Power Wheels Wild Thing Review: The Spinning Ride-On
A detailed look at the Power Wheels Wild Thing — the spinning, 360-degree ATV-style ride-on that's unlike anything else in the Power Wheels lineup.
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power wheels wild thing review verdict: Power Wheels Wild Thing 12V (Orange). It leads this guide as pavement drifting, ages 6+ with a 4.3/5 rating. The full comparison and the tradeoffs are below.
The Power Wheels Wild Thing is the only vehicle in the Power Wheels lineup that spins. Not "handles well" or "turns sharply" — actually performs full 360-degree controlled rotations via independent wheel motors. It was designed to let kids do controlled slides, drifts, and spins on flat paved surfaces.
This is either exactly what you're looking for or completely not.
What It Actually Does
The Wild Thing uses two independent rear motors. When you apply equal throttle, it goes forward. When you apply differential throttle — one motor more than the other — it rotates. Kids quickly learn to spin in place, do controlled slides, and drift around turns. The driving experience is fundamentally different from any other ride-on.
Where It Works
The Wild Thing is designed for smooth, flat pavement. A driveway, a basketball court, a smooth parking lot. It does not do grass. The independent motor design relies on traction control that only works on smooth surfaces — put it in grass and you get frustrated wheel spin.
Age Range: Read This Carefully
The Wild Thing is rated for ages 6 and up. The spinning and drifting capability requires more motor control than standard ride-ons and the vehicle can get going fast enough that falls are a real possibility. This is not a vehicle for a 3-year-old who's just learning to drive. It's for kids who've already mastered standard ride-ons and want something more dynamic.
The Honest Limitation
It's pavement-only. If you don't have a good flat paved surface at home, reconsider. A parking lot works great; a suburban front yard does not.
Quick Comparison
Power Wheels Wild Thing 12V (Orange)
Power Wheels
Pavement drifting, ages 6+
- Voltage
- 12V
- Seats
- 1
- Ages
- 6–10 years
- Price
- $180–$250
Razor Crazy Cart Shift
Razor
Older kids who want more speed and drift
- Voltage
- 24V
- Seats
- 1
- Ages
- 8–12 years
- Price
- $250–$350
| Product | Best For | Specs | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Power Wheels Wild Thing 12V (Orange) Power Wheels | Pavement drifting, ages 6+ | 12V · 1 seat Ages 6–10 years | $180–$250 | 4.3 |
Razor Crazy Cart Shift Razor | Older kids who want more speed and drift | 24V · 1 seat Ages 8–12 years | $250–$350 | 4.4 |
Prices are approximate and subject to change. Always verify current pricing before purchasing.
Our Picks — In Detail
Power Wheels Wild Thing 12V (Orange)
Power Wheels
12VSeats
1Ages
6–10 yearsPrice
$180–$250
The standard Wild Thing. Independent rear motors for 360-degree spins and controlled drifts. Rated for ages 6+. Works on smooth pavement only. Comes in orange; older versions came in blue. A completely unique driving experience in the Power Wheels lineup.
Pros
- Truly unique spinning/drifting capability
- Higher speed ceiling than standard ride-ons
- Outstanding for pavement use
- Kids who get this never want to give it up
Cons
- Pavement only — does not work in grass
- Age 6+ minimum (not for young kids)
- Discontinued/hard to find new; often secondhand market
Razor Crazy Cart Shift
Razor
24VSeats
1Ages
8–12 yearsPrice
$250–$350
If your kid has outgrown the Wild Thing's speed ceiling or is in the 8+ range, the Razor Crazy Cart Shift does the same drift/spin concept with more power. 24V, higher top speed, and a more intense drift experience.
Pros
- More powerful than Wild Thing
- Age-appropriate for 8–12
- Intense drift experience
Cons
- More expensive
- Requires more space to operate safely
What to Look For
Voltage (6V / 12V / 24V)
Higher voltage means more power, higher top speed, and better terrain handling. Choose based on your child's age, size, and where they'll ride. 12V is the most popular choice for ages 3–7.
Number of Seats
Single-seat models work for one child; two-seat designs are great for siblings or friends. Two-seaters often put more strain on the motor, so look for adequate power.
Terrain
Most 12V ride-ons handle flat grass and hard surfaces. If you have hills, rough grass, or gravel, look for 24V models with high-traction tires.
Safety Features
Look for seat belts, parental lockout switches, low/high speed settings, and parental remote controls — especially for younger or first-time riders.
Battery & Charging
Check battery life (usually 1–2 hours for 12V) and charge time (8–18 hours). Some premium models offer faster charging or higher-capacity batteries.