![]() It is worth mentioning, that if you still have a vehicle that uses the old style “S” or “H” connector, you may be able to have it upgraded under the recall. Newer 12V models made after this period most likely use a single gray 12-volt battery and more recently the gray with orange top 12 volt battery. All of these systems used either a single six volt battery or two 6-volt batteries connected in series to create 12 volts. The original “S” connector on the earliest models and the “H” connector were to be replaced with the larger “A” style connector. In 1998 Fisher-Price undertook the monumental task to recall up to 10 million Power Wheels toys manufactured since 1986! The primary goal was to replace and strengthen battery connectors in order to prevent the units from overheating and causing fires. The initial surge of electricity coming through the contact points, in some cases would, fuse the thin wires together leaving the toy in motion and unable to stop. When a child would press the foot (gas) pedal it would trip a switch and propel the toy forward. ![]() In 1991, the 18-volt Porsche riding automobile was the first recall for the company. Now all Cinderella stories have to have an ugly stain, right? PowerWheels history is no different. They also include popular Disney and toy characters such as Barbie and Lightning McQueen from the movie Cars. These agreements contributed to record sales for the entire line! To date, more than 100 small scale model names have been used from the likes of the Jeep Hurricane, Ford F-150, Cadillac Escalade, Porche 911, Harley-Davidson Cruiser and the Kawasaki KFX quad to name a few. By 1999 they had reached agreements to license even more popular labels including the Harley-Davidson motorcycle ride on toy. Then in 1994, the hundred pound gorilla of toy manufacturing, Mattel, purchased Kransco and nestled the Power Wheels label into its Fisher-Price division. Within six years Kransco Power Wheels was selling 1,000,000 plus battery-powered vehicles per year. They licensed the rights to use popular attractions and adult vehicles, such as the Jeep Wrangler, to help bolster their appeal. ![]() A couple years later they settled on the Power Wheels brand name to market their investment. This pioneer, which invented and ushered in the multi-billion industry, was purchased in 1984 by a company called Kransco. ![]() Power Wheels Originsĭoes the name Pines of America ring any bells? Probably not, but this innovative company from the early 80’s pioneered the battery powered ride on toy. We will also provide a quick link to our What’s What in the battery world helping you select the correct 12 volt battery for your toy. Included in this history lesson is the rise of a global giant and the black eye of numerous product recalls. How many of you know the history of Power Wheels? They have quite the colorful past that spans over 30 years. ![]()
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