Battery-operated riding toys offer kids a taste of age-appropriate freedom and tons of fun. Now that we’re on the cusp of gift-giving season and you’ve got that shiny new ride-on toy wrapped and ready for Christmas morning, it’s time to think about the power that makes it go.
DYK? The global battery-powered ride-on toys market was valued at $2.82 billion in 2023 and is projected to nearly double by 2031.
Sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries are a trusted power source that ensures your child’s favorite ride-on toy stays safe, charged and ready for action.
In this post, we’ll dive into why SLA batteries are the ideal choice for powering your child’s new favorite toy, covering their durability, safety features and cost-effectiveness.
What Are SLA Batteries?
SLA batteries are rechargeable batteries used in various applications — from emergency backup systems to mobility scooters. To understand what they are and how they work, let’s break down what it means to be a sealed lead-acid battery.
Sealed (S). A conventional or flooded lead-acid (FLA) battery — the kind you’re likely to find under the hood of your car — is made up of lead plates submerged in a sulphuric acid and water mixture called electrolyte. FLAs are not sealed and require refilling or topping off periodically. They also produce off-gassing. Because SLAs are sealed, they recombine gases internally and do not require venting. Most SLAs come in smaller cases, making them perfect for a variety of indoor applications.
Lead-Acid. Lead-acid refers to the inside of the battery — lead plates and an electrolyte solution that combine to produce a high energy output. The components inside SLAs and FLAs are the same (lead and electrolyte), but in FLAs, the electrolyte is liquid. SLAs use an immobilized electrolyte absorbed in fiberglass or in the form of a gel. Because of this, they are maintenance-free and can be mounted in any direction.
Types of SLA Batteries
For the most part, your holiday ride-on toys will require either general-purpose or deep-cycle SLA batteries.
DYK? SLA is a broad category that indicates the sealed nature and immobilized electrolytes within the battery. Common SLA types include absorbed glass mat (AGM) and gel batteries.
- General purpose SLAs. These have thinner lead plates. They are lighter and designed for applications where the battery is not frequently discharged to a low level. They’re good for toys that don’t require heavy power loads but still need reliable performance.
- Deep cycle SLAs. With thicker lead plates inside, deep-cycle batteries are built to pack plenty of power and handle repeated deep discharges. They’re great for larger ride-on vehicles or motorized scooters.
Why an SLA is the Best Battery for Ride-On Toys
SLA batteries offer a good combination of reliability and performance — a must for kids’ toys that need steady power to keep up with rough and active play. Here are some of the advantages that make SLAs the best batteries for toys:
- Safety. SLAs are sealed, meaning there is no risk of acid leaks and minimal off-gassing.
- Affordability. Newer technologies, like lithium, have a higher upfront cost.
- Reliability. SLAs provide consistent power, ensuring toys work without interruptions.
- Durability. SLAs are built tough to withstand vibrations, jostling and kids being kids.
- Availability. SLA batteries for ride-on toys are widely available and easy to replace.
- Easy to use. They’re lightweight and simple to recharge and replace.
- Longevity. Most ride-on toy SLAs have a lifespan of about two to three years when properly cared for.
SLA vs. Lithium-Ion. While Lithium-ion batteries include safety features like battery management systems, they can pose a higher fire risk. SLAs are considered safer due to their sealed design and low fire risk.
5 Top Christmas Toys Powered by SLA Batteries
1. Hyper Rock Roller MX4 UTV, $399.99
- Two 12v SLA batteries required
2. Thunder UTV Ride-on, $399.99
-
One 24v SLA battery required
3. Freddo Toys 24V UTV 2-Seater, $999.99
- One 24v SLA battery required
4. Peg Perego Polaris Outlaw, $289.99
- One 12v SLA battery required
5. Bumper Buddy Ride On Electric Bumper Car, $179.99
- One 12v SLA battery required
Caring for Your SLA Battery
SLA batteries are maintenance-free, but that doesn’t mean plug and forget. To get the most life out of your battery, practice proper battery care, including storage and charging.
- Storage. When not in use, store your battery out of the ride-on town in a cool, dry place.
- Charging. Always use the charger and cable recommended for your battery type to avoid over or under-charging. Charge the battery fully after each use. If the battery will be sitting idle for several months, connect it to a trickle charger to maintain the right level of charge.
- Cleaning.
When to Replace Your SLA Battery
SLA batteries have a lifespan of about two to three years when cared for properly. Here are four signs it's time to replace your SLA ride-on battery.
- If the vehicle runs out of charge faster than usual, even after it is fully charged.
- The battery takes longer to fully charge or won’t fully charge.
- You spot cracks, bulges or leaks in the battery casing. WARNING: Do not use visibly damaged batteries. Recycle and replace right away.
- If the vehicle slows or stops during runtime, even if you’ve just recharged.
Enjoy a Fully Charged Holiday Season with Continental Batteries
SLA batteries are the perfect fit to keep your kids’ favorite toys running from Christmas morning and beyond. When it’s time to replace your ride-on toy battery or shop for a backup power source, visit one of our retail locations or find us online at GoCBS.com.
