Why Is My Power Wheels Slow on Grass?
A Power Wheels is slow on grass because of rolling resistance, plastic tires and a weak or aging battery. 12V models struggle in tall grass. Causes and fixes.
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A Power Wheels is slow on grass mainly because grass adds rolling resistance and standard plastic tires slip, so the motor draws more current and moves the vehicle less. A 12V model on thick or wet grass often runs well below its rated 5 mph, and a battery that's 2-4 years old makes it worse. Run time on grass can drop roughly 20-30% versus pavement (an estimate).
Causes, in order of likelihood
- Tires: hard plastic tires spin on grass.
- Voltage: 12V struggles in tall or wet grass; 24V handles it better.
- Battery age: a weak battery drops voltage under load.
- Weight: a rider near the weight limit slows the vehicle most on grass.
- Grass height and moisture: cut the grass and wait until it's dry.
Fixes
1. Fully charge the battery before each session. 2. Fit aftermarket rubber tires or traction strips. 3. Cut the grass to a short length. 4. Replace the battery if it's more than a couple of years old. 5. If the yard is mostly grass, step up to 24V with rubber or EVA tires.
Quick Comparison
FirstRideOn 36V 2-Seater UTV (14-inch EVA tires)
FirstRideOn
Grass, dirt and gravel, per its listing
- Voltage
- 36V
- Seats
- 2
- Ages
- 6–12 years
- Price
- $470
Aftermarket Rubber Tire Kit
Various
Fixing slipping on an existing vehicle
- Voltage
- N/A
- Seats
- N/A
- Ages
- Fits popular 12V/24V models, verify fit
- Price
- $30–$60
| Product | Best For | Specs | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
FirstRideOn 36V 2-Seater UTV (14-inch EVA tires) FirstRideOn | Grass, dirt and gravel, per its listing | 36V · 2 seats Ages 6–12 years | $470 | 4.4 |
Aftermarket Rubber Tire Kit Various | Fixing slipping on an existing vehicle | N/A · N/A seats Ages Fits popular 12V/24V models, verify fit | $30–$60 | 4.3 |
Prices are approximate and subject to change. Always verify current pricing before purchasing.
Our Picks — In Detail
FirstRideOn 36V 2-Seater UTV (14-inch EVA tires)
FirstRideOn
36VSeats
2Ages
6–12 yearsPrice
$470
Listed: 36V 9Ah battery, dual 200W motors, 14-inch EVA tires, 5-8 mph, 40-60 minutes per charge. Price seen Oct 27, 2026: $469.99.
Pros
- Large EVA tires
- Strong motors for grass
Cons
- Ages 6+ and no remote
Aftermarket Rubber Tire Kit
Various
N/ASeats
N/AAges
Fits popular 12V/24V models, verify fitPrice
$30–$60
Improves grass grip on a vehicle you already own.
Pros
- Cheaper than a new vehicle
Cons
- Fit varies by model
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.