I'm an electrical and mechanical engineer who got tired of the lead acid in my daughter's Power Wheels Jeep crapping out after 30 minutes. So, I swapped it out for a few Milwaukee M18 Red Lithium batteries and a PWM DC speed controller.

I documented the build, have a look and let me know what you think!

Cheers!

 

Others weren't as fortunate:
https://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/threads/kids-car-overvoltage-problems.162163/#post-1420826

 

Others weren't as fortunate:
https://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/threads/kids-car-overvoltage-problems.162163/#post-1420826

Thanks Dennis. The batteries and the controller are all fully fused, and the motors are rated as well. All in all, the unit was a hand-me-down, so if things go South, it was a nice project to spend some time on w/ her.

 

The batteries and the controller are all fully fused, and the motors are rated as well. All in all, the unit was a hand-me-down, so if things go South, it was a nice project to spend some time on w/ her.

At least you were qualified to make the mod.

BTW. Welcome to AAC! Didn't notice this was your first post...

 

Will it now do a wheely?

 

Will it now do a wheely?

Not quite, but it can drift like crazy!

 

? Is this a good idea . . .

 

It was for me.

The stock battery was near end-of-life. It takes 12+ hours to charge and wouldn't hold a charge for longer than 20-30 minutes. A new Power Wheels battery is anywhere from $75 -$100, whereas I already had several of the M18 units and chargers.

The M18 Red Lithium batteries have internal charge and usage circuitry, and typically fully charge in 60-90 minutes. Everything is fused and protected, and the PWM regulator allows you to tailor the speed to where you want it.