10 Best

Ride On Toys

of September 2023

As parents, we all know how important it is for a child to play. And we also want our children to develop their coordination and motor skills. There are many variations of ride-on toys that make your child pedal, push, or use their legs to propel themselves forward. This helps your child develop his/her gross motor skills, balance, coordination, and muscle strength. It improves their ability to control and coordinate their body movements.

There are also ride-on toys that offer sensory stimulation as well. Some can play music or make sounds. Others help your child familiarize themselves with telling time from a clock face. Riding a ride-on toy requires children to maintain balance and coordinate their movements. They learn to shift their body weight and make adjustments to steer or maneuver the toy, improving their balance and coordination skills. They also contribute to your child’s spatial awareness and depth perception, helping your child learn to judge distances, anticipate obstacles, and make quick decisions while moving around.

We’ll go through some of the best ride-on toys around nowadays. They’re a great way for your child to explore what’s going on outdoors, as well as enjoy fresh air, experience nature, and explore their environment while having fun!

How do I know if a ride-on toy is safe for my child?

Ensuring the safety of ride-on toys for your child is important. Here are some guidelines to help you determine if a ride-on toy is safe:

• Age and weight appropriateness: Check the manufacturer's recommended age and weight range for the toy. Make sure your child falls within those parameters. Ride-on toys designed for older children may have features or parts that pose a risk to younger children.

• Stability and balance: Examine the toy's stability and balance. It should have a wide and stable base to prevent tipping over while your child is riding. Test it by gently pushing it from different angles to see if it remains stable.

• Safety features: Look for safety features such as seat belts, harnesses, or safety bars that can secure your child while riding. These features are especially important for younger children who may have difficulty maintaining balance.

• Construction quality: Assess the overall quality of the toy. Check for sturdy construction, secure fastenings, and absence of sharp edges or protruding parts that could cause injury.

• Durability: Ensure that the toy is made from durable materials capable of withstanding regular use and rough play. Weak or brittle components can break easily and become hazardous.

• Smooth surfaces and edges: Check for smooth surfaces and rounded edges. Rough or jagged edges can cause cuts or scrapes, while small parts can pose a choking hazard for young children.

• Battery-powered toys: If the ride-on toy is battery-powered, verify that the battery compartment is secure and inaccessible to your child. Ensure the charging mechanism is safe and doesn't overheat.

• Testing and certification: Look for ride-on toys that comply with safety standards and have been tested and certified by reputable organizations, such as ASTM International or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These certifications indicate that the toy meets specific safety requirements.

• Supervision: Always supervise your child while they are using a ride-on toy, especially if they are very young or using it for the first time.

• Maintenance and upkeep: Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance and upkeep. Regularly inspect the toy for wear and tear, loose parts, or any signs of damage that could compromise safety. Promptly address any issues or concerns.

Remember, no toy can guarantee absolute safety. It's essential to use your judgment and take precautions to ensure your child's well-being while using ride-on toys.
 

There are various types of ride-on toys available for children of different ages and interests. Here are some examples:

• Tricycles: These are three-wheeled bikes suitable for toddlers and young children who are learning to pedal and balance. As a variation on the classic tricycle, the Hape Scoot Around Ride On Wood Bike is a four-wheel version that’s suitable for children 12 months and older.

Hape Scoot Around Ride On Wood Bike

• Balance Bikes: Balance bikes help children develop their balancing skills before transitioning to a regular bicycle. They have no pedals and allow kids to use their feet to propel themselves forward. An example is the Retrospec Children’s Balance Bike. It uses airless tires and is suitable for children ages 1.5-5 years of age.

Retrospec Children’s Balance Bike

• Scooters: Scooters come in different sizes and styles. They usually have two or three wheels and are propelled by foot power. Some scooters are designed for younger children, while others are suitable for older kids and even adults. An example is the Micro Kickboard Mini 3-in-1 Deluxe Scooter.

Micro Kickboard Mini 3-in-1 Deluxe Scooter

• Electric Cars: These ride-on toys resemble miniature cars and are powered by rechargeable batteries. Children can drive them using a steering wheel and pedals. They often come with features like lights, sounds, and remote controls for parental supervision. An example is the Power Wheels Racing ATV Ride-On Battery Powered Vehicle.

Power Wheels Racing ATV Ride-On Battery Powered Vehicle

• Go-Karts: Go-karts are small, four-wheeled vehicles suitable for older children. They can be manually powered by pedaling or driven by a small gas or electric engine. One classic design is the Radio Flyer Busy Buggy for children ages 1-3. Besides riding on it, your child can push it from behind as well.

Radio Flyer Busy Buggy

• Mini Motorcycles: These are scaled-down versions of motorcycles designed for children. They are typically powered by electric motors and provide a thrilling riding experience for older kids. An example is the Infans Kids Motorcycle.

Infans Kids Motorcycle

• Rocking Horses: Rocking horses are classic ride-on toys for younger children. They are typically made of wood or plush materials and allow kids to rock back and forth while seated on them. An example is the Animal Adventure Real Wood Ride-On Plush Rocker.

Animal Adventure Real Wood Ride-On Plush Rocker

• Pedal Cars: Pedal cars are miniature cars that require kids to pedal to move forward. They come in various styles, including retro designs reminiscent of classic automobiles. One unique pedal car is the John Deere Pedal Tractor.

John Deere Pedal Tractor

These are just a few examples, and the world of ride-on toys offers a wide range of options to suit different ages, interests, and preferences.
 

We went over some customers’ impressions of the ride-on toy that they bought:

• Assembly: Take note that these ride-on toys will require assembly. Some customers were frustrated by the incomplete instructions when trying to put their buggy together. You have to be careful, to ensure that it’s safe for your child. One parent found the buggy to be lopsided, and couldn’t tell if it was defective, or if it was assembled incorrectly.

• A child can grow into it: One parent said that their child’s feet wouldn’t reach the ground when she sat on the Radio Flyer Busy Buggy. But, in the meantime, it’s still possible to push her from behind, until she grows old enough to drive it herself!

When choosing a ride-on toy for your child, consider the following tips to make an informed decision:

• Age appropriateness: Select a ride-on toy that is suitable for your child's age and developmental stage. Different toys are designed for different age ranges, taking into account physical abilities, coordination, and safety requirements.

• Size and weight capacity: Ensure that the ride-on toy is appropriate for your child's size and weight. Check the manufacturer's specifications to determine the maximum weight capacity of the toy. It should comfortably accommodate your child without being too small or too large.

• Safety features: Look for ride-on toys with adequate safety features. These may include seat belts, safety harnesses, non-slip grips, or safety bars. These features help keep your child secure and reduce the risk of accidents or falls.

• Stability and balance: Choose a ride-on toy that offers stability and balance. It should have a wide and sturdy base to prevent tipping over during use. Check for a low center of gravity and a well-balanced design that promotes stability while riding.

• Quality and durability: Assess the construction quality and durability of the ride-on toy. It should be made from robust materials that can withstand regular use and rough play. Check for secure fastenings, strong joints, and durable wheels.

• Ease of use: Consider the ease of use of the ride-on toy. Ensure that your child can easily get on and off the toy and operate it without much difficulty. Look for features such as adjustable seats or handlebars that can accommodate your child's growth.

• Terrain suitability: Consider where your child will be using the ride-on toy. If it will primarily be used indoors, choose a toy with wheels designed for indoor surfaces. If it will be used outdoors, look for a ride-on toy with sturdy wheels suitable for various terrains like grass, pavement, or gravel.

• Storage and portability: Evaluate the size and storage requirements of the ride-on toy. Determine if you have sufficient space to store it when not in use. Additionally, consider if the toy is portable, as it may need to be transported for outings or visits to parks.

Final Verdict

We went through some of the different ride-on toys on the market. Besides the advantages of providing fun for your child, they develop important motor skills and coordination. And, best of all, they tempt your child to spend more time outdoors getting fresh air! That’s a big plus nowadays!