Here you will find answers to the questions customers ask us most often — about choosing your first remote-controlled car, batteries, charging, delivery, spare parts and complaints. Hobbyviking (part of Danish Fjernstyret.dk) has sold RC hobby products and toys since 2005, and we have a physical shop and our own workshop in Nørresundby, Denmark.
Buying & choosing
Which remote-controlled car should I choose as a beginner?
Start with three questions: Where will it be driven (tarmac, grass, gravel — off-road models are the most versatile)? Who will drive it (age and experience decide speed and size)? And what is the budget? For most beginners we recommend a ready to run (RTR) model in 1:10 or 1:12 scale with a brushed motor, where spare parts are available. See our recommendations by age, or give us a call — this is exactly what we are best at.
What is the difference between toy RC and hobby RC?
Toy RC models are low-cost models from toy shops: they cannot be repaired, there are no spare parts, and they do not last very long. Hobby RC (brands such as Traxxas, Arrma, Kyosho, Tamiya, Amewi) is built to be driven hard — every part can be replaced, batteries can be upgraded, and the car can last for many years. A hobby model costs more to buy, but it is almost always cheaper in the long run.
From what age can children drive a remote-controlled car?
The smallest toy models can be used from about 3 years, real hobby models typically from 6-8 years with an adult nearby, and fast brushless models are only recommended from 14 years. See our complete guide with recommendations for each age group.
What does RTR mean?
RTR (Ready To Run) means the model is fully assembled and ready to use — typically only batteries are missing. ARTR (Almost Ready To Run) needs a little extra electronics, e.g. transmitter/receiver. KIT is a kit that you build yourself — popular with experienced hobbyists who want to know their car inside out. If in doubt: choose RTR.
How fast does a remote-controlled car go?
Anything from 10 to over 100 km/h. Beginner models for children typically do 10-25 km/h, hobby models with a brushed motor 30-50 km/h, and brushless models 60 km/h and up. Remember: a fast car is fun for three minutes and hard work for the rest of the day — for beginners, control and durability matter more than top speed.
Batteries & charging
What is the difference between LiPo and NiMH batteries?
NiMH is the robust, low-cost battery type often supplied with beginner models — easy to handle and hard to damage. LiPo gives much more power and lower weight, but needs a balance charger and correct handling. In short: NiMH for children and beginners, LiPo when you want performance. Read our guide: Information about LiPo and NiMH batteries.
How do I charge and store LiPo batteries safely?
Always use a balance charger designed for LiPo, never charge unattended, and store the battery in a LiPo safe bag at about half charge (storage voltage) if it will not be used for a while. Never throw a swollen battery in the bin — hand it in as hazardous waste. Read more: LiPo batteries are brilliant — but be careful.
My car only runs for a short time on the supplied battery — what is wrong?
Usually there is nothing wrong with the car. Supplied NiMH batteries are small and need to be "run in" over several charges, and run time depends a lot on the surface and your driving style. The solution is typically a larger battery or an upgrade to LiPo. We have written a detailed answer here: My RC car only runs for a short time — what is wrong?
Can old NiMH batteries be revived?
Often yes — NiMH and NiCd batteries that have been stored for a long time can in many cases be "exercised" back to life with a charger that has a refresh/cycle function. See how in our guide: Reviving and cycling NiMH/NiCd batteries.
Which charger should I choose — and does the connector fit?
The charger must match the battery type (LiPo needs a balance charger) and the battery connector. There are many connector types in the RC world (Deans/T-plug, XT60, Tamiya, EC3 and others), and they cannot be mixed without an adapter. If you are unsure which connector your battery has, use our Connector finder or contact us.
Use & maintenance
Are remote-controlled cars waterproof?
Many hobby models are water-resistant (waterproof electronics), so they can handle puddles, snow and mud — but that does not mean they can float. Always check the specifications of the individual model. After driving in wet conditions, wipe the car dry and lubricate the bearings to prevent rust. Batteries and transmitters are never waterproof.
Can a remote-controlled boat be used in salt water?
As a rule we advise against it — salt water is extremely hard on electronics and metal parts, and salt water damage is not covered by the statutory warranty. Read why, and what to do if it happens: RC boat in salt water.
Can I get spare parts for my remote-controlled car?
Yes — that is one of the biggest advantages of hobby RC. We stock spare parts for the brands we sell, including Traxxas, Arrma, Kyosho, Tamiya and Amewi. Find them under Spare parts, or write to us with the model name and, ideally, the item number of the faulty part, and we will find the right one.
Do you repair remote-controlled cars?
Yes, we have our own workshop in the shop in Nørresundby and repair models bought from us as well as elsewhere. Contact us with a description of the problem, and we will assess the price and time before we start.
Delivery & payment
How much is shipping, and how fast do you deliver?
We offer fast dispatch from our warehouse in Denmark. Shipping is calculated at checkout and depends on the delivery method and the destination (and, for some methods, the weight). We do not offer free shipping — shipping is charged on all orders. You can see the available delivery options for your address at checkout.
Do you deliver outside Denmark?
Yes, we ship to all countries. Some items or brands may be excluded, or shipping may not be possible, for example for dangerous goods. Shipping costs and delivery options are shown at checkout.
Which payment methods do you offer?
Payment cards: Visa, Visa Electron, Mastercard and Mastercard Debit. Other payment methods are shown at checkout.
Returns, complaints & peace of mind
Can I cancel my purchase?
Yes, you have a 14-day right of withdrawal from the day you receive the item. You pay the return shipping yourself. Start your return here: Cancel your purchase.
What do I do if the item is faulty?
You have a 24-month statutory warranty under consumer law. Always contact us before you send anything back — many problems can be solved with quick advice or a single spare part, so you do not have to be without your model. See the details in our complaints and warranty information.
Do you offer price matching?
Yes — if we can. If you find the same item at a lower price from another retailer (a Danish or foreign webshop that ships to Denmark), in stock and with a visible price, we are happy to take a look. We compare the total price including shipping, customs and fees, and you will quickly hear whether we can match the price. See the terms on our price match page.
Do you have a physical shop?
Yes, you will find us at Amalienborgvej 57, 9400 Nørresundby, Denmark. Here you can see the models in real life, get personal advice and use our workshop. We have been around since 2005. Opening hours and directions are on the contact page.
Are there RC clubs in Denmark where I can drive?
Yes, there are clubs and tracks all over Denmark for cars, boats and planes — a great way to meet other hobbyists and improve. We keep an overview here: RC clubs in Denmark.
