When most people see an RC shopping car zipping around on YouTube or TikTok, they think it’s just a fun way to do some catchy shopping or deliver some snacks to kids. But the truth is, these remote-controlled vehicles with cargo boxes and cameras can do so much more than just carry stuff. Here are some fun, creative, and even surprisingly practical ways you can use RC cars for.
RC Donation Drive
Did it ever cross your mind to use something eye-catching, like an RC car, to do fundraising? I’ve googled this and found no one has actually done this. So, we took the liberty to build our own version of an RC donation drive car, and to tell you honestly, it worked! Compared to us standing on the streets and asking passersby for money, our very own unmanned donation vehicle got a lot of attention with a lot of donations.
RC Pet Delivery
I went to ask ChatGPT for crazy ideas on how to make use of an RC car, and it gave me this idea. Seriously, I didn’t see it coming. Ok, so we probably can’t deliver a dog or cat yet, but how about hamsters, fish, or even an ant farm? Put them in the cargo box and let your RC car become a mobile pet delivery service. It’s hilarious, adorable, and might just make your pet’s day.
RC Flyers Distribution
With digital marketing being extremely crowded these days, a compelling alternative is to bring back offline marketing, such as leaflets, but with a twist – use an RC car to hand them out.
Fill up the cargo box with printed flyers, and when you see someone looking at your car, immediately open up your cargo lid remotely. Chances are, they will take a piece. You can even equip your remote vehicle with a voice-activation system that tells pedestrians what you are promoting.
RC Free Samples Distribution
Elevate your RC spirit to the next level. Beyond distributing flyers, you can hand out free gifts to passersby. Press your remote control button and open sesame – your RC box reveals a mystery gift waiting to be opened.
RC Surprise Gift or Message Delivery
Maybe you once received a message from a singing telegram. I’m sure you’ve seen it on IRL or on TV. Now, how about getting hired to send a surprise gift or a message ala singing telegram? Great for birthdays, anniversaries, or just to brighten someone’s day. Remote-controlled surprises are the new love letters. And you could start calling yourself the “singing RC telegram” artist.
Oh wait, someone has beaten us to it. And, they got 2 million views!
RC Street Vendor
Selling hot dogs on small wheels? Why not? Or, you can sell practical items like drinks, churros, corn in a cup, and even souvenirs for tourists. You can stick the price on each item or use an LED display such as those on our RC vehicles.
Once you’ve added a small money box to your car, you’re good to go. It’s best to have a line of sight (LOS) with your RC vehicle at all times, in case someone decides to run away with it.
RC Neighbourhood Delivery
Do you own a coffee shop, restaurant, or neighbourhood mini mart? Do you struggle to hire a delivery person? Use your RC car to deliver coffee, food, drinks, or medical items to anyone who needs them on the double.
RC Security or Surveillance
If you moonlight as your neighborhood watchman, you may wish to consider patrolling with an RC car equipped with a night vision infrared camera. Joshua Bardwell tells it best below.
Better still, strap a walkie-talkie to the car in case you need to shout, “Who goes there!”
RC Sign Spinner
Maybe an RC vehicle is not capable of spinning a large signboard yet, but it could definitely carry one on its back. Install a light aluminum frame on the RC car’s chassis, and print a vertical paper or fabric banner. Hoist them on your metal frame and you’ve got a moving billboard. Remember to keep enough weight on your car so that it will not tip over when it’s windy.
Any More Ideas?
I can honestly tell you that my team and I came out with all the ideas above, except for one from ChatGPT. The RC car is more than a hobby; it’s a mobile platform for creativity and enterprise. Whether you’re using it for business, fun, or just to get more YouTube views, the possibilities are endless. With a camera, sound system, and cargo space, you have a remote Swiss Army knife on wheels.
Got your own unique use for an RC car? Tell us in the comments below.
