In this article, we compare the Razor Dirt Quad vs Dune Buggy – both are excellent choices if you want to treat the young adrenaline junkie in your family to a well specified electric four wheeler, designed specifically with kids in mind.
But, although they share many of the same mechanical and electrical components, there are some big differences between the two. Our guide below will help you find the most suitable ride for your kids.
First we have a quick comparison table of the main features of the Razor Dirt Quad vs Dune Buggy. Then we look at the advantages of each four wheeler, in turn. Finally, we’ll summarize the the pros and cons of both rides, to help you make the right choice for your kids.
Razor Dirt Quad vs Dune Buggy – Quick Comparison
Let’s take a closer look at each Razor four wheeler. In the table below we’ve summarized the main features of both rides in a side by side comparison to make it easy to see the differences between them.
| Razor Dirt Quad | Razor Dune Buggy | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Description | Small electric off-road dirt quad with authentic quad geometry | Classic electric dune buggy for racing and light off-roading |
| Age | 5-10 * (see note below table) | 5-10 * (see note below table) |
| Weight Limit | 120 lbs | 120 lbs |
| Top Speed | 8 mph | 9 mph |
| Price | $$$ Check Price | $$$ Check Price |
| Battery System | 24V (2 x 12V) sealed lead acid - charger included | 24V (2 x 12V) sealed lead acid - charger included |
| Battery Life | Up to 40 minutes of continuous use | Up to 40 minutes of continuous use |
| Battery Recharge Time | 12 hours | 12 hours |
| Motor and Gearing | 350W, high torque, gear reduction, chain | 350W, high torque, reduction drive, chain |
| Throttle | Variable speed with twist grip | Variable speed with thumb tab |
| Brake | Hand operated rear disc | Hand operated rear disc |
| Suspension | Rear droop travel with coil shock | Rear with coil shock |
| Roll cage | No | Yes |
| Safety Belt and Flag | No | Yes |
| Frame | Powder coated tubular frame for all weather durability | Powder coated tubular frame for all weather durability |
| Seat | Padded | Padded, bucket style |
| Handlebars | Adjustable height, riser style, with soft rubber grips | Adjustable height |
| Tires | 13” pneumatic knobby | 8” pneumatic knobby |
| Product Weight | 89 lbs | 65 lbs |
| Assembled Dimensions | 43" x 24" x 31.5" | 41” x 26.5” x 17.5” |
| Assembly Time | 20+ minutes | 5 minutes |
* Note on Age: Razor’s recommended age for both the Dirt Quad and Dune Buggy is a very conservative 8+ but an age range of 5-10 (real world guide…) with parental supervision may be more suitable for the relatively small size of these vehicles – kids over 10 may find them too small…
Advantages of Razor Dirt Quad
The Dirt Quad won our best buy award for kids aged 5-10 when we reviewed the best ATVs for kids in 2024.
The Razor Dirt Quad has much wider and larger tires (13″) than the Dune Buggy (8″) and several inches higher ground clearance – this lets it travel over a much greater variety of terrain than the Dune Buggy. This is the biggest difference between both vehicles.
The Dirt Quad can therefore handle driving on rough terrain such as loose stone, gravel, sand, grassy fields and bumpy dirt tracks, as well as flat surfaces like concrete – at slow speed it can even overcome small obstacles like curbs.
However, the Razor Dune Buggy has just 1 inch ground clearance and smaller, narrower tires so is best suited to flat surfaces like concrete or level grass areas. Note that, despite the name, it isn’t really able to cope with sand (or soft dirt) either – the tires are just too small.
Learning to ride the Dirt Quad safely, at an early age, may also help kids transition more easily in future to a larger, faster electric or gas ATV.
Finally, because this Razor four wheeler looks like a scaled down adult ATV, it may be cool for young kids as they can emulate the look of their ATV-driving parents or older siblings.
Advantages of Razor Dune Buggy
The Razor Dune Buggy is 99% pre-built right out of the box so it is easier and quicker to assemble than the Dirt Quad which may take half an hour or more, depending on your experience.
Although both vehicles can be stored upright to save space, and the Dirt Quad has a carry handle at the rear to assist, the Razor Dune Buggy is 27% lighter (65 lbs vs 89 lbs) so is much easier to lift it up or hang for storage.
While both vehicles have a 350W motor and 24V battery, the Dune Buggy has a slightly faster top speed (9 mph vs 8 mph) because it weighs less than the Dirt Quad.
The Razor Dune Buggy also has more safety features:
- it sits much lower to the ground so is more balanced and stable – it would be extremely hard to roll this Razor buggy whereas it is quite easy to roll the Dirt Quad on tight turns at maximum speed, if care is not taken
- there is a (lap) seat belt for added safety
- it has a side roll cage which creates a barrier between the rider and the outside
- the Razor buggy also has a safety flag at the rear which lets the rider be seen more easily (the flag is optional, you don’t have to install it)
It also usually costs a few dollars less than the Dirt Quad.
For a more in depth look, see the Razor Dune Buggy review in our round up of the best go karts for kids recently – it was our top choice for kids under 10.
Pros of Both
Here is a summary of what we love about both rides:
- Easy to recharge the battery using house electric supply
- Specifically designed for children with user friendly controls
- Adjustable height handlebars helps the vehicle to continue to be used as your child grows
- Fast enough to give children an adrenaline rush
- Slow and stable enough to minimize the risk of your child rolling the vehicle or being thrown off/out (more so for the Razor Dune Buggy)
- Semi-professional wheels can tackle many ground conditions (more so for the Razor Dirt Quad)
- Weather resistant body
- Razor is a US manufacturer and replacement parts are readily available from their website
Cons of Both
Here is a summary of what is not so great about both rides:
- Relatively short battery life per full charge – although 40 minutes is still enough to cover about 6 miles
- Battery recharge time is 12 hours so charging needs to be planned (although such a time is common for electric vehicles that can reach up to 10 mph)
- No reverse gear so can be awkward to maneuver in tight spaces (less so for the Razor Dune Buggy as it is much lighter than the Dirt Quad)
- No headlights or taillights so can only be used safely during daylight
- Not intended for use on public roads or sidewalks (in common with all such vehicles for young kids)
- Protective clothing (especially a helmet) is recommended at all times which may be uncomfortable in hot weather
- The vehicle must be stored in a dry area, due to the electrical components
Owner’s Manuals
The Razor Dirt Quad owner’s manual is available in PDF format from Razor here.
The Razor Dune Buggy owner’s manual is available in PDF format from Razor here.
NOTE: A parent’s decision to allow their child to ride either Razor four wheeler should depend on the child’s individual maturity, skill and ability to follow rules.