backup batteries so one can charge while they play using another. Invest in a quality rapid charger to minimize downtime.

What’s the difference between RC and remote control?

RC stands for radio controlled, meaning they operate by radio signal between the car and handheld remote. All RC vehicles are remote controlled, but the term “remote control” may also refer to non-radio controlled toys like wired vehicles.

How fast can RC cars go?

Speed varies greatly depending on the model, but most beginner/intermediate level cars will top out at 15-30 mph. Advanced race cars may reach over 70 mph. Restrict top speeds for younger new drivers as a safety precaution.

Can RC cars drive on water?

With the right upgrades, some RC cars can tackle water. There are waterproof models, along with sealed differentials, watertight electronics, propellers, and floatation accessories to customize for water operation.

Can you race RC cars?

Yes, organized RC racing is a popular hobby. Local hobby shops and radio control clubs often hold official races across various RC vehicle types. Races may follow set courses or off-road terrain with obstacles.

Do RC cars require maintenance?

Yes, properly maintain your RC car for best performance. Clean the body, recharge batteries fully, inspect for loose/broken parts, test the radio range, lubricate moving parts, replace worn components, and check tire tread.

What skills do RC cars teach?

RC play develops fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem solving, mechanics, focus, patience, taking turns, following safety rules, and sportsmanship. Kids also gain confidence mastering driving skills.

Conclusion

RC cars provide endless fun and learning opportunities for 12 year olds. With an ideal car suited to their skill level and safety needs, they’ll enjoy racing, performing stunts, and sharpening their driving abilities.

The Traxxas Slash, Redcat Volcano EPX Pro, Team Associated Reflex 14B, Arrma Typhon Mega, and Losi Mini-T represent top picks for beginner to intermediate 12 year old drivers. Models with sufficient speed, durability, battery life, and novice-friendly handling help ensure an exciting RC experience.

To get the most out of RC playtime, set up obstacle courses, organize races, take turns fairly, follow safety precautions, and teach kids how to maintain their car. Ramps, cones, and tools also make great accessories for unlocking new stunts and customizing the driving experience.

With responsible use and adult supervision, RC cars provide endless wholesome entertainment while developing hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills in 12 year olds. The thrill of driving a responsive, high-speed vehicle makes kids feel like a racecar driver or stunt master. That excitement inspires an active interest in mechanics and vehicle operation as they fine-tune their RC skills.

So if you’re looking for the perfect gift that guarantees big fun for your 12 year old, RC cars are it! With a cool car of their own, their imagination and playtime enjoy endless possibilities. Just be prepared to join in on the RC adventures as they challenge you to races, dare new stunts, and customize driving courses. RC play delivers an experience that’s thrilling, educational, and family-friendly.