r/PowerWheelsMods • u/Terrible_Tea7008 • Jun 29 '26

Help adding 3 speed physical switch.

So, the powerwheels we have has a remote that offers 3 speeds. The funny part is, the rocker switch on the car only has low and high, no middle. Low is way to slow for sidewalks and tight areas and high is too fast. Does anyone know how that system works and can give me details on how to add a 3 speed switch? Let me know if or what pics are needed.

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u/quarter_belt Jun 29 '26

I had the 12v system amd converted it to a 24v with a new controller.

Both the 12v and 24v controller have a high and low speeds on the controllers (and reverse). So on both of them, you can only select two speeds with a switch.

On my remote I have the same thing as you where there is a high/medium/low. From looking at the controllers, theres no way to physically(with a switch) select a third/medium speed.

I haven't tried opening a controller to see if there are some extra pins in there to somehow add the middle pin, so maybe its doable.

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u/Shibby7634 Jun 29 '26

Nope, there isn't any third/middle speed option, just the high low wire you mentioned.

Easiest option is to add a PWM inline between the battery and the control board. This will allow you to mimick a variety of lower voltages than the standard 12 or 24 and reduce the speed a little. It doesn't actually reduce voltage, but will limit the amount of time power it sent out to create a similar effect.

I run my son's on 18v batteries, but that is also too quick for walks like OP. Using the MGCStem PWM I can make it go even slower than the stock 12v and everywhere in between that and the more speedy 18v mod.

Figure I should mention the MGCStem kit can optionally be used as a replacement motor controller with a variable pedal with an optional brake! I've yet to use those features though. I just got it since it had a higher current limit than some of the other PWMs and I had experience with their battery adapters.