Peg Perego 6V Mini Racer Ride On Car
This single seater red mini racer is aimed at the younger end of the age range, essentially suiting a child from 2 years upwards. It comes with an adjustable seat to accomodate growth in those early years. Reportedly for use up to around a four year old, but with a maximum reported carrying weight of just 15kg (33lb or 2st5lbs), we think a typical three year old would be the ideal age to get the most out of this toy and a four year old may be more suited to a larger car, jeep or quad.
That said we do believe this is a marvellous toy for the correct age and size child, this little ‘racer’ will ensure your young one enjoys hours of fun at a safe speed.
Designed and manufactured by Italian giant Peg Perego and available under the Mamas & Papas brand in the UK, the mini racer is compliant with the European Safety Standards for toys, with the “US Consumer Toy Safety Specification” and is approved by the Italian Toy Safety Institute.
The mini racer comes in fire red with bright colourful racing decals. There is an alternative little girls model in pink for a princess, but this runs at a few pounds more for no real benefit other than than it looks more like a girls model than what is really just a unisex toy.
The steering wheel has two big red drive buttons, one to each side for forwards and backwards control. Below those, are two big bright orange buttons with built in LED’s. These buttons can be pushed individually to produce eight tunes, but if pushed together produce three car sounds, engine roar, horn and brakes.
As a safety feature, the car has an automatic stopping system. When the two drive buttons on the steering wheel are released, the car comes to an automatic stop.
To ensure a reasonable lifespan for the car, which you would want with a car designed for a fast growing two year old, the little red racer has a comfy seat which can be adjusted into three positions to accomodate different heights and growing bones.
The tyres are Peg Perego’s ‘eva’ tyres which ensure a much quieter use domestically and increases the durability of the wheels.
The single forward gear is enough for very young ones to get used to, consequently the car really only reaches a slow walking speed (4kmph or 2.5mph) so mum or dad can always be close at hand.
Just like all of the other Peg Perego models this racer has a downloadable user manual which has all of the part numbers clearly identified. If, on the off chance, your little one bashes something in, which they can do playing boisterously on an electric ride on car, then spare parts are available. Complete assembly instructions are given in the manual, so parts can easily be replaced.
The mini racer is ideal for use on smooth surfaces: asphalt, cement, tiles and slopes up to 5%. The 6v battery will run for around 60 minutes without a recharge, but with a second battery pack charging up, your little one can have literally endless fun. Comes with a single 6v battery and charger.
This mini racer is small compared to most of the other toys we have reviewed, but bearing in mind that this is aimed at the 2+ years market that is not surprising. The car measures just 91cm (36ins) in length, by 49cm (19ins) wide, so it has a fairly small footprint for storage, and just 52cm (20.5ins) in height.
–
Verdict
If you want to give your little one an early start helping to develop their hand eye coordination skills, motor skills and balance that comes from learning basic driving skills such as steering and manoeuvering capabilities in a competetively priced package that will allow them to learn in a fun and unassuming way then this little racer is ideal.
Can be found online for around £130. A very affordable model for a young child. There is a pink version aimed at young girls which can be found at about £160.
Visit Halfords for both racers at the time of writing.
