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Parents often inquire about 24V ride-on toys by asking how long their battery will last.
Though this question seems straightforward, its answer can depend on various factors.
How long a toy's battery will last depends on its type, how it is being used and its condition.
Understanding what factors contribute to battery degradation will allow you to ensure your kid's ride-on toy keeps running for as long as possible.
The Type of Battery Matters
Your toy's battery type can play an essential part in its lifespan. Most 24-volt ride-on toys use either lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries - each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Lead-acid batteries are more common due to being cheaper, so you may come across them more frequently in toys. Unfortunately, however, they don't store as much power and thus won't last as long between charges.
These batteries usually last between 300 to 500 charges, or 1.5 to 3 years, depending on usage and care taken when maintaining them.
Lithium-ion batteries cost more upfront but last much longer than their counterparts. With up to 1,000 charges before starting to lose their capacity for power storage, lithium-ion batteries have an extended lifecycle that may stretch beyond 3-5 years with proper care.
Lithium-ion batteries are also lighter and more energy-efficient, meaning your child's toy will run for longer without needing frequent replacement. This makes lithium-ion an intelligent choice for parents looking to avoid frequently switching batteries out.
Capacity and Runtime
One key consideration is battery capacity--how much energy the battery can hold before running out. This directly impacts how long a toy will work before its batteries drain entirely.
Most 24-volt ride-on toys contain batteries with 10Ah to 15Ah of energy storage capacity, giving you up to two hours of playback before needing charging again.
Conversely, toys with 15Ah batteries should last 2 to 3 hours before needing charging again. As its number increases, so will its duration of playback per charge.
However, it's important to keep in mind that how long a toy lasts also depends on other factors, including terrain and weight of its carrying capacity.
Read more: Charging Times for 6V, 12V, and 24V Ride-On Toys
Terrain and Weight Influence Runtime
Where your child uses their toy can have an immense effect on how long its battery will last.
Pavement or concrete surfaces, in particular, can help prolong battery life since moving toys don't have to work as hard on such surfaces.
But when your child drives the toy over rough or uneven terrain such as grass or gravel, its battery can deplete much faster. Riding over these challenging surfaces may drain it 30-40% faster than on a smooth surface.
Another factor to take into account when purchasing toys is how much weight the toy is carrying. If its capacity exceeds that of its design, its motor has to work harder, draining its battery faster.
Many ride-on toys feature a weight limit that should not be exceeded, as doing so may accelerate battery wear and tear and shorten its overall lifespan.
More Specific Data on Lifespan
How long a 24-volt battery will last will depend heavily on how you use and care for it.
Lead-acid batteries typically last two to three years when used regularly; however, their lifespan can decrease to between one and 1.5 years if overworked or neglected.
These batteries typically offer 300 to 500 charges before beginning to lose power storage capabilities.
Lithium-ion batteries tend to last much longer. With proper care and usage, they could survive up to 1,000 charges - lasting from 3 to 5 years on average and, in some cases, 7!
Lithium-ion batteries offer parents an ideal long-term solution without needing to be changed out frequently.
Cost Considerations
When replacing your battery, be sure to consider both its cost and potential savings.
Lead-acid batteries tend to be cheaper upfront, typically costing between $30 and $70, depending on brand and size.
However, their quicker wear means you may need to purchase new ones more frequently, adding up over time.
Lithium-ion batteries tend to cost more than their counterparts - typically somewhere between $100 and $200.
Given their longer lifespans, you will only need to replace them sometimes and can actually save money over time.
Battery Maintenance
To get the best performance out of your battery, it is vital to take proper care in its care and maintenance.
Lead-acid batteries require additional care. It would help if you charged them after every use to avoid completely draining them out.
Too long of leaving an empty lead-acid battery uncharged may result in its inability to hold its charge over time, ultimately rendering it incapable of holding any charge whatsoever.
Lithium-ion batteries may be easier to maintain, but you still must take great care in taking care of them.
Remember to charge the battery between 20% and 80% to extend its lifespan and avoid running down to zero too quickly.
At least every now and again, it is wise to inspect the condition of the battery, clean its connectors, and store it in a cool, dry location when not being used.
Maintenance will help both types of batteries last as long as possible.
Know When It Is Time To Replace the Battery
No matter how well you take care of maintaining your battery, eventually, there will be a time when it must be changed out.
Signs that your 24-volt battery may be nearing its end include significantly shorter runtime, an uncharacteristically slow toy moving around or charging times that extend past what would normally be expected.
Lead-acid batteries typically become obsolete after two to three years of use, while lithium-ion batteries may last three to five years, depending on how well you maintain them.
When replacing a battery, make sure it matches up exactly with its counterpart in terms of type and size to ensure optimal functionality of your toy.
Conclusion
Overall, the lifespan of a 24-volt ride-on battery depends upon its type, how the toy is utilized, and your level of care for the battery.
By choosing the appropriate battery and considering factors like terrain and weight when selecting one for your ride-on toy, as well as following some simple care guidelines, you can prolong its lifespan while giving your child years of enjoyment from their ride-on toy.
No matter which battery option you select - lead-acid or lithium ion - proper care of it will ensure you get the most from it and keep your toy running smoothly for years.
FAQs
How long does a 24-volt ride-on battery last?
A 24-volt battery lasts 1 to 3 hours on a single charge, depending on terrain and battery capacity.
What is the lifespan of a 24-volt ride-on battery?
Lead-acid batteries last 1.5 to 3 years, while lithium-ion batteries can last 3 to 5 years.
How can I extend my ride-on battery’s life?
Charge the battery after each use, avoid full discharges, and store it in a cool, dry place.
