Updated on 8 February 2023
This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.
WRC 91011 Rally Turini
Designed for speed racing, this rally racetrack is more complex for more experienced players. The two cars must compete, using the right speed to try to stay on track.
With its realistic look that mimics a rally track, this racetrack appeals to motorsport enthusiasts. The basic course does require a bit of speed control to be able to handle the loops and the two bridges. During our tests, it took us about 1 hour to set it up and it got only more complicated when we had to fix the loops. You should also plan to raise the height a little more than required so that the cars can pass the loops. Three other courses are possible with the different parts. However, according to the users, the elements are a little more fragile than those of other models. But although some of the elements have often come loose when we used them, nothing has been damaged in our case. Note also that even if the racetrack must be connected to the power supply, you will still need 2 AAA batteries for the wireless controllers.
The electric race car track is one of those toys that children have always loved.
A race car track is usually a rather large toy, so you should take a look at its dimensions.
While some models are primarily intended for speed racing, others specialise in loops or pile-ups.
Some models can only accommodate one car at a time, while others offer a multiplayer mode for up to 2 or 4 players.
Cars must be able to withstand intensive use, as they will not be safe from accidents of all kinds.
Carrera First Paw Patrol
Very affordable, this racetrack is easy and quick to build for a speed race on 2.4 m of track. In addition, the PAW Patrol heroes are a must for children from 3 years old, but the whole thing is very simple.
Designed in the form of a figure eight, simpler than the others in this selection, it is a C battery (not included) operated track and can therefore be used anywhere. The players each pilot a PAW Patrol hero. The two controllers are easy to use. During our tests, it took us less than 15 minutes to set it up. But the course seemed very simple and without challenge. This is why we only recommend it to young children for a start. And for those who would like a slightly longer model, there is a 3.5 m version. Note that these two courses are compatible with the entire Carrera First collection, allowing you to create larger courses. Finally, you should know that this course is also available under other licenses if PAW Patrol does not appeal to you.
Carrera Go!!! Mario Kart-Mach 8
Between the two loops, including one inclined, the crossing and the narrowing, many challenges await Mario and Luigi on this 5.3 m long circuit accessible from 6 years old. Fans will appreciate its neat design.
At 160cm long and 95cm wide, this powered model is relatively easy to set up (it took us about 30 minutes), once you understand its architecture. We must admit that this one gives way to a few twists, between the different turns, the crossing and the loop to be mastered. The cars, driven by Mario and Luigi, race by at high speed and are not free from running off the road. Moreover, the kit is compatible with the entire Carrera Go!!! collection, allowing you to change the car or incorporate new accessories to add variety. During our tests, everything worked well and the course required more precision than the Carrera First, which is designed for younger players. Here, the controllers are equipped with a brake that is useful if you are going too fast before an obstacle.
Our selection
Our choice, Best high-end Best budget High-end alternative WRC 91011 Rally Turini Carrera First Paw Patrol Carrera Go!!! Mario Kart-Mach 8 Designed for speed racing, this rally racetrack is more complex for more experienced players. The two cars must compete, using the right speed to try to stay on track. Very affordable, this racetrack is easy and quick to build for a speed race on 2.4 m of track. In addition, the PAW Patrol heroes are a must for children from 3 years old, but the whole thing is very simple. Between the two loops, including one inclined, the crossing and the narrowing, many challenges await Mario and Luigi on this 5.3 m long circuit accessible from 6 years old. Fans will appreciate its neat design. £ 100.99 on Amazon £ 28.95 on Amazon £ 79.95 on Amazon
Selectos compares and tests hundreds of products to help you buy better. We sometimes receive a commission when you buy through our links, which helps fund our work. Learn moreWhy trust us ?
How did we do the testing?
To test the electric race car tracks, we started by timing the assembly time of each of them, while being alone, and evaluating the difficulty of the task (stickers to be placed, ease of assembling, clear instructions, all the pieces included…).
Then, we checked if we had to add batteries and if so, if they were classic (AA, AAA) or less frequent (C, D…). Moreover, we played with each of the models to judge their difficulty and the fun they offered. Finally, we asked a 4-year-old apprentice tester to play with one of them to check his interest.
How to choose your electric race car track?
The electric race car track is one of those toys that have always been popular among children (and adults) for several generations. There are now all kinds of them, accessible from a very young age and intended for both beginners and high-speed enthusiasts.
In order to make the most suitable choice, here are some criteria to consider.
- The size: A race car track is usually a pretty large toy, so it is worth taking a look at the dimensions. A longer track often offers more turns and adds suspense to your crazy races, but requires more space.
- The design of the track: while some models are primarily intended for speed racing, others specialise in loops or pile-ups. It is up to you to decide what you like best. Also, make sure you choose a model that is not too complicated to assemble and disassemble if you do not intend to keep it permanently in place.
- The number of players: Some models can only accommodate one car at a time, while others offer a multiplayer mode for up to 2 or 4 players. In this case, they have at least a double track, and therefore two controllers.
- The cars : They must be able to withstand intensive use, as they will not be safe from accidents of all kinds. Children generally like to play with cars bearing the likeness of their favourite heroes, but some tracks also offer scale models of real cars, much to the delight of parents who love motor sports.
For our article, we have chosen to stick to sets that are accessible to children and young teenagers, leaving aside the models for collectors.
Other electric race car tracks we recommend
Lightning Speedy (£29.95 when published): a bright alternative. You have probably already heard of this luminescent racetrack, which is very popular among children. This track is scalable and flexible, 160 cm long and can be adjusted to suit their preferences. The car supplied, a red 4×4 is equipped with lights to give this luminescent effect, which is very popular with children and adults in the darkness. Despite its undeniable success, we decided not to include this product in our main selection due to the lack of information about the brand. Lightning Speedy is one of those products from teleshopping, whose trustworthiness is controversial.
VTech Tut Tut Bolides Mega Circuit (£40.97 when published): a solution for very young children. During our tests, it took us more time to assemble this track (45 minutes), because a good part of the stickers had yet to be placed. Very easy to use, this model is intended for the youngest children from 1 to 5 years old. However, according to us, it is more suitable for 1 to 3-year-olds because our 4-year-old apprentice tester quickly got bored of it. It is a tower from which the car tumbles down on its own and offers little interaction. But it can be combined with many accessories such as other cars, the garage, the fire station or the loop.
Other race car tracks we tested
Hot Wheels City Robo T-Rex Ultimate Garage (£99.99 when published): it is not really an electric race car track. As it has no battery, it is especially interesting for storing all the little cars of the brand if your child has a lot of them while being a bit interactive with the mechanical dinosaur.
Hot Wheels Looping Infernal FTB65 (£65.98 when published): with all the noise it makes, we now understand why it is infernal… Moreover, there is only one car, which reduces the possibility of interaction (once launched, the car turns continuously by itself). Finally, at this speed, it can be dangerous if the car leaves the road while your child is close to the toy to observe it closely…
Translated by Laura Wautier
