Can I improve the run time for a friend's child's ride-on toy?

[Racer440]

TL;DR Summary

Stronger battery for childs ride on toy

I am trying to improve the run time for a friend's child's ride on toy.

The drive system is currently similar to Plum 550 20000RPM Gearbox with DC Motor,6V Motor with Gear Box with a small 6v battery.

I replaced the battery with a 12V 20AH T6 SLA Battery.

I'm not sure I'm using the correct terminology but this battery provides too much current for the motor. The motor shoots out sparks and smokes if it is run without any load. I haven't tried it with a load on the motor.

We are OK with the motor spinning faster due to the 12v vs. 6v. but would like to limit the output to the motor so not to burn it up.

I am more mechanically than electrically inclined, but am essentially trying to have a bigger "gas tank" for the car. Not necessarily more powerful fuel.

Is there a simple way to do this?

Thanks in advance.

 

[anorlunda]

Summary: Stronger battery for childs ride on toy

am essentially trying to have a bigger "gas tank" for the car. Not necessarily more powerful fuel.

Put multiple 6V batteries connected in parallel. Or find a 6V battery with a bigger ah (amp-hour) rating. Almost all batteries come in different ah sizes. Think of AA versus AAA 1.5V batteries for example.

Edit: you said nothing about the size and weight requirments.

 

[Racer440]

Put multiple 6V batteries connected in parallel. Or find a 6V battery with a bigger ah (amp-hour) rating. Almost all batteries come in different ah sizes. Think of AA versus AAA 1.5V batteries for example.

Edit: you said nothing about the size and weight requirments.

OK.

So it's the 12v that's causing the overpowering of the motor, not the amperage?

In other words, if I use a higher 20ah 6v battery or multiple 6v batteries in parallel, the power storage will increase but not over power the motor? I'm guessing a 20ah 6v battery will last about 3 times longer than a 7ah 6v battery?

The size requirements (of the battery) are flexible because I can move or add batteries in another location in the car. Obviously, the batteries will add weight but hopefully they would add more than enough power to offset their added weight. The weight of the rider is minimal and not over-sized for the car.

Thanks,

Scott

 

[anorlunda]

Yup, you're on the right track.

 

[Racer440]

Yup, you're on the right track.

Thanks!

 

[Borek]

Ohm's law: I=U/R, you don't change R, but you supply twice the voltage, no wonder you get high current.

 

[berkeman]

In other words, if I use a higher 20ah 6v battery or multiple 6v batteries in parallel, the power storage will increase but not over power the motor? I'm guessing a 20ah 6v battery will last about 3 times longer than a 7ah 6v battery?

Using a bigger 6V battery is better than trying to parallel up multiple 6V batteries, unless you have a lot of experience with batteries (which it sounds like you do not). In order to parallel up batteries like that, they need to have been purchased at the same time, and need to have been connected in parallel for their entire charge/discharge life so far. If they are in different states of charge (especially if one is discharged and the other is charged) and you connect them in parallel, large currents can flow while they try to equalize. That can lead to overheating batteries and other more serious things happening.