You've found two petrol ride ons your child would love. One says 49cc. Another says 110cc or 125cc. Naturally, you'll start wondering: what do those numbers mean, and does bigger automatically mean better?
The short answer is: not necessarily.
CC stands for cubic centimetres and refers to the engine capacity. Generally, a larger engine has the potential to produce more power, but CC alone doesn't tell you how fast a ride on will go, how easy it will be to control or whether it's an appropriate choice for your child.
And that's really what matters. You're not just comparing engine numbers; you're looking for a ride on that delivers plenty of fun while matching your child's experience, physical size and ability to operate it confidently.
At Kids Car Sales, we know those specifications can be confusing, especially if you're buying a petrol ride on for the first time. So, let's make the numbers easier to understand and look at what really matters when comparing petrol ride ons for young riders.
What Does “CC” Mean on a Petrol Kids Ride On?
CC stands for cubic centimetres and is a measurement of engine capacity. Put it simply, it describes the volume available inside the engine for the fuel and air mixture involved in producing power. So, when you see a 49cc, 70cc, 110cc or 125cc petrol ride on, the number is telling you about its engine size.
Generally, greater engine capacity means greater potential to produce power. But that doesn't automatically translate into a specific speed or tell you whether the machine is suitable for a particular rider. Think of CC as one piece of the puzzle. Not the whole picture.
Does a Higher CC Mean a Faster Kids Ride On?
Not necessarily. CC measures engine capacity; it isn't a speed rating. That means you can't simply compare a 49cc and 125cc ride on and determine exactly how fast each will travel from those numbers alone.
Performance can also be affected by factors such as:
- engine design
- gearing or transmission
- vehicle and rider weight
- tyres
- terrain
- overall set up
- speed limiters or parental-control features, where fitted
Even two 49cc ride ons can offer very different riding experiences. A 49cc dirt bike, for example, won't necessarily accelerate, handle or feel the same as a 49cc quad bike or go-kart. They may share the same engine capacity but offer very different riding experiences.
The takeaway? Don't choose a petrol ride on based on cc alone. Look at the complete specifications and consider how the ride on suits your child and where they'll be riding.
What's the Difference Between CC Sizes in Kids Ride Ons?
Petrol kids ride ons are available with a range of engine capacities, including 49cc, 50cc, 60cc, 70cc, 90cc, 110cc, 125cc and beyond. As those numbers increase, engine capacity increases too. What that means in practice depends on the designs, controls and specifications of the individual ride on.
Here's what to keep in mind when comparing some common sizes.
What Are 49cc and 50cc Ride Ons Like?
49cc and 50cc engines are commonly found in more compact petrol ride ons, including dirt bikes, quad bikes and go karts. Because these engines have a lower capacity than many larger petrol options, parents can sometimes assume they're automatically the best choice for beginners.
That's not necessarily the case. A 49cc dirt bike can feel very different to a 49cc quad bike because of differences in balance, handling, throttle response and overall design.
What Changes With 60cc and 70cc Engines?
Moving from around 50cc to 60cc or 70cc means an increase in engine capacity and, generally, performance potential. That doesn't mean you'll see a predictable increase in speed, though. Depending on the model, differences may be more noticeable in areas such as acceleration, responsiveness or performance under load.
This is where comparing individual specifications becomes much more useful than looking at the CC number alone.
What About 90cc, 100cc and 110cc Ride Ons?
At 90cc, 100cc and 110cc, you're looking at considerably greater engine capacity than a typical 49cc or 50cc engine. For parents comparing ride ons in this range, consider your child's riding experience alongside the controls and performance characteristics of the particular model.
Can they confidently operate the throttle, steering and brakes? Does the physical size of the ride on suit them? What does the manufacturer recommend for that model? Remember that the vehicle type still makes a big difference. A 110cc quad bike won't necessarily handle or feel like a dirt bike with a similar engine capacity.
What Should You Know About 125cc Ride Ons?
At 125cc, there's another increase in engine capacity. But the engine isn't necessarily the only thing that changes. Depending on the model, a 125cc ride on may also be physically larger or use different controls, transmission or clutch operation. That's why it's important to consider whether the rider can comfortably and confidently manage the whole machine, rather than focusing on the engine number.
How Many CC Should a Kids Ride On Have?
There's no single CC that's right for every child. Instead of choosing based on age or engine capacity alone, work through four simple questions.
1. What Riding Experience Does Your Child Have?
Is this their first petrol ride on, or do they already have experience operating one? For newer riders, prioritise a model they can comfortably control as they develop confidence with the throttle, brakes, and steering. As your child gains experience, reassess which models are appropriate rather than automatically moving to a larger engine.
2. Does the Ride On Physically Fit?
Children of the same age can differ considerably in height, weight and ability, so age alone isn't enough to determine fit. Check that your child can comfortably reach and operate the controls and maintain the appropriate riding position. Always check the dimensions, maximum load and manufacturer's rider guidance for the particular model you're considering.
3. Where Will They Be Riding?
Think about the environment in which the ride on will be used. Flat, open ground creates a very different riding experience from uneven or off-road terrain. Vehicle type matters too, as dirt bikes, quad bikes and go-karts each have different handling characteristics.
4. What Features Does the Complete Ride On Have?
Once you've narrowed down your choices, compare more than the engine capacity. Look at features such as the transmission, throttle, brakes, tyres, suspension, dimensions, maximum load and speed-control features fitted to the particular model.
And avoid choosing a larger or more powerful machine simply because your child may eventually “grow into it”. The better approach is to choose based on their current size, experience and ability, together with the manufacturer's rider guidance.
Put Safety Before Engine Size
Whatever CC you're considering, safe riding habits matter more than the number on the engine. Children should use appropriate protective equipment, including a properly fitted helmet and any other protective gear recommended for the particular vehicle and riding conditions, in line with the manufacturer’s guidance.
Adult supervision, a suitable riding environment and following the manufacturer's operating and safety instructions are also important. Before use, parents should familiarise themselves with the specific ride on's controls, warnings and operating instructions.
A smaller engine shouldn't automatically be treated as “safe”, just as a larger engine shouldn't automatically be considered unsuitable. Assess the complete ride on and the individual rider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CC is best for kids?
There’s no single CC that’s best for every child. When comparing options, start with your child’s current riding experience and physical fit, then check the manufacturer’s rider guidance for the specific model.
Is 49cc suitable for a beginner?
Engine capacity alone doesn't tell you whether a ride on is suitable for a beginner. Consider the specific model, your child's riding experience and physical fit, how comfortably they can operate the controls, and the manufacturer's rider guidance.
Is 125cc faster than 49cc?
Not necessarily. A 125cc engine has a larger capacity than a 49cc engine, but that doesn't tell you the top speed of either ride on. Engine design, gearing, rider and vehicle weight, terrain and the overall set up can all affect performance.
Are all 49cc kids ride ons the same?
No. Two ride ons can have the same 49cc engine capacity while differing in their design, controls and overall riding experience. That's why it's important to compare the specifications of each model rather than relying on the cc number alone.
Does rider weight affect petrol ride on performance?
Yes. Rider weight adds to the load the engine needs to move, which can affect acceleration and performance. Always check the ride on's maximum load and manufacturer guidance.
Should I choose a petrol ride on based on age or CC?
Neither should be considered on its own. Look at your child's riding experience and physical fit, the ride on's controls and features, and the manufacturer's rider guidance when comparing your options.
Is a Bigger CC Better for Kids?
Not necessarily. A higher CC means greater engine capacity and potential for more power, but bigger doesn’t automatically mean better. The ride on’s design, controls and performance characteristics also need to suit the rider.
Find the Right Petrol Ride On at Kids Car Sales
When it comes to choosing a petrol ride on, CC is a helpful starting point, but it shouldn't decide for you. Consider your child's current experience and physical fit, where they'll be riding and the controls and specifications of each model. That way, you're choosing based on what actually matters rather than simply picking the biggest number.
Kids Car Sales has been helping Australian families discover the fun of kids' ride ons since 2017. Explore our range of petrol dirt bikes, quad bikes and go-karts to compare engine sizes, controls and features. If you're unsure which option to consider, our team can also help you understand the differences between models so you can make a more informed choice.