Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Radio Flyer now makes a Tesla Model S for kids
The Verge ^ | 2/15/2016 | Sean O'Kane

Posted on 02/15/2016 6:52:14 PM PST by nascarnation

It's a great time to be a kid if you like tiny, expensive, electric vehicles. Last week, a company called Actev debuted the Arrow Kart, an extremely smart go-kart with a top speed of 12 miles per hour. This week, Tesla's getting into the mix with a tiny Model S made by Radio Flyer, the 99-year-old company known for its bright red wagons and tricycles.

The $500 "Model S for Kids," as it's being called, is basically a scale model of Tesla's popular electric sedan. It's made for children ages three to eight and has a weight capacity of 81 pounds, and tops out at 6 miles per hour. (The speed can be limited to just 3 miles per hour with the flip of a switch, much like how Power Wheels operate.) The Model S for Kids charges in just three hours, and also utilizes swappable batteries (something Tesla has had trouble with on the real Model S). "Customizable and accessory-ready, just like a real Tesla"

True to Tesla form, there are also some bells, whistles, and customizable options. It comes with working headlights, a front trunk (or "frunk," if you want to sound like you're describing a piece of Ikea furniture), and a sound system with an auxiliary cord input. The cars can be outfitted in "authentic Tesla Model S colors" like Deep Blue Metallic, Midnight Silver Metallic, or Red Multi-Coat. Extras like personalized license plates, spare (or more powerful) batteries, and a Tesla-branded car cover are all available, too.

Even with those features, the Model S for Kids is a much less exciting toy compared to the Arrow, which is smarter, more stylish, and comes with some pretty powerful safety features like collision avoidance and geofencing. It's also twice as fast, which means Tesla finally made a Model S that won't win every drag race.


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Hobbies; Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: battery; radioflyer; tesla


1 posted on 02/15/2016 6:52:14 PM PST by nascarnation
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: nascarnation

Nice lookig kiddie car—and they are not using any government subsidies to make it. Hope it outsells the subsidy Muskateer’s version.


2 posted on 02/15/2016 6:55:29 PM PST by Fungi
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: nascarnation

LOL! I wanna know what the tax credit is that Musk negotiated with 0bama for the parents.


3 posted on 02/15/2016 6:58:47 PM PST by jazusamo (Have YOU Donated to the Freep-a-Thon? https://secure.freerepublic.com/donate/)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: nascarnation

I’d have loved that when I was a kid. Nicely proportioned and detailed, plenty of gadgets to keep the kids entertained.


4 posted on 02/15/2016 6:59:41 PM PST by RegulatorCountry
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: nascarnation

Cool.

An updated version of the go-kart we used to race on as kids.


5 posted on 02/15/2016 7:00:07 PM PST by goldstategop (In Memory Of A Dearly Beloved Friend Who Lives In My Heart Forever)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Fungi

I can’t afford a real Tesla, but for $500 I can afford this one. It’s gonna be so cool when I roll into work driving one of these. Of course there may be some problems extracting my 6’ frame from the vehicle.


6 posted on 02/15/2016 7:02:27 PM PST by Flick Lives (One should not attend even the end of the world without a good breakfast. -- Heinlein)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: nascarnation

I hope it includes a Bluetooth for the tyke’s cell phone.


7 posted on 02/15/2016 7:06:29 PM PST by Huskrrrr
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Huskrrrr

Actually if you view the YT vid in the article, it shows a “music player” interface which looks a lot like a mobile phone.


8 posted on 02/15/2016 7:09:49 PM PST by nascarnation (RIP Scalia. Godspeed)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: nascarnation

That is so cool.
Grandson would love that, but price too steep((


9 posted on 02/15/2016 7:35:52 PM PST by mojo114 (Pray for our military)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: nascarnation

Eh . . . I’d rather get one of these . . . http://www.therichest.com/luxury/auto/10-mini-driveable-cars-for-kids/?view=all


10 posted on 02/15/2016 7:57:27 PM PST by al_c (Obama's standing in the world has fallen so much that Kenya now claims he was born in America.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: nascarnation

Makes sense.


11 posted on 02/15/2016 9:00:52 PM PST by Huskrrrr
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: al_c

My boss had one, what a hoot


12 posted on 02/16/2016 3:58:57 AM PST by teeman8r (Armageddon won't be pretty, but it's not like it's the end of the world.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 10 | View Replies]

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson