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Ride on toys for toddlers – A complete guide on how to buy the perfect one for your kid!

All that kids need to call it a fun day is thrill, excitement and adventure! Nothing can beat the elation of the moment they are handed a toy to ride on; it’s their ultimate grab for a whole new world of fun missions. While all that kids need to know is how to jump on their ride- on and enjoy, as parents, you need to know a lot more! Don’t worry as we got that covered for you. Let’s get started with the Ultimate Buying Guide on Ride- on Toys for Kids!

See also:

• Best Electric Cars with Parental Remote Control
• Best Balance Bikes For Toddlers
• Best Go Karts for Kids
• Best Electric Dirt Bikes for Kids
• Best Electric Scooters for Kids

What are ride-on toys?

A cart, cars, bicycles, rocking toys… basically anything that your child can ride is a ride- on toy. It features motion. There is a huge variety of ride- on toys categories to choose from! Let’s count a few:

• Rocking toys

From plastic to wooden, animal replicas to chairs and playful cartoon themes, rocking toys come with an enormous range of size and shapes. These are a perfect toy for kids to gain confidence sitting on a ride- on, and enjoy the back and forth ride!

• Tricycles & Bicycles

Tricycles feature a big wheel in the front and two small wheels at the back for a stable pedalling. On the other side, bicycles are more of a challenge. With one wheel at the front and one at the back, it requires the child to create balance for a smooth ride. That certainly needs practise and atleast an age of 4!

• Karts

You must not be alien to the open wheel cars famed for their ability to beat even racing cars on long circuits. Yes a smaller version of the same is also available for your older kids to enjoy a thrilling ride! Lucky them, right?

• Wheel Scooters & Skateboards

These are the ride- on that even teenagers relish. Holding on to a handle, giving a flip with your feet and riding past the streets is an adventure hard to give up! With variety of sizes, colours and themes according to different age groups, wheel scooters and skateboards are a popular ride- on for kids this day.

• Motorized vehicles

How about mini versions of Ferrari, BMV, trucks and jeeps? Probably the richest in terms of variety, kids motorized cars are the most popular ride- on toys out there for your kids.

• Quad Bikes

How passionate adults are for their quad bikes! Why not give the kids a chance on them? Popularly known as ATVs, quad bikes are certainly the most versatile ride- on toys with unbelievable realistic styles and models.

How do these toys work?

Ride-on toys come in various models and mechanisms. If you’re curious to know how these even functions, we even got that covered for you:

• Pull mechanism

Some toys come in motion when kids apply force to pull them forward. This mechanism is mostly found in toys with wheels.

• Push mechanism

If not pull, then push from the back! This encourages kids to utilize their physical strength. Wheel scooters for example work with push mechanism.

• Pedal mechanism

This powers motion from a pedal action. It adds to speed and your kid’s ride to freedom eh!

• Battery powered

The ‘motorized’ ride- on toys work on installed batteries. They need to be regularly charged and call for maintenance, but the ride is totally worth it!

Why ride-on toys after all?

Ride-on toys not only satisfy your kids’ desire for fun and exciting missions, they have a lot more to offer:

• The control over handlebars and joysticks enhance their motor skills.
• How about the flip and pedal activity? Yes you know how beneficial they are for the kid’s leg muscles and strength!
• On gaining confidence, ride-on toys are their perfect companions for explorations and wild rides.
• Bicycles, skateboards, wheel scooters and similar ride- on toys enhance their balance ability. It’s a great foundation for graduating to serious sports activities.

Factors to consider before you buy!

We know that you and your kids are now uber excited to surf through the various ride- on toys BUT let that wait until you’re done with a few but essential guidelines. Here is the list of things you need to take care of when looking for your kids’ very own ride- on friend:

• Age

Not every ride- on toy is for every age. While rocking toys are the safest bet for toddlers, they certainly won’t match the adventure dreams of your 13 year old. How about a go-kart for him then! Add on a radio and horn! You need to know the abilities as well as desires of your child as regards his age group in order to gift him or her the perfect ride- on toy.

• Toy Style

Different kids, different options and different choices! There’s a wide array of toy styles to choose from – rocking chairs, karts, cycles, cars, scooters etc. Keep in mind the area that child intends to ride in (indoor, garden, etc.), features of the specific toy styles and their cost when making your decision!

• Size

Size is an important factor when it comes to your kid’s age, riding risk and toy speed. As for the specific model, it is always recommended to check its width – height ratio.

• Power mechanism

Another important thing you must consider when buying your kid’s riding vehicle is the power mechanism of the model. Push, pull and pedal mechanism allow fair level of muscle pressure which gives a boost to their strength. While motorized toys are an option for realistic drive. What matters in their case is the life, safety, charging and placement of the batteries.

• Battery life & charger

If your kid’s pick is the motorized toy, important factors to consider are the battery life and the versatility of the charger. Apparently, no battery lasts a lifetime but the longer it does your pocket will thank you that more!

• Speed & safety

Different types of ride-on toys come with different level of speed. At best, never bet on too much for your child. Make sure the speed and motion is a suitable match for your kid’s age as well as his/ her motor skills.

• Weight capacity

Push and pull ride- on toys like wheel scooters and skateboards are extremely light weight to start with. While karts and motorized vehicles, owing to their batteries and built grab more weight. Lesser the weight, easier they are to carry.

• Safety equipment

Final decision always comes down to whether the toy is safe for your child. There is no question risking that! Helmets, elbow and knee pads are a must. For toys with high speed like go- karts and cycles, safety gear may be a good idea!

What’s next? The Best Ride-on Toys for your Kids!

Now that you’ve gathered all the necessary information about kids’ ride- on toys, it is now action time! While there is a huge variety of ride- on toys to choose from, we got for you the best of all! So all set to explore the best toys out there for your child? Head on with this list:

1. Little Tikes Giraffe Ride- on
2. Fisher Price Power Wheels DFV03
3. Fisher Price Harley Davidson
4. KPC Pro Skateboard
5. Globber Scooters NTGB0000440-102
6. Radio Flyer Steer and Stroll Trike 53V
7. Power Wheels Dune Racer W2602

Little Tikes Giraffe Ride- on

This bright cute faced giraffe with its three colourful wheels is set to take your kid on a joyful ride. It works on push mechanism and ‘foot to floor’ format that ensure to promote the kid’s motor skills while he/ she is still learning to walk. The large back wheel and wide- spaced front wheels help maintain the right balance. The seat is adjustable and maximum weight capacity is 50 lbs. You might have to lure your child to finally give a break to his little giraffe; it’d be that comfortable for him! You’ll be happy to know that while heading out for a walk, your child can take this ride- on along easily; it is good to use indoors as well as outdoors. What’s more? Maintenance is super easy! You would have to assemble it the first time and then it is good to go! Here is your takeaway:

• Push mechanism
• Foot to floor format
• Three wheels
• Adjustable seat
• Toy weight – 2 pounds
• Maximum weight capacity – 50 lbs
• Suitable for indoors and outdoors

Fisher Price Power Wheels DFV03

Here is a thrilling ride- on toy for the 5- 10 year old kids. Just hop in the wide seat, put on the belt and get ready to spin wild! The dual joysticks allow easy forward, reverse as well as spin motion. It comes with 4 parent controlled speed settings so adults, so you can relax as your kids’ wild- ride toy is under your control! It features maximum speed of 5 mph (i.e. 8 km/ hour) forward and 2.5 mph (i.e. 4 km/ hour) in reverse. The big sized tires are plastic but with a centre grip strip. They’re good to go for grass as well as off- road terrain. While the toy weight is 48 pounds, its maximum weight capacity is 100 pounds. With a strong grip, the flipping risk is nil. So here is your final takeaway:

• Age – 5- 10 years
• Toy weight- 48 pounds
• Maximum weight capacity – 100 pounds
• Wide space seat
• Motion- forward, reverse and spin
• Parent controlled speed settings
• Maximum speed – 5 mph forward and 2.5 mph reverse
• Plastic large size tyres
• Suitable for multi terrain drive

What’s the wait for? Grab this wild ride toy right away on Amazon! 

Fisher Price Harley Davidson

Here comes another joy toy from Fisher Price for the 2- 3 year olds. This mini Harley Davidson tricycle is sure to make your kid scream with excitement given its cool looks and bright colours. It is powered by pedal mechanism coupled with the smooth grip handlebars and rugged durable tires. It is certainly a great option to develop your child’s motor skills. What’s more? To help your child in his secret ride missions, there’s also a secret storage compartment under the comfortable ride seat! Shhh! Let’s jump to the final takeaway then:

• Age- 2- 3 year old
• Weight- 8.5 pounds
• Looks- Bright colours and tattoos
• Pedal mechanism
• Smooth grip handlebars
• Rugged durable tires
• Secret storage mechanism

If this tricycle matches the excitement level of your child, you can find it on Amazon.

KPC Pro Skateboard

How could we miss out skateboards from our list of top ride- on toys! This checker skateboard from the KPC Pro in- budget series measures 8” x 32” (the recommended width for professional skateboarders). Your child can also comfortably practise his skating tricks given the modern concave built! Also featured are the ‘heavy duty aluminium 5.0 trucks, 52 mm urethane wheels, Abec 7 bearings and 80 grit black grip tape’. However, this is not the right grab for rocky pavements, but skate parks. If you’re looking for a nice skateboard for beginners’ level, it is definitely a great grab! Positive reviews from former buyers are there to back your decision mate. Here’s your takeaway:

• Width- 8” x 32”
• Modern concave built
• Heavy duty aluminium 5.0 trucks
• 52 mm urethane wheels
• Abec 7 bearings
• 80 grit black grip tape
• Suitable for skate parks

Globber Scooters NTGB0000440-102

If all your kid wants is to flip and fly past the street, here’s his ultimate toy! This wheel scooter by Globber Scooters is perfect for 2- 6 year olds in learning stage, before graduating to bicycles. The 3 wheel scooter comes with 3- position latch system handlebars adjustable within range of 26.5” – 31” height. The secure lock button can be used for straight line motion till your child learns to balance. Once in confidence, unlock the button and enjoy the turns! The child when leans with the handlebars, can steer, as the pivot engages with ball bearings and the front 2 wheels turn. It also features anti- slip texture, extra- long rear break and wheels with ABEC- 5 bearings. While the scooter’s weight is 5.7 pounds, it can bear maximum weight of 110 lbs. So here is your final takeaway:

• Age- 2- 6 year old
• 3 wheels
• Adjustable handlebars – 3 position latch system
• Removable handlebars
• Height range- 26.5” – 31” height
• Steering lock mechanism
• Anti- slip texture
• Extra- long rear break
• Wheels with ABEC- 5 bearings

We are sure you don’t want to wait another second to make this purchase! 

Radio Flyer Steer and Stroll Trike 53V

If your pick is a unique yet comfortable ride- on toy for your 2- 5 year olds, your search ends here! This tricycle by Radio Flyer comes with unique steer and pedal- lock feature given the removable parent handle. So when your child gains confidence, you can remove the handle and let your kid pedal! The height- adjustable seat, easy grip handles and foot pedals in addition, ensure a comfortable and fun ride for your kid. What’s more? The covered storage bin and chrome bell that add to the extreme fun! While the toy weight is 14.5 lbs., the maximum weight capacity is 49 lbs. Here is your takeaway:

• Age- 2- 5 year old
• Toy weight- 4.5 lbs.
• Maximum weight capacity- 49 lbs.
• Solid steel frame
• Motion- (i) Steer and pedal lock (ii) Pedal mechanism
• Removable parent handle
• Height adjustable seat
• Easy grip handles
• Foot pedals with lock
• Covered storage bin
• Chrome bell

Power Wheels Dune Racer W2602

Are you ready for a race? Our next model is! The Power Wheels Dune Racer features a monster traction system which keeps it from getting stuck so your kid enjoys a thrilling ride from smooth surfaces to even lush lawns, gravel and mud. Speed is adjustable between 2.5 and 5 mph and the physical motion is good given the forward as well as reverse moves. The battery powers 12 volts; with power lock brake, high speed lockout and metal side bars, safety is its major selling bet! The built is plastic but tyres are big and strong. Enough room for 2, this racer car will surely be loved by your kid! Let’s get to the takeaways:

• • Monster traction system
  • Suitable for rough surface
  • 2 seats
  • Speed – 2.5/ 5 mph
  • Weight – 130 pounds maximum
  • Power – 12 volts
  • Motion – forward, reverse
  • Safety – power lock brake, high speed lockout and metal side bars

Sachin

Hey! This is Sachin. I love creating helpful content for everyone out there. On this website, my aim is to post articles that can help people buy perfect ride ons for their kids.