Electric RC Cars: Versatile and Easy To Use

Remote control car engines are generally classified into two: electric and nitro-powered. Many expert RC owners and hobbyists agree that electric RC cars are the better choice for beginners because they are easier to use and maintain than their nitro-powered counterparts. When selecting an RC hobby car, you need to know what you want to get out of the unit and the kind of performance you are expecting before making your choice. If you are looking for something low-maintenance and quiet, then choose an electric version.

RC cars—even beginner or hobby-grade types—are not cheap. It’s is important that you make an informed decision whenever purchasing a new unit. To find a good retailer from where you can source your RC hobby supplies is crucial if you are serious about owning and maintaining hobby-grade cars. The best online outlets offer quality hobby cars and trucks— including nitro and electric powered ones—that are backed by strong customer support and a manufacturer's warranty, and a wide range on in-stock parts to ensure that you get value for your money, and can keep your vehicle operational.

Why Go Electric?

It’s easy to see why a lot of experts agree that electric RC cars are the best choice for beginners. These units run on rechargeable batteries and an electric motor, which means you can avoid the engine break-in and tuning aspects of nitro-powered cars. Electric RC units are also a lot quieter than gas-powered ones, reverse is standard, and they can be used both indoors and outdoors. If you are not mechanically inclined, electric cars are easier to handle and maintain than nitro cars, especially for beginners, as you avoid the complexities of working with a nitro gas powered motor. Refueling is as easy as popping batteries in and out of the unit.

If you are buying a hobby-grade RC toy for a child, an electric car is a great toy. It runs quietly, so your child can freely play with it without disturbing the peace and quiet in your neighborhood. Electric RC cars are fairly fast too,—with brushless electric cars having speeds that are comparable to nitro cars. If your child is under 12, you may want consider a brushed motor electric car, as brushless electric cars may be too fast for them. For beginners who are yet to develop better handling skills for faster speeds, though, a brushed motor electric RC car is usually fast enough.

Batteries are required to run electric RC cars. These rechargeable batteries are widely available in hobby outlet stores. How long a battery will last will depend on the MAH capacity of the battery and run times can vary from 10 to 60 minutes on a single battery. For brushed motor cars, NIMH batteries are fine, but you may want to consider LIPO batteries for brushless electric vehicles for higher speeds and acceleration. You will typically want to have several batteries to maximize your play time.