This is our official list in search of the best build your own remote controlled car kits on the market today. Scroll further down for full details on each product and a user guide on how best to acquire and put together your own RC car kit.
Quick Look:
- 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Thames & Kosmos Remote Control Machines
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars UniBlock Remote Controlled RC Building Block Police Car
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Elegoo UNO Project Upgraded Smart Robot Car Kit with UNO R3
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Top Race Remote Control RC Blocks – Robot Vehicle Building Kit
- 4.0 out of 5.0 stars SZJJX RC cars 2-in-1 Building Blocks Kits
We know time is of the essence, so the above is a cheat sheet of what’s ahead, just in case your’re in a hurry. Otherwise, keep scrolling down for more detailed and constructive info on each item.
5 Highest Reviewed Build Your Own RC Car Kits to Consider
Remote control cars have delighted and entertained adults and children for many years. Most of us have played with remote control cars but have you ever thought about building one yourself?
There are many benefits to building your own remote controlled vehicles. They build problem-solving and help develop mechanical and technical skills. There are numerous kits available to help you build your own remote controlled car. Let’s take a look at some of the top kits currently available.
1.) Thames & Kosmos Remote Control Machines
The Thames Kosmos Remote Control Machines kit allows you to build multiple vehicles and machines, up to ten total. It comes with three motors that are capable of both forward or backward motion. The motors can be used separately or combined to create more complex mechanical functions.
It comes with detailed instructions to help as you go. This product is appropriate for children 8+ and adults certainly enjoy it too. Thames & Kosmos Remote Control Machines kit is a wonderful, innovative product that is as educational as it is entertaining. The 10 configurations offered in the instruction range from beginner to more advanced builds.
You can start out simple and progress as you learn how to work with the set. However, if you would rather invent your own creation, you can! The possibilities are endless.
PROS
- Comes with a smartphone application
- Offers a wide variety of possible vehicle and mechanical configurations instructions
- If you don’t want to follow the instructions, you can build vehicles of your own creation
- The six button remote control allows you to control all three motors simultaneously
CONS
- Some of the pieces are small and can present a choking hazard for small children
- The parts can be fragile so some care required to avoid breakage
2.) UniBlock Remote Controlled RC Building Block Police Car
The UniBlock Remote Controlled RC Building Block Police Car kit is flexible and allows your child to either follow detailed instructions or build from their imagination.
This kit is compatible with other major brands. You can now mix building blocks of all types to achieve a variety of configurations. The kit comes with a remote controlled base and a 3 channel remote control. The 3 channel remote control allows for up to 3 people to play at the same time so feel free to challenge your friends or family members to a race!
Suitable for children 8+ this kit will help your children or yourself learn how to build their own functioning police car for tons of remote controlled fun!
PROS
- Compatible with other major block building brands
- 3 channel remote control allows for simultaneous use up to 3 people
- The block pieces are sturdy and well made
CONS
- The batteries can run out quickly, be sure to use rechargeable ones
3.) Elegoo UNO Project Upgraded Smart Robot Car Kit with UNO R3
If you are looking for something a bit higher tech, the Elegoo UNO Project Upgraded Smart Robot Car Kit might just be the way to go. This educational toy has a lot to offer. Your child will not only learn how to assemble this robotic car, they will learn how to program it and how to assemble the electrical components.
This kit comes with 24 different modules parts with a wide variety of complex functions like obstacle avoidance. It includes an infrared remote control, Bluetooth 2.0 and EDR that is compatible with smartphones, tablets or desktop PC. This kit includes a cd with video walk thru tutorials to help your child build. It also includes programming instructions and codes.
If you are looking for solid educational value that can provide an introduction to STEM learning, this is a great beginner kit to start with.
PROS
- High-value educational product that encourages interest in STEM field
- Extremely well packaged, high-quality parts for a great price!
- Computer and smartphone integration
- Can be controlled from the remote or your smartphone/computer
CONS
- This can be a bit complicated for some new users who don’t user follow the guide
- Not compatible with other major building block brands
4.) Top Race Remote Control RC Blocks – Robot Vehicle Building Kit
The Top Race Remote Control RC Blocks – Robot Vehicle Building Kit is a great product that combines some of the elements of the previous kits.
The pieces are colorful and the different vehicle configurations are as cute as they are fun. Endless hours of creativity away your with this kit. Once your child has mastered the basics they can go on to build vehicles using nothing but their own innovation and imagination.
If you are looking for something a bit less complicated for children ages 6 and up this may be the perfect kit for you. Easy to follow instructions, brightly colored, fun building blocks with a fun remote control that looks appealingly like a game console.
PROS
- Appropriate for children ages 6 and older
- A great value and high-quality product that will last for years to come
- Brightly colored, well-constructed parts, encourage play and imagination
- Educational toy that makes mechanical assembly learning fun!
CONS
- Not compatible with other major building block brands which can limit your creativity
- Batteries run out quickly with the remote so be sure it is turned off and you have spares
5.) SZJJX RC cars 2 in 1 Building Blocks Kit
The SZJJX RC cars 2 in 1 Building Blocks Kit contains a whopping 500+ pieces for the ultimate do it yourself experience. Suitable for children 8+ this is a great starter kit for anyone who likes a challenge.
The kit is Compatible with other popular building blocks on the market and has everything you need for the ultimate experience in building your own remote control car.
While your child is having fun, they are also learning about basic robotics mechanical engineering and in some cases even basic entry level programming and coding.
PROS
- Well crafted, certified nontoxic pieces
- Compatible with other popular brand building blocks
- Challenging and fun to build and play with once completed
- You can follow the instructions or create your own vehicle configuration
CONS
- With over 500 pieces to keep track of, it may be easy to lose parts
- Some pieces can represent a choking hazard to small children.
Brief Guide to Building Your Own Remote Control Car Kits
Everyone loves remote controlled cars – which you can maneuver at a distance with just a tweak of a joystick and pressing a few buttons. But you can take it one step further with a build your own kit.
What Are They?
With a kit you get all the instructions and materials needed to make your own car, and sometimes more than one. This will combine the fun of building something with the excitement of getting to play with it once it’s finished.
These kits usually have a remote included, and also step by step instructions. Some kits are for a specific model of car, whereas others are for several different types of vehicles such as trucks, trailers and motorcycles.
Some kits will even let you control several different models at the same time. These are not ready to run or race, because they do require assembly.
Who Can Benefit
These kits would be great gifts for boys (or girls) who are interested in cars, racing, and building things. If they like creating things, then they can often use the tools to create more once they’re done with the first lot of instructions, depending on the type of kit.
It is also of great educational benefit for kids, as they can learn fine motor control, electronics, robotics, assembling of cars, programming, gears, and radio frequencies depending on the type of kit bought.
If a child in your family is interested in Lego then this might be a good next level to move to, so long as they fit the recommended age. If you would like your kids to get into science and engineering then this might also be a winner for you, as it will get their curiosity going, and teach them how to build and make things work.
If you’re an adult collector you will also love these kits – especially the ones that build specific vehicles. You can spend some relaxing hours building away, and then have fun racing your creations when you’re done.
What To Look For?
If you are buying it for someone that is into Lego, and you want them to be able to combine the two, then make sure you get one that is Lego compatible. That way they can use it in their own Lego creations, and there is a lot more potential for different builds.
If you want to give it to someone who is interested in engineering and robotics then look for the robot key word, as it is more likely to have that kind of content. Cars like these will have programmable code, where you can change what it does, such as avoiding obstacles. But also be aware that with these type you may need some programming or electronics knowledge, or be able to learn what is necessary.
Look for good battery life, so you can play with it for a while once it’s built, and one that is pretty sturdy as it is probably going to have a lot of crashes in its future. You may also want to find one that is rechargeable so you don’t have to keep forking out for new batteries.
Some kits are designed especially for kids, a bit like a Lego car but with a remote control. Others are designed to be just like a proper radio control car, and to be raced a lot, so you need to decide which one you want more.
A key word to look for is whether it says remote control or radio control. The toy type of car for kids are usually called remote controlled, whereas the type of kit that is more for racing is usually called radio controlled.
If your aim is to race them a lot, then look for one that is powerful and has a lot of speed. Also anti-slip tyres can be great for off road driving, and gears will help the driving to be more lifelike and give you more options. Look for anti-interference radio control too, as this will prevent it being hampered by other radio frequencies nearby.
What To Avoid?
Watch out for how much programming is involved – especially if you are buying for a young child. Some need more than others, so you want to match up what you’re buying to the right age level of who is going to get it, so they don’t get frustrated.
Don’t get a complicated kit and then expect children to make it all by themselves. If it looks complicated it will probably need some adult supervision, so just go into it prepared to help with the assembly.
FAQs
Can’t I just make my own remote control car?
Well it is possible – but it’s complicated! And you’re going to need to understand electronic circuits, radio frequencies, and be willing to learn a lot. It is a whole lot easier to buy a kit that has everything ready to go with instructions as well.
Do I need a computer to be able to build a robot car kit?
Generally with these type of cars you shouldn’t actually need a computer or phone to use it, but they have the ability to work with one. So if you have a phone and want to download the app and use it to control your car with the Bluetooth module, then it’s just one extra tool that you can work with.
What’s the difference between types of vehicles?
A vehicle with higher suspension, or bigger tires, like a monster truck, will get over obstacles more easily so is better for if you want to take it off road or in some more rugged terrain. The type that are more like racing cars will usually be better at speed and going around corners.
Which ones are better for which ages?
The building block type of kit are probably better for young children, age 8-12ish. The robot type would be good for teenagers, and the more complex off road vehicles good for any age, so long as there is an adult to help with assembly if needed.
Wrapping Up
Children tire of their toys quickly but if they work hard and build it themselves they tend to appreciate them more, enjoy them longer and take better care of them. Building your own remote controlled car kits are a fantastic way to engage your child with the play that encourages active learning.
The complexity can range from simple to programmable robotic models that challenge those young and old alike. Many build your remote control car kits come with helpful videos and cell phone tools. Foster creativity and learning in a fun way that also builds memories.