How to Make a LEGO RC Car: Powered Up, Control+ and Steering
To make a LEGO RC car, use the LEGO Powered Up system: a Technic Hub (88012, Bluetooth, six AA batteries, four ports), one or two motors such as the Technic Large Motor (88013) for drive, and a second motor for steering. Control it from a phone with the Powered Up app, or use official Control+ sets like the 42099 4×4 X-treme Off-Roader or 42124 Off-Road Buggy. With free Pybricks firmware you can drive it with the Powered Up handheld remote instead of a phone. Here’s how to build the drive and steering.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20264 min read
What you need
| Part | Number | Job |
|---|---|---|
| Technic Hub | 88012 | Bluetooth brain, 4 ports, tilt sensor, 6 × AA |
| Technic Large Motor | 88013 | Drive; rotation sensor and absolute positioning |
| Second Technic motor with position sensor | e.g. another 88013 or a Technic angular motor | Steering |
| Powered Up Remote | 88010 | Handheld control (with Pybricks or for City hubs) |
| Technic bricks, gears, axles, wheels | – | Chassis and drivetrain |
| App | Powered Up or Control+ | Phone control |
From LEGO product pages (88013) and Pybricks, checked October 2026.
Three ways to build it
| Option | Effort | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Buy a Control+ set (42099, 42124) | Low | Instructions and app profiles included |
| Own design with Powered Up app | Medium | Build any car, program controls in the app |
| Own design with Pybricks + remote | Medium–high | No phone needed, custom code |
Building the drivetrain
- Mount the drive motor low in the chassis, close to the rear axle.
- Gear down for torque (small gear on the motor, large on the axle) if the car is heavy or off-road; gear up for speed on smooth floors.
- Use a differential on the driven axle so the car turns smoothly.
- Brace the motor and axles with frames and beams; LEGO flexes under load and gears skip.
- Place the hub centrally for balance and easy battery access.
How to make LEGO steering
- Motor steering with a gear rack: a motor turns a small gear on a steering rack; the rack moves the wheel hubs. Use an L motor with position control so it returns to centre.
- Return to centre: in the app, use a servo/position control block; with older motors, rubber bands can centre the steering.
- Turning without gears (skid steering): two drive motors, one per side, like a tank. Turning is done by running the sides at different speeds; no steering mechanism needed.
- Limit steering travel so the motor doesn’t strain against the end stops.
Setting up control
- Install the Powered Up app, create a new project and connect the hub (press its button).
- Add a joystick or slider for the drive motor and one for steering.
- Test motor directions and invert if needed.
- For a handheld remote, flash Pybricks onto the hub and use a remote-control script (examples on pybricks.com).
Tips for a better LEGO car
Keep the car as light and stiff as possible: triangulate the chassis with beams so the gears stay meshed under load. Put the heavy battery hub low and between the axles for balance. Use the larger wheels from Technic sets for speed and the balloon tyres for grip on carpet. If the drive motor stalls, gear down one step rather than adding a second motor, and always test steering travel by hand before connecting the motor.
FAQ
How do I make a LEGO remote control car turn without gears?
Use skid steering: one motor per side and turn by driving the sides at different speeds.
Can I make a LEGO RC car without the app?
Yes, with Pybricks firmware and the Powered Up remote (88010), or with City hubs that pair directly with the remote.
How fast can a LEGO RC car go?
Modest speeds; LEGO motors are made for torque and position control. Gear up and keep the car light for more speed.
Can I use hobby RC parts with LEGO?
Yes, with adapters you can mount hobby motors, servos and receivers on Technic frames for a faster car.
More on this topic: the complete RC Cars guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
