How to Lift a Power Wheels

There are several reasons to give your kid’s Power Wheels a lift.  Some parents might get a kick out of such a fun and informative project.  In other cases, lifting a Power Wheels is the only way to give it enough ground clearance in bumpy areas.

How do you get started?  Lifting a power wheels car takes only a few inexpensive parts and a bit of handiwork.  Let’s get to the method for this power wheels upgrade!

Steps to Lift a Power Wheels Kids Ride Car

As you do this, note that you’ll be changing how the vehicle operates.  You and your kid should be aware of how modifying it makes it drive differently.

I also advise re-reading this list if at any point you’re confused.  I don’t need to tell you that a mistake is a safety concern.

Now that’s out of the way, here comes the fun part.

Tools Needed to Lift Power Wheels

You’ll need a few important tools to lift Power Wheels. But, except for old Power Wheels, you probably have all the tools you need for the lift in a tool kit.  Some basic tools include a hand saw, drill and wrench.

• Drill 
• Screwdriver
• Wrench
• Hand saw
• Bolts and screws
• An old Power Wheels of the same model

Fortunately, it’s not hard to find old Power Wheels.  Many parents give them away in yard sales or for around $10 dollars.

Remove Parts from the Old Power Wheels

You’ll need to take off the front and back of the old Power Wheels body.

• To begin, cut the section beneath the seat fully with the saw.  You’ll want to remove the section around the wheels so that you’ll have plenty of material for raising the car.
• Secondly, remove the front section of the Power Wheels above the front wheels.  You’ll also need to take a chunk of the steering wheel shaft.

You’ll know you’ve done it right if all that remains is the plastic around the seat.

Take Tires Off

To remove tires from Power Wheels, you’ll need to carefully pry them off.  Depending on the condition, you can use them on the newer model or discard them.  Take note of the process for when you reattach them.

• Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry the retainer cap from the hubcap.  
• Cautiously repeat the process with the remaining four tires. 
• Make sure that the wheels are secure.
• Discard or recycle leftover parts from the donor Power Wheels

Now it’s time to move on to the Power Wheels getting the lift!

Remove Battery from new Power Wheels

Power Wheels have lead-acid batteries, which are hazardous to touch.  To minimize the risk of accidental contact and avoid electric shock, it’s best to set it aside and plug it back in when you’re done.

• Find the battery.  It is under the hood in most Power Wheels vehicles.

• Once you’ve located the battery, unplug the cable.
• Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the cover.  Lift and thread the cable out of the hole.
• Carefully remove the battery from the enclosure and set it aside.  You’ll need it later.

With this out of the way, you can safely get to attaching your homemade lift kit.

Lift the Power Wheels

To begin lifting Power Wheels, you’ll use the chunks of plastic you removed from the donor vehicle.  Bolting the old parts to the bottom of the vehicle provide extra height.  You’ll want to add no more than 5 inches so the ride doesn’t tip.

This will take a few steps.

• Remove the tires from the Power Wheels you’re modifying.  Follow the same procedure you did with the old wheels.
  • This step wouldn't be necessary if you kept the old tires
• Align the parts with the same ones on the new Power Wheels.
• Use a drill to create several holes through both the old and new sections.  More holes mean greater stability.
• With screws, the same size as the holes, attach a bolt on the opposite side of each screw and tighten with a wrench.  The parts should be held snugly together.
• Add the old shaft to the front axle and attach it to the now-raised steering wheel.
• Reinstall the wheels.
• Put the battery back in the vehicle, secure the cover, and plug it in.

Congratulations!  Now the only step left is to test the vehicle.  Make sure it runs smoothly, is secure, and isn’t prone to tipping.  Once you’ve made sure it’s safe, tell your kid what you’ve done and how the car will ride differently.

Optional: How to Paint Power Wheels

Once your Power Wheels have been lifted, use spray paint to apply a consistent color.  Apply thin coats and add layers if needed.  Wait for the paint to dry before adding additional costs.

You have two options.

Option one is to purchase spray paint of the same color. Then, after removing the tires or covering them with plastic, paint the lift kit so it matches the rest of the car.  Let it dry for several hours first.

Option two is to get creative.  Using a color of your choice, paint the old and new parts with a layer so they match.  Once dry, you can add images, text, or anything else you and your child desires.

Can I Hire Someone to Lift My Power Wheels Car?

You don’t need to lift Power Wheels yourself.  Hiring a professional will get you better, more long-lasting results.  They'll be able to weld parts, add suspension, and create a safer ride for your kid.

This option will cost more, and you won’t get the same pride as doing it yourself.  However, there are advantages to hiring a professional.

• You’ll save time.
• The final result is stronger and safer.
• The vehicle will last longer.
• You won’t need to find an old Power Wheels of the same model.

If you aren’t confident that you can lift your kid’s Power Wheels safely, hiring a professional is the best option.

Conclusion

With some basic tools, lifting a power wheels vehicle is affordable and fun.  Your kids will enjoy a smoother ride while you get to feel pride in your new and improved mechanic skills.  You can even get creative, letting your kid make design decisions as you spray paint the modified car.  Just follow the procedure carefully or take the Power Wheels to a professional, so the ride is safe and sound.