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How to Use Larger Batteries in a Power Wheels

Power Wheels riding toys are designed to provide many hours of play for your child. One common complaint is the length of time kids actually get to ride before the battery runs down. It also takes a while to recharge these batteries. One solution is to place a larger battery with the same voltage. This will increase the amount of time between recharges. However, there is a limit to this technique because of the additional weight of the battery. As the weight increases, the load on the motor increases, which will slow the motor down.

Things You'll Need

6-volt battery
Large alligator clips
Red electrical wire
Black electrical wire
Wire cutters
Wire strippers
Electrical tape

Instructions

- 1
  Locate and remove the existing battery by pulling the battery wiring connector off. The battery is usually located in front or rear compartment of the Power Wheels vehicle, depending on what type of vehicle it is. Some of the motorcycle style vehicles have the battery mounted under the seat. Set the battery aside. Measure the size of the battery compartment and also write down the battery ampere-hour rating of the existing battery. The new battery used must have a higher ampere-hour rating than the existing battery, but with the same voltage. This battery must also fit in the existing battery compartment and be the sealed lead acid type.
- 2
  Cut the existing connector off the wiring harness on the Power Wheels vehicle. Strip 1/2-inch of insulation off the positive and negative wires that were connected to the wiring harness. If the wires are long enough to reach the battery terminals, connect one alligator clip to each of the two wires.
- 3
  Connect the positive alligator clip to the positive terminal of the battery and connect the negative alligator clip to the negative terminal of the battery. If the wires are not long enough, use the additional red and black wire to make the existing two wires longer so they will reach the battery terminals. Usually, a 2-foot wire addition will provide the additional length needed. Wrap any wire splices with electrical tape.

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