Ask almost any parent about a kids' electric car and chances are they'll call it a "Power Wheels" — even if it's made by a completely different company. How did one brand name come to mean an entire category of toys? It's a great example of a genericized trademark, the same thing that happened to Kleenex, Jacuzzi and Band-Aid.
The origin of "Power Wheels"
Power Wheels launched decades ago as a line of battery-powered ride-on cars for children and quickly became the best-known name on the market. It was so dominant that parents and kids started using "Power Wheels" as shorthand for any battery-powered ride-on — regardless of who actually made it. The name stuck, and today it's used the way we say "google it" for searching the web.
What people really mean today
When someone says they want a "Power Wheels" for their child, they almost always mean a modern electric ride-on car — licensed designs, realistic features and the safety extras today's parents expect. The category has come a long way: brushless motors, parental remote controls, leather seats, LED lights and Bluetooth are now common.
What to look for in a modern ride-on car
- The right voltage for the age: 6V for toddlers, 12V for preschoolers, 24V and up for older kids. See 12V vs 24V and 6V vs 12V.
- Parental remote control: let an adult steer and stop the car while a child learns.
- Quality tires: EVA or rubber for grip and a smooth ride — more in our wheel types guide.
- Safety features: seat belts, adjustable speeds and an emergency stop.
Looking for a "Power Wheels"? Here's what to buy instead
To be clear: Freddo Toys does not sell the Power Wheels® brand — that's a trademark of its owner, and we're not affiliated with it. But if you're searching for that kind of battery-powered ride-on, you're in the right place. Our officially licensed Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini, Range Rover, GMC, Corvette and off-road Can-Am ride-ons are the modern equivalent kids love.
Where to buy a kids' electric ride-on in Canada
Buy direct from Freddo Toys for Canadian pricing, free shipping across Canada and local pickup in Ontario (Etobicoke), Quebec (Montreal) and British Columbia (Delta) — backed by parts and support from a team that's been in the ride-on business since 2006.
Beyond the brand name
So while "Power Wheels" earned its place in everyday language, the smart move is to compare features rather than chase a name. A well-built ride-on from any trusted brand will give your child years of fun. Our complete buying guide covers everything to look for.
Ready to find the real thing? Explore all ride-on cars for kids with free shipping across Canada.