Do you remember Big Wheels? Just about everybody had one and it was a pedal powered introduction to independence. My Big Wheel probably saw more miles than my 1st actual car. I remember the feeling of being able to ride around on my own or, often with a pack of friends each with their own Big Wheels.

That was then and this is now.

Power Wheels Dune Racer Basics

These days, Power Wheels offers a real solution for kids who want to explore with its line of battery-powered buggies. I really wish that they had something like this when I was a kid–I can just imagine all the pictures I would’ve had in my neighborhood or at the park.

In bright green, with black accents and a high level of ground clearance, this vehicle looks every bit the part of a dune buggy. The bright green paint scheme is tastefully accented with black stickers running the length of the fenders. Chrome touches on the safety bars and bumper had to the rugged effect and feel of this super capable buggy.

With large knobby tires, plus a unique system called Monster Drive Traction System, this Dune Racer is ready for action and can traverse some pretty rugged terrain. Sidewalks, mud or whenever your child throws at this buggy are no problem–you can even drive this vehicle out into the woods for some adventures and exploration. The design of the rugged, plastic wheels and tires allow this slick vehicle to climb easily or maneuver over obstacles.

You do have to use a bit of common sense however, as this vehicle is not intended to pull large items or to be run over jumps. The vehicle is intended to withstand normal usage, but abuse will certainly void the manufacturer’s warranty.

This Dune Racer is your child’s 1st introduction to 4 wheeled independence with a rugged chassis designed to provide maximum fun.

Power Wheels Dune Racer Details

There are hours of fun to be had with this vehicle, but let’s talk a little bit about what it offers aside from lots of fun:
a 12 V battery that can be recharged with the supplied charger
Monster Drive Traction System
a rugged chassis to absorb boats and screams
nickel plated safety bars to keep your little adventurer safe
intended for ages 3 and up although smaller children may find it difficult to reach the gas pedal (the chassis itself supports 130 pounds maximum)

The Power Wheels Dune Racer is capable of two forward speeds and one reverse speed–it goes 2.5 mph in its 1st gear and up to 5 mph in its top gear. In addition, your child can drive it in reverse up to 2.5 mph.

There’s plenty of attention to detail with this vehicle, apart from the bright green paint and black accent’s. If your child wants to go a long way, or just wants to bring snacks, is a small trunk that suitable to store a favorite toy, water bottle and/or a snack.

Many parents like to use either a baby monitor or a cell phone to keep tabs on where their child is with this vehicle–the trunk is a perfect place to keep these devices high and dry and out of harms way.

In the interest of safety, surfaces are smoothly contoured on the interior to prevent injuries should your child bounce around while piloting the vehicle. There is also an emergency brake is applied automatically once your child lets off the gas.

Assembly of this Dune Racer takes around an hour and a half provided that you follow the instructions to the letter. It’s a good idea to plug the battery in as soon as you receive the package and begin assembly since it can take around 18 hours to get a full charge. There is an optional fast charger that you might be interested in having–this allows the battery to charge significantly faster so there’s less wait time in between uses of the vehicle.

Power Wheels Dune Racer: Here’s What’s Included

The Dune Racer itself
12 volt battery with charger
toolkit for assembly
warranty (6 months for the battery in one year for the buggy itself

There are a couple of ways to get one of these, it basically all boils down to online and off-line.

If you decide to buy in the store, you do get to see the vehicle in person before purchase. There are downsides as well, such as the item not being available in the store or being out of stock.

Conversely, buying online has the advantage not only of matching sale prices but also complementary shipping provided you the right vendor. The reason for a lower price and the other advantages of purchasing online, is that there’s simply less overhead within online than with the traditional brick-and-mortar store.