So, you want a Tesla Roadster but don't happen to have a spare $200,000 sitting in your sock drawer? Join the club. Most of us are still waiting for Elon to finally drop the real deal, which is supposedly hitting the streets in 2026. Until then, the tesla roadster rc car is basically the only way most of us are going to get our hands on those sleek, futuristic curves.
But here is the thing. Not all of these miniatures are created equal. If you just go on Amazon and type in "Tesla toy," you're going to get a lot of generic junk that looks like a melted crayon. To find the stuff that actually matters, you've gotta know who’s actually making the good gear.
The Big Players in the Tesla Roadster RC Car World
Right now, the heavy hitter is Mattel. They’ve been leaning hard into the Tesla partnership for a few years. Their Hot Wheels Tesla Roadster RC 1:10 scale model is probably the most "real" version you can buy without needing a garage. It’s huge—about 18 inches long—and it’s surprisingly fast. We’re talking 13 mph. That might not sound like much, but when a five-pound hunk of plastic is zooming across your kitchen floor, it feels plenty quick.
It's got proportional steering and throttle. This is huge. Cheap RC cars are "all or nothing"—you press the button and it just slams into the wall. With this one, you can actually feather the trigger. It behaves kinda like the real car in that regard.
Then you’ve got the little guy. The 1:64 scale version. It’s tiny. Literally the size of a standard Hot Wheels car, but it’s remote-controlled. You can even run it on orange Hot Wheels tracks. It has a "turbo" button on the remote that makes it go roughly 7 mph, which is insane for something that small. Honestly, seeing that thing zip around a loop-de-loop is way more entertaining than it has any right to be.
What about the "Official" Tesla Shop stuff?
If you head over to the Tesla website, you won’t find a remote-controlled car right now. You’ll find the 1:18 Scale Roadster Diecast. This is a collector’s piece. It costs $175 and it doesn't move on its own. It’s made from the same CAD data Tesla used for the real car, so every curve is perfect.
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It has:
- Functioning doors and trunk.
- A removable roof (convertible style).
- A carpeted interior. Yes, tiny carpet.
- Fabric seatbelts.
It’s beautiful, but it’s a shelf queen. If you want to actually drive a tesla roadster rc car, you have to stick with the Mattel/Hot Wheels versions or look at the used market for the older Radio Flyer collaborations.
Performance vs. Reality
Let's talk specs because that's where things get weird. The real 2026 Roadster is promising a 0-60 time of under one second if you get the SpaceX package with the "cold gas thrusters." Obviously, your RC car isn't going to have literal rocket engines.
However, the 1:10 scale Hot Wheels version does a decent job of mimicking that "instant torque" feel. It uses a 2.4 GHz frequency, so you don't get that annoying interference if your neighbor is also playing with a drone nearby. The battery is a lithium-ion pack that you charge via USB. You get about 20 to 30 minutes of hard driving per charge.
One thing that bugs people? The charging port. On the 1:10 scale model, it’s tucked under a panel on the bottom. It’s a bit of a pain to get to. You’d think a company like Tesla would insist on a more "seamless" experience, but hey, it’s a toy.
Is it actually a "Hobby Grade" RC?
No. Let's be real. It’s "toy grade," but it’s at the very top of that category.
A true hobby-grade RC car has parts you can swap out—motors, ESCs, tires, suspension. With the tesla roadster rc car from Mattel, what you see is what you get. If you burn out the motor or snap an axle, you aren't going to find replacement parts at a local hobby shop. You’re just buying a new car.
But for $65 to $100 (depending on where you find it), the value is hard to beat. Most hobby-grade cars start at $300 and go up from there.
Where to actually find one
This is the tricky part. These things sell out fast.
- Costco: They often get the 1:10 scale versions during the holidays for around $65. If you see one there, grab it. They disappear in days.
- Target and Walmart: Usually the best bet for the 1:64 scale "track" versions.
- The Secondary Market: If you’re looking for the rare "Cyber Orange" or "Midnight Silver" colors, you’re stuck with eBay. Be prepared to pay a "Tesla tax" here—prices can double as soon as the retail stock dries up.
Actionable Tips for Owners
If you actually pick one up, don't just drive it until the battery dies and throw it in a closet. To keep the lithium battery healthy, don't leave it plugged in for three days straight. Charge it, play with it, and leave it with a little bit of juice if you're storing it.
Also, watch the tires. The rubber on these is relatively soft to give it that "Tesla grip." If you drive it on rough asphalt every day, you’ll bald the tires in a month. Stick to smooth concrete or indoor floors if you want it to last.
Check the official Mattel Service site for the HXV82 model number if you lose your manual. It has the full teardown of how to sync the remote if it ever loses the connection. Most people think their car is broken when it just needs a simple re-pair sequence.
If you’re waiting for the real 2026 Roadster, these miniatures are a fun distraction. They look great on a desk, and honestly, the 1:10 scale version is big enough to scare the cat, which is probably worth the price of admission alone.