"It was freedom in plastic..."

EL SEGUNDO—In the world of electric vehicles, we often think of Tesla as the pioneers. But many forget the original EV hero that introduced a whole generation to battery-powered driving—the Power Wheel. This mini car, first popular in the ’80s and ’90s, was more than just a toy; for many, it was a first taste of automotive freedom and learning.

“The Power Wheel was my first car,” exclaimed Tom Henderson, a lifelong car enthusiast. “It was the car where I learned to drive! Little did we know, we were the first generation to experience EVs.”

For kids who grew up with these electric cars, the Power Wheel was revolutionary. It ran on rechargeable batteries, long before electrification of passenger vehicles became mainstream. Although its top speed topped out at a few miles per hour, the Power Wheel was just as exciting as a Tesla is today. In fact, the feelings that Power Wheels evoke are something many EVs on the road today can’t quite capture.

“It walked so new EVs could run,” said Mark Taylor, a former Power Wheel owner who now drives a fully electric Chevy Bolt. “Honestly, the Power Wheel was the original, underrated EV hero. It really taught us the basics—charging, driving, and the thrill of electric power.”

Many people fondly remember the toy car as more than just a stepping stone. “It was freedom in plastic,” said Lisa Franc, an environmental consultant. “That little car sparked our interest in EVs and sustainable driving before we even knew what that was. The Power Wheel was ahead of its time.”

The Power Wheel is still the original EV icon.